EUROPE IN FOCUS: War, Theft, and Diplomacy
EUROPE IN FOCUS: War, Theft, and Diplomacy
EU agrees to end Russian gas imports by 2027. Ukraine's president is ready to meet with Putin and Trump in Hungary. The Louvre remains closed after a theft.
EUROPE IN FOCUS: War, Theft, and Diplomacy
EU agrees to end Russian gas imports by 2027. Ukraine's president is ready to meet with Putin and Trump in Hungary. The Louvre remains closed after a theft.
Ukraine's Corruption Scandal: What's Going On?
Ukraine is dealing with a big corruption scandal.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's associate, Tymur Mindich, is involved in the scandal and has had sanctions imposed on him.
Mindich is a co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio, which Zelenskyy founded before becoming president.
The sanctions include a freeze on Mindich's assets in Ukraine, but do not prevent him from entering the country.
This scandal raises questions about corruption and influence in Ukraine's government.
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/11/13/8007126/ |
Ukraine's Energy Sector Rocked by Corruption Scandal
Ukraine is dealing with a major corruption scandal in its energy sector.
Corruption scheme involved kickbacks worth $100 million
Several high-ranking officials and businessmen implicated
President Zelenskyy's former associate, Tymur Mindich, named as suspect
NATO's Stance on Ukraine and Russia: What You Need to Know
NATO has been playing a crucial role in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
What's at stake?
NATO did not impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine due to fears of escalating the conflict into a full-scale war with Russia.
The alliance has reversed its 'ammo gap' with Russia, increasing production and shortening delivery times.
NATO is focusing on building a robust defense industry, with member states agreeing to spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035.
Russia's Attacks and Economic Struggles
11 Russian attacks on vessels in Odesa Oblast ports from January to September 2025
13 civilian ships and 1 naval vessel damaged
Russia's car production fell by 20% in the first nine months of 2025
Sales of new cars in Russia fell by 22% between January and September
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/11/04/8005759/ |
Russia's Oil Exports Hit Rock Bottom
Russia's oil product exports have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Refinery shutdowns and Western sanctions are disrupting the country's energy trade.
Average volume of seaborne oil product exports is at 1.89 million barrels per day.
Sanctions are forcing traders to navigate around payment routes and shipment schedules.
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/31/8005272/ |
Trump Orders Nuclear Testing Restart
Trump has ordered the US to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing Russia's recent missile tests and China's growing nuclear capabilities.
The US last conducted a nuclear test in 1992
Trump wants to match other nations' testing programs
The move is seen as a response to Russia's new missile tests and China's expanding nuclear arsenal
Europe in Focus: Ukraine, Russia, and the Netherlands
Ukraine is ready for peace talks, but won't back down. The country needs financial support to keep fighting Russian forces.
Ukraine needs European financial support to continue fighting
The Netherlands is counting votes in a parliamentary election, with the far-right PVV party narrowly ahead
Poland has scrambled jets and closed airports in response to Russian attacks on western Ukraine. Will the US and Europe increase pressure on Russia?
Australia's Controversial Deal and Diplomatic Efforts
Australia has started deporting foreign detainees to Nauru, sparking controversy and criticism from human rights groups.
The deal is expected to cost A$2.5bn
Details of the agreement remain unclear
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with US President Donald Trump to discuss cooperation on rare earths and other issues.
The two leaders signed a multibillion-dollar deal to give the US greater access to Australia's critical minerals reserves
Albanese hopes trade tensions between China and the US will ease
Drone Attacks on Russia: What's Happening?
Russian air defense units destroyed 100 Ukrainian drones overnight
Several drones targeted Moscow and other regions
Air traffic was disrupted across Russia, with several airports closed for safety reasons
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/29/8004915/ |
Russia's Oil and Grain Woes Escalate
Russia is facing major issues with its oil and grain exports.
The price of Russian crude oil has dropped due to Western sanctions.
Chinese refineries have cancelled some purchases of Russian oil.
A Russian deputy agriculture minister has been accused of stealing Ukrainian grain.
These developments are affecting global oil prices and Ukraine's agricultural sector.
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/28/8004750/ |
Ukraine's Budget Boost: What You Need to Know
Ukraine's draft budget for 2026 allocates a huge amount for defense spending. But what's interesting is that revenues from Ukraine's own resources are expected to exceed defense spending by UAH 21 billion.
This amount will be allocated to Special Operations Centre Alpha and the Foreign Intelligence Service.
Meanwhile, Russia is facing some serious economic challenges. Wage arrears have reached RUB 1.95 billion, and the total amount of unpaid wages has quadrupled since September 2024.
The main cause is the shortage of working capital among businesses.
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/24/8004306/ |
Putin's Nuclear Missile Test Sparks Tension
Putin's recent nuclear missile test has sparked tension, with Trump warning him to end the war in Ukraine.
Putin's new missile, dubbed "Flying Chernobyl", has been successfully test-launched
Trump warns Putin to end the war in Ukraine instead of testing missiles
The missile is powered by a nuclear engine and can fly for days
Ukraine-Russia Conflict Escalates: What's Next?
Ukrainian president to meet with UK prime minister to discuss using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defenses
Russia faces new US sanctions, while China and India scale back Russian oil imports
Lithuania authorizes shooting down smuggling balloons from Belarus, citing 'hybrid attacks'
Increased tensions** between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides taking drastic measures to gain the upper hand
Will the international community be able to find a solution to the conflict, or will it continue to escalate?
Russia's Attacks on Ukraine: Key Updates
Train services disrupted in Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv oblasts due to Russian attacks
You might wonder, what's the impact on Ukraine? The attacks have left many without power and disrupted daily life.
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/23/8004050/ |
Russia's New Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile: What You Need to Know
Russia has tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile with an unlimited range.
The missile travelled 14,000km and was in the air for about 15 hours during the test.
It has an unpredictable flight path and can evade missile defences.
This new missile is a game-changer for Russia's military capabilities.
Russia's Drone Attacks on Ukraine: What You Need to Know
Russia has been launching drone attacks on Ukraine, resulting in casualties and damage.
Three people were killed and 27 wounded in an overnight drone attack on Kyiv
Six children were among the wounded
The attack came a day after other Russian drone and missile strikes killed four and wounded about 20 others in Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking additional Western air defense systems to protect his country
The US has provided Ukraine with at least seven Patriot systems, but Zelenskyy is hoping to purchase 25 more
What's behind these attacks, and how can Ukraine protect itself?
Ukraine Under Attack: Latest Developments
Russian drones and missiles have been pounding Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring many.
At least 4 people killed and 20 wounded in recent attacks
Ukraine's president pleas for Western air defense systems
Ukraine is seeking support from European leaders to shield itself from Russian aggression.
Ukraine's Quest for Long-Range Missiles: A Turning Point?
To strike Russian targets and change the course of the war
The US and UK have Tomahawk missiles, but other European countries are also developing their own
Ukraine's leader is urging allies to step up and provide the weapons, citing Russia's desperation to stop them
Will Ukraine get the missiles it needs?
Russian Aircraft Violate Lithuanian Airspace: What's Happening?
Russian aircraft entered Lithuania's airspace, a NATO member country.
2 Russian planes, an SU-30 and an IL-78, flew into Lithuanian airspace for 18 seconds
Lithuania accused Russia of violating its airspace, while Russia denied the claim
This incident raises concerns about NATO and Russia relations, and whether Russia is testing NATO's defenses.
Ukraine's Budget Boost and Russia's Economic Woes
Ukraine is increasing its defense budget, while Russia is facing economic challenges.
Ukraine's budget committee has supported amendments to allocate an additional $7.8 billion for defense
Russia is experiencing disruptions in supply chains due to tighter customs inspections, leading to price rises
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| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/21/8003674/ |