Brussels sidelines Orban as Hungary faces high-stakes vote

European Union officials have begun restricting Hungary’s access to classified intelligence and are increasingly holding high-level discussions in restricted formats. The move follows growing concerns that sensitive data could be leaked to Moscow, five EU diplomats and officials told Politico on condition of anonymity.

From Chisinau to Budapest: The Kremlin’s shadow over Orban

As Hungary prepares for parliamentary elections on 12 April, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces his most significant electoral challenge in 16 years. Analysts warn that the Kremlin is deploying a "hybrid warfare playbook" previously tested during Moldova’s 2025 elections to bolster the Fidesz party’s bid for a fifth consecutive term.

Slovenia limits fuel sales to 50 litres following regional supply disruptions

Slovenia introduced temporary fuel rationing on Sunday to manage nationwide shortages at the pumps. The crisis stems from a surge in cross-border refueling and precautionary hoarding linked to escalating tensions with Iran.

Zelenskyy signals prisoner exchange progress following strategic negotiations in Florida

U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded a second day of high-stakes diplomatic discussions in Miami on March 22, aimed at revitalizing a peace framework to end the ongoing war with Russia.

Russia seeks law to deploy troops abroad to shield citizens from foreign courts

Russia's government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would allow President Vladimir Putin to deploy armed forces outside the country's borders. The legislation targets cases where Russian citizens face arrest or prosecution by courts or international bodies whose jurisdiction Russia does not recognise.

Pro-Kremlin blogger hospitalized after calling Putin 'war criminal'

Russian authorities have reportedly placed Ilya Remeslo, a prominent pro-war blogger and former loyalist, in a psychiatric facility. The move follows his abrupt public denunciation of President Vladimir Putin, whom he labeled a "war criminal."

Global energy markets rattle as Trump warns Netanyahu on Iran strikes

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he has requested that Israel refrain from further strikes on Iran’s natural gas infrastructure. The move follows a series of reciprocal attacks that have destabilised global energy markets and escalated tensions between Washington, Jerusalem, and Tehran.

Kremlin expects trilateral format to resume, calls ceasefire pause 'temporary'

Russia will not take part in the Ukraine-United States negotiations planned for 21 March 2026, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday, as cited by BBC News.

Ukraine targets US diplomatic reset as Mideast conflict thins resources

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 19 March that a high-level Ukrainian delegation is travelling to the United States for scheduled talks this Saturday.

Brussels standoff: EU rejects Trump on Iran but fails Ukraine

European Union leaders failed to break a bitter deadlock during a high-stakes spring summit in Brussels. In talks stretching into the early hours of Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban refused to withdraw his veto on a €90 billion financial aid package for Ukraine.

Precious metals tumble 5-10% amid Middle East energy shock

Gold and silver prices fell sharply on Thursday, 19 March, as a massive wave of selling hit global markets. Spot gold sank below the $4,600 per ounce threshold—approximately €4,213—amid escalating concerns over the conflict in Iran and rising inflationary pressures.

The Kremlin’s strategic miscalculation: Why Russia’s glacial pace risks global conflict

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Vladimir Putin remains convinced of a Russian military victory in Ukraine, signaling no immediate intention to halt hostilities. According to the Annual Threat Assessment, Moscow believes it can eventually force a peace settlement on its own terms by maintaining battlefield pressure.