Politics
Donald Trump’s war in Iran portends the collapse of US authority, not its restoration
US military action against Iran does not strengthen Washington’s position; on the contrary, it calls its global role into question. This is likely to be a turning point for the United States’ influence in the world.
Iran is demanding compensation from five Middle Eastern countries over US and Israeli strikes
Iran has appealed to the United Nations, demanding compensation from five states which, it claims, took part in the war on the side of the US and Israel. These are countries in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East.
Erdogan has threatened Israel with war
Relations between Ankara and Jerusalem have been deteriorating since the start of Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip.
Zelensky held talks with Merz in Berlin regarding support for Ukraine
On 14 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin, where he held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The two leaders discussed military and financial support and signed a number of agreements.
Respected in both the US and Russia: Bloomberg reveals Kirill Budanov’s negotiating style
Kirill Budanov, Head of the President’s Office, is held in high regard by both sides in the negotiation process. Allies consider him effective, whilst officials close to the Kremlin respect him as a combat officer.
Volker: Putin is stalling for time and waiting to see how the war with Iran will end
Kurt Volker, the former US Special Representative for Ukraine, believes that Vladimir Putin is not yet ready to end the war against Ukraine, as he is waiting to see how the situation regarding Iran, oil prices and future US policy develops. At the same time, he says that if economic conditions change, the Kremlin may reconsider ending hostilities as early as this year or next.
Preparations for the heating season: Zelenskyy identifies ‘problem’ regions
The President warned that the heads of four regions, including Kyiv, would be held personally accountable.
The military levy will not be abolished after the war: Zelenskyy has signed the law
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has signed a bill (No. 15110) extending the military levy for three years following the end of martial law.
Kamala Harris is considering running for US president in 2028
Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris has stated that she is considering running in the 2028 presidential election. She noted that she is currently weighing up the decision.
The naval blockade imposed by Trump is intensifying economic pressure on Iran
The United States has announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports following the collapse of negotiations, with the aim of restricting Iran’s oil exports. The decision could have an impact on global energy markets and the future course of the conflict.
15 US warships are continuing the naval blockade of Iranian ports following the breakdown of negotiations
For the second day running, the US military has been blocking maritime traffic to Iranian ports following the breakdown of negotiations. More than 15 warships are involved in the operation.
The EU has set conditions for Hungary in exchange for the release of €35 billion in subsidies
Following Péter Magyar’s election victory, the European Commission has begun negotiations with Hungary’s new government regarding the resumption of funding. The release of funds depends on the fulfilment of a number of conditions and the restoration of relations with the EU.
