Following the disruption of its natural gas supplies from Russia due to geopolitical tensions, Germany is increasingly relying on China to meet its power needs. This partnership has quickly made China one of the most important markets for keeping the German economy running. For years, Germany heavily depended on Russian natural gas imports to sustain…

Apple removed 25 VPN applications from its Russian App Store at the request of Roskomnadzor, Russia’s state communications watchdog. This move tightens internet freedoms in Russia, where the government often blocks access to Western social media and digital platforms. Demand for VPNs in Russia surged after the government restricted access to Western services following President…

Germany passed a new law allowing renters to install plug-in solar panels on their balconies. The new law significantly limits the ability of landlords and homeowners associations to prevent such installations. Only in cases where there is a compelling reason can these entities intervene. Renters in Germany can now install solar energy systems with a…

Oil and gas revenues have been Russia’s most important source of income, accounting for up to half of the total Russian budget over the last decade. Despite severe sanctions imposed by the West to curb Russian energy income following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s oil revenues don’t seem to have been significantly affected. Watch…

On June 24, the Weimar Triangle nations of France, Germany, and Poland discussed a proposal to develop a European ground-launched, long-range weapon. This plan was just one item on the agenda for the trio of NATO states as they addressed European security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Watch the video above as Straight…

Russia is a top global exporter of natural gas to the European Union, but Russian exports have come under increasing sanctions following Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. European markets have also worked overtime to secure other energy sources since then. And while some nations like Libya could theoretically export more energy, they’re…

The espionage trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is now underway in Russia, behind closed doors. Gershkovich appeared in a courtroom Wednesday morning, June 26, inside a glass cage before the proceedings began.  Wednesday’s hearing went on for over two hours. Afterwards, prosecutor Mikael Ozdoev made a brief statement. He said the case against Gershkovich had…

The Supreme Court is set to issue rulings on several high-profile cases. And the closed-door trial for a Wall Street Journal reporter begins in Russia. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, June 26, 2024. SCOTUS to deliver rulings on presidential power, abortion, social media It’s decision time at the Supreme Court. Over the…

In 2023, global fossil fuel consumption and related emissions reached record levels despite a slight decrease in fossil fuels’ share of the overall energy mix. This paradox highlights the challenges of transitioning to lower carbon energy sources as global temperatures approach critical thresholds. This information comes amidst the first full year of rerouted Russian energy…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 14 rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions for peace talks, comparing them to Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939. Putin said earlier on June 14 that, as a condition for peace negotiations, Ukrainian troops must leave Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. He added that Ukraine must recognize…