Eastern Europe: Charm for Less

Ukraine sees 30 die in recent days

(AP) - Thirty people, most of them homeless, have died of hypothermia in recent days in Ukraine, part of a surge of deaths across eastern Europe as the region grapples with an unusually severe cold spell. In all, at least 58 people have died from the cold in Europe over the last week. Of the victims in Ukraine, 21 were found frozen on the streets, five died in hospitals and four died in their own homes, according to Ukranian officials. More»

But Moscow may not support nuclear sanctions against Iran

(NEWSER) - In a development sure to further tick off President Obama's critics on the right, Vladimir Putin says he's quite pleased with the decision to scrap an American missile-defense system in Eastern Europe, the New York Times reports. “I very much hope that this correct and brave decision will be followed by others,” said the Russian PM. Still unclear is whether Moscow will reward the US with more than just words—say, by supporting nuclear sanctions against Iran. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s decision to scrap plans for a missile defense shield is a political bombshell, writes Robin Oakley for CNN. America’s allies in Poland and the Czech Republic are left holding the bag after expending significant political capital on the unpopular system. Abandoning it might make their lives easier, but it won’t make them likelier to embrace future US causes. Moscow, meanwhile, must choose whether to tout its victory or embrace the move as a sign of easing relations. More»

(NEWSER) - Albania and Croatia both officially joined the NATO alliance today, the BBC reports. The former Yugoslav republics will likely be asked to send troops to bolster NATO’s mission in Afghanistan. Insiders say NATO wanted to celebrate its 60th birthday by welcoming nations from a region recently wracked by bloody conflict. Croatia squeaked in when Slovenia, with which it shares a border, withdrew a veto on Monday. More»

Supplies had been cut for 2 weeks amid political squabbles

(NEWSER) - Gas is again flowing from Russia to Ukraine, a major gas gateway for Europe, after disputes between the two countries shut down supplies for two weeks, Reuters reports. Leaders couldn’t agree on a 2009 gas contract amid political tensions over Ukraine’s wish to join NATO; 20 European countries were affected by the cutoff. Now, Hungary and Slovakia say they’re getting a supply, but the rest of Europe may not benefit until tomorrow. More»