Newsflash

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1184: Russia’s war crimes escalate

Rank: 87

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting key military, political, and humanitarian developments. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces continue to resist Russian advances, with reports of successful sniper strikes and partisan attacks on Russian drone command vehicles. Despite Russia's ambitions to create a "buffer zone" in Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions, analysts suggest Moscow lacks the capacity to achieve this goal soon. Meanwhile, drone attacks on Moscow and nearby regions have caused disruptions, including internet outages and flight chaos, with Ukraine claiming strikes on a major Russian ammunition producer.

The article also details the extensive losses suffered by Russian forces, including nearly a million personnel and thousands of tanks, artillery systems, and drones. In response to the conflict, Europe is ramping up its defense capabilities, with plans to acquire advanced military equipment to reduce reliance on the U.S. Ukraine, leveraging its wartime experience, is pitching high-tech weapons to European allies. However, the U.S. has refused to share its Patriot missile systems with Ukraine and remains indifferent to Russia's military buildup near Finland.

Internationally, Germany is strengthening its military presence abroad, while a Czech citizen who joined the Russian army is seeking rescue from Prague. The EU's financial support to Russia for energy in 2024 surpassed its aid to Ukraine, raising concerns. Additionally, former NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen criticized European leaders for slow action in supporting Ukraine, noting Russia's growing defense investments.

Humanitarian issues remain dire, with reports of Russian forces executing surrendering Ukrainian prisoners of war and continued attacks on civilian infrastructure, resulting in casualties. U.S. senators have demanded the return of abducted Ukrainian children as a precondition for any peace deal. Politically, former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi dismissed hopes of restoring 1991 borders, emphasizing the need for a high-tech military strategy. The article also mentions Russia's infrastructure projects aimed at large-scale theft in occupied territories, while Ukraine's media remains silent on the issue.

Germany targets teens allegedly plotting attacks on migrants

Rank: 87

German federal prosecutors have launched a crackdown on a far-right extremist cell known as the "Last Wave of Defence," which is accused of plotting violent attacks primarily targeting migrants and political opponents with the aim of destabilizing Germany's democratic system. In early morning raids, police arrested five male suspects aged 14 to 18 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, and Hesse, charging four with membership in a terrorist organization and one with supporting it. Additional charges include attempted murder, arson, and property damage. The group, believed to have formed around April 2024 or earlier, is linked to three violent incidents, including an arson attack on a cultural center in Altdöbern and a failed attempt to burn down an asylum shelter in Schmölln, where suspects left swastikas and far-right slogans. A planned attack on another asylum facility in Senftenberg was thwarted in February after a journalist tipped off authorities, leading to the discovery of explosives, weapons, and ammunition in a raid in Meissen. German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed concern over the young ages of the suspects, emphasizing the need to address youth radicalization. Separately, 100 officers raided six properties in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern tied to a far-right extremist chat group where members allegedly shared extremist content and incited criminal acts, with investigations focusing on charges such as dangerous bodily harm and incitement to hatred.

Polish opposition presidential candidate signs far-right leader’s list of demands

Rank: 78

In the Polish presidential election, conservative opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, has signed a set of eight pledges proposed by far-right rival Sławomir Mentzen to secure support from Mentzen’s voters ahead of a run-off against centrist Rafał Trzaskowski. The pledges include commitments not to ratify Ukraine’s NATO entry, send Polish troops to Ukraine, expand EU powers, introduce new taxes, or restrict Poles’ access to firearms. Nawrocki, who finished second in the first round with 29.54% behind Trzaskowski’s 31.36%, also aligned with Mentzen on issues like opposing Islamic immigration and criticizing past PiS policies, such as the Polish Deal tax reform and initial support for the EU’s Green Deal. While Confederation politicians praised Nawrocki’s stance, centrist opponents mocked his shift away from PiS policies. Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Nawrocki’s NATO-related pledge as dangerous, while Trzaskowski, who will also appear on Mentzen’s YouTube channel, emphasized the need for open debate rather than blindly signing declarations. The run-off on June 1 will determine the next president, with both candidates vying for Mentzen’s 14.81% of first-round voters.

Duda’s former national security advisor swaps sides and joins Trzaskowski’s presidential campaign

Rank: 78

Jacek Siewiera, the former head of Poland’s National Security Bureau under President Andrzej Duda, has unexpectedly joined the presidential campaign of Rafał Trzaskowski, Duda’s political rival and the centrist Civic Coalition (KO) candidate. Trzaskowski, who narrowly led in the first round of Poland’s presidential election and will face Duda-backed Karol Nawrocki in a June 1 runoff, announced Siewiera’s role as a social advisor, emphasizing the need for expert collaboration on national security. Siewiera, a military officer and physician, had resigned earlier this year, ostensibly to pursue a scholarship at Oxford, though opposition figures from the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party claim he was actually dismissed for shifting toward liberal views. PiS leaders, including Jarosław Kaczyński, criticized Siewiera’s move as politically motivated, while KO supporters praised it as a step toward unity and stability. Meanwhile, Poland’s defense ministry reported deterring a Russian "shadow fleet" ship near Baltic Sea infrastructure, underscoring ongoing security concerns. The article also highlights the independent, donation-funded nature of the reporting outlet, Notes from Poland.

King of Sweden pays a visit to Latvia

Rank: 78

During a working visit, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf visited the Ādaži military base, where they received a report from the commander of the NATO Multinational Division Headquarters “North” and met with soldiers from the Swedish battalion, marking their first NATO-mandated mission abroad. Earlier, at Riga Castle, President Rinkēvičs thanked the Swedish monarch for his and the royal family's contributions to strengthening Latvia-Sweden relations, highlighting the significance of the king's 1992 visit as one of the first by a foreign head of state after Latvia regained independence. Rinkēvičs also expressed gratitude for Sweden's military presence in Latvia and acknowledged Sweden as Latvia's largest foreign investor. The king, initially dressed in a formal dark blue suit, later changed into military attire for the base visit.

NATO Secretary General commends Czechia’s commitment to a stronger, fairer and more lethal Alliance

Rank: 70

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Czech President Petr Pavel at NATO Headquarters on May 21, 2025, to discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. Rutte praised Czechia as a strong and reliable ally, commending its defense investments, which exceed 2% of GDP, and its commitment to increase spending to 3% in the coming years. Czechia contributes significantly to NATO’s deterrence and defense, including deploying troops to Slovakia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as sending combat aircraft to Iceland for air policing missions. The Secretary General also highlighted Czechia’s substantial support for Ukraine, including over 1.3 billion euros in military aid and a successful ammunition initiative that has delivered more than 3 million rounds of large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine, with 1.5 million rounds provided in 2024 alone. Additionally, Czechia is expanding its role in NATO’s long-term support for Ukraine, including contributions to the NATO Security Assistance and Training command (NSATU) in Wiesbaden and the deployment of 20 personnel to NSATU’s Logistics Enabling Nodes in July. Looking ahead to the NATO Summit, Rutte emphasized the need to further strengthen deterrence and defense, increase defense spending, and foster a more innovative transatlantic defense industry, expressing confidence in Czechia’s continued leadership and commitment.

Estonian government begins nuclear power station planning and assessment process

Rank: 70

The Estonian government has initiated the process for a national special plan and strategic environmental impact assessment to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a 600 Megawatt nuclear power plant and its associated infrastructure. This decision follows an application submitted in January by the private sector company Fermi Energia, which seeks to determine the most suitable location for the plant while assessing its potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. The proposed area for the project spans over 1,200 square kilometers across Lääne-Viru and Ida-Viru counties in northeastern Estonia, including a coastal marine zone extending from Kunda Bay to Narva Bay. The assessment aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the project's implications before any further development steps are taken.

Youth unemployment in Estonia doubles in less than a decade

Rank: 70

In Estonia, youth unemployment has more than doubled over the past decade, with the issue disproportionately impacting those with the lowest education levels. By last year, the number of unemployed individuals aged 16–26 had risen to over 10,000, a sharp increase from the 4,000 recorded eight years earlier. Specifically, the figure grew from 3,998 in 2017 to 9,373 in 2023, reaching 10,199 by the end of last year. Regionally, Harju County, which includes the capital city Tallinn and is the most populous area in the country, had 4,231 unemployed young people, with three-quarters of them residing in Tallinn. Harju County’s total population exceeds 638,000. The trend highlights a growing challenge in youth employment, particularly among less-educated individuals, and underscores regional disparities in job opportunities.

Parties aiming for parliament might have to double in size in Latvia

Rank: 40

The article discusses proposed changes to Latvia's electoral laws, which include increasing the minimum number of party members required to participate in parliamentary elections from 500 to 1,000. This change, if approved in the final reading, will take effect after the next Saeima elections on January 1, 2027. Additionally, the security deposit for registering a candidate list will rise significantly, from €1,400 to 11 times the minimum monthly wage, and election programs will be extended from 4,000 to 10,000 characters. The submission period for candidate lists will also be adjusted, requiring them to be filed between 135 and 120 days before the election, rather than the current 80-day window, to improve election preparation efficiency. The Saeima also approved provisions allowing election commission members to assist voters with physical disabilities by signing voter lists and marking ballots on their behalf. Currently, only three party alliances meet the new 1,000-member threshold. Political analysts suggest that the increased membership requirement could encourage parties to engage more actively with the public, as current participation levels are low compared to other European countries. The draft law awaits final approval, with proposals due by May 29.

Indexo starts offering mortgage loans

Rank: 40

The bank aims to address the market situation where over two billion mortgage loans, issued more than five years ago, remain partially repaid but carry higher interest rates compared to current offerings. Many customers are still paying elevated rates on these older loans despite the availability of lower rates on new mortgages. Valdis Siksnis, Chairman of the Bank's Board, highlighted this as a significant opportunity for Indexo Banka, drawing parallels to their previous success in the pension management sector. There, Indexo disrupted the market by offering lower-cost services, challenging high commissions and passive competition. Now, the bank seeks to replicate this approach in the mortgage loan sector, aiming to provide more affordable options for customers and stimulate competition.

Austria stuns Latvia to make QF

Rank: 40

Austria secured a decisive 6-1 victory over Latvia to claim fourth place in Group A and advance to the quarter-finals, marking their first playoff appearance since 1994. The win was a significant achievement for Austria, with 20-year-old Vinzenz Rohrer scoring twice and emphasizing the team’s strong chemistry and determination. Latvia, despite showing moments of their 2023 bronze-medal form, struggled to maintain consistency and fell short in a high-stakes match. Austrian captain Thomas Raffl and other key players contributed to the dominant performance, while Latvian captain Kaspars Daugavins acknowledged Austria’s deserved victory, citing their effective play and resilience.

The game began cautiously, with both teams aware of the quarter-final implications. Austria’s David Kickert and Latvia’s Kristers Gudlevskis made crucial early saves, but Austria capitalized on a fortunate break when Dominic Zwerger scored shorthanded after a blocked shot led to a breakaway. The second period saw Austria extend their lead to 3-0 with goals from Benjamin Baumgartner and Rohrer, though Latvia briefly responded with a goal from Eduards Tralmaks. Gudlevskis kept Latvia in the game with a key save, but Austria pulled away in the third period. A defensive error by Latvia allowed Raffl to score, followed by Zwerger’s goal and Rohrer’s empty-netter to seal the 6-1 win.

Reflecting on the match, Daugavins noted the pressure of playing in such a critical game, especially for Latvia’s younger players, while Rohrer highlighted Austria’s focus on taking the tournament one game at a time. Austria now prepares for the quarter-finals with confidence, drawing inspiration from Latvia’s 2023 upset over Sweden, while Latvia faces the disappointment of falling short despite their potential.

Study ranks Rīga most affordable short-term tourism destination

Rank: 30

The study examined the costs of 12 common tourist expenses, such as food, transportation, and accommodation, across 38 European cities. It found that Rīga offers the most affordable experience, with a two-night stay in a three-star hotel, meals, drinks, and transport totaling around £253. Vilnius ranked second at £254, followed by Warsaw in third place at £277. The research emphasized that cities in the Baltic States and nearby regions, including Rīga, provide excellent value for money. The study is conducted annually by Post Office Travel Money, a UK-based currency exchange service, as part of its City Costs Barometer to assist travelers in planning budget-friendly trips.

Latvian unemployment rate climbs to 7.4%

Rank: 30

In Q1 2025, Latvia's unemployment rate stood at 6.9%, reflecting a 0.5 percentage point increase from the previous quarter and a 0.2 percentage point rise over the year. The number of unemployed individuals aged 15–74 reached 69.5 thousand, marking an 8.9% increase over the quarter and a 1.2% rise over the year. While the proportion of long-term unemployed (those without work for 12 months or longer) decreased to 33.6% over the quarter, it increased by 3.6 percentage points annually. Nearly half of the unemployed (33.8 thousand) had been jobless for up to five months, with declines over the year but increases over the quarter. Meanwhile, 12.1 thousand were unemployed for 6–11 months, and 23.2 thousand were long-term unemployed, showing mixed trends over the year and quarter. The inactive population—those neither employed nor seeking work—accounted for 31.7% (436.0 thousand people), declining slightly over the quarter but rising by 2.0% annually. Compared to neighboring countries, Latvia's unemployment rate was higher than Lithuania's (6.9%) but lower than Estonia's (8.6%), and it remained above the EU average of 5.7% in Q4 2024. The Labor Force Survey (LFS) for Q1 2025 covered 5.0 thousand households, interviewing 8.3 thousand individuals aged 15–89, including 7.1 thousand aged 15–74.

More than Mickiewicz and Miłosz: Polish poetry continues to evolve at oldest literary festival

Rank: 15

The article highlights the 30th anniversary of Poland’s oldest literature festival, TransPort Literacki, held in Kołobrzeg, which continues to promote Polish literature through readings, discussions, and workshops while fostering connections between generations of authors and maintaining an international focus. The festival, which began in 1996 under a different name at a former military base, has faced challenges, including interference from local authorities, but remains committed to high-quality writing. It features diverse voices, including poems on LGBTQ+ themes and feminist issues, reflecting Poland’s evolving literary and social landscape. The festival also serves as a platform for dialogue amid the country’s political polarization, with poetry often capturing societal changes. Polish literature, historically tied to national identity during periods of foreign occupation, has seen renewed global interest, particularly after Olga Tokarczuk’s Nobel Prize win in 2018. However, translating Polish works remains a challenge, and while some hope for a broader international breakthrough, others note lingering perceptions of translated literature as difficult or less accessible. Despite these hurdles, the festival remains vibrant, embracing both tradition and innovation in its mission to advance Polish literature.