Germany’s foreign intelligence service, Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has accused Moscow of understating the economic toll of its war in Ukraine, estimating that Russia’s 2025 budget deficit is significantly higher than officially reported. In a LinkedIn post, the BND said the actual federal deficit stood at 8.01 trillion roubles, compared with the official figure of
Services activity across the euro zone expanded at a slightly faster pace in February as demand conditions improved, according to a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey compiled by S&P Global. The HCOB euro zone services PMI rose to 51.9 from 51.6 in January, signalling continued growth, though the pace of expansion remained modest. Economists noted […]
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow American forces to use its military bases for operations linked to strikes on Iran. Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said he had instructed U.S. officials to consider cutting off economic dealings with Spain, […]
The European Union is preparing to introduce stricter “Made in EU” requirements for automakers as part of a proposed Industrial Accelerator Act aimed at reviving domestic manufacturing. Under draft rules, electric vehicles would need at least 70% of their parts’ value — excluding the battery — produced within the bloc to qualify for subsidies, alongside […]
Germany’s armed forces face a critical recruitment shortfall that could force Berlin to reinstate compulsory military service if voluntary efforts fail, the country’s Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces has warned. In his annual report, Commissioner Henning Otte said personnel shortages remain the Bundeswehr’s most pressing bottleneck as Germany seeks to
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that escalating conflict in the Middle East could undermine Ukraine’s ability to secure vital air defence systems as it battles Russia’s invasion. He warned that allies, particularly the United States, might divert critical weapons such as Patriot missile systems to protect their own interests or support partners in the
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war against Iran would be decisive and not drag on for years, describing it as potentially lasting weeks rather than becoming an “endless war.” Speaking in a televised interview, Netanyahu stressed that while the conflict may take some time, it would not mirror the prolonged wars of the […]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia will struggle to fulfil its planned military advances, asserting that Moscow has failed to meet objectives it set last year. Speaking in Kyiv, Zelenskiy stated that Russia’s broader strategy remains focused on occupying eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, but insisted that current battlefield realities do not support
The Kremlin stated on Monday that continuing peace talks with Ukraine remains in Russia’s own interests, emphasizing a preference for a diplomatic settlement to end the fighting. Despite recent deadlocks over Russia’s demand for control of the remaining part of eastern Donbas, Moscow reiterated its commitment to negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said
France has expressed readiness to assist Gulf countries targeted by Iranian retaliatory attacks, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said after a crisis meeting in Paris. Barrot emphasized that any support would be proportionate and aligned with international law’s collective self-defense principles, responding to requests from regional partners. The French minister









