Politics
The Kremlin is seriously concerned about a military coup and suspects Shoigu
Security measures surrounding President Vladimir Putin have been stepped up in Russia. This comes amid fears of assassination attempts and his growing isolation during the war against Ukraine.
Kim Jong-un has called on young people to prepare for war in Ukraine
At the congress, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un described young people as a key force in carrying out the tasks of the Workers’ Party of Korea and urged them to support the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia.
France has stated that there will be no “shortcut” to Ukraine’s accession to the EU
France supports Ukraine’s gradual rapprochement with the European Union, but does not see any scope for a simplified procedure for full membership. Benjamin Addad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs, stated that accession to the EU requires reforms, adherence to European values and compliance with the Union’s legislative requirements.
The Netherlands has banned advertising of meat products and goods linked to fossil fuels
Amsterdam has become the first capital city in the world to ban public advertising of both meat products and goods linked to fossil fuels. Since 1 May, advertisements for burgers, petrol-powered cars and flights have been removed from billboards, tram stops and underground stations.
The CDU has called for the development of a joint alternative to Tomahawk missiles with Ukraine
There are calls in Germany to develop a European alternative to American Tomahawk missiles in collaboration with Ukraine. The initiative came in the wake of the US decision not to deploy these systems in Germany.
Preparing for winter: the government eases restrictions for local authorities
The Cabinet of Ministers has clarified the mechanism for co-financing projects under the Resilience Plans and is stepping up preparations for the next heating season.
Large-scale military exercises, ‘Spring Storm 2026’, have begun in Estonia
On Monday, 4 May, the ‘Spring Storm 2026’ military exercises began in Estonia and will last for almost a month. During the most intensive phase, over 12,000 military personnel will be involved in the manoeuvres.
Ukraine is stepping up its defences along the border with unrecognised Transnistria
On Ukraine’s south-western border, particularly in the direction of Transnistria, defensive capabilities are being strengthened due to potential risks and the presence of Russian military forces in the region.
The US is considering options for a military scenario regarding Cuba
The politically influential Cuban-American community in Florida is stepping up pressure on Donald Trump’s administration. Activists are calling for the complete removal of Cuba’s communist leadership, whilst Washington is open to a compromise approach.
Ukrainians have cited the reasons for their lack of trust in Zelensky
A third of Ukrainians do not trust Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Researchers have found that some people have been opposed to him since 2019. But there are other reasons too.
Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats on suspicion of espionage
Austria has declared three Russian diplomats persona non grata over suspicions that they were using equipment on the roofs of diplomatic buildings for electronic espionage. According to the government, the diplomats have already left the country.
The presidents of Poland and the US discussed the presence of American troops in Poland
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation. The two leaders discussed security issues and the deployment of US troops in Europe.
