Putin says Armenia’s move toward EU membership would effectively mean quitting the EAEU, deepening a dispute over trade rules, integration and regional influence.
Belarus advises citizens to avoid travel to Russia’s border regions due to drone attacks amid the Ukraine conflict, highlighting growing security risks and economic disruptions.
Italy and France express doubts over the EU’s proposed entry ban on Russian combatants, fearing enforcement challenges and unintended restrictions on all Russian nationals.
Putin endorses former German Chancellor Schröder as preferred EU negotiator in Ukraine peace talks, highlighting economic ties and strategic diplomacy amid ongoing conflict.
The UK has withdrawn accreditation from a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow’s expulsion of a British envoy accused of espionage, deepening diplomatic tensions with economic repercussions.
Lithuania and Latvia deny airspace access to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico en route to Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day events, illustrating ongoing EU-Russia tensions.
Slovakia will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package on Russia until its oil supply through the Druzhba pipeline via Ukraine is restored, highlighting energy security tensions.