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International Politics

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International Politics

Slovak President to Host Austrian Counterpart as Opposition Party Unveils Economic Expert

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini will welcome Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen for an official visit, highlighting continued diplomatic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The meeting comes as part of regular bilateral exchanges between Slovakia and Austria, countries that share both EU membership and close economic ties through their shared border and integration within Central European markets. Meanwhile, the opposition Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS) is set to introduce a new economic policy expert to strengthen its team, as the liberal party seeks to bolster its credibility on fiscal and economic matters ahead of future political campaigns.

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International Politics

Slovak PM Returns from Putin Meeting with Mysterious Promise as Russian Leader Claims Ukraine War Nearing End

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed during Victory Day celebrations that the current war against Ukraine is approaching its end and that he is prepared to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin's statements came as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico returned from Moscow with what sources described as a mysterious promise from the Russian leader. The meeting between Putin and Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, has drawn attention given Slovakia's position as a NATO and EU member while maintaining dialogue with Russia. Putin's claims about the war's trajectory and willingness to engage with Ukraine's leadership mark a notable shift in public rhetoric, though the credibility of such statements remains questionable given the ongoing conflict.

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International Politics

Trump Rejects Iran's Response to US Proposal as Unacceptable

US President-elect Donald Trump has rejected Iran's response to an American proposal as unacceptable. The Iranian government had announced several days earlier that it was considering the proposal from the United States. Trump's dismissal of Iran's reaction signals continued tensions between Washington and Tehran, though the specific details of the proposal and Iran's response remain unclear. The development comes as Trump prepares to return to office, having previously pursued a hardline approach toward Iran during his first presidency, including withdrawing from the nuclear agreement and imposing stringent economic sanctions.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Kremlin Security Measures Intensify as Visitors Must Surrender Analog Watches to Meet Putin

Security protocols around Russian President Vladimir Putin have reached new levels of paranoia, with visitors now required to surrender even analog watches before meetings. The heightened security measures come as Ukraine continues to eliminate Russian soldiers at a faster pace than the Kremlin can mobilize new forces. The war, now in its 217th week, has seen Russia struggle to maintain adequate troop levels as Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on multiple fronts. The increasingly strict security protocols reflect growing concerns within the Russian leadership about potential threats, even from basic timepieces that could theoretically be modified for surveillance or other purposes.

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International Politics

Hungarian Prime Minister Requests Privacy Protection for His Three Sons

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has requested that the privacy of his three sons be respected, stating they will not make public appearances. The premier shares three children aged 17, 13, and 11 with his ex-wife Judit Varga, who previously served as justice minister for the ruling Fidesz party. The request underscores the prime minister's effort to shield his family from public scrutiny amid his prominent political role in Hungary and across Europe.

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International Politics

Iran warns against sending ships to Strait of Hormuz

Iran has issued a warning against the deployment of French and British naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, threatening an immediate and decisive response to any ships that might support what it calls "illegal and internationally unlawful actions by the United States." The Iranian warning reflects escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway, through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies pass. The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly over sanctions and regional military presence.

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International Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Celebrated New Year in Moscow, Former Police Chief Gašpar Faces Internal Review

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico celebrated the New Year in Moscow despite earlier claims he would be in Liptovský Mikuláš, according to reports. The development has drawn attention to Fico's continuing ties with Russia amid Slovakia's EU and NATO membership. Former police chief Tibor Gašpar, who allegedly collaborated with Fico during the Moscow visit, now faces an internal review process described as a "purgatory" for the former official. The situation comes as economic indicators suggest concerning trends, with analysts pointing to troubling graphs highlighting the country's economic challenges.

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International Politics

Slovakia warns travelers of planned transport strikes in Belgium and Italy

Slovakia's Ministry of Transport has issued a travel advisory warning citizens about planned strikes in Belgium and Italy that could disrupt transportation services. The ministry cautioned travelers to expect possible delays and cancellations of transport connections in both countries. The advisory aims to help Slovak citizens plan their journeys accordingly and prepare for potential travel disruptions when visiting or transiting through Belgium and Italy.

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International Politics

Wanted Polish ex-justice minister Ziobro flees Hungary for United States

Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland's former justice minister who faces an arrest warrant and potential 25-year prison sentence, has fled from Hungary to the United States, according to Polish media reports. Polish right-wing television Republika reported that Ziobro is now in the US, while liberal broadcaster TVN24 published his photograph. Warsaw authorities had previously stated that Ziobro did not possess a valid passport and had no record of leaving the country, making it unclear how he managed to reach the United States. Ziobro had been seeking asylum in Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government before his disappearance from the country. The former minister, who served in Poland's previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, is wanted by Polish authorities in connection with criminal charges that could result in a quarter-century prison term.

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International Politics

Bosnian Serb Leader Asks Putin to Help Overturn UN High Representative's Decisions

Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnia's Serb-majority Republika Srpska entity, has requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to use his influence at the UN Security Council to cancel decisions made by Christian Schmidt, the international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The appeal comes ahead of a Security Council debate on the Balkans scheduled for Tuesday. Schmidt serves as the top international civilian official overseeing Bosnia's peace implementation under the 1995 Dayton Agreement, with powers to impose laws and remove officials. Dodik has frequently clashed with international authorities and has challenged Schmidt's legitimacy, while maintaining close ties with Russia despite EU and US sanctions imposed on him for undermining Bosnia's constitutional order.

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International Politics

Germany Rejects Russian Peace Proposals, Warns of Kremlin Hybrid Strategy

Germany has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's signals about peace in Ukraine, describing them as part of Russia's hybrid strategy rather than genuine diplomatic overtures. The German government dismissed Putin's recent peace proposals as tactical moves designed to undermine Western unity and support for Ukraine. Berlin emphasized the importance of maintaining European unity in response to Russian aggression and questioned the role of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who has maintained close ties to Russia throughout the conflict. The rejection reflects Germany's continued alignment with broader Western efforts to support Ukraine while remaining skeptical of Russian diplomatic initiatives that are viewed as attempts to weaken international resolve against Moscow's military actions.

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International Politics

Over Half Million Migrants in Libya Seek to Reach Europe, Greek Minister Says

More than 500,000 migrants currently in Libya are seeking to travel to Europe, according to Greek Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi Plevris. Authorities expect additional boats carrying migrants could depart from the Libyan coast in the coming period. Libya has become a major transit hub for migrants from across Africa and the Middle East attempting to reach European shores via dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossings. The North African country's ongoing instability since the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi has made it difficult to control migration flows, creating a significant challenge for European Union border security and migration policy.

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International Politics

Germany Renews Efforts to Purchase American Tomahawk Missiles

Germany is making fresh attempts to acquire American Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to the Financial Times. The renewed procurement effort comes as the United States has cancelled plans to deploy troops in Germany. The Tomahawk missiles are long-range precision weapons that would significantly enhance Germany's military capabilities and represent a major defense acquisition for the NATO ally.

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International Politics

Putin Proposes Schröder as Mediator for Potential Talks with Zelenskyy

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to negotiate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but conditioned any meeting on reaching a long-term peace agreement. Putin suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a European mediator for potential talks. Schröder, who led Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) from 1999 to 2004 and served as chancellor until 2005, remains a controversial figure in Germany due to his close ties to Russian energy companies and his relationship with Putin. The proposal comes as the war in Ukraine continues with no clear diplomatic breakthrough in sight, though Putin's conditions for negotiations remain unclear.

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International Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Meets with Bavarian Premier Söder, Calls Bavaria Important Partner

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held talks with Bavarian Premier Markus Söder and delivered remarks at a conference following their meeting. Fico described Bavaria as a significant partner for Slovakia during the discussions. The meeting between the leaders of Slovakia and Germany's largest state by area highlights the ongoing diplomatic and economic ties between the neighboring regions, with Bavaria sharing a border with Slovakia and serving as an important economic partner through cross-border trade and investment.

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International Politics

Fico's Rhetoric Shift Unlikely to Repair Slovak-Ukrainian Relations

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's recent change in tone toward Ukraine will not be sufficient to resolve the ongoing tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine, according to political analysis. The ruling Smer-SD party, a social-democratic party that has been critical of Western military support for Ukraine, would need to fundamentally reeducate its own voter base to achieve any meaningful improvement in bilateral relations. Fico, who has previously criticized EU sanctions against Russia and questioned military aid to Ukraine, has made recent statements suggesting a more moderate position, but experts suggest this rhetorical adjustment alone cannot overcome the deep political divisions his party has cultivated regarding the conflict.

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International Politics

Slovak Prime Minister Claims Moscow Trip Revealed US Plans to Buy European Energy Infrastructure

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made unexpected statements in Liptovský Mikuláš following discussions on energy security, claiming he learned crucial information during his Moscow visit about alleged American intentions to purchase European energy infrastructure. Fico, who leads the ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, has faced criticism for his recent diplomatic engagement with Russia amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. Opposition lawmakers dismissed the claims, with one stating that the Slovak people gain nothing from Fico's visits to Moscow. The statements come as Slovakia grapples with energy security concerns, particularly regarding natural gas supplies that have traditionally flowed through Ukraine from Russia.

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International Politics

Slovak Arms Industry Billionaire Faces Market Crisis Amid Ukrainian War Contracts

Shares of Czech arms company CSG have plummeted by half, putting billionaire Michal Strnad, a key ammunition supplier to Ukraine, under intense pressure from aggressive American investors. Strnad maintains close relationships with Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák, highlighting the interconnected nature of Central European defense contracting during the ongoing war. The dramatic stock decline has drawn attention across Europe, as CSG plays a crucial role in supplying munitions to Ukrainian forces. The company's financial troubles come at a critical time when European arms manufacturers have been experiencing unprecedented demand due to the conflict, making Strnad's predicament particularly notable in international defense circles.

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International Politics

Putin Suggests Referendum on Armenia's EU Membership, References Ukraine Scenario

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Armenia should hold a referendum on joining the European Union, describing such a vote as logical. Putin indicated that a peaceful separation between Yerevan and Moscow could be possible, while drawing parallels to the situation with Ukraine. The comments come as Armenia, a traditional Russian ally in the South Caucasus region, has been reassessing its foreign policy orientation following tensions over the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where many Armenians felt Russia failed to provide adequate support despite their military alliance.

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International Politics

Slovak Teachers Take Students to War-Torn Ukrainian Village for Reconstruction Efforts

Two Slovak educators have been leading students from a Bratislava gymnasium on regular trips to the Ukrainian village of Pidhajne, located just 100 kilometers from Kyiv, for the past three years. Kristína Uhlíková and Peter Popluhár, who founded the initiative called Young People for Ukraine, organize reconstruction work to repair houses damaged by the war and run camps for local children. The educators describe witnessing both the 'enormous malice of Russians' and the 'great will of Ukrainians to live and repair the damage' during their humanitarian missions. Their work provides direct assistance to a community affected by the ongoing conflict while giving Slovak students firsthand experience of the war's impact on civilian life, including the psychological effects of nightly drone sounds overhead.

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