Newsflash

Explosions, smoke reported near Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant reported explosions and smoke originating from a nearby auxiliary facility under attack. The plant, Europe’s largest and one of the world’s ten biggest nuclear facilities, has been under Russian control since March 2022. The incident, which began around 9 a.m. local time, involved shelling and drone strikes, with smoke visible throughout the day despite the facility's distance from the plant's perimeter. The IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, emphasized the potential nuclear safety risks posed by such attacks and urged maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities.

Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly constructing power lines in occupied southern Ukraine, potentially linking the Zaporizhzhia plant to Russia’s energy grid. Satellite imagery from a Greenpeace report reveals that since early February 2025, Russian forces have laid over 80 kilometers of high-voltage lines along the Sea of Azov coastline, connecting occupied Mariupol and Berdyansk. Experts suggest this infrastructure could connect to a major substation near Mariupol, facilitating a link to the Zaporizhzhia plant, approximately 225 kilometers away. 💥🏭

War in Ukraine: Russian forces advance for fourth month in a row

Russia's military offensive in Ukraine has intensified for the fourth consecutive month, with Moscow asserting control over nearly 80% of the Donetsk region. This sustained advance underscores the ongoing and escalating conflict, as Russian forces continue to make significant territorial gains. The situation remains fluid and tense, with both sides engaged in fierce combat and strategic maneuvers. The prolonged conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with calls for a peaceful resolution and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty growing more urgent. 💥🇺🇦

Russia launched record 6,129 drones against Ukraine during July, smashing previous month's high

In July 2025, Russia launched an unprecedented 6,129 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine, shattering the previous month's record of 5,337 and marking a more than fourteen-fold increase compared to July 2024. This escalation in drone attacks has become a grim daily reality for Ukrainians, with mass assaults growing in frequency and lethality. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia is now capable of deploying as many drones in a single night as it did over an entire month in early summer 2024.

The drones used in these attacks primarily consist of Iranian-made Shaheds, Russian-made Gerans, and Garpiya-A1s, which utilize Chinese components. Additionally, Russia employs inexpensive "dummy drones" or Gerbers, which do not carry explosives but serve to distract Ukrainian defenses. These drone swarms have targeted cities across Ukraine, including far-western regions like Lviv, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, and Ternopil. On July 9, a record 728 drones were launched in a single night, resulting in six civilian deaths and 39 injuries across multiple regions. The relentless drone attacks have left survivors traumatized, with some describing the experience as "the end of the world." The escalating drone threat is expected to intensify further as Russia boosts production at its main manufacturing hubs and develops new drone models. 🛸💥

Ukraine: War is 'the price they have to bear to live in an independent sovereign state'

In a significant escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines, intensifying the standoff with Russia. This move follows a prolonged exchange of heated rhetoric with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Deputy Chairman of the Security Council. Concurrently, Ukraine and Russia are engaged in a series of reciprocal drone strikes, marking a volatile period after a day of mourning in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his call for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that war is the price Ukraine must pay for its independence and sovereignty. The situation underscores the deepening conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic resolution. 🌍💥

Russia damages bridge in Kherson Oblast, governor urges evacuations

A Russian airstrike on August 2 damaged a crucial bridge in Ukraine's Kherson Oblast, prompting local officials to advise residents to evacuate. The attack, which occurred around 6 p.m. local time, involved two guided bombs dropped on the city of Kherson. The strike targeted a bridge connecting the city to the Korabel neighborhood, also damaging three private homes and a high-rise residential building. No immediate casualties were reported.

Governor Oleksandr Prokudin urged Korabel district residents to evacuate, citing disruptions to logistics and infrastructure. The damage to the bridge will hinder the delivery of essential supplies, including food, in the coming days. Kherson Oblast, situated in southern Ukraine near Russian-occupied Crimea, has been a frequent target of Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion. 🇺🇦💥

Ukraine's military intelligence, partisans blow up bus carrying Chechen soldiers in occupied Melitopol

In a significant blow to Russian occupation forces, Ukraine's military intelligence agency, HUR, collaborated with local partisans to execute a successful operation in the occupied city of Melitopol. The joint effort resulted in the destruction of a bus carrying five Chechen soldiers from the Russian-backed Akhmat unit. The explosion, which occurred on the outskirts of Melitopol, killed all five soldiers and injured two Russian soldiers in a nearby vehicle. Additionally, an electronic warfare system was destroyed in the blast. This operation follows a pattern of covert missions conducted by Ukrainian partisan groups and intelligence officers aimed at disrupting Russian military operations in occupied territories. Previous successful operations include the destruction of a Russian command post in Melitopol and a car bombing that targeted Akhmat officers near Skadovsk in Kherson Oblast. These actions underscore the ongoing resistance and strategic efforts to weaken Russian control in occupied regions. 🇺🇦💥

At least three killed in Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia

Overnight drone strikes by Ukraine targeted military sites in western Russia, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuries to two more. The attacks, carried out by long-range drones, struck various locations, including an industrial facility in Penza, a residential house in the Samara region, and an industrial site in the Rostov region. Ukrainian security services confirmed that the strikes aimed at military targets, specifically a military airfield in Primorsko-Akhtarsk and a defense company in Penza.

In the Penza region, a woman was killed, and two others were injured in an attack on an enterprise. In the Samara region, an elderly man died when drone debris caused a house fire. In the Rostov region, a guard at an industrial facility was killed during a drone attack and subsequent fire. Russian authorities reported destroying 112 Ukrainian drones over their territory during the nearly nine-hour period of the attacks.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian drone attacks wounded three people and damaged several buildings, homes, and cars. Russian forces have claimed territorial advances in the area, while Ukraine denies any Russian presence. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, with Russian President Vladimir Putin insisting on unchanging demands for a ceasefire, including Ukrainian territorial concessions and abandonment of NATO aspirations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for a meeting with Putin to discuss peace, supported by proposals from the United States. 🇺🇦🇷🇺

US nuclear submarines 'closer to Russia', Trump says

Tensions between the United States and Russia have escalated sharply, with both sides engaging in aggressive rhetoric and strategic military moves. U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, a decision made public during an interview with Newsmax. This move follows Trump's ultimatum to Russia, demanding an end to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine by August 8 or face new "severe" tariffs. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev responded by warning that Trump's actions could lead to a broader conflict, not just between Russia and Ukraine, but involving the U.S. as well.

Trump's decision to deploy the submarines is a clear signal of his administration's readiness to counter any potential threats from Russia. Known for his provocative statements, Medvedev has repeatedly hinted at nuclear escalation, aligning with Kremlin propaganda that portrays Russia as a victim of Western aggression. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham took to social media to warn Russia, emphasizing that Trump is not to be underestimated and that Russia is "overplaying its hand."

The U.S. has also threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and other products, targeting major buyers like China and India. Senior U.S. diplomat John Kelley has indicated that the U.S. is prepared to take additional measures to secure peace, while U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has stated that Trump still holds significant leverage to push for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The situation remains tense, with both sides digging in their heels and preparing for potential escalations. 🌍💣

Turkey outlines planned marine parks in Aegean, East Med

Turkey has announced the boundaries of two proposed marine parks in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, following Greece's recent plans for similar parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas. The maps, released by Ankara University's National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law, reveal that the Aegean marine park extends beyond Turkey's territorial waters, west of the islands of Imbros (Gökçeada) and Tenedos (Bozcaada), and between the Greek islands of Samothrace and Lemnos. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the proposed park begins northeast of Rhodes and stretches to the waters off the Gulf of Antalya, notably excluding the Greek island of Kastellorizo. These developments highlight the ongoing maritime disputes and strategic interests in the region. 🌊🌍

Ukraine anti-corruption agencies uncover major drone procurement graft scheme

Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a significant graft scheme involving the procurement of military drones and signal jamming systems. The scheme, which saw state funds used to purchase equipment at inflated prices, implicated a lawmaker, two local officials, and several National Guard personnel who received substantial bribes. Four individuals have been arrested, and the suspected National Guard members have been suspended pending further investigation.

This revelation comes just days after Ukraine's parliament reinstated the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), following widespread protests sparked by an attempt to curtail their autonomy. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who initially proposed the changes, reversed his stance in response to public outcry and international pressure, particularly from European officials concerned about Ukraine's EU membership aspirations. The restored independence of these agencies is crucial for maintaining Ukraine's commitment to fighting corruption, especially within the military and defense sectors, where several cases have been exposed during the ongoing war with Russia. 🛸💸🚔

Finland’s chief meteorologist sees climate change impact from his summer cottage on Lake Saimaa

Finland is experiencing the impacts of climate change more rapidly than the global average, with temperatures rising significantly faster due to its proximity to the Arctic. Last year, Finland saw temperatures 3.4 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels, exceeding the critical global threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This summer has been particularly notable, with both cooler days and record-breaking heatwaves.

Professor Petteri Taalas, Director General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute, highlighted several key observations about this summer's climate trends. Heatwaves have been exceptionally long, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for 22 consecutive days in some regions. This extreme heat has strained waterways, leading to dangerously high river temperatures that threaten fish populations, prompting fishing bans in affected areas.

Increased humidity and heavy rainfall pose significant challenges for infrastructure and urban environments. The eastern city of Mikkeli experienced severe flooding last July, illustrating the risks associated with intensified precipitation. Wetter winters are also contributing to the darkening of lake waters and increased nutrient runoff, raising the risk of toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

Low water levels in Finland's lakes, including the largest, Lake Saimaa, are concerning. The absence of traditional spring floods due to milder winters has led to reduced water levels, impacting ecosystems and endangered species like the Saimaa ringed seal. While climate change may benefit forest growth and extend the agricultural growing season, it also introduces threats such as more destructive insect pests. The need for adaptive measures, such as building auxiliary dens for seals, is becoming increasingly urgent. 🌡️💦🐬

Spain’s summer of CV-related resignations

Amidst the typically tranquil Midsummer period in Spain, politicians are forgoing their usual beach retreats to urgently review and update their résumés. This sudden flurry of activity follows the abrupt resignations of at least three politicians who were found to have falsified their academic credentials. The first to be exposed was Noelia Núñez, the deputy secretary of the center-right People’s Party (PP). Núñez, known for her popularity among young conservatives on TikTok, was once seen as a rising star within Spain’s leading opposition party. Her fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting others to scrutinize their own qualifications and ensure their records are accurate. The scandal has highlighted the importance of transparency and honesty in public service, as politicians scramble to maintain their credibility in the face of heightened public scrutiny. 📜🏝️

Laser link to Mars mission

The National Observatory of Athens has achieved a historic milestone in space communication by successfully establishing a laser link with a spacecraft traveling to Mars, approximately 300 million kilometers away. This groundbreaking experiment, conducted at the Kryoneri Observatory in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, involved transmitting an optical laser signal to the Psyche mission. The signal took about 16 minutes to reach the spacecraft and another 16 minutes to return, where it was captured by the Helmos telescope.

This achievement marks the deepest broadband laser link ever established in space, representing a significant advancement in space communication technology. The success of this experiment is the result of four years of dedicated work and strategic cooperation with the ESA. The accomplishment underscores Greece's growing role in space exploration and highlights the potential for enhanced communication capabilities in future deep-space missions. 🌌💫

Euronext aims to establish Athens bourse as regional hub

Euronext is set to transform the Athens Stock Exchange into a leading financial hub for Southeastern Europe. The acquisition of the Greek exchange by the European platform is anticipated to boost earnings from the outset, according to Euronext CEO Stephane Boujnah. Boujnah praised Greece's economic progress, describing it as "impressive." This strategic move aims to leverage the Athens bourse's potential, fostering growth and stability in the region's financial landscape. 📈🇬🇷🌟

European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day: Remembering a tragedy

On August 2, the world observes European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorating the lesser-known genocide of Roma people during World War II. The Nazis systematically targeted and killed between a quarter and half a million Roma, in addition to the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Roma victims endured internment, forced labor, deportation, and mass executions. However, the recognition of this genocide has faced significant hurdles. The path to acknowledgment has been fraught with challenges, reflecting the broader struggle for Roma rights and recognition. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed and the ongoing fight for justice and remembrance for the Roma community. 🌹🕯️

TS: Timo Soini weighs political comeback with Centre Party

Timo Soini, a prominent Finnish politician and former deputy prime minister, is contemplating a return to politics after a four-year absence. Soini, who co-founded the Finns Party and served as its chair for two decades, is now considering running as a candidate for the opposition Centre Party. He believes the Centre Party has the potential to secure the prime ministerial post in the 2027 elections, as recent polls position it as the third-most popular party in Finland.

Soini views himself as too moderate for the current Finns Party, which he perceives as having shifted further to the right than even the National Coalition Party. He believes the Finns Party's support base is more centrist and that the party should compete with the Centre Party for those votes. Soini ruled out the idea of joining the Christian Democrats, the smallest party in the current government, stating that he prefers to be a "small fish in a big pond" rather than a "big fish in a small pond."

Soini's political career spans several decades, including roles as a Member of Parliament, minister, and Member of the European Parliament. He announced his retirement from politics in 2021 but now seems eager to re-enter the political arena, bringing his experience and centrist views to the Centre Party. 🏛️🇫🇮

Inflation creeps up to 3.7%

Inflation in Greece has surged to 3.7%, marking the third consecutive month of increases and placing the country among the highest inflation rates in the eurozone. According to Eurostat’s latest estimates, Greece now ranks fourth in the eurozone for inflation, trailing Estonia, Croatia, and Slovakia. This uptick is driven by significant rises in food prices, sustained high service costs, and a resurgence in energy inflation.

Food prices in Greece rose by 3.3% annually in July, matching the eurozone average and reflecting increased costs of fresh produce and the abolition of price controls. Service prices saw a notable 5.2% increase, the third highest in the eurozone, indicating a broad-based rise in living costs. Energy prices, which had previously shown deflation, returned to positive inflation at 0.7%, further fueling overall price increases. Non-energy industrial goods also contributed to the inflationary trend, with a 1.3% annual price hike. This inflationary pressure poses challenges for consumers and policymakers alike, as Greece navigates economic recovery amidst rising living costs. 💸📈

Former Serbian minister arrested over deadly railway station disaster

Former Serbian Trade Minister Tomislav Momirović was arrested, along with 10 other suspects, for their involvement in the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad last November. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 16 people. The Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime in Serbia ordered the arrests, citing corruption and inadequate oversight of construction projects as the primary causes of the tragedy. The railway station, originally constructed in 1964, had undergone renovations with partial funding from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development program. The arrests highlight the severe consequences of negligence and corruption in public infrastructure projects. 🚉💥

University campuses left to fate

University campuses in Greece are increasingly becoming hotspots for illegal activities, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of state mechanisms and institutional oversight. A recent wildfire on the campus of the University of Athens, sparked by unlicensed beekeeping activities, highlighted the lax enforcement of regulations and the lack of safety protocols. Despite the presence of hives for two decades and the involvement of university staff, authorities seemed unaware or indifferent to the potential risks. This incident is not isolated; previous cases include cannabis plantations and drug rackets operating within university premises.

The root of the problem lies in the absence of clear safety protocols, defined responsibilities, and structured emergency management plans within Greek universities. While rectors hold overall authority, they often lack the organizational support needed to maintain campus security and cleanliness. The sporadic and often reactive approach to addressing these issues reflects a broader systemic failure, where the present is undefined and the future uncertain. This lack of oversight not only endangers students and staff but also undermines the integrity of higher education institutions. 🏫🔥🚒

Survey: Finnish companies still eager to enter US market despite tariff threat

The European Union and the United States have reached an agreement to resolve their ongoing tariff dispute, although the specifics remain somewhat uncertain. The U.S. is poised to implement a 15% tariff on most imported goods, a situation that has caused significant uncertainty since April. This potential tariff hike poses a threat to many Finnish companies, particularly those reliant on exports. A survey conducted by the Finnish Entrepreneurs' Association (Suomen Yrittäjät) in May and June revealed that small and medium-sized enterprises are now actively seeking alternative export markets, with a strong focus on other EU and Nordic countries. While North America remains a key area of interest, companies are increasingly cautious about exports to Southeast Asia and China.

The survey, which included responses from 855 companies, indicates that approximately 75% of Finnish businesses are exploring increased or new export opportunities within the EU, while 28% are considering boosting exports to the USA and Canada. The tariffs and a weaker dollar have led to higher prices for imported goods in the U.S., forcing many companies to reassess their profit margins. Despite these challenges, unique products continue to find customers, as seen with Planmeca, a Finnish manufacturer of dental imaging equipment. Planmeca, with an annual turnover of €1.2 billion and a significant global presence, remains confident in its competitiveness in the U.S. market, attributing this to the lack of domestic competition and the international nature of the tariffs. 🌍💸