NATO chief calls for sanctions on China
At the peace summit held in Switzerland, the NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg remarked that China should suffer an economic cost for supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. He recently visited Washington and announced other reforms as well. This visit comes ahead of Putin’s visit to North Korea.
China has been playing for both sides, supporting Russia's war effort while maintaining ties with Europe.This does not seem acceptable to NATO. China has been the supplier of microelectronics to Russia which are key in the weapons the Kremlin uses against Ukraine.
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyee61ej8zko
Deepening ties between Russia and North Korea
North Korea's op-ed piece reported Russia's praise for the country in supporting its war with Ukraine. This comes ahead of Russian President Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years.
The two countries plan to develop unspecified trade and security systems that are not controlled by the West. Reports have emerged that North Korea would supply the much needed arms to Russia in exchange for fuel, water and technology transfers.
This deepening of the relationship between Russia and North Korea comes amidst increasing isolation and pressure from the West. Russia faces sanctions from the US and some European countries for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, while North Korea is under heavy UN Security Council economic sanctions for its missiles and weapons program. The growing ties for the two countries are alarming for the West.
Read more:
https://apnews.com/article/putin-kim-jong-un-russia-north-korea-05f0ed66f9978ac1ba34f2d708ad7504
Moldova moving away from Moscow?
Moldovan president Maia Sandu is leading the country on the path for EU membership. A referendum will be held in the latter part of 2024 for the same. Moldova is just one among the former Soviet states to overcome the pressures from Moscow. However, Gagauzia region sees conflicting viewpoints. The region stands in support of becoming a territory of the former Soviet empire.
Moldova is of geopolitical significance due to this location. It is surrounded by Ukraine on three sides and by NATO members on the West. The US has also announced $50 million in funds to fight Russian interference and disinformation campaigns. This further aids the country’s move away from the communist regime.
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Romania Stun Ukraine 3-0 in Euro 2024 Opener
Romania celebrated their first European Championship win in 24 years as they trounced Ukraine 3-0 in the opening game of their Euro 2024 Group E Opener, with some great strikes from Nicolae Stanciu and Razvan Marin.
Early supremacy for Ukraine would eventually be turned down by defensive resilience from Romania and an opportunistic counter-attack through Denis Dragus to seal victory, demonstrating the fighting spirit instilled into the side by coach Edward Iordanescu.
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Skyrocketing Fuel Prices , double increase forecasted for this week : Hungary
A dramatic surge in the fuel prices is being reported in Hungary , after two months of decline .
The current price is HUF 596 and HUF 609, which will remain the same until Monday midnight .
The average price for petrol from Tuesday onwards - HUF 598 (EUR 1.51 / 1 EUR=396 HUF) per liter for 95 petrol ; HUF 613 per liter for diesel .
Read More - https://hungarytoday.hu/unprecedented-fuel-price-hikes-double-increase-expected-this-week/
Uzbekistan's Increasing focus on investment from Turkey and Saudi Arabia
Tashkent is working towards diversifying its energy sources in order to bring in fresh foreign investment .
Uzbekistan is working towards advancing its economy including investment ties with Turkey and Saudi Arabia .
Reportedly , projects worth $34.2 billion have also been secured with these two partners .
News Bits collected by [Region Head]:
Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)
Drafted by:
Angel Chindalia (MA IR 1st year)
Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)
