Leopard 2A8 tank now costs $30 million, similar to a used F-16 fighter jet

Austria is actively enhancing its armored capabilities, yet the financial implications of acquiring modern tanks are proving to be quite daunting. At present, the Austrian Army operates a single tank battalion, known as Panzerbataillon 14, which is equipped with 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks. Although these tanks remain effective in combat, they have undergone only minor upgrades, primarily in their electronic systems and turret mechanisms. To … Continue reading Leopard 2A8 tank now costs $30 million, similar to a used F-16 fighter jet

Sweden indicates that a proposal for an EU migrant ‘return hub’ may be presented in March

The European Union may present a proposal as early as March regarding the establishment of ‘return hubs’ aimed at facilitating the expulsion of illegal migrants, stated Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Thursday. During a meeting in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, a fellow conservative, Kristersson outlined this potential timeline and both leaders emphasized the need for the EU to enhance its efforts in … Continue reading Sweden indicates that a proposal for an EU migrant ‘return hub’ may be presented in March

Austria plans to acquire 12 fighter jets from Italy, newspaper says

Austria is set to acquire 12 M-346 FA fighter jets manufactured in Italy to replace the Saab 105 aircraft that were retired at the end of 2020, according to a report by Krone newspaper on Saturday. The report, citing military sources, indicated that a letter of intent was expected to be signed with the Italian Defence Ministry for the jets produced by Leonardo, an Italian … Continue reading Austria plans to acquire 12 fighter jets from Italy, newspaper says

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a meeting in Moscow, Russia.

Putin meets with Slovakia’s Prime Minister as the gas agreement with Ukraine nears its end

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Kremlin on Sunday, marking a rare occasion for a European Union leader to visit Moscow as the contract permitting Russian gas transit through Ukraine approaches its expiration. Slovakia relies heavily on gas that flows through Ukraine and has intensified efforts to secure these supplies beyond 2025, while simultaneously criticizing Ukrainian … Continue reading Putin meets with Slovakia’s Prime Minister as the gas agreement with Ukraine nears its end

A view shows the Gazprom logo installed on the roof of building in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Austria will be disconnected from Russian gas supplies starting Saturday

Russia’s Gazprom has informed Austria of its decision to halt gas deliveries starting Saturday, as reported by a gas flow monitoring platform on Friday. This development may indicate the conclusion of the last remaining Russian gas supplies to Europe. In a notice released on the central European gas hub platform, Austrian oil and gas firm OMV stated that Gazprom had communicated its intention to cease … Continue reading Austria will be disconnected from Russian gas supplies starting Saturday

North Korean forces’ role in Russia’s Ukraine conflict

The United States, along with Ukraine and South Korea, has this week accused North Korea of sending troops, potentially numbering in the thousands, to support Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to the three nations, most of these troops remain stationed in Russia, and the U.S. has indicated that their ultimate destination and role in the war are still uncertain. Both Moscow and … Continue reading North Korean forces’ role in Russia’s Ukraine conflict

Do EU leaders want war?

Anxiety and frustration regarding the future of the European Union have been escalating for some time. The union is currently experiencing a profound crisis, characterized by multiple interrelated issues: a cost-of-living crisis, a housing crisis, a migration crisis, sluggish economic growth, and, most critically, a political crisis. The rise of far-right movements poses a significant threat, as they gain traction in polls across numerous EU … Continue reading Do EU leaders want war?