Ukraine: Trump claims ‘great progress’ in talks with Putin
Donald Trump has described talks on 6 August between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin as ‘highly productive’, claiming that ‘great progress’ has been made toward ending the Ukraine war. The Kremlin…
Middle East: Trump seals a deal with Saudi Arabia, lifts sanctions on Syria
Donald Trump began a Middle East tour with major policy and economic announcements, including lifting long-standing US sanctions on Syria - a country rebuilding after civil war and regime change. The move, which…
Iran: Trump seeks to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions
Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. After withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), he reimposed sanctions, citing Iran's support for militias like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran has…
Cuba: prisoners released despite Trump’s reversing Biden’s decision
Cuba has released 553 prisoners, according to an agreement made in January with Joe Biden’s administration. The deal, mediated by the Vatican, was in return for being removed from the US terrorism blacklist.…
North Korea: new proposal for enforcing sanctions
The USA, South Korea, and Japan are proposing a new multinational panel outside the UN to enforce sanctions against North Korea. Russia rejected renewing the UN panel which has monitored sanctions for fifteen…
Nicaragua / Guyana border dispute is reignited
Guyana's vice-president, Bharrat Jagdeo, has issued a strong warning that his country will defend itself ‘by all and any means’ amid growing concerns that Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro may attempt to annex a…
UK sanctions, Chinese response
The UK has imposed new sanctions on several Chinese firms, accusing them of aiding Russia's military actions in Ukraine. China, strongly opposing these measures, has warned of a 'firm response' to any actions…
Venezuela / USA: sanctions to be eased
The USA is easing sanctions on Venezuela after the government and opposition agreed on 17 October to have next year's election monitored by international observers. They also promised to give all candidates access…
EU: anti-corruption sanctions
The EU High Representative and the European Commission are willing to step up in the global fight against kleptocrats. A new anti-corruption sanctions regime would supplement the EU’s existing regime covering worldwide corruption,…
Serbia: Wagner mercenaries recruiting for Russia
A Wagner mercenaries Serbian-language video showing Serb volunteers training to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine has outraged Serbia's president Vucic. He said, ‘Why do you, Wagner, call Serbians when you know it…
