Newsflash

Russia outguns NATO, producing more ammunition in three months than Alliance makes in year

Russia's military production has surged to unprecedented levels, outpacing all NATO countries combined. This alarming trend was highlighted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who revealed that Moscow produces more ammunition in three months than the entire NATO alliance does in a year. This rapid production rate is part of Russia's strategy to sustain a prolonged conflict, with its military machine showing no signs of slowing down. Instead, Russia is bolstering its capabilities with support from China, Iran, and North Korea, and is actively modernizing its army using Chinese technology.

Rutte warned that Russia's defense industrial base is poised to produce a staggering 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armored vehicles, and 200 Iskander missiles this year alone. This escalation raises serious concerns about Russia's intentions, with Rutte suggesting that the country could be prepared for aggression against NATO within the next five years. He emphasized that President Putin does not appear to be seeking peace, underscoring the urgent need for NATO to enhance its defense capabilities.

In response to these threats, Rutte called for a 400% increase in air and missile defense systems, a key priority for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. The summit, scheduled for June 24-25, will focus on strengthening the alliance's defense capabilities to counter Russia's growing military might. The situation demands swift and decisive action to ensure the security and stability of NATO member states. 🚨💥

Ukraine’s drones sneak 940 km inside Russia to target Shahed “brain” factory

Ukrainian drones conducted a strategic strike on a Russian defense plant in Cheboksary, located approximately 940 kilometers from Ukraine’s Kharkiv. The target was the VNIIR-Progress plant, which produces critical components for Shahed drones, UMPK kits, and other precision-guided weapons. The attack, confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff, involved at least two unmanned aerial vehicles that struck the facility, igniting a large-scale fire and causing powerful explosions. The strike temporarily halted production at the plant, as confirmed by Oleg Nikolaev, head of Russia’s Chuvashia Republic.

In addition to Cheboksary, Ukrainian drones targeted facilities in Nizhny Novgorod, Tambov, and Voronezh regions. Aviation restrictions were imposed in several Russian cities, including Kazan and Saratov, as a precautionary measure. The operation aimed to degrade Russia’s capacity to manufacture air-attack systems, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine’s defensive strategy. 💥🛸

Russia loses 28,900 artillery pieces — yet still floods Sumy borders with largest number of miliatary equipment in six months

The conflict in Ukraine is escalating as Russia intensifies its summer offensive, with a significant redeployment of military forces and equipment to Sumy Oblast. Ukrainian authorities have observed a substantial movement of Russian self-propelled artillery and air defense systems, along with convoys of trucks carrying ammunition and personnel, from Crimea and Kherson towards Sumy. This marks the largest transfer of weaponry in the past six months, according to Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Occupation Studies Center. The equipment, marked with distinctive tactical symbols, is being transported by train to Kursk Oblast in Russia, positioning Russian forces approximately 25-30 kilometers from Sumy. If Russian troops reach the city's border, they are expected to launch artillery strikes. Concurrently, Sumy is experiencing heavy drone attacks, with the region enduring its most powerful drone assault on June 8, as reported by Konotop mayor Artem Semenikhin. The sky over the region was described as turning red with targets, highlighting the intensifying nature of the conflict. 💥🚛🚂

Russia’s nuclear shield is cracking — and it’s Moscow pulling trigger

Russia's use of its nuclear triad components in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine is creating significant risks for its strategic forces, according to expert Oleksii Izhak from Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies. By deploying these systems in conventional warfare, Russia is making them legitimate military targets, as evidenced by Ukraine's successful strikes on Russian airbases and dual-use missile systems. These precision attacks have exposed the vulnerability of Russia's strategic assets, which were previously considered invulnerable.

Moscow's use of dual-use systems, such as Iskander missiles and strategic bombers, in conventional strikes against Ukraine has made them fair game for Ukrainian forces. Izhak argues that Ukraine is justified in targeting these systems, as Russia has chosen to involve them in a conventional war. This trend became particularly evident after Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, a series of precision strikes on Russian strategic airbases. Following these attacks, Moscow began warning of threats to its nuclear security, but Izhak contends that Russia forfeited any nuclear immunity by using these systems in a conventional conflict.

The expert highlights that even mobile launchers like the Topol-M and Yars are poorly protected, making them vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes. For decades, Russia has argued that NATO's expansion and non-nuclear missile deployments near its borders would undermine its nuclear security. However, the current conflict has proven that Russia's nuclear forces are far from invulnerable, regardless of NATO's actions. Izhak stresses that the vulnerability of Russia's nuclear triad will persist, regardless of NATO's expansion. He also notes that if Russia were to cease its aggression against Ukraine, it would no longer need to rely on its strategic arsenals, reducing the threat posed by its nuclear forces. 💥💣

Ukraine’s new ballistic missiles may have already hit battlefield, destroying Russian command posts

Ukraine's military capabilities have significantly evolved, with indications that the country may already be deploying its newly developed ballistic missiles in combat. Military expert Valery Ryabykh notes a marked increase in the destruction of Russian command posts by Ukrainian forces, suggesting the use of advanced strike capabilities, including ballistic missiles. This development comes as Russia intensifies its air assaults on Ukrainian cities, disregarding ceasefire calls.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has prioritized funding for the country's ballistic missile program, reflecting a strategic shift in response to the ongoing conflict. Ryabykh highlights several key achievements, such as the successful destruction of a division of three Iskander missile systems, demonstrating Ukraine's enhanced strike capabilities. Additionally, the integration of the Link system for F-16 aircraft has further bolstered Ukraine's military prowess.

The expert posits that Ukraine has likely been utilizing ballistic missiles for approximately a year, although the specific strike means have been difficult to identify in many instances. This system is now undergoing real-world combat testing, with serial production either underway or imminent. In 2024, Zelenskyy announced the successful test of Ukraine's first domestically produced ballistic missile, though details on timing, production scale, and missile quantities remain undisclosed. These advancements underscore Ukraine's determination to strengthen its defense capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict. 🚀💥

Finnish Navy to host Nato exercise on unmanned systems in June

In June, the Finnish Navy will lead a NATO exercise focused on unmanned systems, taking place in the maritime areas west of the Porkkala peninsula and extending to the waters off Hanko. This initiative aligns with anticipated calls from NATO leadership for a significant boost in collective defense capabilities. Commodore Marko Laaksonen, Chief of Operations at the Finnish Navy, highlighted the potential of unmanned systems for monitoring and freeing up resources for other critical tasks. The exercise will leverage Finland's unique shallow, archipelagic coastal environment to enhance the development of systems tailored to the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea.

This exercise coincides with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's push for member states to dramatically increase their military capabilities ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. In a speech at London's Chatham House, Rutte is expected to advocate for a 400% increase in NATO's air and missile defense capabilities to counter threats like those seen in Ukraine. He will also urge member countries to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and allocate an additional 1.5% to broader security-related measures, meeting US President Donald Trump's call for a total commitment of 5%. Rutte's message underscores the urgent need for a "quantum leap" in collective defense to ensure NATO's continued effectiveness and deterrence in the face of evolving threats. 🌊🤝

Russia fires record 479 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv says

In a significant escalation of its aerial campaign, Russia launched a record 479 drones at Ukraine overnight, accompanied by 20 missiles targeting central and western regions. Ukraine's air force reported successfully intercepting 277 drones and 19 missiles, with only 10 projectiles reaching their targets and causing one injury. This massive drone barrage coincides with Russia's intensified summer offensive along the eastern and northeastern front lines, where Ukraine faces a challenging situation due to its smaller military size and the need for continued Western support, particularly in air defense.

The recent surge in Russian aerial attacks, often conducted under the cover of darkness, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 12,000 Ukrainians killed according to the United Nations. Despite Russia's claims of targeting only military sites, the attacks have predominantly struck civilian areas. Ukraine, meanwhile, has been developing its own long-range drones, striking deep into Russian territory. In response to Ukraine's drone incursions, Russia reported shooting down 49 Ukrainian drones over seven regions, with some causing damage to infrastructure and sparking fires. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides engaged in a deadly game of aerial cat and mouse. 💥🛸

Sails, batteries and AI: What a green revolution in maritime transport might look like

The maritime transport sector, responsible for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions, is under pressure to transition to greener practices. As the United Nations Ocean Conference convenes, the industry is exploring various strategies to decarbonize, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) setting a target of net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal is particularly challenging due to the diverse needs of different vessel types and the lack of a one-size-fits-all solution.

One promising avenue is electrification, which has already been adopted by some smaller vessels and ferries for port operations. However, this approach is not yet viable for long-distance ships. Alternative fuels like biomethanol, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and synthetic fuels are also being considered, but each comes with its own set of challenges, such as scalability and environmental impact. Green hydrogen and synthetic fuels are seen as the most sustainable options but are currently expensive and not yet fully developed.

In addition to cleaner fuels, improving energy efficiency through better ship design, artificial intelligence for route optimization, and reducing engine power and speed are crucial. The future of maritime transport is likely to involve a combination of these technologies, tailored to the specific needs of each vessel. Ports will also need to adapt, with a focus on electrification to reduce emissions from docked ships.

The transition to a greener maritime industry will require significant investment, estimated between $8 billion and $28 billion annually until 2050. To help fund this shift, the IMO is considering a global carbon pricing mechanism, which would fine ships exceeding CO2 emission limits starting in 2028. This measure could generate substantial revenue but faces opposition from industry heavyweights and oil-rich nations. The final vote on the mechanism is scheduled for October, with potential exemptions and other details still under discussion. The maritime industry's green revolution is complex and costly, but necessary for a sustainable future. 🌍🚢💨

Looking for new approach towards Libya

Greece is seeking a new approach to its foreign policy in Libya, aiming to engage more effectively with both the eastern and western regions of the country. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is scheduled to visit Tripoli and Benghazi before the end of June to meet with key political figures, including Abdul Hamid Dbeibah of the UN-recognized government in the west and Aqila Saleh and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar of the eastern-based House of Representatives and Libyan National Army (LNA).

Greece's previous strategy, which focused on symbolic gestures and failed to deliver tangible results, has allowed Turkey to make significant inroads in eastern Libya. Turkey's methodical approach, including the reopening of its consulate in Benghazi and increased economic and military cooperation, has strengthened its influence in the region. Greece's reluctance to provide military aid, revive trade relations, or assist in humanitarian efforts, such as during the aftermath of Storm Daniel, has further weakened its position.

The Greek government's efforts to engage with eastern Libya have been hampered by the business community's skepticism and unpaid debts from the early years of the Libyan civil war. Additionally, the normalization of Greek-Turkish relations and the focus on hydrocarbon exploration in the Mediterranean have led to a relaxation of contacts with Libya. As Turkey continues to expand its presence and influence in Libya, Greece is now looking to re-evaluate its strategy to better navigate the complex political landscape and counter Turkey's growing sway. 🇬🇷🇱🇾🇹🇷

“I am against Ukraine’s EU entry,” says Polish president-elect in first foreign interview

Poland's president-elect, Karol Nawrocki, has reaffirmed his opposition to Ukraine's proposed accession to the European Union in his first interview with a foreign media outlet since his election victory. Speaking with Mandiner, a Hungarian news outlet aligned with Viktor Orbán's government, Nawrocki emphasized that while Poland must support Ukraine strategically due to the Russian threat, he believes Ukraine's EU membership should be contingent on resolving historical and economic issues between the two nations. This stance contrasts with the current Polish government's position, which aims to accelerate Ukraine's EU accession process.

Nawrocki's views are shaped by the lingering legacy of the Volhynia massacres, where Ukrainian nationalists killed ethnic Polish civilians during World War II. He also expressed concerns about potential unfair competition from Ukraine in agriculture and logistics. Despite his reservations, Nawrocki acknowledged the need for a compromise and consensus on these issues. His election victory was hailed by right-wing leaders like Orbán and Donald Trump, who see it as a counterbalance to the pro-Ukrainian and pro-European stance of Poland's current government. Nawrocki's presidency is expected to bring a more conservative and EU-skeptic approach, with a focus on strengthening ties within the Visegrad Group and addressing perceived rule of law violations by the current administration. 🇵🇱🇺🇦

Israeli forces seize Gaza-bound aid boat and detain Greta Thunberg and other activists

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat and detained prominent activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory. The activists, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, protesting Israel’s military campaign and restrictions on aid entry, which have exacerbated the risk of famine for Gaza’s 2 million residents. The boat, seized in international waters, carried essential supplies like baby formula, food, and medical aid, which were confiscated by Israeli forces.

The activists were labeled as participants in a public relations stunt by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, which assured that the aid would be redirected to Gaza through established channels. The detained activists, including Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan, were expected to be returned to their home countries. The incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by an 18-year blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, which critics argue amounts to collective punishment. The blockade has been tightened during the recent war with Hamas, with Israel allowing only limited aid into the territory. The conflict has resulted in extensive destruction, displacement, and a high civilian death toll, with efforts to broker a truce remaining stalled. 🚢🇮🇱🇵🇸

Helsinki police warn of major traffic disruption as three-day climate protest begins

Climate activist group Elokapina, the Finnish branch of Extinction Rebellion, is set to launch a large-scale protest in Helsinki this week, dubbed the "wildfire rebellion." The demonstration, starting at 3 PM on Monday, will move from Senate Square to the Finnish parliament, with plans to occupy key urban spaces for at least three days. The group aims to draw attention to climate change and pressure the Finnish government to eliminate environmentally harmful subsidies. As of Monday morning, over 1,500 people have signed up to participate, with more than 400 willing to be detained by police, potentially exceeding the region's detention capacity.

Helsinki police have warned of "significant and prolonged" disruptions to traffic and public transport due to the protests. Chief Superintendent Jarmo Heinonen of the Helsinki Police Department confirmed that police will intervene if the demonstration violates the law or causes unreasonable inconvenience, apprehending those who obstruct streets. The police have advised commuters to plan for delays and potential detours. The group's strategy of testing police detention capacity has been described as an unusual objective for a demonstration. 🌳🚔

Coalition party calls for Latvian election chief to depart over vote count glitch

The recent municipal elections in Latvia faced significant disruptions due to issues with new vote-counting technology, leading to delays in announcing results. The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) has criticized the Central Election Commission's leadership, particularly its chairperson, Saulīte, for failing to ensure a smooth electoral process. The ZZS demands Saulīte's resignation, citing the need for a professional leader capable of organizing the commission's work and preparing for the upcoming Saeima elections.

In addition to targeting Saulīte, ZZS Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, has called on Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to evaluate the political responsibility of Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development Inga Bērziņa. The minister's oversight of the State Digital Development Agency (SDAA), which provided the faulty ballot scanning system, has been called into question. The ZZS's statements imply that both Saulīte and Bērziņa should step down from their positions due to the election mishaps. The political fallout underscores the importance of reliable election infrastructure and leadership accountability. 🗳️💻

Monday's papers: Chinese anger, food delivery uncertainty, and Stockmann future

In Finland, growing discontent is brewing among Chinese families who invested tens of thousands of euros to send their children to the country through the startup Finest Future. The company, founded by former Rovio executive Peter Vesterbacka, promises a pathway to Finnish high schools through an intensive Finnish language program. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations, with students reporting a lack of immersion, basic living conditions, and misleading information from local agents. Some families are considering legal action, but the prospects for recouping their losses or recovering the lost time are grim. 😞

Meanwhile, Finland's Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that food couriers working for platforms like Wolt and Foodora are employees, not independent entrepreneurs. This decision could reshape the country's gig economy, as companies scramble to comply with the upcoming European Union's Platform Work Directive. The ruling has significant implications for the predominantly immigrant workforce, who may face further exploitation as companies push them into full entrepreneurship. 🍔🚴

In other news, Finland's iconic department store Stockmann may soon be sold off, as its parent company, Lindex Group, shifts focus to its profitable Swedish fashion chain. Despite attempts at restructuring, the department store chain remains unprofitable, and a sale—even at a negative price—cannot be ruled out. Potential buyers include Finnish-Swiss group Nordic Retail Partners and Swedish department store chain Åhlens, owned by Lebanese entrepreneur Ayad al-Saffar. The future of this Finnish retail icon hangs in the balance. 🏢🛍️

Italian referendums on citizenship, labour laws fail due to low turnout

In Italy, recent referendums aimed at easing citizenship laws and strengthening worker protections failed due to insufficient voter turnout. The proposals, backed by centre-left opposition parties and unions, required at least 50% plus one of eligible voters to participate for the results to be legally binding. However, official data indicated that only around 30% of voters cast their ballots, falling short of the necessary threshold.

The outcome is seen as a victory for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her far-right allies, who actively encouraged their supporters to boycott the vote. Meloni, who did not cast a ballot herself, has strengthened her position, while the opposition faces a setback. The referendums included proposals to reduce the residency period required for Italian citizenship by naturalisation from 10 to 5 years, which would have affected approximately 2.5 million people. Additionally, the referendums sought to reverse labour market liberalisations and expand liability rules for workplace accidents involving contractors and subcontractors.

The low turnout was higher in wealthier northern and central regions, as well as in larger cities, while it was lower in the less developed south. The opposition had hoped to leverage the referendums to challenge Meloni's government, but the results indicate a strengthening of her position and a weakening of the opposition. 🇮🇹🗳️

Rīga council coalition talks will be difficult, experts say

The political landscape in Riga is facing significant challenges following the 2025 local elections, with complex coalition negotiations and a fragmented political opposition. The Progressives, despite being a relative winner, face obstacles in leading the Riga City Council due to objections from other political forces and strained relationships at the national level. Political scientist Iveta Kažoka described the upcoming council as having a difficult coalition and an extremely complex political opposition, with aggressive efforts to attract attention from opposition parties and difficulties in agreeing on a mayor.

The political scene is further complicated by ambitious individuals and internal disagreements within parties. The outcome of these local elections could also impact the national government, as parties reassess their strategies ahead of the 2026 Saeima elections. The elections, held on June 7 with a turnout exceeding 47%, were marred by technical issues with the ballot scanning system, leading to a manual count and delayed results. The Central Election Commission has initiated an investigation into the incident. The path forward for Riga's political leadership is fraught with challenges, as parties navigate a complex web of alliances and opposition. 🏛️🗳️

Italy holds two-day referendum on citizenship, workers' rights

Italy is currently holding a two-day referendum focused on two critical issues: easing citizenship rules and strengthening labor laws. The vote, which began on Sunday, is opposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, which has urged citizens to abstain. The referendum aims to address long-standing debates on immigration and workers' rights, with potential implications for the country's social and economic landscape. The outcome could significantly impact Italy's approach to citizenship and labor regulations, shaping the future of its immigrant population and workforce. 🗳️🇮🇹

Explosion targets home of ND MP in Thessaloniki

In the early hours of Monday, an improvised explosive device detonated outside an apartment building in Thessaloniki, targeting the residence of New Democracy MP Stratos Simopoulos. The blast, which occurred around 4 a.m., shattered the building's glass entrance but caused no damage to nearby structures. This incident follows a previous attack where unidentified individuals threw paint at the MP's residence. Authorities are actively investigating the explosion, with a police inquiry currently underway. The targeted attack raises concerns about the safety of political figures in the region. 🏠💥

Polish junior governing party asks members for views on forming new coalition with opposition

In Poland, the centre-right Polish People’s Party (PSL), a junior partner in the ruling coalition, has sparked concern by surveying its members about the possibility of forming an alternative government with the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) and the far-right Confederation. Despite this, PSL insists that 70% of its members support maintaining the current coalition with centrist and left-wing parties. The survey comes amid political turmoil following the presidential election, where PiS-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki defeated the government-aligned Rafał Trzaskowski. This has raised questions about the stability of the ruling coalition, prompting Prime Minister Donald Tusk to call a vote of confidence in his government. PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński has called for the government to step down and be replaced by a "technical administration" of apolitical specialists. The ruling coalition, with 242 MPs in the 460-seat Sejm, could lose its majority if any member party defects. While PSL's partners in the coalition have expressed disappointment, the party is expected to support the government in the upcoming vote of confidence. The political landscape remains tense as PiS continues to push for a change in administration. 🇵🇱🏛️

Pentagon deploying additional 2,000 troops to Los Angeles

The Pentagon has announced the deployment of an additional 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, bringing the total federalized force in the area to approximately 4,800 personnel. This move, ordered by President Trump, aims to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and ensure the safety of federal law enforcement officers amid ongoing protests sparked by recent immigration raids. The newly deployed troops will join Task Force 51, which includes around 2,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 active-duty Marines from the 1st Marine Division.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly criticized the deployment, describing it as "reckless" and "pointless," and accusing the president of using the troops to boost his own image. Newsom claims that many of the previously deployed 2,000 Guard members are not actively engaged and lack basic supplies, with only about 300 troops currently deployed. The governor, along with Attorney General Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit challenging the federalization of the state’s National Guard, arguing that it violates the 10th Amendment and exceeds presidential authority. The White House maintains that the deployment is essential for restoring order in the region. 🇺🇸💥