Keywords: Sanctions


Japan moves to strengthen counter-espionage efforts amid concerns over foreign intelligence activities

Japan has pledged to strengthen its response to foreign intelligence activities after renewed concerns that overseas spy networks are exploiting legal loopholes to gather sensitive information and acquire strategic technologies. The announcement follows renewed scrutiny of Russia's intelligence......

France to summon Russian ambassador over alleged cyber campaign targeting Europe

France will summon Russia's ambassador in the coming days following what Paris describes as a large-scale cyber campaign allegedly conducted by Russian intelligence services against several European countries, including France. The announcement signals a further escalation in diplomatic tensions......

Turkey seeks swift progress on lifting US sanctions and F-35 fighter jet deal

Turkey said it expects rapid progress toward the removal of remaining US sanctions and the revival of its ambition to acquire F-35 fighter jets, as Ankara seeks to strengthen defence cooperation with Washington following renewed diplomatic engagement between the two NATO allies. Turkish Foreign Minister......

Venezuela urges King Charles III to release frozen gold reserves for earthquake recovery

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez has appealed to King Charles III to facilitate the release of approximately 30 tonnes of Venezuelan gold held at the Bank of England, arguing that the assets are urgently needed to finance reconstruction efforts following the country's devastating......

Trump signals end to Turkey sanctions and weighs renewed F-35 fighter jet sales

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that his administration intends to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey and will decide whether to move forward with the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Ankara. The remarks came as Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on......

Colombia’s Petro discusses anti-drug policy and U.S. sanctions in call with Trump

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, focusing on anti-narcotics efforts and strained bilateral relations, according to a statement from the Colombian government. The discussion centered on Colombia’s ongoing campaign to......

Hengli Petrochemical cuts Output and cancels crude imports amid supply shift, sources say

China’s refining giant Hengli Petrochemical has significantly reduced its refining activity after cancelling large volumes of crude oil purchases from West Africa and the Middle East, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision reportedly affects at least 6 million barrels of crude,......

Lukashenko pardons 32 prisoners in Belarus, including many convicted of ‘Extremism’

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 32 prisoners, including 28 individuals convicted on charges of “extremism,” according to a statement from a Telegram channel linked to his administration. The decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Belarus’s human rights record,......

United States temporarily eases sanctions on Venezuela to support earthquake relief efforts

The United States has announced a temporary suspension of certain economic sanctions on Venezuela to facilitate humanitarian operations following the devastating earthquakes that recently struck the country. The measure is intended to ensure that relief supplies, financial transactions, and emergency......