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Trump calls on NATO to raise defense spending benchmark to 5% of GDP

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Jan. 7 that NATO should raise its defense spending benchmark from 2% of GDP to 5%, echoing his earlier calls for Europe to spend more on its security. "I think NATO should have 5%," Trump said at a news conference in Florida. This confirms earlier reports about the incoming […]

Ukraine

January 8, 2025

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Azerbaijan's President Aliyev calls Armenia 'fascist state, threat to region'

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Jan. 7 called Armenia effectively a "fascist state," claiming that Baku might have no other choice but to "destroy" its neighbor's so-called "fascist ideology." Azerbaijan and Armenia are bitter rivals, having clashed in multiple territorial and ethnic conflicts since they gained independence three decades ago. Speaking in an interview with […]

Ukraine

January 8, 2025

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Citing Orban’s 'corruption,' Hungarian opposition leader calls for early elections in video address

Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar called for early elections in a New Year’s video address on Jan. 1, citing Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s declining popularity and allegations of corruption. Orban has faced mounting criticism domestically and internationally for his pro-Moscow stance, including opposition to EU sanctions on Russia and military aid for Ukraine. "Let there […]

Ukraine

January 2, 2025

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Leader of German social-democrats supports more phone calls between Scholz and Putin

More phone calls should take place between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the leader of Germany’s social-democratic party (SPD) Saskia Esken told German television news channel N-Tv on Jan. 2. “These conversations must be held again and again in order to find out what can be done to finally put an […]

Ukraine

January 2, 2025

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Poland assumes presidency of EU Council, calls security 'top priority'

Poland has assumed its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan. 1. Poland takes over the presidency from Hungary, one of Russia's closest allies in Europe, which has repeatedly blocked EU aid to Ukraine. Hungarian presidency was boycotted in protest of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's foreign policy, which is at […]

Ukraine

January 1, 2025

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German FM warns of Russian 'shadow fleet' amid undersea cable incidents, calls for sanctions

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has raised concerns about Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet" following recent damage to undersea cables across Europe. "Almost every month, ships are currently damaging important undersea cables in the Baltic Sea," Baerbock told Germany’s Funke media group on Dec. 28. She described suspicious activities by ship crews, including dropping anchors and […]

Ukraine

December 28, 2024

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Russian government considers restricting calls made via messenger apps

The Russian Digital Development Ministry and Moscow's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, are discussing the possibility of introducing restrictions on calls made via messenger apps, Russian state media Kommersant reported on Dec. 24, citing its undisclosed sources. The news comes as Russia continues to block foreign social networks and messenger apps, referring to companies' alleged violations of […]

Ukraine

December 24, 2024

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NATO chief defends Scholz, calls Zelensky's criticism 'unfair'

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told President Volodymyr Zelensky that his sometimes "harsh criticism" of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is unfair, Rutte told the German news agency DPA in comments published on Dec. 23. In the interview, Rutte said that Scholz's contributions to Ukraine are commendable. The chancellor ensured that Germany ranks second after the […]

Ukraine

December 23, 2024

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Ukraine condemns Hungary’s ‘peacekeeping’ proposals, calls them manipulative

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized Hungary's "peacekeeping" statements as unrealistic and manipulative, calling on Hungarian officials on Dec. 16 to stop distorting the realities of Russia's war against Ukraine for political gain. The ministry accused Hungary of effectively advocating for Ukraine to surrender to Russian aggression while obstructing international efforts to support Kyiv. “Hungarian […]

Ukraine

December 16, 2024

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Pope Francis refers to Ukraine, Russia as 'brothers,' calls for peace during Sunday Mass

During Sunday prayer on Dec. 15, Pope Francis referred to Russia and Ukraine as "brothers," while reiterating calls for peace in Russia’s war against Ukraine. "They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding. War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world," the pope said during a visit to the French island […]

Ukraine

December 15, 2024

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Ukraine calls for FIFA apology over map of Crimea

Ukraine has criticized FIFA for an "unacceptable error" after a map displayed during the 2026 World Cup draw appeared to exclude Crimea from the country's territory. The map, used to show nations that cannot be drawn to play against each other for geopolitical reasons, highlighted Ukraine but excluded Crimea, which is internationally recognized as part […]

Ukraine

December 14, 2024

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NATO chief warns alliance 'unprepared' for Russian threats, calls for increased defense spending

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Dec. 12 that the alliance is not ready for the threats it will face from Russia in the coming years, urging a shift to a wartime mindset with significantly higher defense spending. Rutte highlighted that NATO members spent more than 3% of GDP on defense during the Cold […]

Ukraine

December 12, 2024

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