Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to advance agreements on building a nuclear power plant in Iran. The leaders also prepared to sign a 20-year strategic partnership treaty, signalling strengthened ties amid Western concerns. This pact is expected to include defence collaboration, raising alarms over Iran’s drones reportedly used in Ukraine and alleged missile transfers to Russia, which Tehran denies. Both nations assert that their cooperation is not aimed at other countries. The visit, Pezeshkian’s first to the Kremlin since taking office, marks a deepening alignment between the two sanctions-hit states.
EU DOWNSIZES GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS NETWORK
The European Commission is planning to reduce its international partnership offices from 100 to 18 hubs under President Ursula von der Leyen’s new strategic focus. This move aligns with budget constraints, geopolitical priorities, and the EU’s €300 billion Global Gateway initiative. The hubs will focus on Africa, Asia, and Latin America/Caribbean, with an emphasis on migration management in key nations like Ghana, Senegal, and Ethiopia. The restructuring shifts decision-making to Brussels, prioritizing trade and strategic initiatives over local development. The Directorate-General for International Partnerships may also come under the European External Action Services’ management.
ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASEFIRE DEAL PROGRESSES
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, pending cabinet approval. The deal includes the release of hostages from Gaza starting Sunday and a phased truce after 15 months of conflict. The war, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has killed over 46,000 Palestinians and displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Netanyahu faces internal political opposition to the ceasefire, while last-minute disputes with Hamas threaten the agreement’s implementation. Egyptian mediators are urging both sides to honour their commitments without delay.
RUSSIA REGAINS KURSK TERRITORY
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported reclaiming 63.2% of Ukrainian-held territory in the Kursk region, including four settlements. This follows Ukraine’s surprise border offensive in August, which initially secured significant ground but later saw Moscow regain territory with North Korean support. Concurrently, Ukrainian air defences intercepted 33 of 50 Russian drones targeting Danube port infrastructure, while Romania reported national airspace breaches. Amid escalating conflicts, Germany faces domestic political disputes over a €3 billion Ukraine aid package, drawing criticism from allies for perceived indecision.
NAVALNY LAWYERS JAILED IN RUSSIA: MEDIA REPORTS
Three lawyers for late Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny were convicted of belonging to an “extremist group” and sentenced to up to 5.5 years in prison as per media reports. The closed-door trial accused them of aiding Navalny’s communication while he was imprisoned. Navalny died in February 2024 under suspicious circumstances, intensifying allegations of Kremlin involvement. Amnesty International condemned the sentencing as a crackdown on opposition and legal defence, labelling the lawyers as political prisoners. Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, reiterated calls for their release. This adds to the Kremlin’s systematic targeting of Navalny’s associates and advocates.
