Russia used similar political and economic pressure tactics against Georgia in 2006 after Tbilisi intensified its pro-Western course and sovereign foreign policy choice: trade bans, energy pipeline sabotage, and public threats. The result? Georgia gradually diversified its exports, reduced dependence on Russia, and deepened ties with other markets - most importantly, the EU.

Now Armenia, despite its deep economic dependence on Russia and a very different geopolitical situation, is openly saying it is ready to redirect exports from Russia to the EU if restrictions are imposed. Pressure ahead of elections may again produce the opposite long-term outcome Moscow expects.
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Armenia is ready to completely redirect exports from Russia to the EU if restrictions are imposed, — Minister of Economy Papoyan.

Commenting on the difficulties Armenian exporters face in the Russian market, he expressed confidence https://x.com/gocha_gogsadze/status/2061209682254147959?s=20

NATO is turning Sweden’s Baltic island of Gotland into a military stronghold because it is strategically important and seen as vulnerable to Russian aggression.

Sweden is increasing troop numbers, air defenses, and military infrastructure, while NATO is conducting large-scale exercises there.

Officials are also worried about Russian hybrid attacks such as sabotage, espionage, and drone activity.

Source: POLITICO

Zelenskyy’s plan for European independent anti-ballistic systems.

It’s becoming clear that Ukraine and Europe can’t afford to rely on unpredictable U.S. leadership anymore. That is exactly why President Zelenskyy’s recent plan is such a big deal.
In the video, President Zekenskyy is calling for Ukraine and Europe to take control of their own security by building an independent anti-ballistic missile system. It’s a push to set up the manufacturing power they need to protect the region, regardless of how political tides shift in Washington.

President Zekenskyy:

"We will try to build our Ukrainian and system of anti-ballistic system, we need it and, of course, we will share with all the partners without any questions, and because we need all of us, we need it, and not only to create the system, to create such capabilities, which can produce more.
Now you know that the United States produces about 60, maybe 65 missiles per month, PAC-3 anti-ballistic missiles. It's nothing, during the first day of attack on Middle East, you know that they used the volume of two years production of such missiles, during 24 hours.
So we need our European independent strong system, and we will build it." https://x.com/yasminalombaert/status/2061181427811504377?s=20

BREAKING: French military forces have detained the oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean.

The vessel is under international sanctions and was traveling from Russia.

The EU may include 20 tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet in its next sanctions package, - Bloomberg

The sanctions regime could later be expanded to cover vessels transporting liquefied natural gas. The EU is also considering restrictions on ships that provide services to shadow-fleet tankers.

In addition, the new package may include sanctions against more banks, oil traders, refineries, and cryptocurrency operators in third countries that Moscow allegedly uses to circumvent existing restrictions.

We wanted to conclude the first Drone Deal with the United States. The U.S. wanted to test all types of our drones. We agreed to the way they wanted to test, train with, and use our systems in the air, on land, and at sea. But we still don’t have a bilateral Drone Deal – a big framework document.

The Drone Deals we have are with some countries in the Middle East and Europe, and now we are preparing a big Drone Deal with the EU. I hope we will reach the same agreement with our American partners. I count on it.

American companies have advanced AI technologies we don't have. In turn, we have many things they don't have, due to our extensive experience on the battlefield.

I think this cooperation can be huge — the most powerful of its kind in the world. We need to negotiate, not just talk about it. Take the necessary steps and do it as quickly as possible. For this, we need President Trump to say yes.

From an interview with Face the Nation. (5/5) https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2061111990131601551?s=20