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Iran's demands over the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, Rubio warns Asian leaders

Iran's demands over the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, Rubio warns Asian leaders

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Asian leaders that Iran's demand to control the Strait of Hormuz threatens the global economy and freedom of navigation
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Moldova's parliament elects investor Vasile Tofan as prime minister to push EU membership bid

Moldova's parliament elects investor Vasile Tofan as prime minister to push EU membership bid

Moldova's pro-Western parliament has elected investor Vasile Tofan as prime minister
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Hungarian Prosecutors Raid Orbán Party's Data Center Amid Embezzlement Probe

Hungarian Prosecutors Raid Orbán Party's Data Center Amid Embezzlement Probe

Hungarian prosecutors, along with the country's tax authority, conducted a raid on data servers used by the Fidesz party, led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This action is part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement and other crimes related to the misuse of grant money from Hungary's National Cultural Fund. The investigation has led to charges against six current and former officials, who are accused of distributing approximately 17 billion forints ($53.5 million) in a non-transparent manner to artists and performers linked to Fidesz. These individuals reportedly campaigned for the party during the national elections. The raid, which took place in the Bács-Kiskun County, was conducted without prior notice, according to Fidesz, which claims the action was intended to seize the party's communications systems and databases.
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China's foreign minister discusses trade balance with EU lawmakers

China's foreign minister discusses trade balance with EU lawmakers

BEIJING, July 21 (Reuters) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a delegation of European lawmakers in Beijing on Tuesday that China and the EU should promote an "upward dynamic balance" in bilateral trade ties from a long-term perspective, according to a statement from China's foreign ministry.
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Wildberries, 'Russia's Amazon', becomes a target for Ukraine

Wildberries, 'Russia's Amazon', becomes a target for Ukraine

By Gleb Bryanski MOSCOW, July 22 (Reuters) - From humble origins as a family business run out of an apartment near Moscow, Wildberries has grown in under two decades into Russia's top online retailer and a key economic driver in the country. It's now become a target of strikes by Ukraine.
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Rosatom's Financial Struggles Impact Central Asia's Nuclear Energy Plans

Rosatom's Financial Struggles Impact Central Asia's Nuclear Energy Plans

Rosatom, Russia's nuclear entity, is facing financial difficulties, leading to cuts in its investment program and operating costs. This situation affects its agreements to build nuclear plants in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, raising doubts about project timelines and completion. Rosatom's challenges are linked to Russia's financial strain due to the ongoing campaign in Ukraine and international sanctions. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are exploring alternatives, including partnerships with Chinese companies and the United States for developing small modular nuclear plants.
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Hungarian prosecutors raid Orbán party's data center in embezzlement probe

Hungarian prosecutors raid Orbán party's data center in embezzlement probe

Prosecutors in Hungary have raided offices housing data servers used by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party
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Russia's Central Bank Sells 44 Tonnes of Gold Amid Economic Pressures

Russia's Central Bank Sells 44 Tonnes of Gold Amid Economic Pressures

Russia's Central Bank has sold 44 tonnes of gold in the first half of 2026, marking a significant reduction in its gold reserves. This move comes as the bank's total official reserve assets fell to $720.4 billion by the end of June, down from $747.4 billion in May. The sales are reportedly aimed at covering the country's budget deficit, which reached 4.6 trillion rubles by March, and to bolster foreign currency reserves amid weak export earnings. The gold was primarily sold to Russian banks through exchange and over-the-counter markets. This marks the sixth consecutive month of declining gold reserves for Russia, with the most significant drop since 2002 occurring earlier this year.
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Russian President Putin meets with North Korean foreign minister in latest high-level diplomacy

Russian President Putin meets with North Korean foreign minister in latest high-level diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korea’s foreign minister and thanked Pyongyang for supporting his war against Ukraine, in the latest high-level diplomacy meeting between the countries, Russian state media reports
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ASEAN's top diplomats meet in shadow of US-Iran conflict

ASEAN's top diplomats meet in shadow of US-Iran conflict

By Karen Lema MANILA, July 21 (Reuters) - Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are likely to cast a shadow over a diplomatic gathering in Southeast Asia this week, injecting additional uncertainty into a region grappling with maritime tensions with China and a faltering regional effort to end
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Iran war, Myanmar crisis and South China Sea rifts under the spotlight in ASEAN ministerial talks

Iran war, Myanmar crisis and South China Sea rifts under the spotlight in ASEAN ministerial talks

Southeast Asia’s top diplomats will express alarm over renewed hostilities in the Middle East when they gather in the Philippine capital for annual talks
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Black Sea Tensions Drive Grain Prices to Near Two-Year Highs

Black Sea Tensions Drive Grain Prices to Near Two-Year Highs

Grain prices have surged to near two-year highs due to ongoing disruptions in the Black Sea region, a critical area for global grain exports. The Chicago Board of Trade reported that wheat futures rose by 0.2% to $6.83-3/4 per bushel, while soybeans increased by 0.4% to $12.08-1/4 per bushel, and corn rose by 0.8% to $4.71 per bushel. These increases are attributed to the intensified hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, which have disrupted the Black Sea wheat export season. Recent attacks by Russia on Ukrainian Black Sea ports have further exacerbated the situation, leading to a shortage of Russian and Ukrainian wheat supplies. This shortage is compounded by already tight supplies in the U.S., Europe, and Australia due to dry weather conditions.