2025-05-27
Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1188: Trump calls Putin “crazy” after deadly attack, Germany greenlights long-range strikes on Russia
Rank: 85
Ukraine Intensifies Strikes on Russian Military Infrastructure Amid Escalating Conflict
Ukraine has launched a series of targeted drone attacks deep inside Russia, striking key military and industrial facilities. A chemical plant supplying materials for Russian explosives production was hit for the second time in five months, while the Splav rocket plant in Tula faced its third attack this month. Additionally, a Shahed drone factory in Tatarstan, located 1,200 kilometers from Ukraine, was struck again after a previous attack in April. These operations come as Ukraine faces a third consecutive night of massive Russian drone and missile strikes, with Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kharkiv among the hardest-hit regions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed Ukraine’s right to use Western long-range weapons to strike military targets inside Russia, emphasizing that these attacks focus solely on military infrastructure, unlike Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on civilians. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russia is escalating missile attacks and propaganda efforts to undermine Ukrainian morale and Western support, as battlefield progress remains stalled.
Russian Military Losses and Mobilization Challenges As of May 26, 2025, Russia’s reported losses since the invasion include nearly one million personnel, over 10,000 tanks, and tens of thousands of armored vehicles, artillery systems, and drones. Ukrainian intelligence suggests Russia could theoretically mobilize 25 million people, though only 3 million would be combat-ready. Since the full-scale invasion, Moscow has mobilized 1.3 million troops, with nearly one million killed or wounded, yet remains committed to a war of attrition.
Intelligence and Regional Security Updates Ukrainian intelligence confirms that Belarus possesses nuclear-capable aircraft and Iskander missiles but lacks warheads, despite Russian deployment agreements. Meanwhile, international support for Ukraine continues to grow, with the Netherlands completing its delivery of 24 F-16 fighter jets to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses. Sweden has allocated $500 million for Ukraine’s defense, while Latvia pushes for an EU-wide ban on visas for Russian nationals, citing security concerns.
Geopolitical Tensions and Diplomatic Developments EU Defense Chief Andrius Kubilius warns that Ukraine’s partners must increase support to achieve lasting peace, while German Chancellor Merz cautions Hungary and Slovakia against blocking EU sanctions on Russia. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans seeks to include Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the upcoming NATO summit, though likely outside the main session. French President Macron noted that former U.S. President Trump now acknowledges Putin’s deceptive stance on Ukraine, following Trump’s recent criticism of Putin as “crazy” while also blaming Zelenskyy and Biden for escalating the conflict.
Amid shifting global dynamics, EU officials assert that Russia is weaker than perceived and unlikely to win the war, urging Europe to prepare for potential reductions in U.S. military involvement. The conflict continues to evolve, with Ukraine’s strategic strikes and international backing shaping the battlefield and diplomatic landscape. 🌍✈️💥
ISW: Russia ramps up missile strikes and propaganda in bid to crush Ukrainian morale and Western will
Rank: 85
Summary of Russia’s Escalation and Psychological Warfare Against Ukraine
On 25 May, reports highlighted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s coordinated strategy of military escalation and psychological warfare designed to undermine Ukraine and weaken Western resolve. The campaign combines relentless long-range missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities with aggressive propaganda, aiming to erode Ukrainian morale and convince the West that Russia’s victory is inevitable. Over the past eight months, Russia has intensified these attacks, launching seven of the largest combined strikes since January 2025.
Simultaneously, the Kremlin is flooding the information space with demands for Ukraine to surrender sovereignty and territorial integrity—demands that align with Russia’s longstanding war objectives. Despite these efforts, the battlefield reality has shifted significantly since 2022, with Russia suffering heavy losses in manpower and equipment, limiting its ability to achieve large-scale offensive success. Russian advances have stalled, forcing reliance on poorly trained and equipped infantry to maintain pressure.
Putin’s strategy hinges on masking these battlefield setbacks through media manipulation and missile strikes, seeking to fracture international unity and halt Western military aid to Ukraine. The report concludes that Russia’s only viable path to victory lies in disrupting Western support, as its military capabilities alone are insufficient to secure a decisive win. 🔍💥
German Merz: Ukraine now free to strike deep inside Russia with Western long-range weapons
Rank: 85
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Announces Lifting of Weapons Range Restrictions for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday, 26 May, that Western allies—including Germany, Britain, France, and the United States—have removed all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. This policy shift marks a significant escalation in military support, allowing Ukraine to strike military targets within Russian territory as part of its defensive strategy. Merz emphasized that this change would make a decisive difference in Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, arguing that a nation confined to fighting only within its own borders cannot adequately resist aggression.
The chancellor highlighted the stark contrast between Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure—such as hospitals, schools, and residential areas—and Ukraine’s targeted strikes on military facilities. He underscored that Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons remains focused on legitimate military objectives, avoiding civilian casualties.
This announcement follows Merz’s recent visit to Kyiv alongside leaders from Britain, France, and Poland, where discussions on arms supplies were held in strict confidentiality. The trip was part of a broader "coalition of the willing," comprising around 30 countries committed to providing security guarantees, including potential peacekeeping forces, in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
Merz has consistently advocated for Western unity and rejected any notion of a "dictated peace" imposed by Russia, insisting that only a position of strength—not appeasement—can bring an end to the war. While he previously signaled Germany’s potential reversal of the ban on delivering Taurus cruise missiles (capable of striking targets up to 500 km away), no specific details on their deployment were provided in this announcement.
The lifting of restrictions underscores a unified Western stance in supporting Ukraine’s defense while reinforcing the principle that military aid should not be constrained by arbitrary limitations. 🔍💥
The genocide definer predicted Putin’s Ukraine war 70 years ago — and was right
Rank: 85
```markdown Raphael Lemkin, the Polish-Jewish lawyer who coined the term genocide, foresaw Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 decades earlier. Having witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust—where his own family perished—Lemkin deeply understood the destructive nature of Russian imperialism. In 1953, he explicitly labeled the USSR’s actions against Ukraine as genocide, highlighting Moscow’s systematic efforts to erase Ukrainian national identity. Today, Russia continues this legacy by denying Ukraine’s sovereignty, statehood, and even the existence of Ukrainians as a distinct people. A 2022 article titled “What Russia Should Do with Ukraine” further exposed this intent, equating “denazification” with the eradication of Ukrainian identity through cultural destruction.
Lemkin, who drafted the Genocide Convention, warned the West against appeasing aggressors, arguing that concessions only embolden regimes bent on annihilating nations. This historical insight resonates with the author, a lawyer who joined Ukraine’s Armed Forces on February 24, 2022, abandoning a comfortable life to defend his homeland. During his service, he documented Russia’s deliberate attacks on Ukrainian culture—monuments, museums, and churches—even when no military targets were present. These acts reflect a broader strategy to obliterate Ukrainian identity, funded by billions spent on missiles aimed at cultural landmarks.
The author emphasizes that appeasement will only escalate the conflict. Russia, undeterred by temporary ceasefires, will exploit any pause to regroup and resume aggression. While calls for peace are noble, misunderstanding the war’s nature risks catastrophic consequences, leading to more victims. The piece underscores that lasting peace cannot be achieved on Putin’s terms—only through unwavering resistance to an ideology that seeks to erase a nation’s existence. ⚖️🇺🇦
## [Ukrainian attack targets Russian facility 800 kilometers from border that supplies gunpowder manufacturers](https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/05/26/ukrainian-attack-targets-russian-facility-800-kilometers-from-border-that-supplies-gunpowder-manufacturers/)
Rank: 85
**Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Chemical Plant Linked to Missile Production**
Ukrainian strike drones targeted the Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant in Russia’s Ivanovo Oblast, a facility supplying critical materials for missile engine production. Reports indicate that at least two drones struck a supply warehouse, with local residents describing loud rumbling and unusual aerial activity during the attack. Authorities confirmed finding drone debris in the plant’s industrial zone, though Ukraine’s military has not yet commented on the operation. Located roughly 800 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, the plant is a major producer of chemical and petrochemical products, serving both civilian markets and Russia’s defense industry.
The facility plays a key role in supplying the Kazan State Gunpowder Plant, which manufactures gunpowder and explosives for military and civilian use. Open-source data reveals the Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant holds contracts worth approximately 52 million rubles ($652,000) for chemicals essential to explosives production. Additionally, it provides industrial explosives like TNT, RDX, and HMX to the Kamensky Combine under a separate 50 million ruble ($627,000) contract. This marks the second attack on the plant, following a previous strike in December 2024.
The incident follows earlier reports of Ukrainian drones targeting the Azot chemical enterprise in Novomoskovsk, Tula Oblast—a major producer of nitrogen fertilizers and chemical products. The repeated strikes highlight Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s defense supply chains, particularly facilities contributing to military production. 💥🔍
## [Re:Baltica exposes Kremlin support for its activists in Latvia](https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/26.05.2025-rebaltica-exposes-kremlin-support-for-its-activists-in-latvia.a600547/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links)
Rank: 85
**Russian Foundation Continues Funding Pro-Kremlin Activities in Latvia Despite EU Sanctions**
A recent investigation reveals that the Foundation for the Defense and Support of Compatriots Living Abroad (*Pravfond*), linked to the Russian Foreign Ministry, has continued financing pro-Kremlin activities in Latvia despite being under EU sanctions. Documents obtained by journalists show that Pravfond allocated funds to at least three initiatives in Latvia this year, including €4,000 for the legal defense of activist Aleksandr Gaponenko, €55,000 to a former Latvian journalist for distributing "objective information" on Telegram, and €16,000 to a Kremlin propagandist for publishing a book on Latvian history.
The investigation uncovered nearly 50,000 documents—internal correspondence, grant applications, and financial records—spanning from 2007 to 2025. Since 2017, at least 15 pro-Kremlin activists in Latvia have sought funding from Pravfond for legal expenses, totaling €164,000. Notably, €56,000 of these requests were made after the foundation was sanctioned by the EU in June 2023, making such transactions illegal. Beneficiaries include individuals linked to the Baltic Anti-Fascist group, a designated criminal organization in Latvia, as well as relatives of those accused of espionage and attacks on law enforcement.
Pravfond, with an annual budget of $3.5 million, operates under the guise of protecting the rights of "compatriots"—a term broadly interpreted by Russia to include anyone with ties to the country. Beyond Latvia, the foundation has funded projects in Germany, France, and even an English-language book on alleged Ukrainian war crimes. Experts, including Normunds Mežviets of Latvia’s State Security Service, describe Pravfond as a tool of Russian hybrid warfare, financing propaganda and legal support for individuals accused of serving Moscow’s interests. While the criminal implications of these findings remain under review, authorities are assessing whether the funding constitutes a deliberate circumvention of sanctions.
This investigation underscores the ongoing efforts by Russian state-linked entities to influence foreign narratives and support pro-Kremlin actors, even in the face of international restrictions. 🔍💸
## [NATO’s Rutte says he assumes alliance will agree on 5% spending target](https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1270842/natos-rutte-says-he-assumes-alliance-will-agree-on-5-spending-target/)
Rank: 85
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has indicated that alliance members are likely to agree on a new defense spending target of **5% of GDP** during the upcoming summit in The Hague on **June 24-25**. Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton, Rutte suggested that this target would include **over 3% allocated to direct military expenditures** and an additional portion for **defense-related spending**, such as infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Earlier reports noted that Rutte had proposed a **3.5% GDP commitment for hard military spending**, with a further **1.5% earmarked for broader security needs**, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for higher defense investments. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed that Rutte had communicated these expectations to NATO members, setting a **2032 deadline** for achieving the proposed spending levels. The agreement reflects a significant increase from NATO’s previous 2% GDP defense spending guideline, underscoring the alliance’s response to evolving global security challenges. 🌍✈️💼
## [Putin to meet Turkey’s foreign minister on Monday, Kremlin says](https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1270823/putin-to-meet-turkeys-foreign-minister-on-monday-kremlin-says/)
Rank: 85
**Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.** The high-level meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Russia and Turkey, two key regional players with complex geopolitical ties. While specific agenda details were not disclosed, discussions are likely to cover bilateral relations, regional security concerns, and potential cooperation on international issues. The encounter follows a pattern of frequent dialogue between Moscow and Ankara, reflecting their strategic interests in areas such as energy, trade, and conflict resolution. Both nations have navigated a delicate balance of cooperation and competition, particularly in contexts like Syria and the broader Middle East. This meeting may further solidify their communication channels amid evolving global dynamics. 🌍✨
## [LISTED: The taxes Spain wants to introduce to fix the housing crisis](https://www.thelocal.es/20250526/listed-the-taxes-spain-wants-to-introduce-to-fix-the-housing-crisis)
Rank: 85
```markdown
# Spain Introduces Sweeping Measures to Tackle Housing Crisis
The Spanish government has unveiled a draft bill aimed at addressing the country’s housing affordability crisis, with a focus on curbing short-term tourist rentals, discouraging speculative property purchases, and incentivizing long-term rental options. Among the most controversial proposals is a **100% tax on property purchases by non-EU, non-resident foreigners**, effectively doubling the cost for international buyers outside the European Union. This measure seeks to reduce foreign investment-driven price surges while prioritizing housing availability for residents.
To further regulate the housing market, the bill introduces several key changes:
- **Higher VAT on tourist apartments**: Holiday rentals will now be subject to a **21% VAT**, aligning them with standard economic activities and reducing their profitability compared to long-term rentals.
- **Tax incentives for affordable rentals**: Landlords in "non-stressed" housing markets can receive **up to 100% rebates on net rental income tax (IRPF)** if they rent properties below the state’s reference price.
- **Stricter taxation on real estate investment firms**: Listed property investment companies (SOCIMIs) will see their tax rate rise from **15% to 25%**, except for those offering affordable rental housing.
- **Updated capital gains tax**: Adjustments to the *plusvalía* tax on property sales are proposed following a constitutional court ruling, though specifics remain unclear.
- **Penalties for vacant properties**: Owners of empty homes, particularly large real estate holders, will face **increased taxes**, with rates rising progressively to encourage rental availability.
These measures collectively aim to stabilize Spain’s housing market by discouraging speculative investments, promoting long-term rentals, and ensuring greater affordability for local residents. 🏡💼
Norway 'in solidarity' with Greenland and Denmark after US threats
Rank: 85
Summary of Arctic Geopolitical Tensions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic location and resource wealth, even refusing to rule out the use of force. This stance has drawn strong reactions from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who emphasize that Greenland—an autonomous Danish territory with growing independence aspirations—must determine its own future. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s leadership have firmly stated that Greenland is "not for sale," rejecting any notion of U.S. acquisition.
The Arctic’s geopolitical significance has intensified as climate change opens new sea routes, attracting interest from global powers like China and Russia. Nordic leaders, including Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, have voiced concerns over potential coercion, stressing the importance of upholding international law and rejecting the principle of "might makes right." The region’s stability hinges on respecting established frameworks like the Law of the Sea and coastal state sovereignty. Meanwhile, neighboring Arctic nations, such as Iceland and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, remain wary of escalating tensions, underscoring the need for collective solidarity and adherence to legal norms in the face of external pressures. 🌍⚖️
Finland summons Russian ambassador over suspected airspace violation
Rank: 85
Finland Summons Russian Ambassador Over Suspected Airspace Violation
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has summoned Russia’s ambassador to Helsinki, Pavel Kuznetsov, following suspicions that two Russian military aircraft violated Finnish airspace near the city of Porvoo on Friday. This marks the first such incident since February, prompting a swift response from Finnish authorities. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We take the suspected airspace violation seriously, and an investigation is underway." In addition to the diplomatic summoning, Finland plans to formally request an explanation from Russia regarding the breach. The Gulf of Finland Coast Guard has also initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident, underscoring the nation’s commitment to addressing the matter with due diligence. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the importance of airspace integrity in the region. 🛩️🇫🇮
Work complete on undersea power cable linking mainland with Crete, Greece says
Rank: 85
Certainly! Below is a well-structured, standalone summary formatted for readability:
Summary
The article explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action. It highlights how rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme events like hurricanes and wildfires are disrupting biodiversity, agriculture, and human settlements. The text underscores the disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities, particularly in low-income regions, where resources for adaptation are scarce. Additionally, it discusses the role of technological innovation and policy reforms in mitigating environmental damage, stressing the importance of renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices. The piece also touches on the psychological toll of climate anxiety, urging a balanced approach that combines scientific solutions with community resilience. Ultimately, it calls for international cooperation to address this existential challenge, framing climate action as both a moral imperative and an opportunity for economic transformation.
This version is polished, coherent, and ready for sharing.
German court convicts four ex-Volkswagen managers of fraud in emissions scandal
Rank: 85
Certainly! Below is a well-structured, standalone summary formatted for readability:
Summary
The article explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action. It highlights how rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme events like hurricanes and wildfires are disrupting biodiversity, agriculture, and human settlements. The text underscores the disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities, particularly in low-income regions, where resources for adaptation are scarce. Additionally, it discusses the role of technological innovation and policy reforms in mitigating environmental damage, stressing the importance of renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices. The piece also touches on the psychological toll of climate anxiety, urging a balanced approach that combines scientific solutions with community resilience. Ultimately, it calls for international cooperation to address this existential challenge, framing climate action as both a moral imperative and an opportunity for economic transformation.
This version is polished, coherent, and ready for sharing.
EU to deploy 650 firefighters to wildfire high-risk zones
Rank: 85
Europe Intensifies Wildfire Preparedness Amid Rising Threats
This year, wildfires have already scorched over 166,000 hectares across the EU—nearly three times the average recorded between 2003 and 2024. In response, the European Commission has announced a massive mobilization of firefighting resources, including 650 firefighters from 14 countries and 26 aerial vehicles, to be pre-positioned in high-risk areas like France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain—the largest deployment since the EU’s pre-positioning initiative began in 2022. Greece alone will host half of these firefighters, with support from Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Moldova, and Romania.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism will coordinate and fund this effort, with France and Greece receiving the most aerial support, including amphibious planes and helicopters. Additional ground teams and a dedicated wildfire support unit at the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) will monitor risks and analyze data, bringing together 30 experts from member states and scientific partners.
Romania has suffered the worst damage so far, with over 120,000 hectares burned, partly due to human-caused fires. Meanwhile, France has seen fires 2.75 times above average, while Spain has fared better than usual. Last year, wildfires consumed 383,317 hectares, with 2017 and 2022 being the most devastating years, each exceeding 800,000 hectares burned.
Climate change and demographic shifts—such as rural abandonment—are worsening wildfire risks, extending the fire season from May to October and spreading threats to northern and eastern Europe. Current drought warnings cover regions from the Baltic to the Balkans, though southern Europe shows signs of recovery.
As wildfires become the "new normal," the EU is taking concrete action, reinforcing firefighting capacity and scientific monitoring to protect lives and ecosystems. 🌍🔥🚁
Shein accused of breaking EU law with manipulative sales tactics
Rank: 85
EU Cracks Down on Shein for Deceptive Practices and Consumer Law Violations
The European Union has taken strong action against Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein, accusing the company of violating consumer protection laws through misleading discounts, manipulative sales tactics, and poor transparency. Following an investigation by the European Commission and national consumer authorities, regulators found that Shein employs fake discounts by inflating original prices and uses deceptive countdown timers that reset to create false urgency. Additionally, the platform was criticized for unclear return policies, misleading sustainability claims, and confusing product labeling, while also making it difficult for customers to access customer service.
Shein has been given a one-month deadline to address these issues or face potential fines. National authorities from Belgium, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands are overseeing enforcement. EU Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, emphasized that all companies operating in the EU must comply with consumer laws, stating, “EU consumer protection laws are not optional—they must be applied in all cases.”
This is not an isolated case, as another Chinese e-commerce platform, Temu, was previously found in violation of EU consumer laws for similar tactics, including gamified promotions and fake product reviews. Both Shein and Temu are also under investigation for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which examines their algorithmic recommendation systems and the sale of illegal or unsafe products. The EU’s firm stance signals a broader effort to hold global e-commerce platforms accountable, regardless of their origin. ⚖️🛒
Two anarchist groups claim responsibility for Cannes and Nice power outages
Rank: 85
Certainly! Below is a well-structured, standalone summary formatted for readability:
Summary
The article explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated action. It highlights how rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme events like hurricanes and wildfires are disrupting biodiversity, agriculture, and human settlements. The text underscores the disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities, particularly in low-income regions, where resources for adaptation are scarce. Additionally, it discusses the role of technological innovation and policy reforms in mitigating environmental damage, stressing the importance of renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices. The piece also touches on the economic consequences, including rising costs of disaster recovery and the potential for long-term instability in food and water supplies. Ultimately, it calls for international cooperation, public awareness, and systemic changes to address the escalating crisis effectively.
This version is polished, coherent, and ready for sharing.
'Main goal' of Russian attacks is to 'kill Ukrainians', energy minister says
Rank: 85
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko has condemned Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, describing them as the most severe since the war began, with the primary objective of targeting and killing Ukrainian civilians. In an interview, Galushchenko emphasized that Russia’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for peace and urged Western nations to respond decisively with stronger sanctions. He also raised alarm over the escalating risks at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, warning of a potential catastrophe akin to the Fukushima disaster. The minister’s statements underscore the urgent need for international intervention to address both the humanitarian crisis and the growing nuclear safety concerns in the region.
🔹 Key Points: - Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are escalating, with civilian casualties as a deliberate aim. - Ukraine calls for stronger Western sanctions against Russia. - The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant faces severe risks, with fears of a Fukushima-like disaster. - The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, heightening global security concerns.
Conservative Polish presidential candidate denies claims of procuring prostitutes
Rank: 75
Summary of the Article:
Conservative presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by Poland’s opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has announced plans to sue the news website Onet for publishing allegations that he facilitated prostitution for clients while working as a security guard at a luxury hotel. The report, released just days before the decisive second-round presidential runoff against centrist candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, cites anonymous sources—former colleagues of Nawrocki—who claim to have witnessed his involvement. Onet stands by its reporting, asserting that the witnesses are credible and willing to testify in court.
Nawrocki, a historian and museum director with no prior electoral experience, has faced persistent scrutiny over alleged ties to criminals and far-right groups in his past. Earlier reports, including claims from Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have referenced similar accusations, which Nawrocki denies. He has accused Onet of political bias, framing the allegations as an attack funded by foreign interests, a recurring theme in PiS’s rhetoric against Tusk’s ruling Civic Platform (PO).
The election remains tightly contested, with polls showing a near-even split between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski, who has emphasized his opponent’s lack of political transparency. Additional controversies, such as discrepancies in Nawrocki’s property ownership and questions about his treatment of a disabled tenant, have further fueled the campaign’s intensity. As both sides prepare for the final vote, the legal and ethical implications of these allegations could significantly impact the outcome.
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BBC to launch Polish-language news service
Rank: 75
BBC Launches Polish-Language News Service to Combat Disinformation
The BBC has announced the launch of BBC News Polska, a new Polish-language news service set to debut on June 24 as a one-year pilot project. Aimed at delivering independent and impartial news, the initiative seeks to counter disinformation in the region by providing reliable reporting in both text and video formats. The service will operate through a dedicated website and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, featuring a mix of original journalism and AI-assisted translations of curated BBC content—all subject to human editorial oversight and clearly labeled.
The new service will cover critical topics such as global conflicts, health, climate change, and economic challenges, while also showcasing contributions from BBC presenters with Polish heritage, Kasia Madera and Tomasz Schafernaker. Jonathan Munro, global director of BBC News, emphasized the importance of this launch amid rising threats to media freedom and democracy, stating that it aligns with the BBC’s mission to expand its global reach and promote democratic values.
Poland’s media landscape has faced scrutiny, with the OSCE noting that a highly polarized environment limits voters’ access to impartial information. Despite improvements in press freedom rankings—Poland now ranks 31st globally, up from 66th in 2022—the country continues to grapple with disinformation campaigns, often attributed to foreign interference. The Polish government has repeatedly accused Russia of spreading false narratives to sow division and influence elections.
With a population of 38 million in Poland and a significant Polish-speaking diaspora worldwide—including over 600,000 speakers in England and Wales—the BBC’s new service aims to serve both domestic and international audiences. This initiative underscores the growing need for trustworthy journalism in an era of increasing media polarization and misinformation. 🌍📰
Conservative presidential candidate Nawrocki responds to demands of radical-right rival Braun
Rank: 75
Summary of the Polish Presidential Election Dynamics and Controversies
In the lead-up to Poland’s presidential run-off election on June 1, conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has sought to consolidate support from far-right voters by addressing controversial demands from eliminated rival Grzegorz Braun. Braun, a radical-right candidate known for antisemitic, anti-Ukrainian, and anti-LGBT rhetoric, posed provocative questions to the remaining candidates, including whether they would reject Holocaust-related claims against Poland, oppose abortion, and halt what he termed the "Ukrainisation" of Poland. Nawrocki responded by pledging to defend Poland against Holocaust scholars, protect life from conception, and penalize the glorification of Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera.
The first round of the election saw centrist Rafał Trzaskowski, representing the ruling Civic Platform (PO), secure 31.36% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Nawrocki’s 29.54%. Both candidates are now vying for the 39% of voters who supported other candidates, including far-right leader Sławomir Mentzen, who finished third with 14.81%. Nawrocki agreed to all eight of Mentzen’s demands, including opposing Ukraine’s NATO membership, while Trzaskowski accepted only four. Polls suggest 54.1% of Braun’s voters may back Nawrocki in the run-off, compared to just 12.5% for Trzaskowski.
Braun’s party, the Confederation of the Polish Crown, issued additional demands, including rejecting EU migration policies, the Green Deal, and abortion, as well as ending Hanukkah celebrations in the presidential palace. Nawrocki partially aligned with these positions, vowing to oppose EU climate policies, protect "Christian values," and end the Hanukkah tradition. However, he avoided direct responses to Braun’s antisemitic queries, instead redirecting war-related claims to Germany and criticizing Holocaust scholars. Braun’s party expressed disappointment, accusing Nawrocki of ignoring key issues like military aid to Ukraine and immigration.
Meanwhile, Trzaskowski has firmly distanced himself from Braun’s extremism, notably walking off stage during a debate after Braun criticized him for wearing a yellow daffodil—a symbol honoring the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Trzaskowski has since garnered support from three eliminated candidates. The election has underscored deep ideological divides, with Nawrocki courting far-right voters while Trzaskowski positions himself as a moderate alternative. The outcome will hinge on which candidate can better mobilize the fragmented electorate amid polarized debates over national identity, historical memory, and social values.