Articles
What a New Nuclear Deal with Iran Would Mean for the European Union
As the likelihood of a new nuclear deal treaty with the Islamic Republic of Iran looms closer, the European Union is anticipating the entry of Iranian energy into global markets. The initial Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement negotiated in 2015 fell apart when the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018, causing Iran to walk back on agreed points.
Protests in Iraq as Muqtada Al-Sadr Announces His Withdrawal from Politics
The announcement of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s departure from Iraqi political life has ignited major protests in the country’s capital, Baghdad. Violent clashes have broken out in the streets, resulting in many injuries and deaths. Iraqi security forces are doing everything they can to contain the protests, but the cleric’s words about leaving politics have caused a major upheaval in Iraqi society.
Gas Sector In War-Torn Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has delivered a severe blow to the Ukrainian gas sector. Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine have decreased while many infrastructure facilities were badly damaged in Ukraine. Gazprom’s price war elevated prices for European countries and Ukraine will need more gas before the heating season.
Ukraine Starts Counteroffensive In Country’s South
Ukraine’s politicians and top military officials have announced a counteroffensive in the south of the country. Heavy fighting is taking place in almost the entire territory of the Kherson region. Yet Ukrainian forces will not retake Russian-controlled swathes of land quickly. It is another phase of a long-term operation that could last until October after weeks-long artillery shelling.
Another SBU Official Suspected Of State Treason
Ukraine’s main intelligence and security agency SBU reported suspicion of treason to the temporary acting head of the Institute for the Training of Legal Personnel for the Security Service of the Yaroslav Mudry National University of Law. He is another person suspected and detained for spying for Russia.
Russia’s Gazprom Offers Extra Gas Supplies To Hungary, Cutting Off Deliveries To Other Countries
Gazprom will send more gas to Hungary while cutting off supplies to Germany and France. Russia’s gas strategy is characterized by two principles. First, state-run gas giant Gazprom has for more than a year pushed to increase gas prices throughout Europe. Secondly, Moscow applies a reward-and-punishment mechanism for some countries, depending on their stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Taliban As Another Market For Russian Oil Companies?
The Taliban administration is in the final stages of talks in Moscow over the terms of a contract for Afghanistan to purchase gasoline and benzene from Russia, according to Afghan officials. A delegation of Taliban officials led by the trade and industry minister is negotiating a deal with their Russian counterparts to secure imports of wheat and oil. Russian oil and fuel exports to Afghanistan will not be significant, but what matters more than the economy is the propaganda and political message. Russia seeks to add a new country to the list of Russian energy importers and boost mutual ties.
France’s TotalEnergies And Its Activities In Russia
Western businesses quit Russia––some do it quickly while others just pretend to withdraw from the country. A fierce controversy recently broke out over France’s TotalEnergies and its activities on Russia, soil, according to French daily Le Monde.
Lost race with the communists
As you know, World War II ended the German occupation, but the Poles found themselves under the totalitarian rule of Stalin. The authorities brought on Soviet tanks were not interested in the needs and opinions of the Polish people, but with orders from the Kremlin. But what would the Poles of that time want if they could decide about themselves?
Ukraine Continues Crimean Counteroffensive Also Outside Battle Zone
A series of attacks on Russian military facilities in Crimea coincided with the second summit of the Crimean Platform. Perhaps the brave deeds of the Ukrainian army were to promote the diplomatic initiative. Eight years after Russia unlawfully seized Crimea from Ukraine, the prospect of its liberation has not resonated louder than now. It is both about Ukraine’s military efforts and Western solidarity.
As Russian Offensive Stalled, Ukraine Is Running Out Of Time To Counterattack
Russian forces have not made significant territorial gains in Ukraine since early July. The war in Ukraine has settled into trench warfare. Any major shifts if such occur might take place alongside the southern front.
Bulgaria’s Ready To Negotiate Gas Deal With Russia’s Gazprom After Government Changes
Russia cut off gas supplies to Bulgaria, back then under the pro-Western government of Kiril Petkov, back in April. The authorities in Sofia refused to bow to Russian pressure and started buying gas elsewhere. However, the government of Petkov, who refused Russia’s demands in April, lost a vote of no confidence and a new caretaker government has been appointed by Rumen Radev, the country’s pro-Russian president. The bottom line is that Bulgaria says it wants to resume talks with Russia’s Gazprom on the latter’s terms.
Putin Signs Showy Decree To Increase Size Of Armed Forces
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on August 25 to increase the size of Russia’s armed forces by 137,000 to 1.15 million. The document is a propaganda tool that will scarcely improve the Russian situation in Ukraine. It is unlikely to add that many people as Russia is struggling notably with a poor demographic situation. Adding more servicemen does not mean an increase in combat strength, in particular in Russia.
Russia Appoints New Black Sea Fleet Commander Amid Ukrainian Attacks
The six-month Russian invasion of Ukraine has claimed the lives of many senior Russian military officials. Others were relieved from their duties. As recently reported, a new commander has been appointed to the Russian Black Sea Fleet amid a series of setbacks it had seen, including the sinking of its flagship vessels and recent blasts in Crimea.
