Russia expands military recruitment to include stateless individuals
Russia has authorized stateless individuals to enlist in its military, aiming to recruit 5,000 new soldiers.
Russia’s State Duma has given its backing to legislation that permits stateless people to join the Russian armed forces under contract. According to The Moscow Times, this development reflects the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to bolster military ranks for continued operations in Ukraine.
The approved measure amends current laws on military service and defense, equating stateless …
Zelensky highlights funding gaps in Ukraine's defense industry
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted the potential of Ukraine's defense industry, estimating it as a $44 billion sector. However, he pointed out that production is cut by nearly half due to a lack of financial resources. Meanwhile, Russia's missiles reportedly rely heavily on foreign components for their construction.
During his address to participants at the Defense Industry Forum in the Netherlands on June 24, Zelensky emphasized the enduring threat posed by Russia. "We all …
Naftogaz seeks $1.37 billion from Russia’s Gazprom following arbitration victory
Ukraine’s national oil and gas company Naftogaz has submitted a payment demand to Russia's Gazprom, claiming $1.37 billion in line with a final arbitration decision from Zurich, dated June 20, 2025, as announced by Naftogaz's press service on Tuesday, June 24. The Ukrainian energy company states that the figure covers the principal debt for gas transit services under a 2019 agreement, penalty fees, and legal expenses incurred by Naftogaz.
"If Gazprom declines to comply with the decision …
Slovakia signals support for EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia, seeks economic safeguards
Slovakia's Foreign Minister, Juraj Blanar, has expressed his readiness to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. This comes following comments by his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, who stated that both Hungary and Slovakia are against the new round of anti-Russian measures.
On the evening of June 23, Blanar said that the Slovak government assesses each sanctions package by considering whether these restrictions could harm Slovakia's national economy. "Negotiations are …
Zelensky: Russia plans military operations in Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is planning new military operations in Europe, despite suffering notable economic losses due to imposed sanctions. This information will be shared with Western partners, Zelensky added.
Zelensky revealed that he received a report from Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence, discussing numerous facets of the current situation in Russia. This included an analysis of the Russian defense industry and identifying key …