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Kremlin Criticises Armenia Over Zelenskiy Visit and Anti-Russia Remarks

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Russia on Sunday accused Armenia of giving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a platform to make anti-Russian comments, highlighting growing tensions between Moscow and its longtime ally Yerevan. During a visit to Armenia last week, Zelenskiy remarked that Russia feared “drones may buzz over Red Square” during the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

The Kremlin reacted strongly to the comments, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying Armenia’s actions were “not normal” and inconsistent with the spirit of relations between the two countries. Russia had earlier summoned Armenia’s ambassador to protest what it described as “terrorist threats against Russia” voiced by Zelenskiy while in Yerevan.

Relations between Russia and Armenia have become increasingly strained in recent years, particularly after Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023 despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers. Moscow has also expressed concern over Armenia’s growing ties with Europe after Yerevan hosted a major European Political Community meeting attended by more than 40 leaders, including Zelenskiy.

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Hungary’s New PM Péter Magyar to Take Office After Historic Election Victory

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Péter Magyar is set to be sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister after leading his Tisza party to a landslide election victory that ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. Tisza secured 141 seats in the 199-member parliament despite being founded only two years ago, while Orbán’s Fidesz party collapsed from 135 seats to just 52.

Large celebrations are planned in Budapest as Magyar promises a “change of system” alongside a new government. His incoming administration says its priority is rebuilding the economy and restoring public trust after years of corruption allegations linked to the previous government. Several investigations into financial misconduct and state contracts connected to former Fidesz allies are already underway.

The new government also faces major challenges, including securing €17 billion in frozen European Union funds, addressing Hungary’s growing budget deficit, and handling sensitive issues such as migration and Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions. While Magyar has pledged reforms and stronger ties with the EU, his government says Hungary will still rely on Russian energy supplies in the short term.

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UK Moves to Join EU’s Ukraine Loan Initiative

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The United Kingdom is set to begin talks to join the European Union’s £78 billion ($105.9 billion) loan programme for Ukraine, signalling closer defence and financial cooperation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the move at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, highlighting Britain’s intent to support Ukraine with critical military resources.

The EU-backed loan, approved last month, aims to cover a significant portion of Ukraine’s financial and defence needs over the next two years, with a large share directed toward military spending amid its ongoing war with Russia. The UK government said participation could also open opportunities for British defence firms to contribute to Ukraine’s urgent requirements.

Alongside the funding initiative, Britain plans to introduce further sanctions targeting Russian companies to disrupt military supply chains. The move reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defence cooperation, particularly as the United States urges allies to take greater responsibility for regional security, pushing the UK and EU toward deeper strategic alignment post-Brexit.

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Europe Turns to Armenia as Russia Watches Warily

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More than 30 European leaders have gathered in Yerevan for back-to-back summits, marking a significant geopolitical shift for Armenia—a country historically aligned with Russia. The meetings, including the European Political Community summit and a landmark EU-Armenia bilateral, signal growing ties between Armenia and Europe despite its longstanding dependence on Moscow for energy and security.

The shift gained momentum after the 2023 conflict with Azerbaijan, when Russia failed to intervene as Azerbaijani forces took control of Nagorno-Karabakh, displacing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. Disillusioned with Russian-led security arrangements, Armenia has since moved closer to Europe, even initiating steps toward EU membership in 2025. A US-backed peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has further accelerated regional diplomacy, though tensions remain fragile.

Russia has reacted with visible unease, warning that Armenia cannot simultaneously align with both the EU and its Eurasian Economic Union. Recent actions—including trade restrictions and suspected cyber interference—highlight growing friction. While Europe is offering support through monitoring missions and cooperation, it has stopped short of firm commitments on defence or energy, leaving Armenia to carefully balance its shifting alliances.

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Swiss Poll Shows Growing Support for Population Cap Referendum

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A slight majority of voters in Switzerland are backing a proposal to cap the nation’s population at 10 million, according to a recent opinion poll. The initiative, supported by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), will be put to a nationwide referendum on June 14, with support rising compared to earlier surveys.

The Swiss government has opposed the proposal, warning it could harm economic growth and strain relations with the European Union. Officials argue that limiting population growth could restrict the labor market and undermine existing agreements, particularly the freedom of movement arrangement with the EU.

However, increasing concerns over rapid population growth, infrastructure pressure, and the rising share of foreign residents have driven support for the initiative. With Switzerland’s population already exceeding 9 million, the proposal aims to impose a long-term cap by 2050, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration, economic ties, and national sovereignty.

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China Restricts Dual-Use Exports to 7 European Firms Over Taiwan Arms Links

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China has announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to seven European entities, accusing them of involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. The affected companies include Germany’s Hensoldt AG, Belgium’s FN Browning, and several Czech defence firms, with Beijing placing them on its export control list. China said the move targets organisations that “colluded with Taiwan,” which it considers part of its territory.

The restrictions apply to goods, software, and technologies with both civilian and military uses, such as components used in drones and semiconductors. Beijing stated that all related transfers must stop immediately, though it may grant case-by-case approvals in exceptional situations. China also said it had informed the European Union through its export control dialogue mechanism before announcing the measures.

European and Czech officials have sought clarification, with some companies saying they do not expect major business impacts. The Czech government has instructed its embassy in Beijing to seek explanations, while firms like Excalibur Army said they do not directly rely on Chinese dual-use imports. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own but which Taiwan’s government rejects.

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Italy Cuts Growth Outlook as Energy Costs Weigh on Economy

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Italy is set to lower its economic growth forecasts as rising energy prices continue to pressure its economy, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said. The government is expected to trim this year’s GDP growth estimate to around 0.5%–0.6%, down from 0.7%, while next year’s outlook may also be reduced slightly. The slowdown is largely attributed to external and temporary factors, particularly the ongoing energy crisis.

The weaker growth outlook complicates Italy’s efforts to reduce its budget deficit below the European Union’s 3% threshold. With the deficit already projected at 3.1% in 2025, slower expansion could limit fiscal room and make it harder to meet agreed targets. Despite these challenges, officials maintain that recent data does not indicate any structural weakness in the economy.

Italy has urged the European Union to consider temporarily easing its budget rules if geopolitical tensions, especially involving Iran, worsen further. While existing mechanisms allow flexibility during severe downturns, current conditions do not yet meet that threshold. Meanwhile, Italy remains under EU scrutiny for its deficit, restricting its ability to introduce major relief measures.

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G7 Ministers Urge Immediate End to Civilian Attacks in Iran War

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Foreign ministers of the G7 nations have called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure amid the ongoing Iran war, following a high-level meeting in France. In a joint statement, the ministers stressed the urgent need to reduce harm to civilian populations and protect critical infrastructure affected by the conflict.

The leaders highlighted the importance of coordination and global partnerships to limit the wider impact of the war, including disruptions to energy, trade, fertilizer supplies, and global supply chains. They warned that continued instability could trigger economic shocks and affect countries far beyond the conflict region.

The G7 also emphasized the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, while reaffirming their commitment to regional stability and international cooperation. The group includes the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union.

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Sadiq Khan Urges Labour to Back EU Rejoin

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the Labour Party to commit to rejoining the European Union in its next general election manifesto. In an interview, he described Brexit as damaging economically, socially, and culturally, and said returning to the EU was “inevitable.” He also urged the government to first rejoin the customs union and single market before the expected 2029 election.

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has repeatedly ruled out rejoining those structures. The Conservatives criticized Khan’s remarks, suggesting they reveal divisions within Labour leadership. Meanwhile, Khan hinted that rejoining the EU might not necessarily require another referendum, though he did not explicitly confirm this.

The comments have added to broader political debate, with figures like Angela Rayner raising concerns about immigration policies, and former Prime Minister John Major warning that Brexit has harmed trade and economic stability. Other parties remain split, with some supporting closer EU ties while others strongly oppose any move to rejoin.

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Switzerland Opposes Population Cap Initiative

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The Swiss government has urged voters to reject a proposal that would cap the country’s population at 10 million, warning the measure could harm the economy and strain relations with the European Union. The referendum, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), is scheduled for June 14 and comes as Switzerland seeks closer cooperation with the EU to maintain access to its largest trading market.

Supporters of the initiative argue that high immigration levels are driving housing shortages, rising rents, and increased pressure on public infrastructure. The proposal calls for limiting permanent residents to under 10 million by 2050 and ending Switzerland’s freedom of movement agreement with the EU, which critics say could weaken economic ties and labor mobility.

The Federal Council, along with business groups, trade unions, and cantonal leaders, has warned the plan would undermine job markets, security cooperation, and Switzerland’s humanitarian traditions. With the population already exceeding 9 million and foreign nationals accounting for more than 27%, officials say the initiative would create uncertainty during a period of global instability.

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