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Martin Fornusek
ReporterMartin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.
Articles

EU tightening visa rules for Russian nationals, citing security risks
The European Commission adopted stricter rules on issuing visas to Russian citizens, who will be largely banned from receiving multi-entry visas, the EU announced on Nov. 7.

EU approves 1.8 billion euros for Ukraine under long-term funding plan
The Council of the EU approved on Nov. 4 the fifth tranche of the Ukraine Facility funding in the amount of 1.8 billion euros ($2.1 billion).

Belgian military orders to shoot down unknown drones over bases
The announcement follows three consecutive nights of suspicious drone activity over military and civilian sites in the country, including the Kleine Brogel Air Base.

Zelensky says he's seen no European peace plan yet, several proposals under discussion
"What's important in this matter is whether I, as the president of Ukraine, have seen this plan. No. I think that is the answer to all the questions," Zelensky said during a briefing with journalists.

Finnish president suggests Trump, Zelensky could meet Putin at G20 summit in South Africa
The Kremlin previously said that Putin is not expected to attend the event, which is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg between Nov. 22 and 23. Trump also said he would skip the meeting, with Vice President JD Vance to represent the U.S. instead.

Chinese refiners start shunning Russian oil after US sanctions, Bloomberg reports
State-owned Chinese refiners, such as Sinopec and PetroChina Co., have canceled some Russian cargos, and smaller private refiners are also holding off on purchases, according to Bloomberg.

Russian coast guard boat flying Wagner flag spotted near Estonia
Estonia suggested that the display of a symbol of the mercenary group that rebelled against the Kremlin two years ago "confirms the fact that Russia's 'iron' system is fracturing."

Trump 'not really' considering Tomahawk transfers to Ukraine, for now
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Nov. 2 that as of now, he is not planning to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Orban's unexpected headache — Trump's offensive against Russian energy
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, entrenched in a long-standing brawl with Brussels and Kyiv, found an unexpected obstacle — U.S. President Donald Trump's U-turns.
Trump's expected Budapest summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin — which was to be Orban's crowning achievement — has been canceled.
Adding insult to the injury, it is Orban who now feels the sting of Trump's foreign policy zigzags, facing pressure to cut off Russian energy imports and fearing the impact of new U.S. sanct

French intelligence links Holocaust memorial vandalism to alleged Russian hybrid campaign
Three Bulgarians charged in the act have been brought to trial, while the fourth one continues to evade custody.

Spain to reportedly host 'secret' summit of 'Coalition of the Willing' on Nov. 4
The secretive meeting will focus on increasing aid to Ukraine and coordinating security guarantees to ward off future Russian aggression, El Mundo reported.

Polish jets intercept Russian reconnaissance plane for second time this week
The Russian plane, flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off, did not violate Polish airspace and was escorted out of the zone of responsibility, Poland's military said.

Trump says Xi agrees to 'work together' with US on ending Russia's war against Ukraine
"We agree the sides are locked in fighting... but (Xi) is going to help us, and we're going to work together on Ukraine," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

Dutch liberal party overtakes far-right nationalists in snap parliamentary election
The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), whose leader has argued against aid to Ukraine, lost nearly a third of its seats in parliament, according to the latest results.

Polish jets intercept Russian reconnaissance plane over Baltic Sea
Two Polish MiG-29 fighter jets escorted the aircraft from the area of responsibility, the Polish Armed Forces said, reporting that the Russian plane "did not violate Polish airspace."
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