The failure to sell the factory was attributed to the burden of OPP’s debt to Ostchem, and to a conflict with the company Nortima, allegedly controlled by controversial billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky. The failure to sell OPP was a setback for the Ukrainian authorities, who consider the sale of OPP as a landmark event that would send a message to investors globally that transparency is being introduced into Ukraine’s economy. Source BNE IntelliNews
Under nationalist pressure, Bulgaria’s government looks set to oppose any move to deprive Hungary of its voting rights in the EU, due to fears of democratic backsliding. Bulgaria’s government, led by Boyko Borissov, will soon draft a position opposing a pending vote to initiate the Article 7 process that could take away Hungary’s right to vote in the Council of the EU. Source Balkan Insight
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States is considering a request from Poland for a permanent U.S. military presence in the fellow NATO country, acknowledging that he shares Poland’s concerns about possible Russian aggression. Source: Reuters
Russia’s Vladimir Putin has taken a more conciliatory tone, after his Defense Ministry held Israel “completely” accountable for a jet shot down over Syria. Putin spoke of a “tragic chain of accidental circumstances.” Source: Deutsche Welle
