Vatican Emerges as New Epicentre of Ukraine Peace Talks

As the Trump administration signals its intention to step back from peace talks over the war in Ukraine—pressuring Kyiv and Moscow to engage in direct negotiations—a new structure for peace efforts is beginning to take shape. In parallel, the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV is assuming an increasingly active role in the process, positioning Rome as the new epicentre of the negotiations.

Telegram CEO Alleges French Interference in Romanian Presidential Election

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has accused the head of French foreign intelligence of pressuring him to silence conservative voices on his platform ahead of the Romanian presidential elections. The events feed into an already tense political climate in the country, following the annulment of the original vote’s first-round results in December 2024 due to alleged Russian interference.

OTS Leaders Convene in Budapest for Informal Summit

Hungary is the first country to host leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) for a summit as an Observer State, as opposed to a Member State of the organization. The event hosted by Prime Minister Orbán will be taking place on 20⁠–21 May in Budapest.

Patriots’ Chega Records Historic Gain in Portuguese Snap Vote

Established in 2019, André Ventura’s Chega is now the second-largest party in Portugal, neck and neck with the Socialist Party after Sunday’s snap election. The southern European country has held its third vote in as many years and is preparing for yet another minority government formed by the centre-right Democratic Alliance coalition—a situation that could further strengthen Chega.