German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Germany’s Scholz defends his talks with Putin ahead of snap elections

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that his recent discussion with Vladimir Putin did not reveal any change in the Russian President’s stance regarding the war in Ukraine. However, he defended his controversial choice to reach out to the Kremlin. The hour-long conversation, which marked their first direct interaction in nearly two years, took place just three months ahead of snap elections. Scholz faces significant challenges … Continue reading Germany’s Scholz defends his talks with Putin ahead of snap elections

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting

Putin told Scholz that Russia is open to energy collaboration, per the Kremlin

President Vladimir Putin informed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday that Russia is open to discussing energy agreements if Berlin expresses interest, according to a statement from the Kremlin. This marked their first phone conversation since December 2022. The Kremlin reported that the two leaders engaged in a “detailed and frank exchange of views” regarding Ukraine, with Putin reiterating his long-standing position that any peace … Continue reading Putin told Scholz that Russia is open to energy collaboration, per the Kremlin

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks during a press conference with Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami, in Tehran, Iran.

U.N. nuclear watchdog conducted a visit to two Iranian nuclear facilities

The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog conducted a visit to two Iranian nuclear facilities on Friday as part of a trip to Iran, coinciding with an anticipated diplomatic initiative from Europe regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities prior to Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. During this visit, Iran’s foreign minister informed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi that Tehran is open … Continue reading U.N. nuclear watchdog conducted a visit to two Iranian nuclear facilities

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appears at a joint press conference

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy advised Scholz to be cautious in talks with Putin, a Kyiv source said

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy advised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on Friday, warning that it would diminish the Russian leader’s isolation and prolong the conflict, according to a source from Ukraine’s presidential office. A spokesperson for the German government stated that Scholz encouraged Putin to initiate discussions with Kyiv to pave the way for a “just and lasting peace.” … Continue reading Ukrainian President Zelenskiy advised Scholz to be cautious in talks with Putin, a Kyiv source said

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Chancellor Scholz urged President Putin to start talks with Ukraine during a phone call

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged in a rare phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging him to initiate discussions with Ukraine to pave the way for a “just and lasting peace.” During the one-hour call, which marked their first dialogue in nearly two years, Scholz called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine and reiterated Germany’s unwavering support for the country, … Continue reading Chancellor Scholz urged President Putin to start talks with Ukraine during a phone call

Ukrainian First Deputy Prime and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko

Ukraine is finalizing three new joint ventures with European defense manufacturers

Ukraine is on the verge of establishing three additional joint ventures with European arms manufacturers as part of its strategy to enhance military production amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to the first deputy prime minister. Yulia Svyrydenko, who also serves as the economy minister, noted that five joint ventures with Western defense firms have already been formed, including partnerships with companies from Germany … Continue reading Ukraine is finalizing three new joint ventures with European defense manufacturers

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Viktor Orban claims the EU should reassess its support for Ukraine after Trump’s electoral victory

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the European Union must reassess its support for Ukraine in light of Donald Trump‘s recent election victory in the U.S. He emphasized that Europe cannot bear the financial burden of the war on its own, just prior to a summit of EU leaders on Friday. Trump has been critical of the extent of U.S. assistance to Ukraine amid … Continue reading Viktor Orban claims the EU should reassess its support for Ukraine after Trump’s electoral victory

Implications of Trump’s victory for the U.S., Russia, and the global landscape

This week’s presidential election marks a significant milestone for the United States. Donald Trump‘s remarkable victory suggests that, at least initially, voters found his stances on key issues such as the economy and immigration more persuasive than those of Vice President Kamala Harris. Additionally, it is evident that Americans opted for a leader with a more dominant personality. Moreover, Trump’s anticipated return to the White … Continue reading Implications of Trump’s victory for the U.S., Russia, and the global landscape

What are the potential origins and locations for the outbreak of a third world war?

East Asia poses the most significant threat to global peace, with potential conflicts here being more intense and larger in scale than any that could arise in the Middle East or Europe. In contrast to its challenges in Afghanistan and a mixed performance in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Biden administration has established a robust diplomatic legacy in Asia. It has created a network … Continue reading What are the potential origins and locations for the outbreak of a third world war?