Patrick Donahue
@patrickjdo.bsky.social
European government editor at Bloomberg News in Berlin, focusing on politics & economy in central & eastern Europe. Previously on the trail of Angela M.
Live from Prague: Billionaire Andrej Babis set about forging a new Czech government hours after scoring his best-ever election victory, with his return to power poised to bolster the ascendant ranks of populist leaders in the EU www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Czech Billionaire’s Comeback a Boon to Europe’s Populist Right
Billionaire Andrej Babis set about forging a new Czech government hours after scoring his best-ever election victory, with his return to power poised to bolster the ascendant ranks of populist leaders...
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October 6, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Live from Prague: Billionaire Andrej Babis set about forging a new Czech government hours after scoring his best-ever election victory, with his return to power poised to bolster the ascendant ranks of populist leaders in the EU www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Czechs going to vote: Andrej Babis heads into this weekend’s election with promises to grow the economy more quickly and reverse some austerity.
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Czech Billionaire Channels Trump in Bid to Retake Power
Andrej Babis heads into this weekend’s election with promises to grow the economy more quickly and reverse some austerity.
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October 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Czechs going to vote: Andrej Babis heads into this weekend’s election with promises to grow the economy more quickly and reverse some austerity.
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Excellent read: Latvia's border with Russia is becoming increasingly militarized and feels dangerously close to being on a war footing
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Gray Zone Between War and Peace on Latvia’s Border With Russia
In 2021, there were sometimes four flights a week from Baghdad to Minsk. In Daugavpils, in southeastern Latvia, authorities knew the schedule. “We know the time it takes to drive,” Lt. Col. Vadims Gri...
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September 30, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Excellent read: Latvia's border with Russia is becoming increasingly militarized and feels dangerously close to being on a war footing
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Exclusive: “Russia is testing the EU and NATO” Vladimir Putin is broadening his effort to destabilize the West, forcing European leaders to reassess the scale of the threat and rush in new defenses
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Putin Is Ramping Up His Hybrid Campaign Against Europe
Russian President Vladimir Putin is broadening his effort to destabilize the West, forcing European leaders to reassess the scale of the threat and rush in new defenses.
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September 26, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Exclusive: “Russia is testing the EU and NATO” Vladimir Putin is broadening his effort to destabilize the West, forcing European leaders to reassess the scale of the threat and rush in new defenses
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Exclusive: European diplomats warned the Kremlin this week that NATO is ready to respond to further violations of its airspace with full force, including by shooting down Russian planes
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Europeans Privately Tell Russia They’re Ready to Shoot Down Jets
European diplomats warned the Kremlin this week that NATO is ready to respond to further violations of its airspace with full force, including by shooting down Russian planes, according to officials f...
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September 25, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Exclusive: European diplomats warned the Kremlin this week that NATO is ready to respond to further violations of its airspace with full force, including by shooting down Russian planes
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Russian forces struggling to gain ground in Ukraine are sending troops and supplies through idle gas pipelines in order to evade deadly drone strikes
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Russia Sends Troops Through Idle Gas Pipes to Evade Drone Threat
Russian forces struggling to gain ground in Ukraine are sending troops and supplies through empty gas pipelines in order to evade deadly drone strikes.
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September 19, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Russian forces struggling to gain ground in Ukraine are sending troops and supplies through idle gas pipelines in order to evade deadly drone strikes
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Russian military drills are compounding anxiety among NATO members after attack drones breached Polish territory this week
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Russian Wargames Feed NATO Anxiety After Poland Drone Incursion
Russia led a mobilization of some 200,000 troops four years ago as part of wargames with its ally Belarus. Months later, President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine.
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September 12, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Russian military drills are compounding anxiety among NATO members after attack drones breached Polish territory this week
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Exclusive: Slovenia’s top diplomat warned the EU risked projecting a double standard if it failed to take Israel to task for the bloodshed in Gaza even as it moves ahead with additional sanctions against Russia.
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Slovenia Urges EU to Address Uneven Response to Israel, Russia
Slovenia’s top diplomat warned the European Union risked projecting a double standard if it failed to take Israel to task for the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip even as it moves ahead with additional san...
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August 27, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Exclusive: Slovenia’s top diplomat warned the EU risked projecting a double standard if it failed to take Israel to task for the bloodshed in Gaza even as it moves ahead with additional sanctions against Russia.
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A good read: Taps running dry and water rationing are part of life in Bulgaria — and a cautionary tale for the rest of Europe...
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A Water Crisis in Bulgaria Is a Warning for Europe
Taps running dry are part of life in Bulgaria — and a cautionary tale for the rest of Europe grappling with climate change.
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August 21, 2025 at 1:15 PM
A good read: Taps running dry and water rationing are part of life in Bulgaria — and a cautionary tale for the rest of Europe...
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Exclusive: the Czech Republic must drop its penchant for “fiscal self-flagellation” in favor of investing in economic growth, according to a senior official from an opposition party poised to sweep to victory in October elections
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Czech Opposition Party Pledges to End Austerity If Wins Election
The Czech Republic must drop its penchant for “fiscal self-flagellation” in favor of investing in economic growth, according to a senior official from an opposition party poised to sweep to victory in...
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August 20, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Exclusive: the Czech Republic must drop its penchant for “fiscal self-flagellation” in favor of investing in economic growth, according to a senior official from an opposition party poised to sweep to victory in October elections
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Exclusive: US and European officials will begin work immediately on a plan to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees, sources say
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US and Europe to Work Immediately on Ukraine Security Guarantees
US and European officials started work on bolstering Ukraine’s military, part of a package of security guarantees that will open a path to a landmark meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Volo...
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August 19, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Exclusive: US and European officials will begin work immediately on a plan to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees, sources say
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Exclusive: Washington and Moscow are aiming to reach a deal to halt the war in Ukraine that would lock in Russia’s occupation of territory seized during its military invasion, according to people familiar with the matter.
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US and Russia Plan Truce Deal to Cement Putin’s Gains in Ukraine
Washington and Moscow are aiming to reach a deal to halt the war in Ukraine that would lock in Russia’s occupation of territory seized during its military invasion, according to people familiar with t...
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August 9, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Exclusive: Washington and Moscow are aiming to reach a deal to halt the war in Ukraine that would lock in Russia’s occupation of territory seized during its military invasion, according to people familiar with the matter.
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In Croatia: a surge in the popularity of a far-right singer once banned in some places has seen the revival of Nazi-era slogans and symbols. Rather than condemn it, some senior politicians are embracing it.
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Croatia’s Fascist Past Resurfaces With Far-Right Rock Star
The revival of Nazi-era symbolism is dominating the summer tourist season, and some politicians are embracing it.
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August 7, 2025 at 5:13 PM
In Croatia: a surge in the popularity of a far-right singer once banned in some places has seen the revival of Nazi-era slogans and symbols. Rather than condemn it, some senior politicians are embracing it.
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Exclusive: Ukraine’s anti-corruption officials fear that pressure will remain from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s administration even after he backed down over a measure to strip anti-graft agencies of their independence.
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Ukraine’s Anti-Graft Forces Still Feel Pressure From Zelenskiy
Ukraine’s anti-corruption officials fear that pressure will remain from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s administration even after he backed down over a measure to strip anti-graft agencies of their in...
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July 31, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Exclusive: Ukraine’s anti-corruption officials fear that pressure will remain from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s administration even after he backed down over a measure to strip anti-graft agencies of their independence.
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Ukraine: Zelenskiy’s abrupt decision to hobble anti-corruption authorities in Kyiv blindsided the country’s allies and may have inflicted lasting damage to its ambition to join the EU
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Zelenskiy Is Risking Ukraine’s EU Bid With Move on Graft Office
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s abrupt decision to hobble anti-corruption authorities in Kyiv blindsided Ukraine’s allies and may have inflicted lasting damage to its ambition to join the European Uni...
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July 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Ukraine: Zelenskiy’s abrupt decision to hobble anti-corruption authorities in Kyiv blindsided the country’s allies and may have inflicted lasting damage to its ambition to join the EU
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“Anti-corruption infrastructure has been destroyed”: Ukrainian lawmakers approved legislation that would strip the nation’s anti-graft agencies of their independence and potentially cripple efforts to tackle high-level corruption
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Ukraine Lawmakers Back Bill Weakening Anti-Corruption Agencies
Ukrainian lawmakers approved legislation that would strip the nation’s anti-corruption agencies of their independence and potentially cripple efforts to tackle high-level graft.
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July 22, 2025 at 2:02 PM
“Anti-corruption infrastructure has been destroyed”: Ukrainian lawmakers approved legislation that would strip the nation’s anti-graft agencies of their independence and potentially cripple efforts to tackle high-level corruption
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Joseph Stalin's cult of personality was dismantled by Soviet leaders in the 1960s — but thanks to Putin, his reputation is undergoing a dramatic revision
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Stalin Makes a Comeback in Putin’s Wartime Crackdown on Dissent
At Moscow’s central Taganskaya metro station, commuters stream past a newly-restored monument to a former ruler whose reputation is undergoing a dramatic revision in Russia: Joseph Stalin.
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July 22, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Joseph Stalin's cult of personality was dismantled by Soviet leaders in the 1960s — but thanks to Putin, his reputation is undergoing a dramatic revision
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Exclusive: Ukraine’s new prime minister says she’s likely to seek more financing from the IMF as she sets out to shore up the nation’s fiscal needs with no end in sight to Russia’s war
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Ukraine’s New Premier Eyes Fresh IMF Loan for War-Racked Budget
Ukraine’s new prime minister said she’s likely to seek more financing from the International Monetary Fund as she sets out to shore up the nation’s fiscal needs with no end in sight to Russia’s war.
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July 22, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Exclusive: Ukraine’s new prime minister says she’s likely to seek more financing from the IMF as she sets out to shore up the nation’s fiscal needs with no end in sight to Russia’s war
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Ukraine: Zelenskiy’s cabinet overhaul this week was part of an effort to move into position presidential loyalists who can potentially win favor with Donald Trump.
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Zelenskiy Promotes Allies Who’ve Shown They Can Deal With Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s cabinet overhaul this week was part of an effort to move into position presidential loyalists who can potentially win favor with Donald Trump.
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July 19, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Ukraine: Zelenskiy’s cabinet overhaul this week was part of an effort to move into position presidential loyalists who can potentially win favor with Donald Trump.
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EU budget: Donald Trump’s plan to allow the European Union pay for arms supplied to Ukraine is piling pressure on EU officials negotiating how to finance the bloc’s defense-spending ambitions https//www.bloombe...
Trump’s Plan for Europe to Foot Ukraine Bill Ups Budget Pressure
Donald Trump’s plan to allow the European Union pay for arms supplied to Ukraine is piling pressure on EU officials negotiating how to finance the bloc’s defense-spending ambitions.
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July 16, 2025 at 7:59 AM
EU budget: Donald Trump’s plan to allow the European Union pay for arms supplied to Ukraine is piling pressure on EU officials negotiating how to finance the bloc’s defense-spending ambitions https//www.bloombe...
North Korea is now supplying as much as 40% of Russia’s ammunition for the war in Ukraine as the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens, according to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence.
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Ukraine Spy Chief Says 40% of Russian Ammunition Is North Korean
North Korea is now supplying as much as 40% of Russia’s ammunition for the war in Ukraine as the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens, according to the head of Ukrainian military intellige...
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July 11, 2025 at 1:48 PM
North Korea is now supplying as much as 40% of Russia’s ammunition for the war in Ukraine as the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens, according to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence.
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Donald Tusk’s premiership is reeling from a presidential election debacle that’s left the Polish leader diminished in the face of a resurgent nationalist opposition.
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Tusk’s Authority Takes a Hit From Nationalist Win Before Polish Confidence Vote
Donald Tusk’s premiership is reeling from a presidential election debacle that’s left the Polish leader diminished in the face of a resurgent nationalist opposition.
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June 8, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Donald Tusk’s premiership is reeling from a presidential election debacle that’s left the Polish leader diminished in the face of a resurgent nationalist opposition.
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Scoop: NATO is asking European member states to expand ground-based air-defense capabilities fivefold as the alliance races to fill a key gap in response to the threat of Russian aggression, people familiar with the matter said.
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NATO Is Pushing for Fivefold Boost to Ground-Based Air Defenses
NATO is asking European member states to expand ground-based air-defense capabilities fivefold as the alliance races to fill a key gap in response to the threat of Russian aggression, people familiar ...
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June 3, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Scoop: NATO is asking European member states to expand ground-based air-defense capabilities fivefold as the alliance races to fill a key gap in response to the threat of Russian aggression, people familiar with the matter said.
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Poland swings rightward: A nationalist candidate backed by Donald Trump was on course to win Sunday's presidential election, erasing an earlier edge by the centrist mayor of Warsaw. It's a blow to Donald Tusk's pro-EU government...
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Polish Nationalist Moves Ahead in President Vote, New Poll Shows
A nationalist candidate backed by Donald Trump was on course to win Poland’s presidential election, defeating the centrist mayor of Warsaw in a blow to the country’s pro-European Union government.
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June 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Poland swings rightward: A nationalist candidate backed by Donald Trump was on course to win Sunday's presidential election, erasing an earlier edge by the centrist mayor of Warsaw. It's a blow to Donald Tusk's pro-EU government...
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Merz making quite a departure from Scholz policy: Germany agreed to provide Ukraine with €5 billion in military aid as part of chancellor's pledge to help Kyiv build long-range weapons to hit targets on Russian territory.
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Germany to Work With Kyiv on Long-Range Missile Production
Germany agreed to provide Ukraine with €5 billion ($5.7 billion) in military aid as part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s pledge to help Kyiv build long-range weapons to hit targets on Russian territory...
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May 28, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Merz making quite a departure from Scholz policy: Germany agreed to provide Ukraine with €5 billion in military aid as part of chancellor's pledge to help Kyiv build long-range weapons to hit targets on Russian territory.
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