Explore

Ukraine completes Druzhba pipeline repairs, hoping to unlock blocked EU loan

Ukraine completes Druzhba pipeline repairs, hoping to unlock blocked EU loan

Ukraine has completed repairs on a damaged oil pipeline and is preparing to resume flows

EU Ambassadors Set to Approve €90 Billion Loan to Ukraine Amid Oil Transit Conditions

EU Ambassadors Set to Approve €90 Billion Loan to Ukraine Amid Oil Transit Conditions

The European Union is preparing to approve a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, contingent upon the resumption of Russian oil transit to Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline. The pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian strike in January, is crucial for Hungary's energy supply. Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that he will lift his veto on the loan once the oil flow is restored. The Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU has placed the loan approval on the agenda for a meeting of the EU's 27 ambassadors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the pipeline would be operational by the end of the month, with a strong possibility of resuming flows before the meeting.

Rumen Radev, Russia-friendly ex-fighter pilot, sweeps Bulgaria's election

Rumen Radev, Russia-friendly ex-fighter pilot, sweeps Bulgaria's election

By Edward McAllister and Alex Lefkowitz SOFIA, April 20 (Reuters) - When Rumen Radev stepped down from his role as president of Bulgaria in January to run in Sunday's parliamentary election, he urged voters to ditch the "corrupt officials, conspirators and extremists" that he said were running the

Mideast crises divide Europe as it grapples with rising fuel costs and policy toward Israel

Mideast crises divide Europe as it grapples with rising fuel costs and policy toward Israel

Europe's top diplomats are meeting in Luxembourg to address multiple crises, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and economic instability due to the conflict in Iran

The Latest: US-Iran talks are in doubt as ceasefire nears an end

The Latest: US-Iran talks are in doubt as ceasefire nears an end

Ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran appear uncertain as a two-week truce nears expiration

Middle East crises divide Europe with rising fuel costs and tensions over Israel policy

Middle East crises divide Europe with rising fuel costs and tensions over Israel policy

Europe's top diplomats are meeting in Luxembourg to address multiple crises, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and economic instability due to the conflict in Iran

Hormuz shipping again near standstill after shots and seizure

Hormuz shipping again near standstill after shots and seizure

By Jonathan Saul and Nerijus Adomaitis LONDON, April 20 (Reuters) - Ships were largely avoiding the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after an escalation at the weekend in which Iran fired what appeared to be warning shots at vessels and the U.S. military seized an Iranian cargo ship.

Exclusive-Russia cuts oil output in April, sources say

Exclusive-Russia cuts oil output in April, sources say

April 21 (Reuters) - Russia was forced to reduce oil output in April due to Ukrainian drone attacks on ports and refineries, as well as a halt to crude supplies via the only remaining Russian oil pipeline to Europe, according to five sources and Reuters calculations.

Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil Terminal, Disrupting Export Logistics

Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil Terminal, Disrupting Export Logistics

Drones operated by the Special Operations Center 'A' of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) have struck the Samara line-production dispatch station in Prosvet, Samara region, Russia. This facility is crucial for blending high- and low-sulfur crude oil to produce the Urals export grade, a key component of Russia's oil transportation infrastructure. The attack resulted in a massive fire and damage to five oil tanks, each with a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters. The strike is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and reduce revenue from oil sales, which could otherwise fund the war against Ukraine.

Baltic States Deny Slovak Prime Minister Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Baltic States Deny Slovak Prime Minister Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have decided to deny Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico the use of their airspace for his planned travel to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations in May. This decision was confirmed by the respective governments, with Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stating that the event is seen as glorifying the aggressor amidst Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Fico, who attended the event last year despite European calls for a boycott, criticized the decision, questioning why EU member states would restrict the travel of a leader from another EU country. The Victory Day celebrations in Russia are marked by military parades that commemorate the end of World War II, often used to bolster Soviet-era narratives.

Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister's Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister's Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania and Latvia have barred Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico from using their airspace to travel to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Fico announced this decision on April 18, criticizing the move as a restriction imposed by EU member states. Despite previous calls from European officials to boycott the event, Fico attended last year and plans to find an alternative route this year. The Victory Day celebrations in Russia are marked by grand military parades, often used to glorify the Soviet Union's role in World War II.

Bulgarians head to the polls to elect a parliament for the eighth time in 5 years

Bulgarians head to the polls to elect a parliament for the eighth time in 5 years

Bulgarians are heading to the polls for the eighth time in five years hoping to finally elect a parliament that would be capable of resolving the prolonged political impasse that has gripped the country for years