Moscow-friendly Rumen Radev wins absolute majority in Bulgarian elections Former president’s election could end years of weak coalition governments but critics warn it may be bad for EU The Guardian - UK · Apr 20
Bulgaria's Kremlin-friendly ex-president wins sweeping election victory Bulgarian former president Rumen Radev, an EU critic who has called for renewing ties with Russia, has won an absolute majority in parliamentary elections that could spell an end to the country's half-decade of political uncertainty but also potentially push the EU and NATO member state closer to Moscow. Radio France Internationale · Apr 20
Extension of NATO fuel network gains momentum as Macron visits Poland Plans to extend a vast Cold War-era pipeline eastwards in order to bolster NATO’s fuel resilience are set to top the agenda at defence cooperation talks between French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish leader Donald Tusk in Gdansk on Monday. Radio France Internationale · Apr 20
MoD has lost track of veterans on recall list, says defence adviser Exclusive: George Robertson calls on officials to identify the ‘fit and willing’ in UK’s 95,000-strong strategic reserve The Guardian - UK · Apr 19
Trump has already endorsed the Monroe Doctrine. Now he needs to endorse the Truman Doctrine The president has a fondness for associating himself with "doctrines" of highly regarded predecessors. He should pay attention to one from more history. Fortune · Apr 18
Trump slams NATO claiming it offered to help clear Strait of Hormuz after he declared it open: ‘We never needed them’ Earlier Friday, President Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened, though Iran said the opening would only last as long as the ceasefire in Lebanon The Independent UK · Apr 18
UK to make ‘wide-ranging military contribution’ to Hormuz mission, says diplomat The commitment by Sir Christian Turner comes amid long-standing concerns over the state of the nation’s armed forces. Evening Standard · Apr 17
U.S. to Reportedly Delay Weapons Deliveries to Europe as Iran War Strains Military Stockpiles The United States has reportedly warned some European allies that previously contracted weapons deliveries may be delayed as the war with Iran continues to drain American stockpiles. International Business Times · Apr 17
Oil's well that ends well? Trump claims nuke deal with Iran to end Hormuz horror TOI correspondent from Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Iran has agreed to give up its enriched uranium and reopen the Strait of Hormuz - in return for unspecified rewards and concessions, according to reports. The Times of India · Apr 17
Defence spending should not be a choice of welfare or warfare Letters: Readers on the purpose of Nato and the merits of increasing military spending in straitened times The Guardian - UK · Apr 17
Bulletin world briefing: Trump declares ‘victory’ over Iran and EU plots jet fuel release Trump claims ‘victory’ as Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz and attacks Nato EU plans jet fuel stock release as Iran crisis threatens summer flights Korean pop giants unite for new global festival to rival Coachella Helicopter crashes minutes after take-off killing eight on board Lebanese people return home amid… The Independent UK · Apr 17
Trump claims ‘victory’ as Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz and attacks Nato IN FULL The Independent UK · Apr 17
‘A year ago our country was an embarrassment’: Trump said it to bash Biden, but critics did the math and couldn’t stop laughing Look around, Mr.President! We Got This Covered · Apr 17
Trump tells ‘useless’ Nato to stay away after UK and France vow to protect Strait of Hormuz shipping The US president lashed out at UK offers to help after the Strait of Hormuz was declared ‘completely open’ by Iran on Friday The Independent UK · Apr 17
International Business Times UK · Apr 17 Labour Pension Plan Sparks Fury After MPs Back Power to Direct Retirement Savings MPs approved plans allowing ministers to influence pension investments, raising concerns about political control and risks to long-term retirement savings.
The Independent UK · Apr 17 Kosovo to approve troop contribution for Gaza force The Tiny Balkan nation of Kosovo says it wants to commit dozens of its security troops to an international force for Gaza because its appreciates what NATO-led peacekeepers have done for its own security since the 1998-99 war with Serbia
The Independent UK · Apr 17 Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president is seen as strong front-runner in Sunday's election Bulgarians are holding an early election that could bring to power a left-leaning ex-president
Euronews · Apr 17 Europe-led coalition prepares mission to reopen Strait of Hormuz A group of more than 40 countries is meeting in Paris to finalise early plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The France and UK-led coalition insists the operation will only kick in when the war is over. Countries say they are ready to send warships, personnel and demining support.
The Guardian - AU · Apr 17 Ukraine war briefing: €90bn EU loan for Ukraine to be released in second quarter EU economy commissioner says Iran war is feeding Russia’s war machine; Trump condemns massive strikes on Ukraine. What we know on day 1,514
The Independent UK · Apr 16 Reeves backs further North Sea drilling to boost Britain’s oil and gas supply Chancellor says government working with energy companies to open up tie-back sites in the North Sea
The Independent UK · Apr 16 The UK is losing a race against time to reach war footing THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: Our unreadiness for battle cannot be blamed on the present government, but even so, the prime minister and chancellor must be prepared to spend more to bring the country up to speed
The Conversation · Apr 16 What ‘warfare versus welfare’ gets wrong about real-life economics Lord Robertson’s claim that the UK cannot defend itself with an “ever-expanding” welfare budget has resonated loudly, given his previous positions as a Nato secretary-general and UK defence secretary. Following up on the UK’s 2025 strategic defence review, which he led, Robertson warned that low investment is leaving UK security…
The Conversation · Apr 16 The UK is alarmingly unprepared for the threats it faces – security expert explains why Lord Robertson, former UK defence secretary and Nato chief, has said that the UK’s national security is “in peril”. He is right. There is no secret about what the threats are. In addition to the woeful news from the Middle East and Ukraine every day, stories of sabotage, hacking, Russian…
The Mary Sue · Apr 16 ‘Immediate removal’: Pete Hegseth’s reign faces collapse as an Arizona Senator takes steps to impeach him Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing the most serious threat to his tenure yet, as House Democrats officially filed six articles of impeachment against him on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The move, led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), marks the latest escalation in a months-long campaign to hold Hegseth accountable…
Euronews · Apr 16 Berlin approves defence initiatives as domestic industry receives drone and frigate deals New combat drones are planned for use by the so-called Lithuania Brigade, a unit of around 5,000 soldiers who guarantee the defence and security of NATO's eastern flank until the end of 2027.