Love in the Baltics in a time of war

The human twists of the war in Ukraine are gut-wrenching. For Lithuanian Aleksej Zanemanski it is an uphill battle for the right to live with his wife he loves unconditionally but who happens to be Russian.

Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration

For some leaders in Central and Southeast Europe, the new Trump presidency is seen as a opportunity; for others it’s a challenge to navigate carefully.

Japan establishes diplomatic mission to NATO as ties to Russia, China deteriorate

Japan has formally launched an independent diplomatic mission to NATO, reflecting its growing collaboration with the alliance as tensions rise with Russia, China and North Korea.

What does Ukraine have to offer the deal-loving Trump? $11 trillion worth of strategically important minerals to start with.

Trump loves a deal and he won’t continue to support Ukraine in its war against Russia unless he feels the US is going to get something out of it. What does Ukraine have to offer? Well, $11 trillion worth of strategic minerals to start with.

Ukraine's politicians are already getting ready for elections that must follow a ceasefire deal

If a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine is agreed after President-elect Donald Trump takes over, Ukraine will hold presidential elections and as the talk grows Kyiv’s elite are already starting to prepare their campaigns.

Iraq's London moment marks its post-Saddam era's coming of age

When Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sat down with King Charles III in London on January 14, the symbolism could not have been more profound. It was twenty years after the fall of Saddam Hussein's hated regime.

A tale of two Tajikistans: the macro and micro realities

Economic statistics do not accurately reflect on-the-ground reality for a large number of Tajiks.

Mongolia revives traditional "Ghengis Khan" script bichig

13th century writing system created specifically for Mongolian language to appear alongside Cyrillic in official documents.

Georgians still resisting: the view from Rustaveli

The next few days could be critical, as Georgian Dream looks set on upping the level of police repression and protesters gear up for a renewed wave of high intensity, engaged resistance.

New US oil sanctions, attack on Turkstream shake up global energy markets

The Biden administration imposed the harshest ever oil sanctions ever on Russia on January 10, which immediately roiled the international energy markets. Kyiv's attempt to destroy Russia's last gas pipeline to Europe unsettled markets further.

OUTLOOK Iran 2025

What is in store for Iran in 2025? bnm IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Iran 2025

Georgia’s once vibrant theatres fall silent

Actors, comedians and theatre workers are on strike in solidarity with activists arrested during the ongoing wave of protests in Georgia.

Russia's hidden war debt and a looming credit crisis

Moscow has been quietly pursuing a two-pronged strategy to finance its escalating war costs. In addition to the publicly scrutinised defence budget, it has set up a system of state-directed off-budget soft loans to boost unofficial military spending.

TurkStream is now the only route for Russian gas to Europe

Romania’s political deadlock deepens as nationalists rise

Tens of thousands of people joined protest against cancellation of presidential election, which thwarted far-right candidate Calin Georgescu’s presidential ambitions.

OUTLOOK Uzbekistan 2025

What is in store for Uzbekistan in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Uzbekistan 2025

Lebanon faces a new phase: will Hezbollah surrender its weapons to the state?

Lebanon stands on the brink of a new political phase following the election of President Joseph Aoun, who pledged in his inaugural speech to work towards building a state based on institutions, under the rule of law and the judiciary.

Abkhazia in deep crisis

With Abkhaz society dead-set against a controversial investment law and the statelet's patron Russia seemingly insistent on it passing, it’s unclear what possible way there is out of the crisis.

"Danish model" funded 500% increase in Ukraine's domestic arms production in 2024

With US supplies of weapons expected to fall in 2005 and European stockpiles running low, Kyiv’s arms supplies are shifting from international purchases to boosting domestic production.

Iran faces unprecedented decline in fertility rates, experts warn

Iran is experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift as fertility rates hit a historic low of 1.6 children per woman in 2024, down from 6.5 in the 1980s