4.2 C
Europe
Thursday, December 7, 2023

NATO affirms commitment to Ukraine despite shifts in member states’ positions

During a press briefing, Stoltenberg addressed concerns about NATO's stance on aid to Ukraine, stating, "NATO members provide modern missiles, air defence systems, modern battle tanks - these are all examples of significant modern assistance"

Russian forces advance in Marinka, posing autumn offensive threat in Donetsk oblast

Intelligence reports indicate that the invaders currently control most of the city, with only small pockets on the western outskirts remaining under the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) control

White House budget director warns of depleting funds for Ukraine

The allocated $106 billion for Ukraine assistance, requested in October, remains in limbo within the Republican-controlled House of Representatives

Russia expels 12 Belgian Embassy’s employees

WorldRussiaRussia expels 12 Belgian Embassy's employees
Russia expelled 12 employees of the Belgian embassy in Moscow on Sunday, in retaliation for similar measures taken by the Belgian government. The 12 Belgian embassy staff were sent back to Belgium on Sunday.
As per the statement released by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, “A Belgian government plane flew back and forth to Moscow on Sunday 1 May to allow the return to Belgium of staff members of the Belgian embassy in Moscow, who were subject to expulsion by the Russian authorities, as well as members of their families.”
The spokesperson further added, “The twelve embassy staff members who were subject to this measure have now returned to Belgium.”
Belgium has planned to expel 21 Russian diplomats over alleged spying in March. According to a Belgian Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Belgian security forces had uncovered that the Russian diplomats were involved in espionage. The Russian embassy denied the accusation.
According to the reports, “The Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that “our embassy in Moscow remains open and continues to operate, despite this reduction in staff.”
The deadline for the Belgian diplomatic expulsion by the Russian authorities was set for 3 May.
Relations between the EU & Moscow have severely deteriorated since Russia invaded Ukraine. Other EU countries have expelled diplomats, such as the Netherlands, which expelled 17 Russian diplomats, Ireland expelled four, while the Czech Republic asked one Russian diplomat to leave.
The EU is working on its 6th package of sanctions against Russia. The new proposal will target phasing out Russian oil imports and will also aim to exclude Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, from the international Swift messaging system.

Check out our other content

Check out other tags:

Most Popular Articles