Newsflash

Trump still hopes to do business with Kremlin, even as number of Ukrainian civilians killed, including children, continues to grow each day

In the United States, a growing number of Republicans in Congress and White House advisers are urging President Donald Trump to impose new sanctions on Russia. Despite Trump's personal interest in fostering an economic partnership with Moscow, his aides acknowledge his increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions. The White House has already prepared a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia's banking and energy sectors, awaiting Trump's approval for implementation.

One proposed strategy gaining traction among Trump's advisers is to refrain from blocking a bill introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. This bill, dubbed the "crushing sanctions" package, proposes imposing 500% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium. Additionally, it would prohibit U.S. citizens from buying Russian sovereign bonds. For the bill to become law, both chambers of Congress must pass identical versions, followed by Trump's signature.

The White House is also considering the implementation of secondary sanctions, which would target countries engaging in business with Russia. This approach aims to maximize the pressure on Moscow by disrupting its economic ties with other nations. The internal discussions reflect a growing consensus within the administration that stronger measures are necessary to address Russia's actions. 🇺🇸🇷🇺💸

Forbes: Ukraine’s $10K drone motherships with laser vision replace $5M missiles

Ukrainian defense startup Strategy Force Solutions has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in modern warfare by deploying autonomous drone motherships in real combat operations against Russian forces. This innovation, dubbed the GOGOL-M system, represents a significant leap in drone warfare technology, potentially reshaping global defense strategies. The GOGOL-M mothership, with a 20-foot wingspan, can autonomously fly up to 300 kilometers behind enemy lines and release smaller attack drones to identify and destroy targets without human intervention. This system, costing just $10,000 per mission, replaces traditional $3–$5 million missile strikes, making it a cost-effective and highly efficient tool in asymmetric warfare.

At the heart of the GOGOL-M system is SmartPilot, an AI that mimics the instincts of a human fighter pilot. Utilizing multi-sensor fusion, which combines cameras, LIDAR, and communications, the system can navigate and strike in environments where GPS and radio signals are jammed. This capability allows the drones to destroy parked jets, air defenses, oil depots, and other critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory. The drones can also operate in "autonomous ambush mode," landing near enemy targets, remaining hidden, and waiting for hours before launching a surprise attack.

While global powers like the U.S. and China are still in the testing phases of autonomous weapons, Ukraine has already deployed AI-powered drone swarms in real combat, giving it a significant advantage. Strategy Force Solutions is now producing 50 GOGOL-M motherships and 400 attack drones per month, constrained only by military demand. This software-first approach allows for easy adaptation to various platforms, from flying drones to unmanned boats and ground vehicles. The deployment of these autonomous drones poses a new and formidable threat to Russian defenses, which must now contend with swarms that do not rely on GPS, live control, or constant communication. This technological advancement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict and highlights Ukraine's innovative response to the challenges of modern warfare. 🛸💥

Ukraine’s terminal guidance FPV drone bypasses Russian jamming in new footage

Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones are employing advanced smart terminal guidance systems, enabling them to autonomously engage targets even when communication signals are disrupted. This capability was revealed through a Russian interception of a Ukrainian drone's video feed, which demonstrated the drone's ability to operate under electronic warfare conditions.

The intercepted footage showcased the drone's RXLOSS mode, which activates when the signal is blocked or degraded, and RCSMOOTHING, a function that stabilizes operator control inputs. The drone's interface guides the operator through target confirmation and engagement, with the drone autonomously initiating a strike once a target is locked. This technology makes FPV drones a viable alternative to fiber-optic-controlled drones in electronic warfare-heavy environments, as they can operate wirelessly and carry heavier payloads.

However, these drones still require manual piloting to reach a launch point before autonomous engagement can begin. If the connection is lost too early, the mission may fail. Additionally, the current system lacks the precision to target specific weak points on vehicles or fortifications, which is crucial for destroying armored targets and hardened assets. Despite these limitations, the use of smart guidance systems in FPV drones represents a significant advancement in Ukraine's drone warfare capabilities, providing tactical resilience in challenging electronic warfare conditions. 🛸🎯

Hackers linked to Russia target UK Ministry of Defence staff with fake news emails

In a significant cybersecurity incident, Russian-linked hackers attempted to infiltrate the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) by posing as journalists in a spear-phishing campaign. The attack, which was swiftly detected and thwarted, is part of a broader trend of increased cyber threats targeting UK military and defense structures. Over the past two years, the MoD has faced more than 90,000 cyber attacks from hostile states, double the number from the previous two-year period.

Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, emphasizing that digital technology has become a critical weapon. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) alerted the MoD to the suspected spear-phishing campaign, which involved emails masquerading as communications from a news organization. A second wave of attacks followed, using a financial theme to lure targets to a commercial file share. The MoD's Global Operations Security Control Centre in Wiltshire identified and neutralized the threat within an hour, attributing the malware to a previously unseen variant linked to the Russian hacking group RomCom, dubbed "Damascened Peacock."

The increase in cyber attacks reflects both the MoD's improved detection capabilities and the growing sophistication of threats. In response, the UK government plans to invest over £1 billion to enhance its digital warfare capabilities, including the creation of a new cyber command to oversee both offensive and defensive operations. These efforts are part of a broader Strategic Defence Review initiated by Sir Keir Starmer, aimed at bolstering the UK's defense posture in the face of evolving threats. 💻🔒🇬🇧

France gives air base $1.7 billion nuclear facelift

France is embarking on a significant military upgrade with the expansion and modernization of the Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur airbase, a project set to span a decade. By 2035, the base will double in size and become the first to house France's latest Rafale fighter jets, equipped with advanced hypersonic missiles. This transformation will make Luxeuil the fourth and most modern nuclear-capable base in France, enhancing the country's nuclear deterrent capabilities.

The current base, home to approximately 20 Mirage-2000 jets, will undergo extensive renovations to accommodate the newer, heavier Rafale aircraft. The outdated hangars, dating back to 1952, will be replaced, and the runway will be extended and reinforced. The base will also see a substantial increase in personnel, with the number of pilots quadrupling due to the Rafale's two-person crew requirement, and the technical staff expanding from 300 to 1,000.

The strategic location of Luxeuil, near France's borders with Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium, adds to its significance. President Emmanuel Macron has also hinted at potential discussions with other European countries regarding the deployment of French nuclear-armed jets, a proposal that has drawn criticism from Russia. The Kremlin has expressed concern over the potential proliferation of nuclear weapons in Europe, arguing that it could undermine continental security and stability. The base will be closed between 2029 and 2032 for major construction works, with the first Rafales expected to arrive thereafter. The project aims to create a state-of-the-art facility, ready to face the evolving geopolitical landscape. 🇫🇷🛩️💥

UK at OSCE: Russia chooses war over people as defense spending surpasses social programs

Russia's aggressive military actions are taking a severe toll on its economy, yet the country remains undeterred in its pursuit of war. Despite facing over $150 billion in losses due to international sanctions, Russia has adapted by securing alternative trade partners, boosting domestic production, and exploiting loopholes in the restrictions. The sanctions have significantly impacted Russia's energy sector, costing it approximately $450 billion in revenue, and have depleted two-thirds of the liquid assets in its National Wealth Fund. The Central Bank of Russia's key interest rate has skyrocketed to 21%, indicating a deep financial crisis.

The Kremlin's priorities are starkly evident in its 2025 budget, with 40% allocated to defense spending, surpassing social spending for the first time since the Soviet era. This stark shift underscores Russia's willingness to sacrifice the welfare of its citizens for military ambitions, pushing the country toward impoverishment. Despite public statements advocating for peace, Russia's relentless airstrikes on Ukrainian cities reveal its true intentions. The UK, along with other international allies, remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, condemning Russia's invasion as a clear violation of international law and pledging continued assistance until Ukraine's sovereignty is restored. 💥💸

German court sets climate precedent but rejects Peruvian farmer's claim

A landmark ruling by the higher regional court in Hamm, Germany, has established a significant precedent in climate litigation, asserting that companies may be obligated to take preventive measures against their emissions. The court's decision, while not ruling in favor of the plaintiff, Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, acknowledged that large emitters could be held responsible for the consequences of their greenhouse gas emissions. Lliuya had sued RWE, a major German energy company, seeking compensation for flood defenses in his hometown of Huaraz, Peru, arguing that RWE's emissions contributed to the risk. Although the court dismissed Lliuya's claim, stating there was no immediate danger to his property, it opened the door for future climate-related lawsuits against fossil fuel companies. The ruling has been hailed as a significant step forward in climate litigation, with potential global implications for holding companies accountable for climate-related damages. 🌍🏛️

Russia to present peace 'memorandum' in new round of talks with Ukraine

Russia has announced its intention to present a draft peace "memorandum" outlining its terms for ending the war in Ukraine during an upcoming round of direct talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. The memorandum, prepared by the Kremlin, will be presented to Ukrainian officials. However, despite the new round of negotiations, Russia's proposals for peace have reportedly remained largely unchanged since the conflict began. This development comes amidst ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the protracted war. 🇷🇺🇺🇦📜

New Democracy unease ahead of secret vote

The ruling New Democracy party in Greece is grappling with internal dissent as a secret parliamentary vote approaches, determining whether to launch a preliminary investigation into former transport minister Kostas Karamanlis over alleged misconduct related to the 2023 Tempe rail disaster. Despite holding a comfortable majority, some New Democracy lawmakers have expressed reservations about the inquiry, questioning Karamanlis' involvement and raising concerns about potential defections. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis hinted at the risk of internal dissent, suggesting that opposition parties would share blame if the investigation does not proceed.

Opposition parties, including PASOK, have criticized the government's focus on misdemeanor charges, insisting on a broader investigation into felony-level offenses. Meanwhile, the left-wing SYRIZA party and New Left are collaborating on a separate proposal, debating whether to include Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the probe. This political maneuvering mirrors previous hesitations within New Democracy, notably during an investigation into another minister, Christos Triantopoulos. The secret nature of the upcoming vote adds to the uncertainty, with the potential to reveal internal divisions and influence political accountability for the Tempe tragedy. 🏛️🚂

Orpo visits Kyiv as Finland and Ukraine establish civil protection coalition

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo made his second official visit to Kyiv, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing Ukraine's civil defense capabilities. During his visit, Orpo signed several agreements with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, fostering cooperation in energy and education sectors. The highlight of his trip was the establishment of an international civil protection coalition, aimed at expanding Ukraine's bomb shelter network, which currently covers only 47% of the population. This initiative, inspired by Ukrainian politicians' visits to Finnish civilian shelters, seeks to leverage Finnish expertise and companies to bolster Ukraine's infrastructure and protect its citizens amidst ongoing conflict.

Orpo's itinerary included a visit to an underground evacuation shelter at a Kyiv school, showcasing the resilience of Ukrainian communities in the face of war. He also toured a Hesburger fast-food production facility in Boryspil, laid a wreath at a memorial for war victims, and met with Ukrainian officials, including Speaker of the Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk. In the afternoon, Orpo visited a residential area in Kyiv struck by a Russian airstrike in April, where he was introduced to Zenit, a German shepherd rescue dog that saved a life in the aftermath of the attack. This visit underscored Finland's commitment to supporting Ukraine and promoting international cooperation in the face of shared challenges. 🇫🇮🇺🇦🤝

Polish teen awaiting extradition for girl’s murder attempts suicide

A 17-year-old Polish teenager, arrested in Katerini, Greece, for the brutal murder of a 16-year-old girl in Poland, attempted suicide following a court decision to extradite him to his home country. The teen, who was part of a student exchange program, tried to hang himself in his cell at the Thessaloniki detention center using a bedsheet. Authorities intervened and administered CPR, transferring him to Papageorgiou Hospital where he remains in critical condition and intubated.

The suspect had expressed fears for his safety during a brief court appearance, stating, “I feel safer in Greece.” He was arrested under a European arrest warrant for the alleged premeditated murder of a teenage girl in Mlawa, Poland. According to Polish investigators, the suspect lured the victim to an abandoned workshop, killed her with an axe, set her body on fire, and attempted to dispose of the remains. The case has drawn significant attention due to its gruesome nature and the young age of the perpetrator. 🇵🇱😞

What we know about the massive glacier collapse in Switzerland

In Switzerland's Valais region, the Birch Glacier catastrophically collapsed, sending millions of tonnes of rock, ice, and debris crashing down the mountain slope and into the valley below. The event largely obliterated the village of Blatten, the highest in the valley, which had been evacuated the previous week due to the anticipated danger. The collapse was triggered by the crumbling of the 3,800-metre-high Kleiner Nesthorn, which deposited around nine million tonnes of debris onto the glacier, exerting immense pressure.

Almost 90% of Blatten, including over 130 houses, was buried under the avalanche, which registered 3.1 on the Richter scale. The remaining structures are now submerged due to flooding caused by debris blocking the Lonza River. A 64-year-old local man is reported missing, and a search and rescue operation is underway. The situation remains unstable, with significant risks of further rockfalls and mudslides, preventing immediate clean-up efforts. The army and air force are on standby with heavy-duty equipment, ready to assist once it is safe to enter the area.

The Lonza River's flooding has also prompted the evacuation of the villages of Wiler and Kippel downstream. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about potential ice jams and the impact of warmer weather on the ice. While such large-scale events are rare, experts note an increase in debris flows and rockfalls since the 1990s, attributing these changes to climate change. Swiss glaciers have been severely impacted, with significant melting observed in recent years. The ongoing thawing and melting are expected to continue, posing further risks to mountain communities. 🌡️🏔️

Latvian PM: Latvia good place to invest in drone manufacturing

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina emphasized the growing significance of drones in both military and civilian sectors during the inaugural Drone Summit 2025 in Riga. She highlighted Latvia's strategic position as an ideal location for investments in drone technology, underscoring the country's commitment to continuous innovation. Silina noted that drones are revolutionizing modern warfare tactics across air, water, and land domains, while also playing pivotal roles in supply chains and agriculture.

The summit, organized by the Latvian Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Riga Technical University, attracted over 1,500 attendees, including political leaders, military experts, scientists, and defense industry representatives from the 18-member Drone Coalition and allied nations. Latvia, co-chairing the coalition with the United Kingdom, has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine's drone capabilities, contributing over 5,000 combat drones and securing €1.8 billion in total support from coalition members in 2024. The coalition, which includes countries like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK, aims to strengthen global drone capabilities and foster international cooperation in this rapidly evolving field. 🛸🌐

Poland to vote in razor-tight presidential election

Poland is set to hold a closely contested presidential runoff election, with the pro-European Union Warsaw mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, facing off against the nationalist historian, Karol Nawrocki. The race is exceptionally tight, with both candidates receiving nearly equal support in recent opinion polls. Trzaskowski is backed by the ruling centrist coalition, while Nawrocki is supported by the opposition Law and Justice party. The outcome of this election could significantly impact Poland's political landscape, potentially extending the existing political deadlock in the NATO member nation. The stakes are high, as the winner will shape Poland's future direction, both domestically and in its relations with the European Union and other international partners. 🇵🇱🗳️

300,000 tenants in Spain hold their breath for the ‘great rent hike’

Spain is bracing for a significant rental market upheaval, with hundreds of thousands of tenants facing substantial rent increases in the coming year. The Spanish rental market has been volatile, particularly since the pandemic, with short-term tourist rentals and supply shortages driving prices up and displacing locals. The situation is set to worsen as over 300,000 rental contracts signed in 2020, a year marked by pandemic-induced renewals, are set to expire in 2025. Spain's Law on Urban Leases, amended in 2019, extended contract durations, but this also means a wave of renewals and potential rent hikes are on the horizon.

Conservative estimates suggest rent increases of 20-30%, but some sources predict even higher hikes, up to 40%. Even the most conservative estimates indicate significant financial strain for low and middle-income households. The average rent in Spain has already increased by 38.3% from April 2020 to April 2025, with some areas seeing prices more than double. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and popular tourist destinations are particularly affected. With the rental market's volatility, many tenants may have no choice but to accept these increases, as prices are rising everywhere. This impending "great rent hike" poses a severe challenge for Spain's housing affordability crisis. 🏠💸

Rock and ice prevent rescue work after Swiss glacier collapse

In Switzerland's southern Wallis region, the Birch glacier catastrophically collapsed on Wednesday, unleashing a torrent of rock, ice, and debris that devastated the village of Blatten, the highest in the valley. The village, home to 300 residents, had been evacuated the previous week due to the impending threat. One person, a 64-year-old man, remains missing. The debris created a massive blockage on the Lonza River, forming a rapidly expanding lake that poses a significant flooding risk downstream. Authorities have evacuated 16 people from nearby villages as a precaution and are monitoring the situation closely. The collapse, triggered by warming temperatures and glacial instability, highlights the increasing dangers posed by climate change in the Alps. The event was so powerful that it registered as a seismic occurrence, underscoring the immense force involved. The Swiss army has been called in to assist with clearing equipment and pumps to secure the riverbed, while search and rescue efforts continue for the missing individual. The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the growing threats posed by melting glaciers and the urgent need for climate action. 🌍🏔️

Yle straw poll: Most MPs support recognition of Palestine

A recent parliamentary poll conducted by Yle reveals significant support among Finnish lawmakers for recognizing the state of Palestine. Out of 107 responding MPs, 61 favor recognition, while 32 oppose it, and 14 are undecided or declined to state their opinion. The survey indicates stronger support from opposition parties compared to the governing coalition, with notable divisions within the ruling parties.

The National Coalition Party (NCP), led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, is split on the issue, with most supporting recognition but not necessarily immediately. The Finns Party and the Christian Democrats, both coalition partners, show strong opposition. The Finns Party argues that recognizing Palestine now could strengthen violent organizations like Hamas, while the Christian Democrats insist that no territory controlled by a terrorist organization should be recognized.

The Swedish People’s Party is divided, with one MP supporting recognition and the party leader calling for it earlier. Opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party, the Greens, the Left Alliance, and Movement Now, overwhelmingly back recognition, viewing it as a means to pressure Israel and end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. The Centre Party is divided, with some advocating for recognition as part of a broader peace process.

The poll comes ahead of a UN conference on the two-state solution, where France and Saudi Arabia are pushing for recognition of both Israel and Palestine. President Alexander Stubb has suggested that Finnish recognition is inevitable, potentially aligning Finland with countries like France and Britain. This stance could create a rare split between the president and the government, as the governing parties are not unified on the issue. The debate highlights the complex geopolitical considerations and domestic political divisions surrounding the recognition of Palestine. 🇵🇸🇮🇱

Poland's nail-biter election: Could Warsaw turn on Brussels?

In Poland, a closely contested mayoral election in Warsaw is unfolding, with significant implications for the country's political trajectory and its relationship with the European Union. The liberal incumbent, Rafał Trzaskowski, seeks a boost in voter turnout, drawing support from figures like Romanian President Nicoșur Dan, who campaigned for him. Meanwhile, nationalist right candidate Karol Nawrocki has garnered backing from prominent figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump's director of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.

The stakes are high, as a victory for Nawrocki could reverse the efforts of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who has been working to undo the contentious rule of law reforms implemented by the outgoing President Andrzej Duda's Law and Justice party (PiS). Despite Poland's economic gains since joining the EU, a substantial portion of voters are drawn to Eurosceptic candidates, raising questions about the country's future direction. As the former president of the European Council, Tusk has positioned himself as a key player in Brussels, but the election outcome will determine whether Poland continues to align closely with EU policies or takes a more nationalist turn. 🇵🇱🏛️

Trial opens in Greece over EU subsidy fraud

A high-profile trial has commenced in Greece, focusing on the alleged misuse of European Union agricultural subsidies. Seven defendants are accused of submitting fraudulent land lease claims to OPEKEPE, the agency managing EU subsidies, and illicitly receiving tens of thousands of euros from the national reserve, a fund supporting young and new farmers. The national reserve is partially funded by EU mechanisms and financed through reductions in entitlements paid to legitimate farmers.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants employed a scheme to access funds without meeting eligibility criteria, often falsifying lease agreements for non-grazed pastures or mountainous land, sometimes belonging to deceased individuals. An internal audit launched in 2019 revealed nearly 300 suspicious taxpayer IDs linked to fraudulent claims. Defense attorneys, however, deny wrongdoing and argue that the properties were lawfully acquired, with two defendants having repaid the funds in full.

The trial is the first of at least eight similar cases, suggesting a broader pattern of agricultural subsidy fraud. The case comes amid increased scrutiny of OPEKEPE, with the Greek government announcing its dissolution and the transfer of responsibilities to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) following years of corruption scandals and EU investigations. Earlier this month, prosecutors from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) raided OPEKEPE’s headquarters, uncovering an extensive scheme involving fictitious pastureland claims used to illegally obtain EU funds. 💸🏛️

Parliament to provide medical aid to 10 Gaza children

The Greek Parliament has announced plans to provide medical and hospital care to ten children from Gaza, as well as send humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis made this commitment during a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to Greece, Yussef Dorkhom. Kaklamanis expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for renewed ceasefire negotiations to protect civilians and secure the release of remaining hostages. He highlighted that children are the "greatest victims of the war" and stressed the Parliament's dedication to supporting them through direct medical assistance. Additionally, Kaklamanis stated that the Parliament intends to send humanitarian aid once a safe corridor to Gaza is established. Dorkhom welcomed the initiative, underscoring the importance of immediate intervention to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of international aid accumulated on Gaza’s border. 🇵🇸🏥