English-language coverage of politics news from the Netherlands.
Russia's 2026 parliamentary election delivered United Russia a supermajority, with 86 war veterans entering the Duma. Days earlier, Putin nationalized the Russian assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin. NHL star Alexander Ovechkin defended his campaign ad appearance, while the IPI demanded justice for journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna.
Putin nationalizes assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin on the eve of Russia's parliamentary election. NHL star Alexander Ovechkin defends his United Russia campaign ad, reinforcing Kremlin messaging. The moves suggest a regime tightening control over economy and loyalty.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy faces mounting domestic pressure as a corruption probe ensnares a former deputy head of his office, and a Russian strike on a poorly-sited ammunition warehouse kills 37 civilians. With the EU demanding zero tolerance on graft and calls for wartime elections growing, Zelenskyy replaces his ground forces commander and meets anti-corruption chiefs.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy faces a corruption probe that led to the arrest of a former deputy, as the EU warns of zero tolerance on graft. Simultaneously, he orders a major escalation of drone strikes inside Russia. The twin pressures test his wartime leadership and Ukraine's EU ambitions.
Zelenskyy rejects wartime election calls as the Operation Forrest Gump probe snares ex-deputy Iryna Mudra. Meanwhile, Ukraine strikes 16 targets inside Russia in a single day as the White House pushes for a negotiated end to the war.
Zelenskyy rejects wartime election calls as a former senior official faces corruption charges, while Trump's Independence Day message mixes praise with a push for peace. The cases highlight the political pressures on Kyiv alongside the military fight.