European Union
🇪🇺🇰🇷 In a joint statement, the EU and South Korea demand North Korea withdraw troops supporting Russia in Ukraine, denouncing the “unlawful” arms and military aid. Meeting in Seoul, officials raised concerns over escalating military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
🇭🇺 Orban declares Europe must pivot on Ukraine if Trump wins US presidency, claiming continent can’t sustain war support alone. Hungary’s pro-Putin PM, who openly backs Trump, predicts American stance will shift from war to peace - forcing EU recalculation.
🇲🇩 Pro-Western President Maia Sandu leads Moldova’s crucial runoff election with 50.28% of votes counted, amid Russian interference claims. Her EU-focused vision faces off against Stoianoglo’s East-West balancing act in this pivotal moment for the nation.
🇫🇮 Finland sets historic precedent as Russian paramilitary leader faces trial for 2014 Ukraine war crimes. Yan Petrovsky, under EU sanctions, accused of killing 22 Ukrainian soldiers while commanding Rusich unit in Luhansk.
🇲🇩 Moldova courts validate historic EU referendum despite vote-buying scandal, with razor-thin 50.35% victory. Pro-Russian forces resist as President Sandu heads to runoff, marking pivotal moment in post-Soviet nation’s Western pivot.
🇬🇪 Georgian opposition demands protests after HarrisX pollster declares ruling party’s 54% victory “statistically impossible” with 172,523 unexplained votes - crucial election could determine country’s pivot between Russia and EU alignment.
🇪🇺 EU slaps massive 45% tariffs on Chinese EVs despite German opposition, sparking fears of economic cold war. Beijing retaliates with probes into EU brandy, dairy, and pork as Chinese EV makers rush final shipments before deadline.
🇬🇪 Thousands storm Georgia’s streets as pro-Russian Georgian Dream claims 54% election win. President calls it “Russian special operation,” opposition alleges fraud, and West demands probe into vote-buying and intimidation as EU hopes fade.
🇪🇺 EU’s Michel demands ‘serious’ probe into Georgia election fraud claims, puts crisis on November summit agenda - raising stakes for Tbilisi’s European aspirations amid growing Russian influence concerns.
🇲🇩 Moldova’s President Maia Sandu declared a hard-fought victory after a narrow 50.46% win in the EU accession referendum, despite allegations of Russia-backed meddling. Sandu, calling it an “unfair fight,” accused foreign forces of undermining the vote. A presidential runoff looms.
🇷🇸 In a rare call, Serbia’s Vucic thanks Putin for ensuring winter gas supplies, reaffirming close ties despite EU pressure. Serbia maintains its refusal to sanction Russia over Ukraine, hiding behind a “delicate balancing act” between East and West.
🇬🇪 Georgian President Zourabichvili rallies thousands in Tbilisi, urging voters to reject ruling Georgian Dream party in crucial election. Pro-EU opposition unites against perceived Russian influence. Upcoming vote is pivotal for Georgia’s European aspirations amid fears of democratic backsliding.
🇨🇭 Switzerland, famously neutral, has signed onto the European Sky Shield Initiative—a significant departure from its traditional stance. The unified air and missile defense system, led by Germany in response to Russia’s violent aggression, offers Europe a chance to streamline defense resources.