International Relations
Axios: Trump representative Steve Witkoff to join Ukraine-Russia talks in UAE
After visiting Israel, the US President's Special Representative will travel to Abu Dhabi to participate in a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump said he could quickly resolve the UN's financial crisis by forcing countries to pay their contributions.
The US President believes that he has sufficient influence to ensure that funds are allocated to the United Nations budget.
Trump announced the start of contacts with Cuba amid pressure over oil
Washington is increasing economic pressure on Havana by restricting oil supplies while signalling its readiness to negotiate.
Trump weighs scenarios for further action on Iran
Washington has concentrated significant military resources in the Middle East, leaving open the question of whether this will be a tool for exerting pressure in negotiations with Tehran or a prelude to a large-scale strike.
Russia restores Soviet garrison in Petrozavodsk and builds up troops near NATO border
Satellite images have revealed active modernisation of military infrastructure in Karelia, which could mean the deployment of a new army corps and a significant increase in Russian troops near Finland.
Russia loses influence in Central Asia's energy market due to new regional integration
With the support of international partners, Central Asian countries are launching a ten-year REMIT project, which is shifting the balance of power in the regional electricity market and pushing Russia out of its role as coordinator.
The EU is considering replacing the price cap on Russian oil with a complete ban on maritime services
Brussels is discussing a new model of sanctions that could block insurance and transportation of Russian oil regardless of its price and simplify control over restrictions.
Coalition in the Netherlands names Russia as key threat to national security
In its programme for 2026–2030, the new Dutch coalition government has identified Russia as one of the main sources of security risks amid growing hybrid threats, cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions in Europe.
The European Commission has launched an investigation against Slovakia over the dismantling of whistleblower protections
Brussels believes that Robert Fico's government's actions violate EU rules and could lead to financial sanctions for the country.
The Netherlands plans to provide more than €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2027–2029
The future Dutch government has published a coalition agreement that provides for long-term support for Ukraine. The document allocates billions in defence aid and confirms the policy of using frozen Russian assets.
The Baltic states have agreed to create a single military mobility area
Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia have signed an agreement to create a joint military mobility area to simplify troop movements, reduce bureaucracy and strengthen NATO's eastern flank in crisis situations.
Norway will maintain military support for Ukraine in 2026 at a level of over $7 billion
Norway has confirmed its intention to provide Ukraine with military aid in 2026 at the record level of 2025, focusing on air defence, drones and the development of joint production.
