-
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 …
-
Russia condemns U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities
In a stern rebuke, Russia's Foreign Ministry unequivocally denounced the United States' attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. The ministry's statement, issued on Sunday, June 22, criticized the strikes as "a violation of international law," referring to the operations as reckless and in contravention of globally accepted norms.
According to the released statement, the decision to launch missile and bomb strikes on the territory of a sovereign nation, regardless of the pretext, blatantly …
-
Russia and Taliban sign labor migration deal amid expanding bilateral ties
Russian authorities have brokered a deal with the Taliban to dramatically expand labor migration from Afghanistan, the head of the Russian Business Center in Afghanistan, Rustam Khabibullin, told the news outlet Baza. While currently around 100 Afghans are employed in Russian construction sites, this number is expected to swell to a thousand. Khabibullin noted that skilled Afghan laborers, ranging from bricklayers and welders to electricians and painters, are set to head to Russia. The …
-
Latvian Parliament bans real estate purchases by Russian and Belarusian citizens
In a landmark move, the Latvian Parliament has passed the final reading of the “Law on the Restriction of Transactions Threatening National Security,” effectively prohibiting Russian and Belarusian citizens and entities with their involvement from acquiring real estate within the country. According to Delfi, the initiative received overwhelming support, with 69 deputies voting in favor and only 8 against it.
The newly adopted law extends beyond simple property purchases, encompassing a variety …
-
Lukashenko meets with Trump's envoy amid Russia-Ukraine tensions
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko engaged in discussions with Donald Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, following prior clandestine negotiations concerning Russia and Ukraine. On Saturday, June 21, President Lukashenko’s previously announced meeting with an American delegation took place in Minsk, as reported by "Pool Pervogo." Ahead of this meeting, the U.S. delegation arrived in the Belarusian capital. The meeting was held at the Palace of Independence with official representatives …