Newsflash

ISW: Russian forces advance to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border

Russian forces have advanced to the administrative boundary between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts, signaling broader territorial ambitions beyond the already annexed regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea. Geolocated footage and reports from Russian military bloggers indicate that Russian troops, including elements of the 90th Tank Division, are actively engaged in combat operations near the border. Kremlin officials have framed this advance as part of an effort to create a "buffer zone" and have made aggressive statements about further territorial claims, including the potential annexation of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and the seizure of cities like Dnipro.

The Russian government has repeatedly asserted its intention to "denazify" Ukraine and has made clear its desire to control strategic areas, including Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia aims to occupy the entire east bank of the Dnipro River and has likely begun laying the groundwork for the illegal annexation of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assesses that Russia is not interested in genuine peace negotiations and is preparing for a prolonged conflict to achieve further territorial gains. The current military activity in southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is seen as a continuation of ongoing offensive efforts in southwestern Donetsk Oblast, rather than the start of a new major operation. 🇷🇺🇺🇦💥

From hell to healing: Ukraine starts POW return under Istanbul agreement

Ukraine has initiated the repatriation of severely wounded and ill soldiers from Russian captivity, with the first phase of prisoner exchanges occurring on June 10, 2025. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the development, highlighting that the exchange is part of agreements brokered in Istanbul. The returned soldiers, who hail from various branches of Ukraine's defense forces, include defenders of Mariupol who have been in Russian captivity for over three years. Many of these individuals suffer from severe injuries and chronic illnesses, such as amputated limbs, infections, and tuberculosis.

Upon their return, the freed soldiers will be transported to medical facilities for comprehensive examinations, treatment, and rehabilitation. The exact number of released prisoners has not been disclosed for security reasons. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has confirmed that efforts to free more Ukrainian captives are ongoing, with subsequent exchange stages already in preparation. 🇺🇦🏥

Ukrainian drones target drone-producing Tatarstan in Russia

Ukrainian drones conducted a series of strikes deep within Russian territory overnight on June 10, targeting the cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan, over 1,200 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. Explosions were reported, and drones were spotted in both locations, with eyewitnesses suggesting the drones were heading north towards suspected drone manufacturing sites. The Shahed drone factory in Yelabuga, previously targeted in April and May, was reportedly hit again.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 102 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across various regions, including Moscow, Tatarstan, and occupied Crimea. Despite these claims, local residents captured footage of a drone evading air defense missiles over Nizhnekamsk. In response to the drone activity, Russian authorities grounded flights at multiple airports, including those in Nizhnekamsk, St. Petersburg, Izhevsk, Kirov, and all Moscow airports. The Leningrad Oblast governor also reported restrictions on mobile and internet access in several areas.

In addition to flight disruptions, Russian officials imposed severe penalties for sharing information about the drone strikes. Regional governments introduced fines and potential criminal prosecution for publishing videos or comments related to the attacks. These measures aim to control the narrative and limit public awareness of the drone incursions, with penalties ranging from administrative fines to up to three years in prison for repeat offenders. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and the escalating use of drone warfare in the conflict. 🛩️💥

European boost to Ukraine defense may come too late if US drops support, analyst fears

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine faces a critical juncture as Russian President Vladimir Putin appears unpressured by the United States, raising concerns about the effectiveness of European defense support. Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, warns that without robust backing from the U.S., European efforts to bolster Ukraine's defense systems may arrive too late. This situation underscores the urgent need for a coordinated and timely response from Western allies to counter Russia's aggressive actions and ensure Ukraine's security. The potential delay in European defense assistance could significantly impact the outcome of the war, highlighting the importance of sustained international support. 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇪🇺

Greta Thunberg tells FRANCE 24 she was 'kidnapped' by Israel

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg accused Israel of "kidnapping" her and a group of pro-Palestinian activists in international waters. The incident occurred when the Israeli navy intercepted their vessel, preventing them from reaching Gaza. Thunberg, speaking to journalists at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport after her deportation from Israel, asserted that she and her team had broken no laws and demanded the immediate release of the activists still detained in Israel. The 22-year-old activist, along with 11 others, was seized by Israeli forces early Monday as they attempted to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. Thunberg emphasized that she was forcibly brought into Israel against her will and refused to sign a document admitting to illegal entry. The interception and subsequent deportation have sparked international attention and criticism. 🌍🚨

Shooter kills at least nine in attack on Austrian school

A tragic shooting at a secondary school in the southern Austrian city of Graz on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, with many others injured. The city's mayor confirmed the devastating attack, which has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities are actively investigating the incident. The attack underscores the ongoing threat of gun violence in educational settings, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures and mental health support in schools. 🇦🇹😢

HS: Dozens of Finns Party candidates sign supporter cards for openly-fascist Blue-Black Movement

The Blue-Black Movement, an openly fascist group, has garnered significant support among politically active members of the Finns Party, as revealed by a report from Helsingin Sanomat. The movement, which re-registered as a political party last month after collecting the required 5,000 supporter signatures, has ties to prominent figures within the Finns Party and other political factions. Out of the 5,819 supporters, 117 were candidates in the recent municipal elections, with a majority running on the Finns Party ticket. Notably, nine of these candidates were elected, including five from the Finns Party and two each from the Centre Party and the National Coalition Party.

The supporter base is predominantly young men, with the largest age groups being 21-25 and 26-30 year-olds, and 85% of supporters being male. The movement's updated party program advocates for a monolingual Finland, aiming to reduce the influence of foreign languages and protect the Finnish workforce from external competition. The Blue-Black Movement was established in 2021 by former Finns Party members with strong ethnonationalist views, drawing inspiration from the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist and fascist group active in Finland during the late 1920s and early 1930s. The group's resurgence raises concerns about the spread of extremist ideologies within mainstream Finnish politics. 🇫🇮🏛️

Half of North Korea’s first missile shipment to Russia exploded in mid-air — now they strike Ukrainian targets with deadly precision

Russia has significantly enhanced its military capabilities in Ukraine by acquiring improved North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles, which are now striking targets with "deadly accuracy." Initially, the first batch of missiles from North Korea was of poor quality, with many deviating from their trajectories and exploding mid-air. However, through collaborative efforts between Russian and North Korean specialists, the missiles have been refined to hit their targets precisely.

This military cooperation extends beyond missiles. Russia is providing North Korea with advanced technologies, including long-range air-to-air missiles, submarine technologies, and ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads. In return, North Korea supplies Russia with various artillery systems, such as 122mm D-74 guns, 107mm and 240mm multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and 170mm M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery. The Koksan system, in particular, has proven effective in combat, firing accurately from considerable distances. North Korea has already transferred 120 of these systems to Russia, with more supplies expected.

Furthermore, agreements are in place to establish production facilities in North Korea for manufacturing "Harpy" and Shahed-136 drones, which could alter the regional military balance between North and South Korea. This deepening military alliance between Russia and North Korea poses significant challenges for Ukraine and regional security. 🇷🇺🇰🇵💥

Doctor’s desperate act: Breaking medical ethics to show world Russia’s torture of Ukrainian POWs

A Ukrainian soldier, recently returned from Russian captivity, was found with the words "Glory to Russia" burned into his body, sparking outrage within the Ukrainian community. The disturbing image, confirmed as authentic by Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, was captured by a doctor who could not bear the sight of the soldier's injuries. The doctor shared the photo, revealing the brutal treatment endured by the prisoner.

Yusov revealed that approximately 90% of Ukrainian military personnel freed from Russian captivity report various forms of mistreatment, including inadequate nutrition, medical care, and detention conditions. These violations are well-documented by Ukrainian authorities and are part of ongoing investigations and international legal efforts. The stark contrast in the condition of prisoners returned to Ukraine versus those sent back to Russia underscores the severity of the abuses. This case highlights the urgent need for international intervention and pressure on Russia to uphold humane treatment standards for prisoners of war. 🇺🇦😢

Finland suspects Russian military plane of airspace breach

Finnish authorities are investigating a suspected violation of Finnish airspace by a Russian military aircraft off the coast of Porvoo. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has prompted an immediate investigation by the Border Guard, with Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen confirming the launch of a probe. This is the second suspected breach in the region this year, following a similar incident last month involving two Russian military planes. In response to the earlier breach, the Finnish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador to Finland, Pavel Kuznetsov, for an explanation. The repeated incursions have raised concerns about Russian military activities near Finnish borders. 🛩️🇷🇺🇫🇮

'Europe has more military potential than Russia: We are only scared to the degree we are unprepared'

Europe possesses significant military potential that surpasses Russia's capabilities, but the continent's preparedness and resolve are often lacking. This disparity is evident in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has intensified its assaults, launching nearly 500 drones in a single night, marking the largest drone bombardment of the three-year war. As the Kremlin advances its summer offensive, direct peace talks have yet to yield substantial progress in halting the violence.

Lieutenant General Michel Yakovleff, a professor at Sciences-Po and former Vice-Chief of Staff at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), provides insight into Russia's strategy of attrition. He emphasizes that Europe's military strength is considerable, but the continent's fear and perceived weakness stem from a lack of preparedness and unity. To counter Russia's aggression effectively, Europe must bolster its defenses, enhance coordination among member states, and demonstrate a united front. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the need for Europe to leverage its military potential and address its vulnerabilities to ensure regional security and stability. 🇪🇺🇷🇺

EU will propose more flexibility for defense procurement, commissioner says

The European Commission is set to introduce significant reforms to streamline defense procurement and enhance access to European funding. European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius announced that the proposal, to be presented on June 17, aims to address longstanding issues of bureaucratic red tape and delays that have hindered the European defense industry. The key objectives include providing greater flexibility for member states in joint procurements, easing framework agreements, and facilitating innovation procurement. Additionally, the Commission seeks to simplify access to the EU’s defense fund and review other regulatory aspects such as permits, reporting obligations, competition rules, and sustainable finance.

Kubilius emphasized the urgency of these reforms, stating that without such simplifications, achieving defense readiness would be unattainable. He underscored the need for swift action, warning that adversaries like Russia will not wait for the EU to resolve its administrative challenges. The proposed changes include simplifying directives on defense procurement and intra-EU transfers of defense products, aiming to create a more agile and responsive defense sector within the EU. 🇪🇺🛡️

Norway and UK sanction right-wing Israeli ministers

In a coordinated effort, Norway, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have imposed travel bans on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. This joint action, a rare departure from the stance of Israel's closest ally, the United States, comes amid growing international criticism of Israel's conduct in the conflict with Hamas. The five countries cited the ministers' history of inciting violence and advocating for the displacement of Palestinians as the basis for their decision.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," emphasizing the need for the international community to condemn Israel's alleged violations of international law. The ministers, both part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition, have been criticized for their hardline stances on the Gaza war and support for settlements in the occupied West Bank. Smotrich, a resident of a West Bank settlement, has advocated for the territory's annexation and the destruction of Gaza. Ben Gvir has also called for the resettlement of Gazans.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that the ministers' actions were unacceptable in a civilized society and expressed hope that the sanctions would contribute to a lasting peace solution in the Middle East. The goal is to push for a two-state solution and end the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. While the UK has imposed economic sanctions, Norway is still considering such measures, drawing criticism from domestic political parties for perceived inaction. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the sanctions as "outrageous." 🇮🇱🇳🇿🇦🇨🇨🇦🇬🇧

Swedish households 501 billion kronor worse off – and Trump's to blame

The Swedish economy has experienced a mix of positive and challenging factors over the past year. The Riksbank's gradual reduction in the policy rate, coupled with a tax cut at the beginning of the year, has boosted household buying power. However, despite these favorable conditions, household consumption remained stagnant in the first quarter of this year. This unexpected outcome is largely attributed to the uncertainty surrounding American politics and its impact on global markets.

The shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in trade and security, has led to increased market volatility, eroding 501 billion kronor (1.7%) from Swedish household capital. While household capital has seen a modest increase of 2.2% compared to a year ago, this growth is significantly lower than the 7.4% average observed over the past decade. This decline is driven by losses in property and stock values, with international stocks being particularly hard hit. The strengthening of the Swedish krona against the U.S. dollar further exacerbated the market downturn, resulting in a 15% drop in stock values.

Meanwhile, household debt has shown a nuanced trend. While overall debt increased by 34 million kronor, primarily due to mortgages and student loans, consumer loans have decreased. Notably, student loans have seen their largest annual increase in 24 years, growing by 7.7%, which is well above the 2.7% average of the past decade. This pattern suggests a cautious economic environment, with households exhibiting a low appetite for risk and a tight labor market. The combination of low mortgage debt growth and shrinking consumer loans indicates a prolonged period of subdued economic growth. 📉🏦

Mitsotakis visits Odessa on Wednesday

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will visit Odessa on Wednesday to participate in the 4th Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Odessa holds deep historical and cultural significance for Greece, serving as a major center for Greek diaspora education and the headquarters of the Filiki Eteria. The city’s historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in January 2023. During his visit, Mitsotakis will reaffirm Greece’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing Greek companies’ interest in Ukraine’s reconstruction, particularly in infrastructure and energy. He will also reiterate Greece’s backing for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.

Following his visit to Odessa, Mitsotakis will travel to Moldova on Thursday to express support for its European integration and to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and energy. Later that evening, he will head to Sweden for discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on European defense cooperation ahead of upcoming NATO and EU summits. Additionally, Mitsotakis will participate in the Bilderberg Meeting in Stockholm. 🇬🇷🇺🇦🇲🇩🇸🇪

Newsom files emergency court request to block troop deployment in L.A.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have taken urgent legal action to challenge President Trump's expansion of military deployment in Los Angeles, deeming it unconstitutional and a direct threat to civil liberties. The state officials filed an emergency request in federal court to block the mobilization of an additional 2,000 California National Guard troops, which they argue unlawfully directs military personnel to assist in civilian law enforcement activities beyond protecting federal property. This move follows President Trump's order to federalize troops, citing a "form of rebellion" amidst widespread protests triggered by federal immigration raids. Newsom and Bonta contend that the President's actions violate constitutional principles and set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach, potentially leading to the militarization of domestic law enforcement. The state has also highlighted the President's past assurances against federalizing the National Guard without gubernatorial consent, contrasting his current stance. As tensions escalate, California seeks immediate judicial intervention to prevent military involvement in civilian policing and to stabilize the situation in Los Angeles. 🚨🏛️

What are Socimis and why are they at the heart of Spain's housing debate?

The Spanish government is intensifying its efforts to address the housing crisis through a series of legislative measures, with a particular focus on Socimis, which are property investment vehicles similar to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). In January 2025, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled 12 proposals aimed at increasing affordable housing, improving regulation, and providing more aid to those in need. One of the most notable proposals is a 100% tax on property buyers who do not reside in the EU, effectively doubling the cost of homes for these buyers.

The government is also targeting Socimis, which have historically benefited from substantial tax breaks. The proposed changes aim to modify the tax benefits regime for Socimis, making them applicable only to companies that manage affordable rentals. This shift is intended to encourage Socimis to invest more in affordable housing, thereby alleviating the housing crisis. The government plans to tax Socimis at the general corporate tax rate of 25%, but offers tax breaks for those that allocate more than 60% of their portfolio to affordable rentals and reinvest profits in such housing over the next three years.

The measures are designed to address the perceived failure of Socimis to improve the supply of affordable housing. Experts suggest that the fiscal changes could disproportionately affect foreign investors, who have been significant players in the Spanish real estate market. Since 2014, foreign investment has accounted for an average of 61% of the total volume in the Spanish real estate sector, with 70% of Socimis' capital held by international investors in 2023. The government's initiatives reflect a broader strategy to make housing more accessible and affordable for Spanish residents, while also ensuring that investment vehicles contribute positively to the housing market. 🏠💸

INTERVIEW: 'Don't let fear deter you from new life in Germany,' minister urges

A decade ago, Germany welcomed hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees with open arms, embodying a spirit of empathy and support. However, the political and social landscape has since shifted dramatically. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained significant traction, and public discourse is now marked by fear, resentment, and distrust towards immigrants, despite around 26% of the population having a migration background. This shift is partly fueled by media coverage of isolated incidents involving migrants, which has exacerbated primal fears of the "other."

The current government has taken a more restrictive approach to immigration, focusing on tightening borders and rejecting asylum seekers. However, Germany's economic prosperity depends heavily on immigration, with a need for at least 400,000 workers annually to maintain its labor supply and support its welfare and pensions system. Key sectors like healthcare, logistics, construction, and hospitality are particularly in need of foreign workers.

To address these challenges, Germany has implemented various integration measures, including a new digital visa portal to streamline the application process and initiatives like Adelante Colombia, which recruits and trains young people from Colombia for Germany's healthcare and life sciences industries. Integration ministers are also working to dismantle barriers for foreign workers, such as improving the recognition of qualifications and expanding Welcome Centres to help newcomers navigate German bureaucracy.

Despite these efforts, the anti-immigrant sentiment in Germany poses a risk to attracting skilled workers. Local leaders like Dr. Andreas Philippi, Lower Saxony's Minister for Labour and Integration, are committed to improving the integration system and urging potential immigrants not to be deterred by fear. The work of making Germany more welcoming to foreigners continues, even as political rhetoric remains challenging.

As the UN Ocean Conference opens in France, a push to turn promises into protection

The third UN Ocean Conference is underway in France, with a pressing agenda to translate long-standing promises into tangible protection for the world's oceans. Currently, only 2.7% of the ocean is effectively shielded from harmful activities, far below the "30×30" pledge to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030. A key focus of this year's summit is the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, which would enable nations to establish marine protected areas in international waters, covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean. The treaty requires ratification by 60 countries to come into force, with only 32 having done so thus far.

The ocean plays a crucial role in stabilizing the Earth's climate and sustaining life, producing 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorbing a significant portion of carbon dioxide emissions. Without a healthy ocean, achieving climate goals remains elusive. Advocates hope the conference will build momentum for the treaty's ratification, allowing for the first official Oceans Conference of Parties. However, the gap between declared marine protections and real-world conservation is widening. France, the conference co-host, claims to have surpassed the 30% target, but environmental groups argue that only 3% of French waters are fully protected from harmful activities like bottom trawling.

The conference will address the growing disparity between marine protection declarations and actual conservation efforts. While some marine protected areas struggle with enforcement, others, like Port-Cros National Park off the southern coast of France, demonstrate the benefits of strict protections. Environmental groups are pushing for stricter protections, despite resistance from industrial fishing lobbies. The summit will feature discussions on blue finance, sustainable fisheries, plastic pollution, and deep-sea mining, with the aim of producing the Nice Ocean Action Plan—a declaration of voluntary commitments to be presented at the United Nations in July. The urgency of ocean conservation is clear, as a healthy ocean is essential for a healthy planet. 🌊🌍

American AI powerhouse eyes Cyprus

An American AI powerhouse, Tenstorrent, is poised to establish a regional office in Cyprus, a strategic move that could significantly enhance the island's ambitions to become a leading technology hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Texas-based company, renowned for its specialized AI processors and software, is drawn to Cyprus for its strategic location, access to skilled talent from local universities and research centers, and the growing momentum for tech investment.

Tenstorrent's interest in Cyprus was publicly announced during President Nicos Christodoulides' recent visit to Silicon Valley, where the Cypriot delegation engaged with key tech and investment leaders. The company has already conducted two exploratory visits and plans a third on June 17-18 to finalize the office's location. Tenstorrent aims to leverage Cyprus as a gateway to European and Middle Eastern markets while contributing to the development of open and accessible technology. The company envisions applications in various sectors, including shipping, healthcare, and gaming, further bolstering Cyprus's tech ecosystem. 🌐💡