Recent Posts

Putin alert for signs of eroding Western unity on Ukraine

Vladimir Putin looked very much at ease. In a much-viewed video this month, the Russian president settled deep into his armchair, wearing an expression of bored nonchalance. In a matter-of-fact tone, he likened himself to a modern-day Peter the Great, the empire-building Russian czar, and suggested that the conquest of …

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US Navy needs more small warships to counter Russia, researchers say

As the U.S. pursues a maritime strategy that prioritizes a blue-water navy, Russia appears to be betting on smaller, missile-laden vessels to help it slowly gain territory and influence, according to military analysts. Smaller Russian warships like corvettes and frigates aren’t built for fights with the U.S. Navy. Instead, they …

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Poland to appeal for seventh package of Russian sanctions

A seventh package of EU sanctions against Russia, including a ban on technology export, will be called for by Poland, Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. The government will appeal for further sanctions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, reports …

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Italy considers ‘state of alert’ over Russian gas cut

Italy is considering moving to a state of alert to ration gas consumption and increase gas storage following Gazprom’s gas supply cut, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. According to the Italian emergency protocol, the state of “alert” – which is the second level on a scale of three – …

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Gazprom supplies 50% less gas to Austria

Austria will receive less gas for the fourth day in a row, the Russian energy company announced on Sunday, but demand is currently low and supply is secure. Austrian oil and gas company OMV said that purchases are currently being made on the spot market to secure supplies for customers …

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Macron loses majority following Assembly polls

French voters have denied President Emmanuel Macron a parliamentary majority following Sunday’s (19 June) second round of legislative elections, while the left and far-right have made significant advances. Macron’s party Renaissance, formerly known as La République en marche, will remain the largest parliamentary group but has lost more than a …

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America And The Middle East

For more than half a century, US engagement across the Arab region, and the wider world, has been premised on “preventive diplomacy,” which entailed knowing more about foreign nations and their citizens than any other country on the planet. It meant that US embassies were right-sized, well-financed, adequately staffed and …

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