Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 05:36 · 18 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

International Politics

View all2865 stories
International Politics

Merkel Calls for Greater European Diplomatic Initiative to End Ukraine War

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Europe to take a stronger diplomatic role in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. She argued that diplomatic contacts with Moscow cannot be left solely to the United States, calling for increased European initiative in peace efforts. Merkel's comments come as questions mount about how the incoming Trump administration will approach the conflict, with European leaders facing pressure to develop their own diplomatic strategies rather than relying primarily on American leadership in negotiations with Russia.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

US Considers Extending Exemption for Russian Oil Purchases to Mitigate Hormuz Crisis Impact

The United States is planning to extend exemptions allowing the purchase of sanctioned Russian oil for another month, responding to concerns about potential supply shortages and price increases following a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The move represents another concession in US sanctions policy against Russia, as authorities seek to prevent severe market disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, handles approximately one-fifth of the world's petroleum liquids transit, making any disruption there a significant threat to global energy markets.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Western Analysts Say Russia Incapable of Breakthrough as Ukraine War Reaches Turning Point

Military analysts from Ukraine, Russia, and Western countries are increasingly concluding that Russian forces lack the capability to achieve a decisive breakthrough in their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Russian military commanders reportedly promised President Vladimir Putin they would capture the entire Donbas region by autumn, but experts are calling this goal completely unrealistic given current battlefield conditions. The Donbas, comprising the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, has been a primary objective of Russia's military campaign since the February 2022 invasion, with Moscow seeking to capture territory beyond the portions held by Russian-backed separatists since 2014. Multiple indicators suggest the war's momentum may be shifting in Ukraine's favor, marking what analysts describe as a potential turning point in the 30-month conflict that has reshaped European security and strained global alliances.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Slovakia Vulnerable to Drone Attacks Despite Schengen Area, Expert Warns After Border Incidents

A security expert has warned that Slovakia remains vulnerable to drone attacks despite being part of the Schengen free-movement zone, following recent incidents near the country's borders. The expert emphasized that drones do not recognize international boundaries and criticized the government's slow response to emerging security threats. The warning comes amid growing concerns about drone warfare and cross-border security risks in the region, highlighting potential gaps in Slovakia's preparedness for unconventional attacks that could penetrate the country's airspace regardless of its EU membership and border arrangements.

Korzár
|
International Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Meets Georgian Prime Minister in Azerbaijan

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Taraba held talks with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a visit to Azerbaijan. The Georgian leader thanked Slovakia for its support of Georgia during their meeting. The diplomatic encounter took place as both officials were visiting Azerbaijan, though the specific agenda and outcomes of their bilateral discussions were not disclosed.

SME
|
International Politics

Transcarpathian Ambassador Criticizes Slovak Interior Minister's Response to Drone Incident Near Border

The Ambassador of Transcarpathia criticized Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok for his response to a recent drone incident, stating that while the minister was nearby when drones fell in the area, he did not come to the border region. The ambassador expressed concerns about Slovakia's preparedness for such incidents, saying the country is unprepared to handle cross-border security threats. Transcarpathia is a western region of Ukraine that borders Slovakia, and the incident appears related to ongoing security concerns stemming from the war in Ukraine affecting border areas.

Korzár
|
International Politics

Analysis: Third-tier powers cannot maintain long-term blockade of Strait of Hormuz

A strategic analysis suggests that regional powers lack the capability to sustain a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which much of the world's oil passes. The assessment challenges assumptions about the ability of smaller military powers to effectively close this vital waterway against U.S. and allied naval forces. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as a crucial chokepoint for international energy supplies, with approximately 20% of global oil shipments transiting through the narrow passage. Any sustained blockade would have significant implications for global energy markets and international security.

SME
|
International Politics

German Media Learning to Pronounce Fico's Name, Says Slovak Writer

Slovak writer Michal Hvorecký observed that German radio stations have learned to pronounce Prime Minister Robert Fico's name, suggesting they know what to expect from Slovakia's leader. Hvorecký expressed skepticism that German opposition leader Friedrich Merz would visit Bratislava on May 30th as previously suggested. The comments reflect growing international attention on Slovakia's current government and its policies under Fico, who returned to power leading a coalition government after elections in 2023.

SME
|
International Politics

Israeli Forces Detain Activists Including Slovak National from Global Sumud Initiative

Israeli naval forces have detained activists from the Global Sumud initiative, including a Slovak national, following the interception of more than 20 vessels in international waters west of the Greek island of Crete on April 30. The detention occurred after the Israeli navy stopped the flotilla in international waters, raising questions about the legal basis for the operation outside Israeli territorial waters. Global Sumud is an international activist initiative that organizes flotillas to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, continuing the work of previous solidarity movements that have attempted to deliver aid to the Palestinian territory by sea.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Orbán's Propaganda System May Collapse Quickly, Says Hungarian Media Expert

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's propaganda apparatus faces potential collapse due to fundamental weaknesses in its structure and leadership, according to Hungarian media expert Ágnes Urbán. The system has been plagued by problems stemming from incompetent management, with key positions filled based on political loyalty rather than talent or expertise. Urbán, who specializes in media analysis, suggests that the propaganda network's reliance on unqualified personnel as its primary guiding principle has created vulnerabilities that could lead to its rapid downfall. The assessment comes as Orbán's Fidesz party, which has controlled Hungary since 2010, faces increasing scrutiny over its media control and information campaigns both domestically and internationally.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Serbian President Thanks Slovak Ambassador for Slovakia's Support

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed gratitude to Slovak Ambassador Marián Taraba for Slovakia's ongoing support of Serbia. During their meeting, Vučić also extended an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Serbia. The diplomatic exchange reflects the strengthening ties between the two countries, with Slovakia maintaining supportive relations toward Serbia despite broader European divisions over Serbia's EU accession process and its stance on various regional issues.

SME
|
International Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Confirms Support for Serbia's EU Membership During Baku Meeting

Slovak Foreign Minister Šimon Taraba met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Baku, where he reaffirmed Slovakia's support for Serbia's European Union membership bid. Vučić thanked Slovakia for its clear stance on territorial integrity and its backing of Serbia's EU accession process. The meeting, held on the sidelines of international gatherings in Azerbaijan's capital, also covered discussions on major investments and green energy projects between the two countries. Slovakia, an EU member since 2004, has consistently supported the expansion of the European Union to include Western Balkan nations, viewing regional integration as crucial for stability and economic development in Central and Southeast Europe.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Russian Air Travel Options Fall Below Soviet-Era Levels Due to International Sanctions

Russian citizens now have access to significantly fewer international flight destinations than during the Soviet Union era, according to the Russian travel industry association ATOR. The association reported that current aviation options are approximately three times worse than what was available during the Cold War period under the Soviet system. The dramatic reduction in air travel accessibility reflects the impact of international sanctions and flight restrictions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These measures have effectively isolated Russian aviation from much of the global network, creating travel limitations that exceed even those experienced during the height of Cold War tensions when the Soviet Union maintained a more extensive network of international routes to allied and non-aligned countries.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill seven as Hezbollah targets Iron Dome with drone attack

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed seven people, prompting Hezbollah to retaliate with a drone attack targeting Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system in northern Israel. The escalating violence further undermines the fragile ceasefire that has been in place along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, has been engaged in cross-border exchanges with Israeli forces since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. The Iron Dome is Israel's primary short-range air defense system designed to intercept rockets, mortars, and other projectiles.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Finnish President: Putin Is Not Mad, He's Much Worse - Only One Way to Force Him to End War

Finnish President Alexander Stubb declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not insane but represents something far more dangerous, stating there is only one method to compel him to end the war in Ukraine. Stubb made the remarks while discussing European security and defense policy. The Finnish leader expressed his belief in deeper European integration, even if it requires member states to share portions of their national sovereignty to achieve greater collective strength and security.

SME
|
International Politics

Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Moscow Since War Began, Targets Oil Infrastructure

Ukraine conducted its largest drone attack on Moscow since the war began, primarily targeting the Russian capital's oil infrastructure and successfully penetrating the city's air defenses. The unprecedented assault marked a significant escalation in Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russian territory. On the ground, fighting continued along multiple fronts with mixed territorial changes. Russian forces claimed to have captured the village of Borova in the Oskil region, though they appeared to have mistakenly identified a location 25 kilometers away as evidence. Ukrainian forces gained nearly complete control of Stepnohirsk in the western Zaporizhzhia direction, while Russian troops advanced near Huliaipole in the same region. The drone strike on Moscow represents Ukraine's most ambitious attack on Russian territory since the February 2022 invasion began. The successful penetration of Moscow's air defense systems, which Russian officials have previously described as impenetrable, demonstrates Ukraine's growing capacity to strike deep into Russian territory and target critical energy infrastructure that helps fund Russia's war effort.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Hungarian President Sulyok Rejects Prime Minister Magyar's Call to Resign

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has refused demands from Prime Minister Péter Magyar to step down from office, stating he intends to fulfill his presidential mandate despite mounting pressure. Magyar had issued what sources described as a harsh ultimatum, calling Sulyok a "puppet" and a "remnant of Orbán's regime," referring to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule. The confrontation highlights deepening tensions within Hungary's leadership following recent political changes. Sulyok emphasized the importance of adhering to rule of law principles and European values, particularly regarding potential constitutional changes, signaling his intention to serve as a check on government power despite the prime minister's opposition.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Norway Joins EU Strategy for Baltic Sea Region Amid Cable Damage Concerns

Norway has joined the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), becoming the first non-EU member to participate in the regional cooperation framework. The Nordic country will now work alongside the eight existing EU member states in the strategy: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Sweden. The move significantly strengthens cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, with particular focus on security, stability, and infrastructure protection. Norway's entry comes at a time of heightened alert in the Baltic region following a series of damaged underwater cables, raising concerns about regional security and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Polish Ex-Minister Ziobra Allegedly Used Hungarian Government Vehicle to Leave Schengen Zone

Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobra, who faces criminal charges, allegedly used a Hungarian government vehicle to travel outside the Schengen zone to Serbia before continuing to the United States, according to Newsweek. The report suggests Ziobra exploited the arrangement to avoid potential travel restrictions within the European Union's passport-free zone. Ziobro served as justice minister under Poland's previous Law and Justice government and has been a controversial figure in Polish politics, particularly regarding judicial reforms that drew criticism from EU institutions.

SME
|
International Politics

NATO Military Exercise Begins in Eastern Slovakia

A NATO military exercise has commenced in eastern Slovakia, with forces heading toward Kamenica nad Cirochou. The exercise is expected to generate increased movement of military vehicles and equipment on regional roads during the operation. Kamenica nad Cirochou, located in the Prešov region near Slovakia's border with Ukraine, serves as the destination point for the participating NATO forces.

Korzár
|