Newsflash

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1181: Trump halted additional Russia sanctions after two-hour call with Putin

Rank: 87

Ukraine has intensified its military strategies in response to Russia’s aggressive "banzai" tactics, training troops for rapid strikes and retreats during its summer offensive. Reports indicate that Russia, facing a shortage of soldiers, is increasingly recruiting foreign fighters, including Iranians, who are being sent into combat with minimal preparation. Ukrainian forces have made confirmed advances near Borova and Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, while Russia continues to reinforce its positions in Kursk Oblast and conduct small-scale attacks along the border. As of May 20, 2025, Russia’s military losses since the invasion include nearly 976,000 personnel, over 10,800 tanks, and thousands of other vehicles and equipment. Experts warn that Ukraine’s reliance on improvised defense technologies is becoming insufficient against Russia’s advanced military investments, prompting Kyiv to collaborate with NATO allies like Belgium to produce compatible ammunition. Meanwhile, Russia is deploying decoy drones alongside real Shaheds to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.

On the international front, Poland’s presidential candidate has suggested abandoning support for Ukraine’s NATO accession to appeal to far-right voters, while Greece’s foreign minister criticizes Europe’s weak sanctions against Russia. Estonia’s defense chief asserts that Putin’s war strategy remains unchanged, and the U.S. continues to seek Patriot missile systems for Ukraine amid political debates over foreign policy. A new UK-EU defense agreement is expected to benefit Ukraine significantly, though public opinion in the U.S. remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions in peace talks. President Trump has halted additional sanctions on Russia, citing potential ceasefire opportunities after a lengthy call with Putin, though Ukraine remains cautious about Russia’s ultimatums.

Humanitarian efforts highlight Ukrainian veterans with prosthetics reaching Everest base camp to raise awareness for phantom pain treatment, while Russian drone attacks on Dnipro and other regions have caused widespread damage. Politically, Europe has imposed new sanctions on Russian military supply chains and chemical weapons labs, with the EU targeting Russian maritime assets and planning to lower the price cap on Russian oil. Despite Putin’s claims of seeking peace, Russia launched 2,882 kamikaze drones at Ukraine shortly after his call with Trump. Additionally, Elon Musk’s influence in U.S. politics appears to be waning, with Trump distancing himself from the tech mogul amid declining public support.

Germany’s Pistorius unveils roadmap to achieve planned 5% NATO target

Rank: 87

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius presented a plan to meet a potential new NATO defence spending target, proposing that Germany increase its military expenditure by 0.2 percentage points of GDP annually over seven years. This would raise Germany’s defence spending from the current 2.1% to 3.5% of GDP by 2032, aligning with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s proposed target for ordinary military spending, which exceeds the existing 2% goal. Additionally, Rutte suggested a separate 1.5% target for defence-related infrastructure, such as railways and ports, bringing the combined spending goal to 5%—a figure advocated by US President Donald Trump. The new target is expected to be finalized at the NATO summit in The Hague in June. Pistorius emphasized that the focus is on gradually enhancing NATO’s military capacity rather than achieving the 5% target immediately. The financial commitment would be substantial, with Germany potentially using a €500 billion fund to support infrastructure spending. Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that 5% of Germany’s GDP would amount to €225 billion in defence expenditure.

Poland and Ukraine sign cooperation agreement

Rank: 78

Poland and Ukraine have signed a cooperation agreement on regional policy aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and supporting Ukraine’s EU accession process. The deal, signed by Poland’s Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction, Oleksiy Kuleba, includes several key provisions. Poland will assist Ukraine in its EU negotiations and help develop a system for managing EU funds, while Ukrainian authorities will share expertise in civilian protection infrastructure and regional resilience with Poland, particularly in response to Russia’s aggressive policies. Additionally, the agreement facilitates greater market access for Polish companies involved in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction and modernizes Ukrainian institutional frameworks to ease business operations and public administration cooperation. This partnership builds on Poland’s longstanding support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, including previous security agreements and discussions on forming a "Ukrainian legion" of Ukrainians based in Poland. The collaboration underscores Poland’s role as a key ally in Ukraine’s EU integration and recovery efforts.

Poland’s largest private energy firm to build country’s third offshore wind project

Rank: 78

Poland’s largest private energy company, Polenergia, and Norway’s Equinor have approved the construction of two offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, located less than 40 kilometers off the Polish coast. With a combined capacity of 1,440 megawatts (MW), these farms—named Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3—are expected to generate enough electricity to power over two million households. Each farm will have a capacity of 720 MW, involving a total investment of around 27 billion zloty (€6.4 billion). Construction will begin immediately, with power production slated to start in 2027 and full operation by 2028. The projects will feature 100 turbines, each 260 meters tall, and are part of Poland’s broader goal to develop up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Other approved projects include the 1.2 GW Baltic Power and the 1.5 GW Baltica 2, with the latter set to begin construction this year and supply electricity to 2.5 million households by 2027.

These wind farms are among Poland’s largest infrastructure projects, aiming to enhance energy security, support economic growth, and promote renewable energy. Dominika Kulczyk, the richest woman in Poland and a major stakeholder in Polenergia, emphasized the importance of clean energy for future generations. Additionally, Equinor and Polenergia are planning the Bałtyk 1 project, pending the outcome of an upcoming auction. Poland, historically reliant on coal, has seen a shift in its energy mix, with coal generating less than half of its electricity for the first time last month, while renewables accounted for 34.2%. The Polish Wind Energy Association estimates the Baltic Sea’s offshore wind potential at 33 GW, which could meet up to 57% of the country’s electricity demand if fully developed.

Far right issues eight demands to two remaining candidates in Poland’s presidential election

Rank: 78

Sławomir Mentzen, the far-right candidate who secured nearly 15% of the vote in the first round of Poland’s presidential election, has invited the two remaining candidates, Rafał Trzaskowski (centrist Civic Platform) and Karol Nawrocki (national-conservative Law and Justice), to a discussion on his YouTube channel. Mentzen proposed that both sign an eight-point declaration reflecting his voters' priorities, including opposition to tax increases, protection of cash and the Polish currency, rejection of restrictions on free speech, and resistance to sending Polish troops to Ukraine or transferring powers to the EU. Nawrocki quickly accepted the invitation and pledged to sign the declaration, while Trzaskowski has not yet confirmed his participation. Mentzen, who performed strongly among younger voters, emphasized that his supporters rely on social media and urged the candidates to convince them of their worth. He also hinted at potential tensions with Nawrocki over allegations of misconduct involving an elderly man’s apartment, which Nawrocki denies. The discussion with Nawrocki is scheduled for May 22, though Trzaskowski remains noncommittal, stating he agrees with some of Mentzen’s demands but needs more time to respond. The second-round runoff between Trzaskowski and Nawrocki is set for June 1.

Poland’s presidential election “competitive” but conducted in “highly polarized” environment, finds OSCE

Rank: 78

The first round of Poland’s presidential election on 18 May was deemed "professional, well-organized, and orderly" by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which noted no serious procedural issues. However, the election occurred in a highly polarized political and media environment, limiting voters' access to impartial information. The OSCE’s report, based on observations from 34 experts and 33 parliamentarians, concluded that the election was competitive, offering voters distinct political alternatives, and praised the efficient management of the electoral process. Despite respect for fundamental freedoms, the report highlighted concerns such as biased media coverage, blurred lines between official duties and campaigning, and intolerant rhetoric targeting vulnerable groups, including migrants, the LGBT community, and ethnic and religious minorities. Examples included a campaign video by independent candidate Karol Nawrocki, supported by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, which depicted migrants as a threat, as well as anti-LGBT and antisemitic remarks by far-right candidates. The OSCE also noted Poland’s polarized media landscape, with state broadcaster TVP and some private outlets favoring certain candidates while others, like TV Republika, showed bias in their coverage. The report acknowledged efforts by Polish authorities to safeguard the election from disinformation and cyber threats, including a government-issued Election Protection Plan. The second round of the election, scheduled for 1 June, will feature Rafał Trzaskowski of the ruling Civic Platform (PO) and Nawrocki, who secured 31.36% and 29.54% of the vote, respectively. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of reader donations to support the independent, non-profit journalism of Notes from Poland.

Braže: 'Russia must be pressured to make peace'

Rank: 78

The article discusses the European Union's latest sanctions against Russia, focusing on its "shadow fleet" of ships used to evade existing restrictions. The new measures expand the list of sanctioned Russian vessels by 189, bringing the total to 342 under EU sanctions. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasized that these sanctions target sectors funding Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that Russia's continued aggression shows no intention of seeking peace. Braže also highlighted that the EU is preparing an 18th round of sanctions to further tighten the regime and close loopholes that allow circumvention. The measures aim to pressure Russia into ending the war by cutting off its revenue streams.

Revolut opening second base in France

Rank: 78

Revolut, a British finance company with a banking license in Lithuania, has announced plans to establish a dual-base operational model by opening a new office in Paris to manage its Western European operations. The company emphasized that Lithuania will remain a crucial hub for its European growth, and the new structure will not impact its existing operations there. The French entity will initially serve clients in several Western European countries, with plans to expand to Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Italy once Revolut obtains a banking license in France. Meanwhile, services for the remaining 24 countries in the European Economic Area will continue to be managed from Lithuania. Revolut has already set up branches in Lithuania and intends to open more across Europe in the coming months. The company aims to surpass 100 million global customers in the next few years, currently serving over 55 million, including 40 million in Europe. Financially, Revolut Group reported a net profit of EUR 934 million in the past year, a 2.4-fold increase from 2023, with revenues rising by 72% to EUR 3.7 billion.

Poland’s presidential election in charts

Rank: 72

The article summarizes the results of Poland’s presidential election first round, which will proceed to a second-round run-off between centrist candidate Rafał Trzaskowski of the ruling Civic Platform (PO) party, who secured 31.4% of the vote, and conservative Karol Nawrocki, backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, with 29.5%. Voter turnout reached a historic high of 67.31%, reflecting strong engagement. The election revealed a fragmented political landscape, with younger voters favoring far-right and left-wing outsider candidates like Sławomir Mentzen and Adrian Zandberg, while older voters supported established parties. A gender divide was evident, with women leaning toward Trzaskowski and left-wing candidates, and men favoring conservatives and far-right options. Regional trends showed conservative support in eastern Poland and liberal backing in the west, while Trzaskowski dominated among Poles abroad, except in the U.S., where Nawrocki performed better. Both candidates are now courting voters from eliminated rivals ahead of the June 1 run-off. Trzaskowski has shifted focus to progressive issues like abortion rights, while Nawrocki appealed to Mentzen’s far-right base, framing the election as a moment to "save Poland." The article also highlights the publication’s reliance on reader donations to maintain independent journalism.

Rēzekne council dismissal was just, says Constitutional Court

Rank: 72

The Constitutional Court ruled that a democratic state governed by the rule of law must take necessary measures to prevent local government actions that harm the legal interests of residents and society. This judgment came in response to a case challenging the constitutionality of laws related to the dismissal of the Rēzekne Municipal Council and its election process, initiated by the council itself after a majority of its dismissed members voted to appeal. The court found that the Rēzekne City Council had repeatedly violated budgetary regulations over an extended period, particularly in drafting and approving the 2023 and 2024 budgets. These violations included exceeding available financial resources and delaying a state loan, which increased the risk of further financial losses. Given the severity and cumulative nature of these breaches, the Constitutional Court determined that they justified the dismissal of the municipal council.

Rīga water company to offer first-of-its-kind bond

Rank: 45

SIA “Rīgas ūdens” is set to become the first company in Northern Europe eligible to issue bonds under the European Green Bond Standard (EuGB). The company plans to raise up to EUR 20 million in its initial European Green Bond offering, running from 21 May to 30 May, with a total bond program volume of up to EUR 60 million. The bonds, accessible to both institutional and private investors, will be listed on Nasdaq Riga’s Baltic Bond List. Each bond has a nominal value of EUR 100, a fixed annual interest rate of 4%, and a 5-year maturity. The proceeds from this first tranche will fund the renovation and expansion of the sewerage pipeline network and the modernization of the “Daugavgrīva” wastewater treatment plant, the largest of its kind in the Baltics. Krišjānis Krūmiņš, Chairman of the Management Board, highlighted the company’s role in providing safe water to over 600,000 residents and emphasized the bond’s role in advancing Riga’s climate-neutral goals by 2040, with planned investments of up to EUR 500 million in sustainable infrastructure. In 2024, the company reported EUR 76.3 million in revenue, with EUR 37.1 million from water services, and an EBITDA of EUR 25.9 million, a 9.1% increase from 2023. Moody’s affirmed the company’s long-term credit rating at A3 with a stable outlook in June 2024.

Funds for social housing construction approved in Latvia

Rank: 40

The Ministry of Economics has announced that local governments in Latvia can access grants from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to renovate existing buildings and construct new residential housing, with up to 85% of eligible costs covered. The initiative aims to provide rental housing for vulnerable populations. In the first funding round, 30 projects across 25 municipalities were approved, targeting the renovation of approximately 900 apartments. However, the second round, focused on new construction, faced delays due to rising construction costs. In January, the European Commission approved updated cost estimates and reallocated funds, increasing the total ERDF support from EUR 51.9 million to EUR 70.25 million. This additional funding will allow the program to exceed its initial goal, providing social housing for 1,952 people instead of the originally planned 1,865. Currently, around 5,000 households in Latvia are on waiting lists for social housing.

Latvian day at EXPO 2025 proves popular

Rank: 40

President Edgars Rinkēvičs inaugurated Latvia’s National Day at EXPO 2025, highlighting the country’s participation as a key opportunity for economic diplomacy and enhancing its global image. Latvia shares a joint pavilion with Lithuania at the event, showcasing its innovative environmental and human-centric advancements while fostering new partnerships. Rinkēvičs praised the organizers, particularly Japan and Osaka, for their exceptional execution of the exhibition. The National Day featured a multimedia performance titled “ECHO / ATBALSS,” a 40-minute spectacle blending music, dance, and visuals to depict Latvia’s story through daily cycles and seasons. Created by Latvian and Japanese artists, the performance underscored cultural similarities and the harmonious coexistence of nature, technology, and tradition. Musical director Reinis Sējāns noted the deep cultural connections between Latvia and Japan, reflected in the performance’s fusion of classical, choral, electronic, and contemporary sounds. The Baltic Pavilion attracted 200,000 visitors on National Day, while a business forum explored sustainable technology, mobility, and smart infrastructure. A significant outcome was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Latvia’s FORTES and Japan’s Ichigo ECO Energy to build five biomass cogeneration plants in Japan, utilizing Latvian wood gasification technology and including long-term operational support.

Latvia mulls permitting more forest felling

Rank: 40

The article discusses the potential for increased timber harvesting in state-owned forests, which currently hold approximately 120 million cubic meters of fully grown or over-mature trees. Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze highlights that much of this timber is not being managed efficiently and risks decaying if left unharvested. He suggests that over a 10-20 year period, felling volumes could be sustainably increased. Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis supports this idea, provided the additional logging contributes to economic growth by creating jobs and adding value to the timber, rather than merely exporting raw materials. Both ministers emphasize the need for responsible management and compliance with European environmental policies. A final decision on the matter is expected by Midsummer, following consultations with scientists and industry stakeholders.

New Pärnu bridge nears completion

Rank: 15

The construction of the new Pärnu bridge is nearly complete, with the opening scheduled for June 21 after nearly two years of work. The bridge’s arch was installed last August, and recent efforts have focused on waterproofing, asphalting, and installing lighting and traffic management systems. While the project is on track, costs have exceeded initial estimates. Originally budgeted at €26.7 million, the final cost is expected to surpass €28 million due to factors like increased VAT, rising construction prices, and additional work. The bridge’s connecting links, costing over €12 million, have also required extra investment. Despite the higher expenses, Pärnu Deputy Mayor Meelis Kukk noted that the milder winter helped keep the project on schedule. The city has already allocated €26.6 million for the bridge, with the remaining funds to be secured to cover the additional costs.