Newsflash

Slovenia becomes first EU country to ban all weapons trade with Israel

Slovenia has taken a bold and independent stance by becoming the first EU member state to impose a comprehensive ban on all weapons trade with Israel. This decision, announced by the Slovenian government, also includes a prohibition on the transit of weapons to or from Israel through Slovenian territory. The move is a direct response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reflects Slovenia's frustration with the EU's inability to act decisively due to internal disagreements and disunity. While the European Commission has proposed partially suspending Israel’s association agreement with the EU, member states have yet to reach a consensus on the matter. Slovenia's unilateral action underscores its commitment to addressing the humanitarian concerns in Gaza, despite the lack of a unified EU response. 🇸🇮🚫🔒

Russia-USA Space Cooperation Discussed by Agency Leaders

Dmitrij Bakanov, the head of Russia's state space agency Roscosmos, is currently in the United States, where he met with Sean Duffy, the acting head of NASA and the U.S. transport minister. This high-level meeting, the first of its kind in over seven years, took place as the two space agencies collaborated on the launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday. During their discussions, Bakanov and Duffy explored potential avenues for continued cooperation, including further work on the ISS, joint lunar exploration, and deep space missions.

Despite the ongoing tensions stemming from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the two nations have maintained a degree of collaboration in space, with mixed crews continuing to fly to the ISS aboard their respective spacecraft. However, broader cooperation efforts, such as Russia's potential involvement in NASA's Artemis lunar program, have faltered. The meeting underscores the complex dynamics of international space cooperation amidst geopolitical strife. 🌍🚀

Russia begins production of hypersonic missile, plans deployment to Belarus

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow has commenced production of its latest hypersonic missile, named "Oreshnik," and plans to deploy the weapon to Belarus by the end of the year. The announcement was made during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Valaam Orthodox Monastery near St. Petersburg. Belarus, a key ally of Russia, has been instrumental in Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, serving as a staging ground for Russian troops and joint military exercises.

Putin revealed that Russian and Belarusian military forces have already identified launch sites in Belarus for the Oreshnik missile system, with preparatory work expected to be completed by year's end. The first batch of Oreshnik missiles and related systems has already been produced and integrated into military service. Russia previously tested the Oreshnik missile during a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November, with Putin justifying the attack as a response to Ukraine's use of long-range missiles from the U.S. and Britain against Russian territory.

While specific details about the Oreshnik missile remain scarce, defense analysts suggest it is likely an advanced version of Russia's RS-26, also known as the Rubezh, which was first produced in 2011. The deployment of the Oreshnik missile to Belarus further solidifies the military alliance between the two countries and raises concerns about the escalation of tensions in the region. 🚀🇷🇺🇧🇾

Kyiv observes day of mourning after massive Russian strikes, Trump slams ‘disgusting’ attack

Ukraine observed a national day of mourning on Friday, following a devastating Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv that killed 31 people, including five children, and injured over 150. The youngest victim was just 2 years old, and 16 of the injured were children, marking the deadliest attack on the city since July of the previous year. The bombardment destroyed a significant portion of a nine-story residential building and damaged over 100 other structures, including homes, schools, and medical facilities. This escalation in attacks comes as Russia continues its war of attrition along the extensive front line, aiming to spread terror and exhaust public support for the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and reiterated his call for stronger economic sanctions against Russia. He highlighted the increasing frequency of Russian strikes, noting that in July alone, Russia launched over 5,100 glide bombs, nearly 4,000 Shahed drones, and around 260 missiles. U.S. President Donald Trump also criticized Russia's actions, describing them as "disgusting" and hinting at potential new sanctions. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unyielding, insisting that his conditions for a ceasefire still stand and that Russia will continue its military operations until they are met. Putin also announced the commencement of production for Russia's newest hypersonic missiles, which are designed to evade air defenses.

Meanwhile, intense fighting persists in the strategic city of Chasiv Yar, in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces are making significant advances. Ukrainian authorities dismissed Russian claims of capturing the city as disinformation, asserting that their units are holding their positions. However, analysts suggest that Ukraine's control over the city may be waning. Both sides continue to engage in strategic strikes, with Ukraine targeting Russian rear areas and Russia downing Ukrainian drones. The conflict shows no signs of abating, as both nations brace for further escalations. 🇺🇦💥

The questionable experts with the Global Fact-Checking Network, Russia's verification organisation

The Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN), launched in April 2025, purports to combat disinformation but is widely criticized as a Kremlin propaganda tool. Despite claiming to promote reliable information and fact-checking, the network is co-founded by the Russian state press agency TASS and an NGO under U.S. sanctions, Ano Dialog, which is closely linked to the Kremlin and various disinformation operations. The GFCN's president, Vladimir Tabak, is a key figure in the Doppelgänger disinformation operation, which creates fake news websites mimicking Western outlets.

Many of the GFCN's listed experts regularly share false information online, contradicting the network's stated commitment to objectivity and verified data. For instance, Tim Anderson, a prominent figure on the GFCN's expert list, shared eight fake news items during a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Other experts, such as Pakistani journalist Furqan Rao and Venezuelan industry official Roigar López Rivas, have also disseminated unverified or misleading content. Additionally, the GFCN includes individuals associated with the pro-Russian disinformation network "Storm-1516," which spreads false narratives about the war in Ukraine and Western countries. The network's involvement with figures from the BRICS Journalists Association, which was sanctioned for disseminating pro-Russian narratives, further underscores its dubious intentions.

The GFCN's activities are part of a broader Russian strategy to delegitimize the West and expand its global influence. The network's ties to Russian embassies and its collaboration with entities like the African Initiative, a press agency promoting anti-Western propaganda, highlight its role in spreading Kremlin narratives. Despite its claims of promoting reliable information, the GFCN appears to be a tool for advancing Russian geopolitical interests under the guise of fact-checking. 🌍🛡️

Ukraine is deploying new drones to target Russian armor beyond radio horizon

Ukraine is rapidly advancing its drone technology to strike Russian targets beyond the current range of its FPV drones, which are limited by the earth’s curvature blocking their video signals. Over the past year and a half, these short-range drones have cleared a no-man's land of about 20 kilometers on either side of the front line, creating a new logistical nexus for Russia just beyond this range. Ukrainian drone manufacturers and pilots are now developing and testing new configurations to extend their strike capabilities to 50 kilometers and beyond, targeting high-value Russian assets like tanks, anti-air batteries, and rail junctions.

To achieve this, Ukraine is employing a combination of signal repeaters, "mothership" drones, auto-piloting, and long spools of optical fiber. Companies like WarBirds of Ukraine and Vyriy are at the forefront of this innovation, creating drones that can carry heavier payloads and travel further. For instance, WarBirds has developed the Puhach, a bomber drone that can drop quadrocopters up to 37 kilometers away and act as a signal repeater. Vyriy's MAX 15 quadrocopter is designed to carry more battery and explosive charge, reaching up to 50 kilometers with the help of a signal repeater.

The development process involves finding a balance between range, payload, accuracy, and cost. Ukraine has invested in deep-strike drones for distant targets but needs more affordable and numerous drones for the "near deep" range. Additionally, Russian electronic warfare has significantly reduced the effectiveness of U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets, highlighting the need for reliable, long-range drone capabilities. Companies like Shield AI are contributing with long-range reconnaissance drones, but there is a pressing need for strike drones that can reach and engage these identified targets. The future of Ukraine's drone warfare lies in enhanced targeting, particularly through AI, to ensure precision strikes even at extended ranges. 🛸🎯

Russian oil tankers linger near India as refiners seek alternatives, Bloomberg reports

Russian oil tankers are currently anchored off India's western coast, awaiting clearance to offload their cargo as Indian refiners reassess their purchasing strategies due to mounting pressure from the United States and the European Union. This situation underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding India's future imports of Russian oil, which currently make up over a third of the country's total crude imports.

Four tankers, including the Achilles, Elyte, Destan, and Horae, are idling near India's coast, carrying Russian crude. Two of these vessels, the Achilles and Elyte, are sanctioned by the EU and UK and were expected to dock at the port of Sikka but missed their scheduled arrivals. The Destan, also sanctioned, and the Horae, which is not under sanctions, are similarly awaiting clearance. These tankers can transport approximately 700,000 barrels each.

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons. The administration has also threatened further penalties unless India reduces its energy ties with Moscow. In response, India has instructed its state-owned refiners, such as Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum, to explore alternative sourcing strategies. These state-run companies, which account for over 60% of India's refining capacity, are now turning to spot markets and other crude suppliers from the Middle East and West Africa.

Private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy continue to import Russian oil, but the shift in state-run refineries' strategies indicates a broader re-evaluation of India's energy imports. This development comes as the U.S. has threatened a 100% tariff on countries continuing to import Russian oil, further complicating India's energy procurement landscape. 🛢️🚢

Ukraine war latest: 'Words are very important,' — Trump orders nuclear submarines deployed after Medvedev's threats

Tensions escalate as U.S. President Donald Trump orders the deployment of two nuclear submarines in response to inflammatory nuclear threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. This move comes amid heightened rhetoric between the two nuclear powers, with Trump setting an August 8 deadline for Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine or face severe tariffs. Medvedev's warnings have fueled concerns about potential nuclear escalation, prompting Trump to emphasize the importance of cautious language in international diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin attributes stalled peace talks to "excessive expectations," urging quiet, detailed discussions to resolve the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness for direct leader-level negotiations, emphasizing the need for a dignified end to the war. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia's recent drone and missile attacks on Kyiv resulted in the highest civilian death toll in the capital this year, with at least 31 people killed and 159 injured. The attack has prompted a Day of Mourning in Kyiv, with flags flown at half-mast and all entertainment events banned.

In other developments, Trump claims that nearly 20,000 Russian soldiers have died in July alone, labeling the war "unnecessary" and reiterating his call for a peace deal. Germany has announced it will send two additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine in the coming days, with more components expected to arrive within the next two to three months. This move is part of a broader NATO- and EU-backed initiative to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities. As the conflict continues, the international community remains focused on finding a resolution while supporting Ukraine's defense efforts. 🇺🇦💥

Poland to have more tanks than UK, Germany, France and Italy combined after signing new K2 deal

Poland has significantly bolstered its military capabilities with a $6.7 billion deal to acquire an additional 180 South Korean K2 tanks, bringing its total tank fleet to around 1,100 by 2030. This purchase, the latest in a series of rapid military expansions, includes 61 tanks to be produced domestically at the Bumar-Łabędy plant, along with 81 support vehicles, a logistics package, training, and a technology transfer provision. The agreement, finalized in Gliwice, marks Poland's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in response to regional security threats.

The deal, signed nearly a year later than initially planned, was negotiated to secure better financial conditions. Poland's defense minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting that it will position Poland as a leading military power in Europe. The country's tank fleet will include 360 K2s, 366 American Abrams, and 235 German Leopards, along with 150 domestically produced PT-91 Twardy tanks.

Poland's military spending has surged since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the defense budget reaching 4.7% of GDP this year, the highest in NATO. Beyond the K2 tanks, Poland has made substantial purchases from South Korea and the U.S., including K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery launchers, FA-50 light combat aircraft, K9 self-propelled howitzers, Apache helicopters, HIMARS artillery launchers, Patriot missile defense systems, and radar reconnaissance airships. This aggressive military buildup underscores Poland's determination to strengthen its defenses and contribute to NATO's collective security. 🇵🇱💥

War in Ukraine: Death toll in Kyiv rises to 31 after russian strikes

Ukraine observed a day of mourning on Friday following one of the deadliest Russian attacks on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion in 2022. The bombardment resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including five children. The strikes, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as "disgusting," have further escalated tensions and highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The attacks underscore the relentless nature of the conflict, which continues to claim innocent lives and cause widespread devastation. 🇺🇦💔

War in Ukraine : At least 31 killed in latest Russian strikes on Kyiv

On Thursday, Kyiv experienced a devastating series of Russian strikes that resulted in at least 31 fatalities and over 150 injuries. In response, the city observed a day of mourning on Friday. The attacks, which were condemned as "disgusting" by Donald Trump, targeted both urban and rural areas, with the town of Vesselianka in the Zaporizhzhia region also suffering a strike during the night. The relentless assaults underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international support and intervention. 🇺🇦💔

US, NATO developing new funding mechanism for Ukraine weapons deliveries, Reuters reports

The United States and NATO are collaborating on a new funding mechanism to expedite weapons deliveries to Ukraine. This initiative, spearheaded by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, involves alliance members purchasing U.S.-supplied arms for Kyiv, with a target of securing $10 billion in funding. The mechanism will allow Ukraine to prioritize its weaponry needs through the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), with deliveries expected in tranches of approximately $500 million. While negotiations are ongoing, no specific timeline for the transfers has been disclosed.

This development comes amidst shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has set an August 8 deadline for a peace deal, threatening severe economic repercussions for Russia and its economic partners if the invasion continues. Meanwhile, Germany has announced the imminent delivery of two additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine, with more components expected to arrive within the next few months. Despite these efforts, recent high-level U.S.-Russia talks have yielded no progress towards a ceasefire, and Moscow has consistently rejected a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺

Eleven Injured in Russian Drone Strike on Kharkiv

In a recent attack on Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, at least eleven people were injured when a Russian drone struck near an apartment building on Friday evening. Among the casualties were a five-month-old baby and two boys, aged nine and ten, raising the possibility of a war crime. Five individuals, including two children, were hospitalized for treatment. Local authorities are actively investigating the incident, highlighting the ongoing civilian impact of the conflict. 🇺🇦💥

Orpo: Palestinian recognition will not topple government

Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has announced that the government will carefully evaluate its position on recognizing Palestine before the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. While all ruling parties agree on promoting a two-state solution, internal disagreements have surfaced, particularly between Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and the Finns Party and Christian Democrats. The Finns Party argues that current conditions do not justify recognition, while President Alexander Stubb has expressed support for recognition if a government proposal is submitted.

The issue is expected to be discussed at the next meeting of the President's Foreign and Security Policy Committee. Additionally, Finland is considering reviewing the EU's cooperation agreement with Israel, aligning with recent European Commission proposals to suspend Israel's participation in certain programs. The debate comes amid growing international pressure to recognize Palestine, driven by the deteriorating situation in Gaza and increasing civilian suffering. Orpo emphasized the importance of ensuring aid reaches Gaza's civilians and stressed that the recognition dispute will not destabilize the current government. 🇫🇮🇮🇱

When scandals don’t carry political cost

In democratic societies, accountability is crucial, as citizens can hold governments responsible for their actions. However, recent investigations in Greece reveal a troubling trend: citizens may overlook or even support corruption and unethical behavior if they perceive it as beneficial to their interests. This phenomenon is not unique to Greece; similar patterns have been observed in India, Spain, and the United States, where voters may tolerate or even reward politicians involved in scandals if they deliver desired outcomes or align with their ideological views.

In Greece, this issue is particularly pronounced, with citizens often prioritizing results over ethical considerations. For instance, support for politicians involved in the OPEKEPE farm subsidy scandal remained high if they advocated for strict anti-immigration policies. This trend is not just about political polarization or tolerance of corruption but also about a widespread acceptance of policies that may breach moral or ethical standards. Citizens may praise harsh "law and order" policies, ignoring the ethical questions they raise, and turn a blind eye to institutional deviations.

This dynamic can lead to a "low-maintenance democracy," where politicians deliver on popular demands, often at the expense of ethical standards and the rule of law. Those who are uncomfortable with this compromise may leave, seeking better institutions and value systems elsewhere. This "civicness drain" can result in a long-term loss of defenders of the rule of law, leaving societies vulnerable to the costs of their demanded policies. As the consequences of these policies become apparent, there may be few institutional defenses or supporters left to address them. This trend underscores the need for a renewed commitment to ethical governance and the rule of law to ensure the long-term health of democratic societies. 🏛️🇬🇷

Palestine rift risks breaking up Finnish government, researcher says

Finland's coalition government faces potential collapse due to deep-seated disagreements over recognizing Palestine's statehood. The divide centers around two governing parties, the Finns Party and the Christian Democrats, which oppose recognition, while the National Coalition Party and the Swedish People's Party support it. The tension escalated after President Alexander Stubb expressed his readiness to recognize Palestine, and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced Finland's alignment with a French-led initiative on the matter. The Finns Party, led by Finance Minister Riikka Purra, criticized the lack of consultation before the announcement, while the Christian Democrats expressed surprise and disagreement with the president's stance.

The Finns Party's recent electoral setbacks may be fueling its resistance, as the party seeks to differentiate itself from the government's line. The disagreement highlights a broader rift within the coalition, with the Finns Party and Christian Democrats arguing that recognition should not be rushed and that Israel and Palestine should engage in direct negotiations. Despite the brewing crisis, neither party has explicitly discussed the possibility of a government collapse. Finland and Denmark remain the only Nordic countries yet to recognize Palestine, while the UK, France, and Canada have indicated they may do so under certain conditions, including the disarmament of Hamas. The situation underscores the complex interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy in Finland. 🇫🇮🇵🇸

Turkey’s Erdogan to meet Italy’s Meloni and Libya’s Dbeibah in Istanbul, presidency says

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to engage in crucial diplomatic discussions in Istanbul on Friday, meeting separately with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah. These high-level talks are expected to cover a range of geopolitical and economic issues, reflecting Turkey's strategic interests and its role in regional dynamics. The meetings come at a time of significant political and economic shifts, with each country seeking to strengthen bilateral relations and address shared challenges. 🇹🇷🇮🇹🇱🇾

Banks ponder changes to client language provision rules

The Finance Latvia Association (FLA), in collaboration with the State Language Centre, has introduced practical guidelines to implement significant language changes within the banking sector. These amendments prioritize Latvian as the default language, aiming to reduce the use of Russian and ensure that English and other EU languages are used only with explicit customer consent. The changes apply to everyday services, contracts, digital platforms, and all customer interactions.

Under the new rules, banks must provide services in Latvian, with the option to use other EU languages if agreed upon by the customer. Russian and other non-EU languages can be used for communication if both parties agree, but the banking infrastructure must not support these languages. This means websites, ATMs, and contracts will no longer be available in Russian, although customers can still communicate in Russian if necessary.

The guidelines specify that banks cannot advertise services or provide documents solely in foreign languages. If a foreign language is used, an identical Latvian version must be provided with equal prominence. Ukrainian, as the language of an EU candidate country, can be used in official documents and digital communication. Banks have until September 30th of next year to implement these changes, which will require significant technical adjustments, especially for online platforms.

The FLA hopes that this initiative will strengthen the use of the state language across other sectors beyond finance. A bill is under consideration to extend similar requirements to payment and electronic money institutions, with expectations that non-bank lenders will also comply. Additionally, the FLA is developing a tool to assist residents who are not yet proficient in Latvian to navigate online banking more effectively. 🇱🇻💸

Two suspect subsidy cases worth €1.7mln uncovered in OPEKEPE probe

In a significant development, Greece's Anti-Money Laundering Authority has uncovered two suspicious subsidy cases totaling €1.7 million as part of a broader investigation into the misuse of EU agricultural subsidies distributed through the OPEKEPE agency. The probe focuses on two farmers in Thessaly, central Greece, who allegedly received substantial payments based on false or misleading declarations of agricultural activity. One farmer is suspected of receiving €1.4 million between 2019 and 2024, while the other received €300,000 between 2020 and 2024. In one case, the subsidy application was submitted in Rethymno, Crete, suggesting potential exploitation of local administrative networks.

The ongoing OPEKEPE scandal has intensified political pressure on the ruling New Democracy party. In response, Parliament has approved the formation of an investigative committee to scrutinize the agency's operations over the past 25 years, focusing on the handling of EU agricultural funds. The committee's work aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged mismanagement and misuse of subsidies. 💸🍃

Colombia's Ex-President Álvaro Uribe Sentenced to 12 Years House Arrest

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to eight years in prison, marking the first time a former Colombian president has been convicted of a crime. The sentence, handed down by Judge Sandra Heredia, follows a guilty verdict delivered earlier in the week. Uribe, 73, was found guilty of bribing imprisoned militia members to withdraw their testimonies implicating him in links to paramilitary right-wing groups. He denies the charges, labeling them as politically motivated, and is expected to appeal the verdict. The judge's ruling also bars Uribe from holding public office for the next eight years.

Uribe, who served as Colombia's president from 2002 to 2010, remains a prominent figure in the country's right-wing politics. During his presidency, he led a significant military campaign against the FARC guerrilla, a conflict later addressed through a peace agreement signed by his successor, Juan Manuel Santos. The investigation into Uribe began in 2018 and has navigated numerous political twists and turns, with several former justice ministers attempting to dismiss the case. The current left-wing President Gustavo Petro's appointment of Justice Minister Luz Camargo revitalized the accusations, leading to Uribe's conviction. The case has sparked significant political debate and highlighted the complex dynamics of Colombia's justice system. 🇨🇴🏛️