Newsflash

4 killed, 40 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day

Russian forces launched a massive assault on Ukraine, deploying 324 Shahed-type attack drones, four Kh-101 cruise missiles, and three Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. The primary target was the air base of Ukraine's 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade in Starokostiantyniv, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 309 drones and two Kh-101 missiles, but two missiles and 15 drones struck three locations, while the Kinzhal missiles failed to reach their intended targets.

The attacks resulted in significant civilian casualties and injuries across multiple regions. In Kyiv, a drone strike on an apartment building in the Darnytskyi district injured eight people, including a three-year-old child. Four victims were hospitalized. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, three civilians, including a minor, were injured, and infrastructure such as a school dormitory and residential buildings were damaged. Overnight attacks in the same region injured a 49-year-old woman and a 15-year-old girl, causing further damage to schools, homes, and power lines.

In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed and four others were injured in Illinivka and Kostiantynivka. Kherson Oblast saw five injuries and damage to residential buildings. Sumy Oblast experienced the most severe casualties, with three people killed and 20 injured. A Russian drone strike on a bus carrying evacuated residents near the village of Yunakivka resulted in three deaths and 19 injuries. Additionally, one more civilian was injured in the Seredyna-Buda community. The relentless attacks underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international support and intervention. 😢🚑

IAEA to Visit Iran for New Nuclear Cooperation Talks

The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to visit Iran in the coming weeks, as announced by Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this visit, Iran plans to present a proposal for future cooperation, which includes a significant condition: all future IAEA inspections must be approved by Iran's highest national security council. This stipulation has raised concerns, as the IAEA is particularly interested in verifying the location of Iran's stockpile of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.

The international community has long been suspicious of Iran's nuclear ambitions, with many countries fearing that the nation is developing nuclear weapons. Iran, however, has consistently maintained that its nuclear energy program is solely for peaceful purposes. The upcoming visit and proposed cooperation framework will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring transparency in Iran's nuclear activities. The world will be watching closely as the IAEA navigates this complex diplomatic and security landscape. 🌍💥

Iran Executions Double in First Half of 2025, UN Urges Halt

The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the escalating use of the death penalty in Iran, with at least 612 executions recorded in the first half of 2025—more than double the number from the same period last year. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, described the situation as "deeply disturbing" and called for an immediate halt to executions. Iran, however, defends its use of capital punishment, asserting that it is reserved for the most serious crimes. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, emphasized that Tehran is committed to limiting the death penalty to such offenses. Despite international criticism, Iran remains one of the world's leading executioners, second only to China, with most executions carried out by hanging at dawn. The recent executions of two men linked to the political organization People's Mujahedin further highlight the ongoing human rights concerns in the country. 😔💔

The law of force or the force of law: Olenivka as a test for international justice

Three years ago, on the night of July 28-29, 2022, Russian forces detonated a barracks in the Olenivka penal colony, resulting in the deaths of over 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and injuring around 130 others. The victims were soldiers from the Azov Brigade who had surrendered following an agreed plan involving the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Despite the severity of the crime, the attack remains uninvestigated and unpunished, highlighting significant failures in the international justice system.

The United Nations and the ICRC have both fallen short in their responsibilities. The UN mission to investigate the Olenivka explosion was obstructed by Russia and ultimately disbanded, while the ICRC failed to register all Azovstal defenders as POWs and has limited access to Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian detention sites. The ICRC's principles of neutrality and confidentiality, once pillars of its legitimacy, now seem inadequate in the face of state-orchestrated atrocities. The organization must adapt to address large-scale violations of international humanitarian law.

The Olenivka attack underscores the need for a thorough reevaluation of international legal enforcement and justice. The inaction of global institutions in response to this war crime erodes trust in the international humanitarian system, which was established to prevent the horrors of World War II from recurring. Holding Russia accountable for the Olenivka atrocity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity to prevent further aggression and uphold the rule of law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) must investigate and prosecute this crime to send a clear message that war crimes, even by nuclear powers, have consequences. Coordinated diplomatic action, persistent pressure, and political will are essential to achieve justice for the victims and reaffirm the force of international law. 🌍⚖️

OPEKEPE: Phone records expose officials’ knowledge of fraud

Phone records from the Greek farm subsidies scandal have exposed the complicity of high-ranking officials in orchestrating fraudulent activities. Intercepted conversations from 2021-2022, now part of the case file submitted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to the Greek Parliament, reveal that officials were well aware of the illegality of their actions and devised intricate schemes to misdirect European farm aid funds to undeserving recipients. In one notable exchange, the former vice president of OPEKEPE, the agency responsible for distributing farm aid, explicitly discussed the illegal nature of certain cases with another high-ranking official, underscoring the deliberate and calculated efforts to exploit the system. These revelations highlight the deep-seated corruption within the agency and the urgent need for accountability and reform. 📞💸

Ukraine has exchanged over 5,850 captives held by Russia since 2022, Zelensky says

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has successfully repatriated 5,857 individuals from Russian captivity through prisoner exchanges, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Additionally, 555 people were freed through separate means, though details on these releases were not provided. Zelensky's announcement coincided with the commemoration of the Olenivka massacre, where over 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed in an explosion in a Russian military prison.

The president emphasized the importance of continuing exchanges and verifying the status of every individual, stating, "Each person matters." He also noted that over 1,000 prisoners of war were freed based on agreements reached during recent peace talks in Istanbul. Ukraine continues to push for the release of all remaining civilians held in Russia and advocates for a comprehensive "all-for-all" exchange, a proposal that Russia has yet to accept. The latest round of prisoner exchanges on July 23 involved more than 1,200 people, following agreements made during the Istanbul peace talks.

Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office has documented over 11,000 Ukrainians illegally detained by Russia during the war, with detainees subjected to systematic torture, including beatings, electric shocks, and sexual violence. The office has charged 534 individuals in connection with these crimes, with 117 convictions secured. The ongoing efforts to secure the release of all Ukrainian captives remain a top priority for the Ukrainian government. 🇺🇦🤝

Ukraine liberates Kindrativka village in Sumy Oblast amid ongoing Russian offensive

Ukrainian forces have successfully liberated the village of Kindrativka in Sumy Oblast, marking a significant pushback against Russian attempts to advance in the region. The recapture, confirmed by a spokesperson for the Kursk military group, comes amid ongoing stabilization efforts in the village. This victory follows the liberation of Andriivka, another strategic settlement near the Russian border, on July 22. The Ukrainian battlefield monitoring group DeepState reported Kindrativka's liberation two days earlier, highlighting it as the second settlement recaptured since Russia opened a new front in Sumy Oblast in early June.

The Russian offensive, which aims to establish a "security buffer zone" along Ukraine's northeastern border, has faced stiff resistance. Ukrainian forces have reportedly inflicted heavy losses on Russian units, including the 40th, 150th, and 30th battalions, and killed the commander of the 30th Battalion. Despite near-daily strikes, Ukrainian forces have managed to maintain control over most of Sumy Oblast, a key target due to its border location. The ongoing conflict underscores the strategic importance of the region and the determination of Ukrainian forces to defend their territory. 🇺🇦🏹

China threatens retaliation over Ukrainian sanctions imposed for backing Russia's invasion

China has strongly condemned Ukraine's recent sanctions targeting 53 individuals and entities accused of supporting Russia's invasion, demanding their immediate reversal. The sanctions, imposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aim to penalize those deemed hostile to Ukraine. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, criticized the move as unlawful and lacking international authorization, threatening retaliatory measures to protect Chinese interests.

Ukraine and its allies have accused China of being a major supplier of dual-use goods to Russia, enabling the production of weapons used in the ongoing conflict. Despite these allegations, Beijing has consistently denied providing military aid to either side. Tensions escalated further when Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service revealed that China was supplying critical components to Russian military facilities, suggesting direct involvement in the war.

The diplomatic spat comes amid a backdrop of strengthening ties between Russia and China. Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, underscoring the growing alliance between the two nations. Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged China to cease enabling Russia's war efforts, a call that was met with a sharp rebuke from Beijing, which accused Washington of provoking confrontation and deflecting blame. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with China asserting its economic interests and strategic alliances in the face of Western pressure. 🇨🇳🇷🇺

Trump Reduces Putin's Ceasefire Deadline to 10-12 Days

In a visit to Scotland, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing his aggressive actions in Ukraine. Trump highlighted Putin's indiscriminate attacks, such as the strike on a nursing home in Kyiv, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. He announced a significant reduction in the deadline for reaching a ceasefire agreement, shortening it from 50 days to just 10-12 days. This decision comes amid a lack of progress in negotiations and aims to pressure Russia to take meaningful steps towards peace or face further U.S. sanctions. Trump's remarks underscore his frustration with Putin's military actions and the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

China Offers Annual Allowance to Boost Birth Rates

China has introduced direct cash benefits for families nationwide to alleviate the financial strain of raising children, as announced by the state-owned TV company CCTV. This initiative comes amidst a concerning trend of population decline, with China's population decreasing for three consecutive years. According to United Nations demographic projections, China's population could plummet from the current 1.4 billion to 800 million by the end of the century.

The urgency of this demographic challenge is underscored by the significant drop in birth rates. In 2024, only 9.54 million children were born, a stark contrast to the 19.07 million born in 2016, the year the long-standing one-child policy was abolished. This dramatic decline in birth rates contributed to India surpassing China as the world's most populous country. The new cash benefits, effective retroactively from January 1, aim to encourage higher birth rates and support families in managing the costs associated with child-rearing. 👶💸

Water crisis spells disaster for Evros farmers

In southern Evros, Greece's northeastern border, a severe water crisis is devastating local farmers and exposing the region's vulnerability. Despite early warnings and emergency measures, water reserves have been exhausted, leaving crops and livelihoods in ruins. The crisis is exacerbated by a lack of long-term planning, delayed infrastructure projects, and unequal water management practices by neighboring countries. Farmers are calling on the Greek government to negotiate a bilateral water-sharing agreement with Turkey, as their water supply is now heavily dependent on upstream decisions.

The situation is dire, with dry riverbeds serving as stark reminders of the region's struggle. Farmers like Kostas Alexandris view the water shortage as a form of war, emphasizing that agricultural survival is a matter of national security. The crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts and infrastructure development to ensure water security and protect the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture in the region. The Greek state must act swiftly to address these challenges and secure a sustainable water future for Evros. 🌾💦

Time for Athens to rethink its Turkey strategy

Greece must reassess its strategy towards Turkey, as Ankara's influence in Europe grows and its assertive foreign policy gains traction. Turkey's acquisition of 40 Eurofighter jets and its alignment with the United Kingdom have elevated its status among European leaders, particularly amid the U.S.'s reduced engagement in European defense. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has successfully rebranded Turkey as a mediator, curbing his aggressive rhetoric and actions towards the West, while maintaining his expansionist "Blue Homeland" doctrine and challenging Greek and Cypriot sovereign rights.

Greece has long relied on repeating its positions on maritime zones without actively securing them, missing opportunities to solidify its claims through agreements or unilateral actions. However, a shift is underway, with Greece designating marine parks in disputed areas and pursuing energy projects to assert its presence in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. To counter Turkey's revisionism, Greece should lead regional efforts to address shared challenges, such as climate change, and advocate for a regional summit of Eastern Mediterranean states.

Athens must develop a new framework for EU-Turkey engagement, emphasizing specific conditionalities and timelines for resolving differences. By strengthening public diplomacy and coordinating its international representation, Greece can highlight Turkey's destabilizing behavior and garner support from allies. This strategic realignment is crucial for Greece to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the face of Turkey's growing assertiveness. 🇬🇷🇹🇷

Iute received a license for offering payment services in Macedonia

IutePay Macedonia, a subsidiary of the fintech company Iute Group, has secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the Central Bank of North Macedonia. This license allows the company to offer a comprehensive suite of digital payment services across the country, marking a significant milestone in North Macedonia's financial sector. The EMI license enables customers to open payment accounts, top up digital wallets, access funds via cardless ATMs, perform real-time cashless money transfers, and make quick payments to merchants using QR codes.

The license represents a strategic expansion for IutePay Macedonia, which initially focused on loan products and later ventured into insurance brokerage with the launch of IuteSafe. With the new EMI license, the company can now issue electronic money and provide payment services independently of traditional banks. This move aligns with Iute Group's mission to deliver fast, seamless, and user-friendly financial solutions with a strong emphasis on security and innovation.

IutePay Macedonia plans to roll out its payment services in the first quarter of 2026, following the completion of necessary developments and integrations. The company's CEO, Aleksandar Petkovski, highlighted the transformative potential of this license, stating that it will revolutionize the way financial services are offered and used in North Macedonia. Iute Group, established in Estonia in 2008, specializes in consumer finance, payment services, banking, and insurance products, serving customers in Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and North Macedonia. The group finances its loan portfolios through equity, deposits, and secured bonds listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Baltic Main List. 💳💻

EU-US Customs Agreement Faces Criticism from European Leaders

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has criticized the EU's recent trade agreement with the USA, asserting that the union has capitulated to American demands. The agreement, which imposes a 15% tariff on goods exported from the EU to the USA, has drawn sharp criticism from both far-right leaders and industry groups. Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's right-wing extremist party AFD, condemned the deal as a "slap in the face" for European consumers and producers. Similarly, Germany's industry association BDI described the agreement as an "insufficient compromise."

The EU's chief negotiator, Maros Sefcovic, defended the agreement, arguing that it was the best possible outcome under challenging circumstances. He emphasized that the deal was preferable to a full-blown trade war with the USA. Despite the criticisms, Sefcovic maintained that the agreement would ultimately benefit European interests, even if it required making difficult concessions. The debate highlights the tensions within the EU over trade policy and the balance between protecting domestic industries and maintaining international economic relations. 🇪🇺🇺🇸💼

Trump ate von der Leyen for breakfast, Orbán grumbles

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, labeling her a "featherweight" negotiator following a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU. The deal, brokered by von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump, includes a 15% tariff on most EU imports to the U.S. and a commitment from the EU to purchase American energy resources. Orbán's remarks echo a broader sentiment among various political factions in Europe, who argue that the EU could have secured more favorable terms. The agreement has sparked debate and dissatisfaction, with critics questioning the effectiveness of the EU's negotiation strategy. 🇭🇺🇪🇺🇺🇸💥

Poland’s deputy PM proposes linking main child benefit to parents’ employment

In Poland, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has proposed restricting access to the country's main child benefit program, known as 800+, to families where parents are employed. This controversial suggestion aims to address Poland's demographic crisis by valuing the contributions of working taxpayers. The program, which provides 800 zloty (€187) per child per month, was introduced by the former Law and Justice (PiS) government and is currently available to all families regardless of income or employment status.

Kosiniak-Kamysz's proposal has sparked criticism from both the ruling coalition's left-wing members and the opposition PiS party. Critics argue that the change could unfairly punish unemployed parents and misunderstand the program's purpose of supporting all children equally. Despite the backlash, public opinion polls indicate significant support for linking the benefit to employment, particularly among voters of the Civic Coalition (KO) and the far-right Confederation.

The debate highlights the tension between addressing demographic challenges and maintaining social support for all families. As Poland grapples with record-low fertility rates and economic pressures, the future of the 800+ program remains a contentious issue. 🇵🇱💸

Mitsotakis distances himself from Karamanlis era, stirring unease within ND

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has publicly distanced himself from the policies of former premier Kostas Karamanlis, sparking internal tensions within the ruling New Democracy party. Mitsotakis criticized the Karamanlis era, particularly its foreign policy, describing it as a period of "blissful inertia" and dismissing it for lacking major initiatives, especially in Greek-Turkish relations. This stance is seen as a departure from the cautious and moderate diplomacy of the Karamanlis administration, known as the "Molyviatis doctrine."

The remarks have stirred unease within the party, with Karamanlis allies, including former deputy foreign minister Giannis Valinakis, accusing the current government of being too soft on national issues. Mitsotakis, aiming for a third term and a lasting legacy, views these criticisms as "unfair and calculated" and has moved to assert his political authority. While Karamanlis has remained silent, the shift has unsettled some party members, with prominent figures like ex-foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, who is also Mitsotakis' sister, downplaying talk of a rift. Analysts suggest that Mitsotakis may need to engage with Karamanlis supporters to prevent further internal divisions ahead of the next election. A response from Karamanlis is anticipated in the coming autumn. 🇬🇷🗳️

Trump blasts ‘nasty’ London mayor Khan — as British PM looks on

Donald Trump reignited a long-standing feud during a visit to Scotland, criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the presence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. When asked about a potential visit to London during his upcoming state visit, Trump stated, "I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job ... a nasty person. I think he’s done a terrible job." This remark created an awkward moment for Starmer, who was standing beside Trump following a bilateral meeting in Scotland. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and personal animosities that can surface during diplomatic engagements. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🗣️

Turkey: Firefighters battle wildfires amid strong winds

Intense wildfires are ravaging parts of Turkey and Greece, fueled by strong winds and days of extreme heat across the Mediterranean. In Turkey, firefighters are struggling to contain blazes in three provinces, with at least 14 fatalities reported over the past week. The fires have forced the evacuation of 19 villages and displaced more than 3,500 people from their homes. The situation remains critical as emergency services work tirelessly to combat the spreading fires. 🔥🌪️

2 volunteers die fighting Turkey wildfires, raising deaths to 17 since late June

In northwest Turkey, the death toll from wildfires near the city of Bursa has risen to 17 since late June, with two volunteer firefighters losing their lives in a recent accident. The volunteers died in hospital after their water tanker rolled over while en route to combat a forest fire. Another worker perished at the scene, and a firefighter succumbed to a heart attack, bringing the total fatalities to four in a single incident. The majority of the victims, 10, were rescue volunteers and forestry workers who died in a fire in Eskisehir earlier in the month. The fires, fueled by record-breaking heatwaves, strong winds, and dry conditions, have forced over 3,500 people to evacuate their homes and have devastated vast areas of forest. The government has declared disaster areas in Izmir and Bilecik provinces and has initiated prosecutions against 97 individuals suspected of involvement in the fires. 🔥🌡️💨