Poland intercepts Russian sanctions-evading ship near critical Baltic power cable, Tusk says
"After the effective intervention of our military, the ship sailed to one of the Russian ports," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X.
Eastern Europe
Dan opposes Romanian peacekeepers in Ukraine but affirms pro-Kyiv course
"First, to have a big operational support on Romanian territory, yes. To be part of the armies guaranteeing peace in Ukraine, no," Romanian President-elect Nicusor Dan told Politico.
Far-right candidate Simion contests Romanian election loss, alleges foreign interference
"I officially ask the Constitutional Court to annul the Romanian presidential elections for the same reasons the December elections were annulled: external interferences by state and non-state actors," George Simion wrote on X.
Romania’s new president faces daunting challenges after surprise victory over far-right upstart
There was a wave of euphoria and relief across Europe following the election of pro-European liberal Nicusor Dan as Romania’s new president. “For Ukraine — as a neighbour and friend — it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident we will,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky
'It is important that support for Ukraine continues' — Zelensky congratulates Romania's President-elect Dan after election
"We are deeply grateful for Romania’s contribution to protecting the lives of our people. It is important that support for Ukraine continues," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Poland, Romania presidential elections held amid Russian interference, far-right surge — what you need to know
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information from Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR). Poland and Romania — key NATO allies bordering Ukraine — are holding presidential elections on May 18, with both votes unfolding under the shadow of Russian interference and rising far-right influence. The simultaneous elections are being
Putin appoints Russian Ground Forces Commander Saliukov to Security Council role
It remains unclear who will replace General Oleg Saliukov as commander of the Ground Forces.
Russian fighter jet 'violated NATO territory' after Estonia tried to detain 'shadow fleet' tanker
"The Russian Federation is ready to protect the 'shadow fleet'... the situation is really serious," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 15.
From spy rings to arson — Russia's sabotage across Europe continues unpunished
Alongside Russia launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has also ramped up its hybrid attacks across Europe. In 2024 alone, Russia could be behind around 100 "suspicious incidents" in Europe, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky claimed. Last month, the Dutch intelligence said that Moscow keeps stepping up its attacks
Romania heads to historic presidential runoff as populist and pro-EU candidate are neck-and-neck
Editor's note: this article was updated on May 16 with the latest polling data. Just days before the Romanian presidential election runoff, the two presidential hopefuls are neck-and-neck in the polls. Polling by AtlasIntel, released on May 13, showed far-right George Simion and liberal pro-EU Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan were
Romanian far-right leader Simion demands Ukraine repay aid, opposes further support
George Simion, leader of Romania's far-right AUR party, who won the first round of the presidential election with nearly 40% of the vote, reiterated that if elected, he would oppose any further assistance to Ukraine and shift Romania’s focus inward.
Poland faces 'unprecedented' Russian interference ahead of presidential election, minister says
Poland will hold presidential elections on May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1, as the country faces key debates over social policy, migration, and national security that could shape its political trajectory.
Romanians vote in presidential election after annulled 2024 result
The vote follows the annulment of the previous first round held in November 2024, when Romania's Constitutional Court invalidated the outcome due to evidence of social media manipulation and foreign interference.
Belarus Weekly: Russian, Belarusian security services plan violent attacks on Belarusian diaspora
Polish security agency to investigate disappearance of Belarus’s opposition activist amid fears of foreign involvement. Russian, Belarusian security services plan violent attacks on Belarusian diaspora, Lithuanian Security Department says. Russian FSB detains Belarus citizen allegedly preparing to carry out "terrorist act" on behalf of Ukraine's SBU. Lithuania to fortify
Poland-Belarus border crossings to remain closed, Polish official says
"As long as Belarus behaves this way towards (Poland), I do not see any possibility that anything will change in this area," Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Semoniak said.
Moldova's fall parliamentary elections could threaten pro-EU majority
Moldova's parliament voted on April 17 to hold elections on Sept. 28 – a vote that could potentially threaten the majority currently held by pro-Western President Maia Sandu's party.
All the president's men: Inside the closed world of Putin's key advisors
In Russian politics, all eyes are focused on one man: Russian President Vladimir Putin. But as ceasefire talks continue, the world's attention has also been drawn to those sent forward to do the Kremlin's bidding — whether at the negotiating table in Saudi Arabia or in the backrooms of Washington D.
Moldova aims to conclude EU accession talks by end of 2027
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on April 13 that she hopes her country can wrap up EU accession talks by the end of 2027, warning that upcoming parliamentary elections will be critical in preserving Moldova’s pro-European trajectory.
Estonia passes law targeting Moscow-linked church ties
The legislation aims to prevent foreign influence in Estonia’s religious sphere if it threatens national security, constitutional order, or public order, or if it promotes military aggression or incites war, according to the parliament’s press service.
Europe warns US that sudden troop reduction may destabilize NATO's defenses, Bloomberg reports
The appeal comes amid growing expectations that the Trump administration will proceed with plans to scale back American troop deployments in Eastern Europe.
US made 'no decision' yet on cutting military presence in Europe, Pentagon says
"No decision has been made yet," the Pentagon said. "The U.S. commitment to NATO is strong, but the U.S. expects European allies to lead Europe's conventional defense."
US considering withdrawing 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe, NBC News reports
U.S. forces are currently stationed across Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states to deter further Russian aggression and reassure allies in the region.
'Increasing brutality' reported as Poland-Belarus border crisis escalates
Warsaw has also for several years accused Belarus of deliberately pushing migrants into Poland in order to pressure the EU over sanctions.
Ukraine receives 5,000 more Starlink terminals from Poland, minister says
"Starlinks will help residents of the front-line territories to stay in touch: call relatives, call emergency services, read the news. Due to attacks and destruction of base stations in the de-occupied territories, regular communication is unavailable," Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.
Moldova expels 3 Russian diplomats for aiding fugitive MP's escape to Transnistria
The move follows reports that Moldovan lawmaker Alexandr Nesterovschi, sentenced to 12 years in prison for illegally financing the banned pro-Russian Shor Party, escaped to Russian-controlled Transnistria with help from Russian diplomats, according to Moldovan media Newsmaker.
EU unveils new sanctions against Belarus in response to presidential elections
Twenty-five individuals and seven entities were sanctioned by the EU on March 27 for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Belarus.
Estonia bans non-EU citizens from local election voting, mostly Russians and Belarusians affected
"The decisions in our local life won't be made by the citizens of the aggressor states, but we'll decide by ourselves," Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said after the March 26 vote.
Poland can withstand invasion for 2 weeks before NATO steps in, security chief says
"I think, depending on how this fight goes, this defense can be carried out within a week or two at today's inventory levels," Dariusz Lukowski, head of Poland's National Security Bureau, said.
USAGM agrees to partially fund RFE/RL as judge weighs case over Trump cuts
RFE/RL sued USAGM on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing that the step violates federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.
Lukashenko 'inaugurated' after extending his rule in 'sham' elections
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko began his seventh term in power on March 25 after declaring himself the winner of the January elections broadly seen as neither fair nor free.
Belarus Weekly: Lukashenko signs security treaty, pulling Belarus further into Russia’s orbit
Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko visits Moscow, enacting a security treaty and signing a range of agreements that pull Belarus further into Russia’s orbit. U.S. President Donald Trump slashes RFE/RL funding in another blow to Belarusian media in exile. Latvia restricts movement at last open border crossing with
Polish right takes hard line on Ukraine ahead of presidential vote
With the Polish presidential elections just two months away, two of the country's leading right-wing candidates have become increasingly antagonistic toward Ukraine and its leadership. Kyiv can ill afford another hostile head of state among its key partners, as U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy shift has already thrown
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