Seven Syrian and Afghan Refugees Deported Back to Bulgaria by Germany
Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state has conducted its first charter flight to send refugees back to Bulgaria
Hungary has implemented new restrictions on state-sponsored shelter for Ukrainian refugees, limiting accommodation only to those coming from war-affected areas as of August 21. This change leaves between two and three thousand Ukrainian refugees homeless, including vulnerable groups such as families with specific needs, pregnant women, the elderly, and households with many young children.
Under the revised policy, refugees who do not meet the criteria will not be offered alternative government accommodation and will need to find private housing, which poses significant challenges due to financial constraints and landlords' reluctance to accept them. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, expressed concern that this policy change will lead to job losses, disrupt school enrollments, and undermine integration efforts. The agency emphasized that, according to the European Temporary Protection Directive, all EU countries are required to provide appropriate accommodation for those granted temporary protection. The directive, which has been extended until March 2025, obliges European countries to ensure suitable shelter for refugees.
The UNHCR has urged the Hungarian government to reconsider the policy or at least extend the time for affected individuals to find new housing. They stress that any transition from collective shelters must be gradual and supported by social safety nets to prevent homelessness. The Hungarian Helsinki Committee is assisting 40 Ukrainian refugees in challenging the government's decision in court, arguing that evictions should be halted until a final ruling is made. Approximately 44,000 Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection status are currently registered in Hungary.
On the night of February 13-14, a Russian loitering munition carrying a high-explosive incendiary warhead struck the shelter of the 4th reactor at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant
US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that Washington may impose sanctions and potentially take military action against Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate a peace deal ensuring Ukraine's long-term independence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Monday that Ukraine would not accept any agreements regarding its future
On February 13, 2025, several Russian drones launched in a large-scale attack on Ukraine crossed into Moldova's airspace
Following recent conversations between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have concluded that Putin remains unwilling to make any co
US President Donald Trump has stated that he expects to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the future, possibly in Saudi Arabia
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