Tristan Vanheuckelom is a Belgian journalist, a book and film reviewer for various Dutch-language publications, and a writer for The European Conservative. His other interests include history, political science, and theology.
Belarusian Forces Trained by Wagner Vets: Poland Reinforces Border

Belarusian Forces Trained by Wagner Vets: Poland Reinforces Border

For the first time since Yevgeny Prigozhin’s failed march on Moscow, the Wagner boss reappeared. In a new video, the 62-year-old told the mercenary forces they would no longer fight in Ukraine but would “help train the Belarusian army,” which he was certain they could turn into “the second best army in the world,” after, naturally, Wagner itself.

Belgium’s Coalition Government Trips Over Tax Reform

Belgium’s Coalition Government Trips Over Tax Reform

In a not-too-subtle dig at the MR party, the sole holdout among all seven coalition partners, Belgium’s Finance Minister said that “today we must conclude that not everyone is able to leave their trench and to show the courage to make decisions in the interest of all.”

Dutch ‘Suicide Powder’ Seller Sentenced

Dutch ‘Suicide Powder’ Seller Sentenced

Through Alex S.’s actions, ten people died after ingesting the deadly powder, while investigators revealed his so-called ‘suicide kits’ had been sold to about 1,600 people.

Suspended Christian Councillor Files Lawsuit

Suspended Christian Councillor Files Lawsuit

King Lawal had replied to a tweet thread by Anglican commentator and broadcaster Calvin Robinson, who expressed concern about the sexualized nature of Pride events, at which children are often present.

Russia Terminates Black Sea Grain Deal

Russia Terminates Black Sea Grain Deal

On multiple occasions, Russia threatened to quit the initiative because its demands to lift sanctions on Russia’s logistical and financial sectors, which hamstrung its own grain and fertilizer exports, had not been met.

British Defense Secretary Calls it Quits

British Defense Secretary Calls it Quits

Wallace’s announcement comes only days before a long-awaited defense command paper to cut the number of regular troops is presented at Parliament, reducing the UK army to its smallest size since the Napoleonic wars.

Greece Migrant Boat Tragedy: New Revelations

Greece Migrant Boat Tragedy: New Revelations

An internal document reveals the EU and Athens knew about two children having died aboard the doomed vessel 15 hours before it capsized and sank, claiming the lives of approximately 600.

Biden in Helsinki: NATO Was “Never Stronger”

Biden in Helsinki: NATO Was “Never Stronger”

During his press conference, an emboldened Biden (who just one week ago admitted that Kyiv was running out of ammunition) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “already lost the war.”

UK Government Blasted for “Completely Inadequate” Response to China Spy Threat

UK Government Blasted for “Completely Inadequate” Response to China Spy Threat

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, currently under Beijing’s sanctions, called the report “absolutely damning,” and the UK government’s policy on China a “shambolic mess.”

Kyiv Placated With Security Guarantees in Lieu of NATO Accession

Kyiv Placated With Security Guarantees in Lieu of NATO Accession

In contrast to the previous day, when NATO accession was denied to him, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the new, multi-year pledges made by G7 countries. “The security guarantees are an important development as we move into NATO, this is very important,” he said.

Let it Flow: EU, U.S. Reach Deal Over Private Data Exports

Let it Flow: EU, U.S. Reach Deal Over Private Data Exports

Citing concerns about U.S. intelligence agencies accessing EU citizens’ private data, the Austrian non-profit group NOYB will legally challenge the agreement in the European Court of Justice, where it saw off two previous incarnations of the transatlantic deal.

Ukrainian Defense Official Claims Responsibility for Crimea Bridge Attack

Ukrainian Defense Official Claims Responsibility for Crimea Bridge Attack

While last October’s act of sabotage was widely celebrated in Ukraine, up until now Kyiv officials had never openly claimed responsibility.