Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

Auschwitz survivors were joined by world leaders for the anniversary

Survivors decry antisemitism on Auschwitz anniversary

Some of the few remaining survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau have returned to the Nazi-German concentration and death camp, condemning a "huge rise" in antisemitism on the 80th anniversary of its liberation.

Europe • 27 Jan

The main gate with the sign 'Arbait Macht Frai' (Work makes you free) of the Museum of Auschwitz/Birkenau

Auschwitz: Where the Nazis created hell on earth

Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and death camp where more than 1.1 million people were murdered between 1940 and 1945, about 85% of whom were Jews.

Auschwitz • 26 Jan

The detained Eagle-S tanker (pictured off the coast of Porvoo, Finland) is believed to be part of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet'

The NATO mission to secure cables in the Baltic Sea

This week NATO launched 'Baltic Sentry', a new naval mission to prevent attacks on cable infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The alliance says Russia is to blame for recent incidents, but can increased NATO patrols make a difference?

Europe • 18 Jan

Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Donald Tusk during a press conference after their talks in Warsaw, Poland

Poland and Ukraine make progress on historical dispute

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to Warsaw this morning to hold talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. A dispute dating from World War II and Ukraine's application to join the EU were among the topics discussed.

Europe • 16 Jan

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (centre) visiting a section of the 'East Shield', a defensive infrastructure along Poland's borders with Russia and Belarus

Can Poland reshape EU defence policy during presidency?

Poland is pushing for a debate on increased military spending by EU member states during its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU, which started on 1 January. But the result of Germany's federal election and the bloc's economic security could hold the key to any radical shift on defence

Europe • 12 Jan

Benjamin Netanyahu is sought by the International Criminal Court on an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza

Letter on Netanyahu surprised Polish officials

A letter by Polish President Andrzej Duda to the country's Prime Minister requesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be given "an undisturbed stay" in Poland, if he were to attend the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, came as a surprise to Polish officials.

Europe • 10 Jan

The event took place in Poland's capital, Warsaw

Poland launches its presidency of the Council of the EU

Poland's six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union was officially launched yesterday evening at Warsaw's Grand Theatre with a performance by musicians from the Polish National Opera.

Europe • 04 Jan

Ukrainian army paramedics treat injured Ukrainian soldiers in a bus on the frontline in Donetsk earlier this month

Ukraine war enters crucial phase amid peace talks push

In 2024, Russia's invasion of Ukraine was characterised by repeated aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and small gains by Russian forces at the front. With the new Trump administration set to push for a peace talks to start in 2025, Ukraine's leadership faces some difficult decisions.

2024 in Review • 31 Dec 24

Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he considered the Hungarian government's decision to grant asylum to the former Polish deputy minister for justice to be a hostile act (file photo)

Poland accuses Hungary of 'hostile' act over asylum case

A diplomatic standoff has broken out between Poland and Hungary after the Hungarian government granted political asylum to a former Polish deputy minister of justice wanted on charges of misusing public funds.

Europe • 20 Dec 24

Vladimir Putin told Russians that their armed forces were about to achieve the original goals of the 'special military operation' in Ukraine

What to make of Putin's annual press conference?

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not start his annual end-of-year press conference this morning by talking about the war in Ukraine, or the "special military operation" as the Kremlin calls the three-year conflict.

Russia • 19 Dec 24