Newsflash

Defense Express: Russia’s new jet-powered Shahed drone hits Kyiv for the first time — 3X faster than earlier models

Russia has reportedly deployed a new jet-powered attack drone, the Geran-3, in a recent strike on Kyiv, marking a significant escalation in its drone warfare capabilities. This advanced drone, likely a Russian variant of the Iranian Shahed-238, features a compact jet engine, enabling speeds of 550–600 km/h and a range of up to 2,500 km. This represents a substantial upgrade from the slower, propeller-driven Shahed-136 drones previously used. Residents in Kyiv reported hearing a distinctive whistling sound during the attack, consistent with a jet-powered drone. Investigators found wreckage and avionics panels similar to those used in the Shahed-136, suggesting a shared design lineage.

The Geran-3 is part of Russia's rapidly expanding drone arsenal, with Moscow reportedly producing thousands of high-altitude, dive-bombing Shahed drones monthly using Iranian designs and domestic assembly lines. These drones are increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure, overwhelming Ukrainian defenses, and causing significant casualties and destruction. Ukraine's military intelligence agency had previously warned about Russia's domestic production of jet-powered Shahed-style drones, designated Geran-3, which are believed to use Iranian-made jet engines. The use of the Geran-3 in the Kyiv attack underscores Russia's growing drone capabilities and the evolving threat to Ukrainian security. 🛸💥

EU lending arm triples defense loan plan to €3 bln

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU's lending arm, has significantly expanded its defense funding initiative, tripling the scheme to €3 billion ($3.43 billion). This move aims to bolster the bloc's defense industry by providing crucial financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the EU's security and defense supply chain. The EIB has partnered with Deutsche Bank, which will distribute a €500 million loan to eligible firms across the EU. This is the first instance of the EIB offering intermediated financing for the defense sector, with similar deals expected with banks in France and other EU countries in the near future.

The EIB's increased focus on defense investment aligns with Europe's broader efforts to enhance its security capabilities, driven by geopolitical pressures and the need to reduce reliance on the U.S. security guarantee. The bank's president, Nadia Calvino, emphasized that strengthening Europe's defense is now a central mission, addressing the urgent need for investment in the sector. This initiative comes as European nations, including Germany, ramp up their defense spending in response to global security challenges and calls from the U.S. to increase military budgets. While major European weapons firms have seen share prices soar, many smaller firms struggle with financing constraints, highlighting the importance of the EIB's expanded lending program. 💰🛡️

Three civilians killed and nine children wounded as Russia hits residential areas in Kharkiv

In the early hours of June 11, Russian forces launched a significant drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 85 Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, decoy drones, and one missile. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 49 of the aerial threats, using a combination of fire weapons and electronic warfare measures. Despite these efforts, the attack resulted in confirmed hits at 14 locations, with debris falling at two additional sites.

The city of Kharkiv bore the brunt of the assault, with 17 Shahed-type drones striking the Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts. The attack claimed the lives of three civilians, including a 65-year-old man who succumbed to severe burns, and injured 60 others, among them nine children aged 2 to 15. The strikes targeted residential buildings, private homes, playgrounds, enterprises, and public transport, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and utility services. The mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that the targeted locations were civilian areas that should not be subjected to military strikes.

In Odesa Oblast, the assault caused damage to summer houses, outbuildings, vehicles, and civilian watercraft, with fires breaking out at several locations. Emergency responders swiftly extinguished the blazes, and no casualties were reported in the region. Meanwhile, in Sumy Oblast, a Russian drone struck a non-residential building used to store agricultural equipment, igniting a fire that was later extinguished by firefighters. No injuries were reported in this incident. Utility and emergency services across all affected regions worked diligently to restore damaged infrastructure and assist victims. 💥🏙️🚨

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1203: Norway delivers twice promised F-16s to Ukraine

The geopolitical landscape is marked by significant developments, with Russia facing economic and military challenges. The country's budget is under severe strain due to a collapse in oil prices, exacerbated by OPEC+ production hikes, which have pushed Urals crude to its lowest point since 2023. Meanwhile, Russian forces have advanced to the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with officials potentially setting the stage for an illegal annexation declaration. Ukraine has retaliated with drone strikes on Russia's drone-producing region of Tatarstan, while Russia imposes new censorship policies to control public access to information.

On the international front, NATO's chief warns that Russia could launch military operations against alliance members by 2030, even without fully restoring its pre-2022 force levels. Norway has transferred more F-16 aircraft to Ukraine than initially promised, and Ukrainian forces have successfully downed a Russian Molniya-2 drone using jamming techniques. Ukraine is also receiving new armored vehicles and anti-drone missiles, while Russia and North Korea deepen their military cooperation, with North Korea reportedly receiving blueprints for Iranian drones from Russia.

In diplomatic and humanitarian news, Russia's strategy involves both peace talks and continued military aggression to evade Western sanctions. The EU plans to drop roaming fees for Ukraine and Moldova starting in 2026, but Lithuania urges the EU to intensify sanctions against Russia. Ukraine accuses Russia of ignoring ceasefire proposals and escalating attacks, targeting civilian infrastructure and hospitals in Kyiv and Odesa. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has begun repatriating prisoners of war under the Istanbul agreement, highlighting both the ongoing humanitarian efforts and the grim realities of the conflict. 🌍💥🏥

Ukraine confirms striking Russian gunpowder plant, ammo depot, and airfield in bold drone raid

Ukraine's General Staff has confirmed a series of drone strikes on key Russian military targets, conducted overnight on June 11. The coordinated operations targeted several strategic facilities, including the Tambov Gunpowder Plant, an ammunition depot in Kursk Oblast, and the Buturlinovka airfield in Voronezh Oblast. The strikes aimed to disrupt Russia's military-industrial capabilities and ammunition supply.

The Tambov Gunpowder Plant, a crucial facility in Russia's military-industrial complex, was hit, with fires reported at the site. This plant produces gunpowder and pyroxylin, a key ingredient in explosives. In Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces targeted an ammunition depot associated with Russia's 106th Airborne Division, resulting in one civilian injury and damage to two medical posts near Rylsk. Meanwhile, the Buturlinovka airfield in Voronezh Oblast was also struck, with Russian officials reporting the interception of over 15 drones and no ground damage. Ukraine is currently assessing the full impact of these strikes. 💥🛸

NYT: Russia tortures American teacher due to his nationality. He was accused of allegedly fighting for Ukraine

Stephen James Hubbard, a 73-year-old American English teacher from Michigan, has been located in Russia’s Mordovia penal colony after months of silence from his family. Hubbard, who has been designated by the U.S. State Department as "wrongfully detained," was captured by Russian forces in April 2022 in the eastern Ukrainian city of Izium. He had been living in Ukraine since 2012, teaching English online to Japanese students. Russian authorities accused him of joining Ukraine’s territorial defense forces, a claim refuted by text messages between Hubbard and his son, which described his civilian life during the invasion.

Hubbard's family and former fellow prisoners have reported systematic abuse due to his American citizenship. Ukrainian prisoners of war who were held with him described severe torture, including beatings, forced standing, inadequate food, and denied medical care. Hubbard's sister, Patricia Fox, emphasized his pacifist nature and pro-Russian views, making the mercenary accusations implausible. Russian authorities convicted Hubbard of being a mercenary and sentenced him to nearly seven years in prison. His case file was subsequently removed from public view, an unusual move by the Russian judge.

The U.S. has demanded Hubbard's immediate release and raised his imprisonment with Russian counterparts. However, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has not been granted access to him despite Russia’s international obligations. In a recent phone call, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a potential prisoner exchange involving nine people from each side, with Hubbard likely being a top candidate due to his wrongful detention designation. 🇷🇺🇺🇸🔒

GPS jamming to persist as long as Russia’s war continues – Lithuanian parliament speaker

Recent disruptions to GPS signals near the Lithuanian seaport of Klaipėda are linked to Russia's efforts to protect its Kaliningrad exclave from potential airstrikes, according to Lithuanian parliament speaker Saulius Skvernelis. These disruptions are a consequence of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and are expected to continue as long as the conflict persists. The interference, though not specifically targeted at Lithuania, extends beyond Kaliningrad's borders, affecting Lithuanian territory and posing risks to aircraft and ships.

Thirteen EU member states have urged the European Commission to address the systematic and deliberate GNSS interference by Russia and Belarus, which aims to destabilize regional infrastructure, particularly in the transport sector. Skvernelis emphasized that appeals to EU countries and institutions will be ineffective as long as Russia continues to use electronic protection measures. The only solution, he argued, is to compel Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Reports of GPS interference from aircrews surged tenfold in January but saw a decline in March, according to Lithuania’s air navigation service provider, Oro Navigacija. The ongoing disruptions highlight the broader impact of the Ukraine conflict on regional security and infrastructure. 🛩️🌐🇷🇺

Pentagon says Iran moving toward nuclear weapon as tensions escalate

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as the U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, warned that Iran appears to be advancing toward developing a nuclear weapon. This assertion was backed by Senator Tom Cotton, who emphasized the urgent need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities to safeguard regional stability and global security. Iran, however, has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that its nuclear program is peaceful and that U.S. militarism is the true source of regional instability.

In response to these developments, the U.S. has heightened security measures at its embassies and military bases across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. Nonessential personnel have been ordered to leave the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, with similar voluntary departure authorizations issued for personnel in Bahrain and Kuwait. Meanwhile, Iran has declared a state of maximum alert at its military bases, citing reports of potential Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities. The UK Maritime Trade Operations office has also issued a maritime advisory, cautioning vessels in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz to exercise caution due to heightened military tensions. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts to engage Iran in nuclear talks appearing increasingly uncertain. 🌍💥

Not just steps, but leaps

Greece, under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has struggled to attract significant foreign investment despite promises of economic normalcy and a business-friendly environment. Six years into his tenure, the country remains at the bottom of the EU in terms of investment-to-GDP ratio, with investment standing at just 15.3% of GDP in 2024, well below the EU average. Business investment is even lower, at 7.7% of GDP, the lowest in the EU. Most capital inflows are directed towards tourism, food service, and real estate, rather than productive sectors crucial for rebuilding industrial capacity.

Several factors hinder Greece's investment appeal, including high energy costs, legal uncertainty due to frequently changing laws, lengthy justice system delays, and a notoriously rigid bureaucracy. Recent policy missteps, such as the New Building Code, have further exacerbated these issues, leading to a 30% reduction in construction activity. The government's failure to pay over €3 billion to suppliers and contractors for more than a year, and the dismissal of the head of OPEKEPE, the agency managing EU subsidies, highlight the systemic dysfunction. Even global giants like Microsoft have faced significant delays in obtaining necessary permits, underscoring the challenges investors face.

To reverse this trend, Greece needs bold reforms and modernizing initiatives. While the government has made some progress, much more is required. The opposition must also play a constructive role, as the country's future depends on a united effort to create a more attractive investment environment. 🇬🇷💼

Turkey to export 48 of its nationally produced fighter jets to Indonesia

Turkey has secured its first export deal for the KAAN, its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, with Indonesia. The agreement, announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, involves the export of 48 KAAN fighter jets, which will be manufactured in Turkey with the integration of Indonesian local capabilities. The deal was finalized during the Indo Defence 2025 exposition in Jakarta and underscores the strengthening economic and defense ties between the two nations. The KAAN, which completed its maiden flight in 2024, is set to be delivered to the Turkish Air Force starting in 2028. This export agreement highlights Turkey's advancements in its domestic defense industry and its growing influence in the global arms market. Additionally, Turkey and Indonesia have previously collaborated on the development of a Baykar combat-drone factory in Indonesia, further deepening their defense cooperation. Other countries, including Pakistan and Azerbaijan, have also expressed interest in acquiring the KAAN fighter jets. 🛩️🇹🇷🇮🇩

Witness in Novartis case reveals sole source

A significant development occurred in Greece’s Novartis bribery case when a former protected witness, Philistor Destempasides, revealed that his sole source for corruption allegations against prominent politicians was Konstantinos Frouzis, a former Novartis Hellas executive. Destempasides, previously known as "Maximos Saraphis," clarified that he had no personal knowledge of any money payments to political figures, effectively shifting the focus onto Frouzis.

This revelation has substantial implications for those previously implicated, including former health minister and EU commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos. Avramopoulos, who testified following Destempasides, argued that the new statement undermines the original witness testimony that falsely accused him. He vehemently denied ever meeting Frouzis and emphasized that drug policy was not under his ministry’s jurisdiction during his tenure. Avramopoulos also accused former deputy justice minister Dimitris Papangelopoulos and ex-prime minister Alexis Tsipras of orchestrating a politically motivated conspiracy against him. The unfolding events highlight the complex web of allegations and counter-accusations in this high-profile corruption case. 🏛️💸

Kela shells out record €112m to banks for unpaid student loans

Finland's social benefits agency, Kela, reported a significant increase in unpaid state-guaranteed student loans, with banks receiving a record €112 million in 2024. This figure has surged from €85 million in 2023 and €31 million in 2022, raising concerns about financial literacy among students. Many borrowers may not fully grasp that student loans are actual loans requiring repayment, leading to unpaid debts. Vocational students are particularly affected, although recent detailed statistics are pending.

The rise in unpaid loans can be attributed to previous cuts in study grants and low-interest rates, which encouraged students to take out loans. Kela's Benefits Manager, Piia Kuusisto, highlighted the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with borrowing. The total amount of student loans issued by banks reached over €6 billion two years ago, with the government guaranteeing a portion of these loans.

Kela offers some relief by waiving the collection of loan guarantees in certain cases, such as when the amount owed is small or when continuing collection would be disproportionately costly. In 2024, Kela waived €2.6 million in guarantees based on these criteria. However, the issue of unpaid student loans persists, as seen in the work of the Guarantee Foundation, which provides debt counseling and financial support. The foundation's expert, Liina-Lotta Heinonen, noted that many students face difficulties repaying their loans, with some debts being transferred to Kela's recovery process or enforcement. 💸🎓

Šlesers' party contests municipal election results in Rīga

In the aftermath of the Riga municipal elections, Ainārs Šlesers, leader of the Latvia First party, has raised serious allegations regarding the election process. Šlesers contends that the election system operated by the State Digital Development Agency (VDAA) malfunctioned on election night due to incomplete development and non-compliance with regulatory requirements. He asserts that the system had not been adequately tested or approved for electoral use.

Observers monitoring the vote count reported significant irregularities, including improper counting methods, lack of documentation, and reliance on personal interpretations rather than regulatory guidelines. Šlesers has formally accused officials from the Central Election Commission (CVK) and the VDAA of obstructing the election process, potentially violating several articles of the Criminal Law, including obstruction of electoral rights, negligence, abuse of authority, and providing false information.

The deadline for appealing the election results is June 11. In the Riga municipal elections, Šlesers' party, Latvia First, secured the highest vote share at 18.7%, narrowly defeating the Progressives. The New Unity party, led by incumbent mayor Vilnis Kiršs, received 12.9% of the vote. Seven candidate lists have been elected to the Riga City Council, with four political forces—Progressives, National Alliance, New Unity, and the United List—expressing interest in forming a coalition. The political landscape in Riga remains tense as these allegations unfold. 🏛️🗳️

French Tesla customers sue over brand’s ‘extreme right’ shift

A group of Tesla owners in France is taking legal action against the electric vehicle manufacturer, citing "direct and concrete" damage caused by Elon Musk's political activities. The owners, represented by the GKA law firm, are seeking the termination of their lease contracts and reimbursement of legal costs. They argue that Musk's public support for controversial figures and parties, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has transformed Tesla vehicles into political symbols associated with the extreme right. This shift in perception has led to vandalism, insults, and a general inability for owners to fully enjoy their cars. The owners contend that Musk's actions have disrupted their peaceful possession of the vehicles, and they are demanding compensation for this disruption. Tesla has not yet responded to the allegations. 🚘💥

It's easy to get a gun in Austria, but will the Graz shooting bring change?

A tragic school shooting in Graz, Austria, has sparked a heated debate over the country's gun laws. On June 10th, a 21-year-old former student armed with two legally obtained firearms killed 10 people at his old secondary school before taking his own life. The incident has left Austria in mourning and raised questions about how someone so young could legally possess such deadly weapons.

Austria, despite its low incidence of gun violence, is one of Europe's most heavily armed countries, with approximately 30 privately owned firearms per 100 people. As of June 1st, 2025, the country had over 1.5 million registered firearms, with an estimated one million unregistered or illegal guns in circulation. The legal process for obtaining firearms varies by category, with Category C weapons (e.g., hunting rifles) being the easiest to acquire, requiring only that the buyer be of legal age and not subject to a weapons ban. Category B weapons (e.g., handguns) require a firearms license, involving a psychological assessment and safety course, while Category A weapons (e.g., machine guns) are heavily restricted.

Criticism of Austria's gun laws has come from both politicians and industry insiders. Gun dealer Markus Schwaiger admitted that it is too easy for 18-year-olds to buy firearms, and youth psychiatrist Paul Plener expressed shock at the number of legally held guns in private hands, citing Australia's post-Port Arthur reforms as an effective model. Politically, opinions are divided, with Mayor Elke Kahr calling for a ban on private gun ownership, while Interior Minister Gerhard Karner acknowledged the need to close any legal loopholes. The Greens have proposed regular psychological checks for firearms owners and highlighted the rise in femicides involving legally owned weapons.

Austria's gun culture is deeply rooted in tradition, with a strong hunting culture and significant firearm manufacturing industry. However, the recent tragedy has forced the country to confront the modern dilemmas posed by widespread gun ownership. As Austria observes three days of national mourning, there is growing pressure to re-evaluate and potentially reform its firearms legislation. 🇦🇹🔒

TELL US: Are you concerned about your rights as a foreigner in Germany?

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Union (CDU/CSU) has swiftly implemented a "migration turnaround" in Germany, fulfilling a major campaign promise. The government has intensified border patrols, ended family reunification for refugees, and revoked the expedited three-year path to citizenship for highly integrated immigrants. Despite these restrictive measures, officials maintain that Germany will continue to attract and support skilled workers, aiming to reduce overall immigration incentives.

However, immigration and labor experts warn that the anti-migrant rhetoric, even if primarily targeted at asylum seekers, could have broader deterrent effects, potentially discouraging skilled workers from choosing Germany. The political climate and debate surrounding immigration have become increasingly contentious, with significant implications for the country's future workforce and social cohesion. 🇩🇪🤔

Polish government wins parliamentary vote of confidence called in wake of presidential election defeat

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk secured a vote of confidence in parliament, with 243 members of the Sejm supporting his government. The vote came after the opposition-aligned conservative Karol Nawrocki won the presidential election, posing challenges for Tusk's agenda. Despite this setback, Tusk emphasized his government's achievements, including record defense and social spending, economic growth, and low unemployment. He also announced an upcoming government reshuffle and the appointment of a spokesperson to address communication issues.

The ruling coalition, comprising the Civic Coalition, Polish People’s Party, Poland 2050, and The Left, voted in favor of Tusk, while all opposition parties, including Law and Justice (PiS) and the far-right Confederation, voted against. PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński criticized the government, accusing it of mismanaging public finances and favoring German interests. Despite the political tensions, Tusk remains committed to his government's agenda for the remaining two years of its term. The government's next steps include a reshuffle and improved communication strategies to address its unpopularity, with only 32% of Poles holding a positive view of the administration. 🇵🇱🏛️

Sweden set to double three-month deadline for (some) laid-off work permit holders

Work permit holders in Sweden who face redundancy currently have a mere three months to secure new employment after their notice period ends, or they must leave the country. However, a proposed change to this law, stemming from an EU directive passed in April 2024, aims to extend this deadline to up to six months, but only under specific conditions. The extended deadline would apply to individuals who have held a work permit for at least two years and can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least three months beyond the current three-month job-seeking period.

This potential shift has garnered support from various quarters. Critics of the current three-month rule, such as Saaya Sorrells-Weatherford, co-founder of Emigreat, and Emma Löfgren, editor of The Local, have long advocated for a six-month extension, citing the need for a more reasonable timeframe for job seekers to find new opportunities. Additionally, the Social Democrat's labour market spokesperson, Ardalan Shekarabi, has recently echoed this call. However, the proposed changes are not expected to take effect until May 21, 2026, meaning that recently laid-off workers from major Swedish employers like Northvolt and Volvo Cars will not benefit from the new law. 🇸🇪🕒

Power lines are Greece’s top wildfire threat

In Greece, power transmission lines have become the primary cause of wildfires, according to a recent Fire Service report submitted to the Civil Protection Ministry. In 2024, electrical grid short circuits sparked fires that burned 13,420 hectares of forest, surpassing other causes such as negligence (13,300 hectares), lightning strikes (5,700 hectares), and arson (3,800 hectares). Notably, ten of the 40 "serious" fires classified by authorities were attributed to power line malfunctions, with the most devastating occurring in Varnava last August, where a power pole ignited a blaze consuming over 10,000 hectares. Similar electrical failures sparked fires in Dirfi, Keratea, Megalopoli, Serifos, and Tzia.

This trend has continued into the current fire season. Since May 30, four fires have been caused by power line short circuits, including incidents in Ekali, Thiva, Vilia, and near Sismanoglio Hospital in Maroussi. Fire investigators have confirmed electrical infrastructure as the ignition source in each case, raising significant concerns about the reliability of Greece's power grid during the perilous fire season. 🔥💥

Latvenergo buys wind farm project Pienava Wind

Latvenergo has acquired the Pienava Wind project, a significant wind farm initiative in Latvia. The transaction encompasses the sale of all shares in the project company and the management of the construction project, which was previously financed through Eolus' capital and group-level loans. The wind farm, with a total capacity of 147 megawatts (MW), is set to commence energy production in the first half of 2027. The project involves the installation of 21 Nordex wind turbines, each with a capacity of 7 MW, and the development of essential infrastructure, including access roads, installation platforms, a high-voltage substation, and cable lines with fiber optic communications. Additionally, the project includes the construction and renovation of local and regional roads to support the wind farm's logistics. The total planned construction investment for Pienava Wind is approximately €215 million. This acquisition aligns with Latvenergo Group's strategic goals and was approved by its shareholders on June 2, 2025. The project represents a substantial step towards enhancing Latvia's renewable energy capabilities. 🌬️💨