Slovaks crowd-fund ammo for Ukraine – POLITICO

Slovaks crowd-fund ammo for Ukraine – POLITICO

Earlier this year, with Ukraine’s counteroffensive falling flat, Russia asserting dominance in artillery fire and U.S. aid to Kyiv mired in Washington politics, the Czech government set up a platform to gather donations from allied countries to co-finance the purchase of ammunition from producers around the world. In doing so, the aim was to side-step … Read more

Israeli strikes on Rafah kill 13, as Gaza death toll surpasses 34,000 – POLITICO

Israeli strikes on Rafah kill 13, as Gaza death toll surpasses 34,000 – POLITICO

The lastest strikes came within hours after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide Israel with $26.3 billion in assistance. The measure, which includes $9 billion in humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, now goes back to the Senate, which about 10 weeks ago cleared legislation with nearly identical aid to Israel. … Read more

EU and US impose sanctions on extremist settlers over violence in West Bank – POLITICO

EU and US impose sanctions on extremist settlers over violence in West Bank – POLITICO

“Such acts by these organizations undermine the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank. We will continue to use our tools to hold those responsible accountable, ” he added. Following its announcement of sanctions, the Council of the EU said: “The listed individuals and entities are responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians, … Read more

G7 gives Iran sharp warning not to send ballistic missiles to Russia – POLITICO

G7 gives Iran sharp warning not to send ballistic missiles to Russia – POLITICO

“We call on Iran not to do so, as it would represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine,” the G7 text reads. If Tehran were to do so, “we are prepared to respond in a swift and coordinated manner, including with new and significant measures against Iran,” the ministers … Read more

US, UK impose new sanctions on Iran after retaliatory attack on Israel

US, UK impose new sanctions on Iran after retaliatory attack on Israel

In response to Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom have jointly imposed new sanctions on Iran. At an official meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in Italy on Thursday, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron announced the imposition of sanctions. Four days earlier, Iran had fired hundreds … Read more

Biden and Trump vie for answers – POLITICO

Biden and Trump vie for answers – POLITICO

How will responses to the confrontation between Israel, its allies and Iran redefine the line that divides Donald Trump and Joe Biden? Host Anne McElvoy talks to Kim Darroch, the former British ambassador to Washington and former U.K. national security adviser, about the scenarios facing President Biden and what Trump might do if he returns … Read more

Von der Leyen castigates far-right AfD over Russiagate scandal – POLITICO

Von der Leyen castigates far-right AfD over Russiagate scandal – POLITICO

Czech authorities in March sanctioned the Prague-based Voice of Europe website over claims that European politicians had engaged with the outlet, using their influence to discourage support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Two of the channel’s executives — including Viktor Medvedchuk, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin — were hit with sanctions. … Read more

China sanctions two US defence firms for selling Taiwan weapons

China sanctions two US defence firms for selling Taiwan weapons

BEIJING: China has banned the senior executives of two United States defence companies from entering the country and frozen their properties in response to their arms sales to Taiwan, the foreign ministry said on Thursday (Apr 11). The measures effective from Thursday were against General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which manufactures unmanned aerial systems, and military vehicle … Read more

Protests begin in Georgia against ‘Russian law’ – POLITICO

Protests begin in Georgia against ‘Russian law’ – POLITICO

“The law in its current form risks having a chilling effect on civil society and media organizations, with negative consequences for the many Georgians benefiting from their work,” said the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, when Georgian Dream first introduced the bill. “This law is incompatible with EU values and standards,” he added. Attempts to … Read more

Russiagate hits German far right – POLITICO

Russiagate hits German far right – POLITICO

The AfD is just one of several parties in Europe with pro-Russian views. Others include Hungary’s Fidesz, France’s National Rally, Italy’s Lega and Slovakia’s Smer. In the run-up to the EU-wide election in June, Russia is ramping up its attempts to sway EU opinion and, where possible, infiltrate the bloc’s institutions. A Serbian national linked … Read more