Russia

BELGRADE - Serbia's external goods trade in January-February totalled 10.55 bln euros, which is a 0.6 pct increase y-o-y, according to figures released by the national statistical office.

Goods exports were worth 4.661 bln euros, rising by 3.2 pct y-o-y, while imports totalled 5.888 bln euros, declining by 1.3 pct y-o-y.

Linguistic similarities, high levels of education, labour market shortages, the mobilisation of national and EU resources, civil society involvement, and close cultural ties have helped Ukrainian refugees to find temporary employment in the EU and Norway. However, there remain barriers in accessing longer-term employment and public services, in particular housing.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has reported a significant increase in the number of individuals expressing willingness to join the war in Ukraine, citing the recent attack on Crocus City Hall in the Moscow region as a primary motivator.

Russia announced its efforts to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that there are crucial matters to address with Afghanistan's Taliban leadership, emphasizing the need for dialogue due to the Taliban's de facto authority in the country, Reuters reported.

Austria's Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has summoned the National Security Council amidst mounting suspicions of espionage involving former high-ranking security service officials allegedly spying for Russia.

Drone attacks targeted businesses in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk in southwestern Russia, resulting in injuries to six individuals, with three requiring hospitalization. While the final tally of victims remains uncertain, Russian state media, citing the press service of the head of Tatarstan, assured that there was no significant damage, and the industrial processes remained uninterrupted.

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a striking revelation emerges North Korea's role as a significant weapons supplier to Russia. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, in a recent press briefing, disclosed the Pentagon's assessment that North Korea continues to furnish Russia with weaponry, marking a concerning development in the geopolitical landscape, reported the Kyiv Independent.

The Netherlands, in collaboration with key international partners, is spearheading a conference in The Hague aimed at addressing the war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine.

Russia on Tuesday reported drone attacks on factories in Tatarstan, more than 1,100 kilometres (690 miles) from Ukraine, and said people were wounded in the strikes.

"Drone attacks took place against factories in Tatarstan at Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk," Tatar leader Rustam Minnikhanov's press service said on Telegram.

He may study the past but does not hesitate to comment on the present or make predictions about the future.