Desperate for peace, Ukraine embraces Trump – POLITICO

Desperate for peace, Ukraine embraces Trump – POLITICO

“I think President Zelenskyy has played it extremely well,” said Volker. “By aligning himself with what President Trump wants, he’s made it clear that the problem is not Ukraine. The problem is Putin.” The next weeks will be crucial for Kyiv and for Moscow. “I think Trump is going to call Putin and tell him … Read more

Germany proposes tougher EU response to hybrid threats from Russia – POLITICO

Germany proposes tougher EU response to hybrid threats from Russia – POLITICO

The foreign ministry in Berlin is looking to increase the consequences of such attacks by adopting new sanctions against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet — oil and gas tankers helping Moscow earn billions of dollars from illicit fossil fuel sales by surreptitious means — and by limiting the time of accreditation and freedom of movement for … Read more

EU ministers to lift Syria sanctions at end of month

EU ministers to lift Syria sanctions at end of month

European foreign ministers will meet at the end of January to discuss the lifting of sanctions on Syria, the EU foreign policy chief said on Sunday in Riyadh ahead of a meeting of top Middle Eastern and Western diplomats and Syria’s new foreign minister. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, said the foreign … Read more

Serbia hit with double whammy on gas supply – POLITICO

Serbia hit with double whammy on gas supply – POLITICO

The two developments are viewed as a direct challenge to the delicate geopolitical balance that Serbia’s Vučić has spent more than a decade crafting, whereby he has signaled approval of Western values and EU policies while also maintaining strong ties with Russia and China. “We love Moscow and Washington, and everyone in the world, but … Read more

EU may lift Syria sanctions to support recovery, says French FM

EU may lift Syria sanctions to support recovery, says French FM

The European Union is considering easing sanctions on Syria to facilitate humanitarian aid and recovery efforts, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Wednesday. For more stories from The Media Line go to themedialine.org Speaking to France Inter radio, Barrot suggested that sanctions obstructing aid delivery and the country’s rebuilding could be lifted swiftly, though … Read more

In Austria’s Kickl, the EU has its next Orbán – POLITICO

In Austria’s Kickl, the EU has its next Orbán – POLITICO

Europe’s next national leader looks likely to come from the far right. With Herbert Kickl in pole position to become chancellor of Austria, the European Union’s establishment is bracing for fresh torment ― and another punch in the guts in its stand against Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Kickl, who would become Austria’s first far-right leader since … Read more

US sanctions key member of Viktor Orbán’s inner circle for ‘corruption’ – POLITICO

US sanctions key member of Viktor Orbán’s inner circle for ‘corruption’ – POLITICO

“The United States will not hesitate to hold accountable individuals, like Rogán, who use the power of their office to illicitly enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of their country and their fellow citizens,” declared Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter … Read more

US to ease aid restrictions for Syria in show of support for new gov’t

US to ease aid restrictions for Syria in show of support for new gov’t

The US is set to imminently announce an easing of restrictions on providing humanitarian aid and other basic services such as electricity to Syria while still keeping its strict sanctions regime in place, according to people briefed on the matter. The decision by the outgoing Biden administration will send a signal of goodwill to … Read more

Showdown in Georgia as pro-EU president refuses to step down – POLITICO

Showdown in Georgia as pro-EU president refuses to step down – POLITICO

Salome Zourabichvili’s term in office ends on Sunday — but Georgia’s pro-Western president says she’s not going anywhere. Zourabichvili on Saturday joined thousands of people across the country forming human chains to protest against the installation of a new president — far-right firebrand and former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili — set to take place Sunday. Speaking … Read more

As Finland seizes Russian ship, Estonia launches naval patrols – POLITICO

As Finland seizes Russian ship, Estonia launches naval patrols – POLITICO

Four other telecommunications cables between Finland and Estonia and between Finland and Germany were also damaged. “We’ve decided to send our navy close to Estlink 1 to defend and secure our energy connection with Finland,” Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in a post on X. Speaking on a morning local radio show, Pevkur said … Read more