Switzerland moves toward EU arms cooperation while maintaining neutrality
Switzerland is taking steps toward deeper defence cooperation with the European Union, launching talks on a non-binding arms partnership while maintaining its neutral stance.
The European Commission has proposed its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting over 100 shadow fleet vessels and dozens of entities aiding Moscow’s war efforts, including firms in China.
The European Union is moving swiftly on a new round of sanctions against Russia, EU diplomats said Tuesday, aiming at oil smuggling operations, military supply chains, and sanctions evasion networks.
More than 100 ships tied to Russia’s shadow fleet will be listed, along with over 50 individuals and entities, including five in China. New restrictions also target 31 companies supporting Russia’s military, 13 of which are based outside Russia.
The package also tightens export controls on dual-use goods and advanced technologies that could aid Russia’s war industry.
In a notable exception, the Commission proposed extending sanctions exemptions for Russia’s Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project until June 2026, due to its strategic importance to Japan.
Unlike previous rounds, this proposal was not shared with member states in advance, but diplomats expect quick agreement. Talks begin Wednesday.
The timing surprised observers, as previous reports indicated no major measures were expected before June.
One EU source said the move is meant to demonstrate unity within the bloc amid persistent veto threats from Hungary’s pro-Russia government.
The EU aims to coordinate the sanctions with Washington, where new U.S. measures have been drafted to pressure Moscow into accepting President Trump’s peace efforts. The U.S. sanctions reportedly include Gazprom, but it remains unclear whether Trump will approve them.
If adopted, the new EU package would mark a renewed effort to close loopholes, disrupt Russia’s wartime logistics, and reaffirm allied coordination despite political friction.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The Kremlin on Wednesday said Tehran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a "direct" result of the recent Israeli and US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.
King Charles will welcome U.S. President Donald Trump for a state visit later this year, marking the president’s second official visit to the U.K. under royal invitation.
Switzerland is taking steps toward deeper defence cooperation with the European Union, launching talks on a non-binding arms partnership while maintaining its neutral stance.
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted on Wednesday that American strikes caused “very severe” damage to Iranian nuclear sites, despite leaked intelligence reports suggesting otherwise.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
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