Newsflash

Russia captures Sumy’s Kostiantynivka village as Russians try to widen frontline in region

Russian forces have intensified their assaults in northern Sumy Oblast, capturing the village of Kostiantynivka and advancing toward Sumy City. Moscow's strategic goal is to approach the Khotin-Khrapivshchyna line, placing Sumy within range of Russian artillery. The offensive involves multiple axes north and northeast of Sumy City, with confirmed Russian movements near Andriivka and Yablunivka. Key villages like Oleksiivka, Novomykhailivka, and Kindrativka are reportedly under Russian control, with troops pushing into northern Andriivka and west of Yablunivka.

The Russian military presence in the area includes elements of the 18th Motorized Rifle Division, the 177th Naval Infantry Regiment, and airborne regiments from the 76th VDV Division. Ukrainian analysts and military experts warn that the Russian push aims to cut off Ukrainian supply lines and consolidate positions for further advances. The fighting is intense, with Russian forces employing "meat-wave assaults," sending successive small units to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Despite the pressure, Ukrainian forces are holding their ground, benefiting from well-fortified positions.

As of early June, Russian troops controlled around 125 square kilometers of northern Sumy Oblast, with additional territory in a contested "grey zone." The situation remains fluid, with constant enemy pressure and large infantry numbers posing significant challenges to Ukrainian defenses. The ongoing offensive underscores the volatile security situation in the region, with both sides preparing for potential escalations. 🇷🇺🇺🇦💥

Frontline report: Ghost helicopters drop Ukrainian hunters deep behind Russian lines under cover of darkness

In a daring and strategic maneuver, Ukrainian special forces executed a bold helicopter raid deep behind Russian lines near Kupiansk, along the Oskil River. This operation, one of the war's most audacious, targeted Russian preparations for an impending offensive, catching the enemy off guard and disrupting their plans. The Russians had established a thin bridgehead on the west bank of the Oskil River, using the town of Dvorichna to accumulate and deploy forces, aiming to outflank Ukrainian defenses in Kupiansk and link up with other offensives in Kharkiv. However, their reliance on river crossings for logistics and the lack of man-portable air defenses made their positions vulnerable to aerial operations.

The Ukrainian special forces, utilizing American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, flew low to evade detection and landed undetected behind enemy lines. They swiftly conducted raids, clearing forest and residential areas of Russian soldiers and capturing several enemy troops. The operation was meticulously planned, with armored vehicles stationed at a designated exfiltration point to ensure the safe return of the operators. Ukrainian forces also leveraged intelligence from captured Russians to direct artillery and drone strikes, creating a safe corridor for their retreat.

The success of this operation not only inflicted significant losses on Russian forces but also gathered critical intelligence. Some Ukrainian operators likely remained behind enemy lines to continue guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and targeted operations against Russian commanders. This strategic move underscores Ukraine's proactive stance in countering Russian aggression, positioning themselves to repel anticipated summer offensives. The operation highlights the ingenuity and coordination of Ukrainian forces in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict. 🚁🌳💥

Russia kills civilians in central Sumy with Tornado-S cluster munitions. “Hypersonic” Kinzhal hits near Mykolaiv (updated)

On June 3, Russia launched deadly attacks on Ukrainian territory, targeting central Sumy and the outskirts of Mykolaiv with advanced weaponry. In Sumy, a long-range rocket system equipped with cluster warheads struck a main street, killing two civilians and injuring nearly 20 others, including children. The attack damaged vehicles, a medical facility, and residential buildings, with some victims in critical condition. A day of mourning was declared for the community. Meanwhile, a Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, launched from a MiG-31K jet, was tracked heading towards Mykolaiv. The missile's hypersonic speed and maneuverability make it a formidable and unpredictable threat. Russia's use of advanced weaponry and changing tactics continues to pose significant challenges to Ukraine's defense efforts. 🇷🇺💥🇺🇦

Russia builds power lines to exploit Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant it stole — but still can’t run it

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest, has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022 and remains completely shut down, with all six reactors in a cold shutdown state. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General, Rafael Grossi, has stated that restarting the plant is currently infeasible due to an unstable power supply and a critical lack of cooling water, which is vital for safe reactor operation. Grossi emphasized that bringing even a single reactor back online would require significant preparations, including installing a new pumping system and inspecting all equipment that has been inactive for nearly three years.

The IAEA's access to the plant is now restricted to Russian-occupied territory, as Moscow no longer guarantees the safety of international experts entering from the Ukrainian side. Meanwhile, Greenpeace has reported that Russian forces are constructing a new power line along the Azov Sea coast to connect the plant directly to Russia’s power grid, suggesting preparations to restart the plant independently and bypass Ukrainian oversight. Ukraine has formally protested this move to the IAEA, asserting that any unauthorized restart attempts are illegal and pose unacceptable nuclear safety risks. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions and safety concerns surrounding the occupied nuclear facility. 🏭💥

Ukraine’s jets adopt Western tactics, learn to hunt in packs

Ukraine's air force has significantly evolved, shifting from lone missions to coordinated strike packages, enhancing its effectiveness against Russian forces. This transformation is driven by both technological upgrades and procedural changes, with Ukrainian pilots now operating in complex formations where each aircraft supports the others. The integration of Western jets, such as the F-16s and Mirage 2000s, alongside modernized Soviet-era aircraft, has bolstered the fleet's capabilities. These jets, equipped with advanced weapons and radar-jamming technology, can now target Russian air defenses with precision, clearing paths for other aircraft to execute their missions. The arrival of Western aircraft has enabled more sophisticated strike packages, with some jets providing cover while others conduct attacks. This strategic shift allows Ukraine to better defend its airspace and support ground operations, particularly in critical areas like Sumy Oblast, where tens of thousands of Russian troops are stationed. Despite these advancements, the focus remains on tactical depth within Ukraine, avoiding deep strikes into Russian territory. 🛩️💥

Appeasing Erdogan, losing the Med

The geopolitical landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean is increasingly tense, with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pursuing an aggressive and expansionist agenda. This has been emboldened by U.S. President Donald Trump's recent rapprochement with Erdogan, despite the Turkish leader's hostile actions towards NATO allies and his autocratic rule at home. Erdogan's actions, including leading prayers for the annihilation of Israel, seeking to partition Cyprus, and conducting military exercises near Greek and Cypriot territories, have raised serious concerns among regional allies.

Erdogan's regime has been jailing opponents, sponsoring extremists, and undermining NATO's security through its purchase of Russian S-400 systems and ambiguous use of NATO's Link 16. His recent actions, such as holding a defense expo in occupied northern Cyprus and condemning Israeli operations in Syria, have further destabilized the region. The strategic vacuum created by Trump's appeasement has allowed Erdogan to make incremental gains, eroding security without triggering a significant Western response.

To counter this threat, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel must move beyond diplomacy and establish clear red lines against Erdogan's aggression. A formal Eastern Mediterranean security alliance, supported by key European and regional powers, is essential. This alliance should include joint naval patrols and integrated air-defense systems to deter Turkish provocations. The time for decisive action is now, as the price of appeasement could be catastrophic for regional stability and security. 🌊🛡️

Expert: Ukraine’s drone strikes impact Russia’s longer-term strategic planning

Ukraine's recent drone strike on Russian airfields housing strategic bombers has dealt a significant blow to Russia's military capabilities and strategic planning. Security expert Rainer Saks highlighted the strike's far-reaching implications, noting that Russia has lost a substantial portion of its strategic nuclear deterrent. While Ukraine has previously destroyed some of these bombers, the latest attack is particularly devastating due to its scale and the additional loss of a Beriev A-50 early warning aircraft, a critical asset for Russia's air defense.

Saks emphasized that the strike has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense, military defense, counterintelligence, and security services. He observed that Russia has not yet shown signs of effectively addressing the situation, suggesting a state of disarray. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Russia can still deploy its strategic air fleet and how it will adapt to this setback. The loss of the A-50 aircraft, of which Russia has only a few remaining, underscores the severity of the strategic damage inflicted. This development could significantly impact Russia's military posture and strategic calculations moving forward. 🛩️💥

Greece on the regional energy map

Greece is actively expanding and intensifying its energy initiatives, with a particular focus on the region around the island of Crete. Recent discussions with energy giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron during Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou's visit to the U.S. highlight the country's ambitions in this sector. Greece is involved in several significant multilateral energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, collaborating with Egypt, Israel, and Cyprus. These initiatives aim to enhance energy security and autonomy for the region.

One key project is the Vertical Corridor, which facilitates natural gas flows from Greece to countries in northeastern and central Europe. This project, involving Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, and Ukraine, is set for completion by 2026. The Greek energy minister recently inaugurated the construction of a branch in Bulgaria, emphasizing the strategic importance of these connections for European energy security and geopolitical stability.

Additionally, Greece is exploring a high-potential hydrogen pipeline project connecting Greece to Bulgaria, part of a future European southeastern corridor. This €1 billion initiative underscores Greece's growing role in diversifying and improving the energy supply chain, garnering support from regional governments and crucial international institutions. These efforts not only bolster Greece's energy infrastructure but also enhance its geostrategic influence in Europe. 🌍💡

Germany vows to continue migration crackdown at borders despite court setback

Germany's new conservative government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has faced immediate legal challenges to its strict migration policies. On May 7, the government introduced a policy to push back undocumented migrants at the borders, including asylum seekers, a move aimed at curbing irregular migration. However, Berlin's Administrative Court ruled on Monday that individuals expressing a wish to seek asylum at border checks cannot be sent back until their claim is processed under the EU's Dublin system. The court's decision, stemming from an appeal by three Somali nationals, deemed their pushback to Poland illegal and applicable to similar cases.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, however, insisted that the government would continue with pushbacks, claiming legal justification. The court rejected the government's argument that public order and security could override the Dublin procedure, stating that no such danger had been demonstrated. Dobrindt suggested seeking another legal avenue to defend the policy, but the court's decision was final. The Dublin procedure mandates that irregular migrants be registered in the first EU country they enter, with the possibility of return if they move to another EU nation.

The new policy has sparked concerns among Germany's neighbors and the government's junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), who questioned its legal soundness. The government maintains that pushbacks are temporary, with long-term solutions focusing on improved EU border security. Since the policy's implementation, over 2,800 people have been denied entry, including 138 asylum seekers. The crackdown is part of Merz's election platform, aimed at countering the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s growing support. Additionally, the government plans to suspend family reunifications for two years for immigrants with subsidiary protection status and abolish a measure allowing expedited citizenship for well-integrated individuals. The policy has led to diplomatic tensions, with France seeking clarity on Germany's migration stance. 🇩🇪🚨

What the weakening of the dollar against the krone means for Norway

The Norwegian krone has strengthened significantly against the U.S. dollar, with the exchange rate dropping from 11.5 kroner per dollar in January to 10.1 kroner this week. Currency analysts predict that the dollar will continue to weaken, driven by several factors tied to U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. These factors include the potential economic impact of Trump's tariffs, concerns over increased public debt due to expansive tax cuts, and proposed changes to foreign investment taxation. Norwegian financial strategists, such as Dane Cekov of Sparebank 1 Markets, Lars Mouland of Nordea Markets, and Nils Kristian Knudsen of Handelsbanken, agree that the dollar is likely to remain under pressure for several years, as international investors grow more cautious about the U.S. economy.

For Norwegian consumers, a weaker dollar presents both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, a stronger krone makes holidays to the United States, online shopping from American websites, and dollar-denominated goods and services more affordable. It could also help lower prices on imported goods like electronics. However, a stronger krone negatively impacts Norwegian exporters, as companies in sectors like oil, seafood, and maritime services receive fewer kroner for their dollar-denominated sales. While the consensus among experts is that the dollar may continue to weaken, they caution that currency movements are influenced by various factors, and the path forward will not be straightforward. Norwegian consumers may enjoy increased purchasing power in dollar markets, but the strength of the krone could also affect jobs and earnings in export-heavy industries. 💸💵

Chinese nationals charged with smuggling biological pathogen into U.S.

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been charged with smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States. The pathogen in question is Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus known to cause head blight in crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice, resulting in billions of dollars in global agricultural losses annually. The fungus also produces toxins that can cause severe health issues in humans and livestock, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems.

Jian, a 33-year-old researcher, and Liu, a 34-year-old university employee, are accused of conspiring to import the pathogen for research purposes. Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research and was found to have electronic devices expressing loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. Liu initially lied to investigators but later admitted to smuggling the pathogen through Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at the University of Michigan, where Jian was employed.

The FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case, which highlights the potential risks of biological threats to American institutions and the food supply. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the Chinese Communist Party is actively working to infiltrate American institutions and target the food supply, putting American lives and the economy at risk. 🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞

What are Denmark’s goals for EU presidency period?

Denmark is set to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1st, with a strong emphasis on achieving tangible results and addressing critical geopolitical challenges. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed confidence in Denmark's ability to lead effectively, praising the country's pragmatic and consensus-driven approach. During its six-month term, Denmark will chair negotiations between member states and represent the EU Council in legislative talks with the European Parliament.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted several priorities for Denmark's presidency, with support for Ukraine at the forefront. Both Frederiksen and Metsola underscored the importance of Ukraine's security for Europe's stability. A recent survey indicated that a majority of Danes support continued backing for Ukraine and reducing Europe's dependence on Russian gas. Lars Sandahl Sørensen, CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industry, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a stronger European defense capacity and greater integration of Ukraine's defense industry. He also called for increased efficiency in Europe's defense sector through joint procurement and addressing regulatory hurdles. The Danish presidency aims to strengthen Europe's security and resilience in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. 🇩🇰🇪🇺

Greek minority in Albania remains ‘top priority,’ Gerapetritis tells counterpart

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis recently hosted his Albanian counterpart, Igli Hasani, in Athens to discuss bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on the protection of the Greek minority in Albania and the Albanian community in Greece. The meeting highlighted the importance of these minority groups as bridges of understanding and cooperation between the two nations. Both ministers agreed that fostering strong partnerships is crucial amid global instability and that regional integration would enhance stability in the Western Balkans.

The talks also covered regional security, trade, investment, and connectivity, with a focus on Albania's EU accession path. Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece's support for Albania's EU ambitions and stressed the need to overcome past tensions. He praised Hasani's Greek heritage and fluency in the language, noting that this visit presents an opportunity to invigorate Greek-Albanian relations. Hasani, on his first official visit since taking office, echoed the desire for deeper cooperation, highlighting the alignment of both countries' visions for a united Europe. Bilateral trade reached €910 million in 2024, with aspirations to exceed €1 billion in 2025. Both ministers called for a long-term, strategic partnership based on mutual interests. 🇬🇷🇦🇱🤝

Haftar-alligned House to examine the Libya-Turkey maritime deal

The Libyan House of Representatives, aligned with General Khalifa Haftar, has formed a technical committee to review a controversial maritime agreement signed between Turkey and the former Government of National Accord (GNA) in 2019. This agreement, which delineates the maritime borders between the two countries, has been a contentious issue, particularly for Greece, which has denounced the deal. The agreement granted Turkey exploration rights both on land and at sea, further escalating tensions.

The 2019 deal and a subsequent 2022 memorandum have been widely considered invalid, including by Libya’s Parliament, which is based in the eastern part of the country. However, recent diplomatic efforts have led to a rapprochement between General Haftar and Turkey, suggesting a potential shift in stance. The Tobruk administration, which houses the House of Representatives, is now expected to approve the maritime deal as part of this evolving relationship. This development could significantly impact regional dynamics and energy exploration in the Mediterranean. 🌊🇱🇾🇹🇷

Bulgaria is close to joining the euro currency but faces disinformation and fear

Bulgaria stands on the brink of adopting the euro, a move that would deepen its ties with Western Europe and mark a significant milestone in its economic integration. However, the government faces a formidable challenge from a populist backlash fueled by fears of inflation, poverty, and disinformation spread on social media. This discontent aligns with the growing support for anti-EU and nationalist parties across Europe, with pro-Russian politicians exploiting these sentiments in one of Europe's poorest and most corruption-plagued countries.

Despite the opposition, many Bulgarians recognize the benefits of EU membership and the euro. The government is pushing ahead, seeking a review of its eligibility based on low inflation, sound finances, and legal conformity to EU institutions. The European Commission is expected to announce the results of this review soon, with member states deciding on Bulgaria's candidacy in the coming weeks. President Rumen Radev has attempted to capitalize on anti-euro sentiments, proposing a referendum on the currency, but this was rejected by the pro-European majority in parliament.

Economists argue that joining the euro will not drastically alter Bulgaria's economy in the short term, as the lev is already pegged to the euro. The adoption of the euro could bring lower borrowing costs, ease in price comparisons, and greater integration into the EU's economy. Bulgaria's low debt levels and fiscal conservatism make it a low-risk candidate for euro adoption, contrasting sharply with Greece's troubled history. However, there are valid concerns about a minor inflationary effect during the currency transition, as seen in other countries. As Bulgaria navigates this pivotal moment, it must address the disinformation and fears that threaten to derail its path to greater economic integration. 🇧🇬💸

Cost of Swiss glacier collapse could reach hundreds of millions of francs

On May 28, a catastrophic event unfolded in the Lötschental valley of Valais, Switzerland, as the Birch glacier collapsed, unleashing a torrent of scree, ice, and mud. The disaster, described as "virtually unprecedented" in scale and impact, devastated the village of Blatten, which had been evacuated just days prior due to the looming threat. The landslide destroyed most of the village, home to 300 people, and created an artificial lake by blocking the river Lonza with a two-kilometer-long debris barrier.

The collapse was triggered by a series of rockfalls from the nearby Kleines Nesthorn peak, which deposited three million cubic meters of rock onto the glacier over two weeks, increasing its weight and causing it to give way. While experts caution against directly linking the event to climate change, they acknowledge that thawing permafrost likely contributed to the mountain's destabilization. A 64-year-old man remains missing, and search efforts, including the use of mountain specialists, dog handlers, and a mechanical excavator, are ongoing.

The Swiss Insurance Association (SIA) estimates the damage to be in the hundreds of millions of francs, although a precise figure is not yet available. The disaster has highlighted the importance of early warning systems and preparedness in mitigating the impacts of such events. Celeste Saulo, head of the World Meteorological Organization, and Maarten van Aalst, director-general of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, both emphasized the critical role of early warnings in saving lives, even as climate change presents new challenges. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and investment in disaster preparedness and response. 🌍🏔️

Latvia voted into UN Security Council seat for 2026-7

Latvia has secured a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term, following a successful vote. The UNSC comprises 15 members, with five permanent seats held by France, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The remaining ten seats are elected for two-year terms, with five countries elected each year. Latvia, the sole candidate from the Eastern European group, was unanimously elected, marking its first time on the UNSC. Estonia and Lithuania have previously held seats on the council.

Latvian officials expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the role. President Edgars Rinkēvičs pledged to work towards a peaceful, rules-based international order and sustainable global development. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Foreign Minister Baiba Braže both hailed the occasion as a historic day for Latvia, emphasizing their readiness to uphold the rules-based international order. The international community responded with congratulations, acknowledging Latvia's new responsibility on the global stage. 🌍🏛️

Police: New three-step phishing scam spreading in Finland

A sophisticated three-step scam targeting online banking credentials is rapidly spreading, according to the national Cyber-Enabled Crime Investigation Unit. Between April and May, approximately 30 cases of this multi-phase scam were reported, with the scheme originating from Croatian numbers (+385). The scam begins with an automated call, purportedly from the victim's bank, alerting them to suspicious account activity. The call then connects to a fake customer service agent, who informs the victim of unauthorized transfers and requests them to log in to a specific website using their bank credentials to cancel the transactions. Once the victim complies, the scammer gains access to their account.

The police have emphasized the importance of never sharing online banking credentials with anyone and have warned of the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes using phishing tactics. As new criminal methods emerge continuously, vigilance and awareness are crucial in protecting personal financial information. 📞💳💻

ICE arrests Russian national with alleged Al-Qaeda ties in Philadelphia

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended a 39-year-old Russian national born in Tajikistan, who is accused of having ties to Al-Qaeda. The arrest took place in Philadelphia on May 23, following a coordinated effort with the FBI. The individual, who entered the U.S. in March 2023 through the San Ysidro port of entry in California, was initially charged with being an inadmissible alien due to lack of a valid immigrant visa. He was later paroled into the country.

Tajikistan authorities have since declared the man a fugitive, accusing him of organizing a criminal community and alleging his involvement with Al-Qaeda. Post-arrest, he has been placed in ICE custody, awaiting removal from the United States. The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to combat potential terrorist threats and protect national security. Officials emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies in ensuring public safety. 🚔🌍

The only stable factor in Wilders' government was political instability, researcher says

The Dutch government's collapse, marked by Geert Wilders' withdrawal from the coalition, has highlighted the inherent political instability that has long characterized his leadership. Lars Brummel, a postdoctoral researcher at Leiden University's Institute of Public Administration, notes that this instability is the only consistent factor in Wilders' political tenure. The withdrawal underscores the challenges of maintaining a stable coalition in the Netherlands, where ideological differences and personal ambitions often lead to fractious governance. This political turmoil reflects broader issues within Dutch politics, where forming and sustaining coalitions remains a persistent struggle. 🇳🇱🏛️