Newsflash

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,056,130 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022

Since the onset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia has suffered significant military losses. According to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, approximately 1,056,130 Russian troops have been killed or wounded, including 920 casualties in the past 24 hours alone. The extensive losses also encompass a wide array of military equipment, including 11,068 tanks, 23,071 armored fighting vehicles, 57,159 vehicles and fuel tanks, 31,025 artillery systems, 1,452 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,203 air defense systems, 421 airplanes, 340 helicopters, 49,374 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. These staggering figures underscore the immense toll of the conflict on Russian military capabilities. 🇷🇺💥🛢️

EU's landmark AI act enters new phase

The European Union's groundbreaking AI Act is set to enter a new phase this weekend, marking a significant milestone in global AI regulation. This comprehensive legislation aims to establish clear guidelines and standards for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies across the continent. While hailed as a pioneering effort to address the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI, the Act has also faced criticism for not going far enough in certain areas. As the EU takes the lead in shaping the future of AI governance, the world watches closely to see how this landmark legislation will impact the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. 🌍🤖

Three Civilians Killed in Russian Attacks in Southeastern Ukraine

In southeastern Ukraine, three civilians lost their lives in Russian attacks on a rural area near Zaporizhzhia, as reported by Governor Ivan Federov. The victims included two men and one woman. Meanwhile, explosions were heard overnight in the southern port city of Odesa, according to Mayor Hennadij Truchanov. Adding to the tension, the Ukrainian air force issued warnings of imminent Russian drone attacks targeting multiple regions across the country. The ongoing violence underscores the persistent threat to civilian lives and infrastructure in Ukraine. 💥🏙️🇺🇦

Israel's Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Visits Temple Mount

Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent visit to the Temple Mount, a site sacred to both Jews and Muslims, has sparked international condemnation and heightened regional tensions. The Temple Mount, known as al-Haram al-Sharif in Arabic, allows non-Muslim visitors at specific times but prohibits them from praying or displaying religious symbols. Ben-Gvir, a religious ultra-nationalist, has repeatedly defied these restrictions, provoking violent reactions from Palestinians.

Ben-Gvir's extremist views, including calls for the annexation of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians, have further exacerbated the volatile situation. Despite these provocations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the rules governing the Temple Mount will not be altered. In response to Ben-Gvir's visit, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have launched three drones at Israel, an attack that the Israeli military reportedly thwarted. The international community, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Palestinian leaders, has strongly condemned Ben-Gvir's actions, highlighting the delicate and dangerous nature of the ongoing conflict. 🕍🇮🇱🇵🇸💥

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 drones and military hardware. The investigation revealed that a Ukrainian lawmaker, two local officials, and an unspecified number of National Guard personnel were involved in the scheme. They used state funds to purchase drones and other military equipment at artificially inflated prices, receiving bribes in return. This corruption scandal highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability within Ukraine's defense procurement processes. 🛸💸

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones target Shahed storage site, industrial facilities in Russia; Strikes hit oil depot in Sochi

Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes against Russian targets, with a series of attacks overnight on August 2 and 3. Ukrainian drones targeted industrial facilities in Ryazan, Penza, Samara, and Voronezh oblasts, as well as a military airfield in Krasnodar Krai. The strikes reportedly caused fires and damage to oil refineries, an electronics plant, and a fuel storage base. Additionally, a drone attack sparked a significant fire at an oil depot in Sochi, leading to the suspension of flights at Sochi Airport. These attacks are part of Ukraine's strategy to disrupt Russian energy infrastructure, which is crucial to Moscow's war efforts.

In response to recent Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, the Ukrainian military has been conducting retaliatory attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine is working to secure all EU aid planned for 2025, with Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev stating that Kyiv intends to implement the necessary reforms to receive the full tranche of aid under the European Union's Ukraine Facility. The EU had previously announced a reduction in the next disbursement due to Ukraine's failure to complete key reforms on time.

On the international front, India has indicated it will continue purchasing Russian oil despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Indian officials have stated that there has been no change in their energy or trade policy regarding Russian oil imports. Additionally, Trump has announced the repositioning of U.S. nuclear submarines closer to Russia, escalating tensions between the two nuclear powers. This move follows a tense exchange with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who warned that Trump's pressure campaign could lead to war. Trump has also threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russian oil unless a peace deal is agreed upon by August 8. These developments highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complex dynamics at play in the Ukraine conflict. 🇺🇦🇷🇺💥💥

Ukraine imposes sanctions against 94 individuals, 5 entities, including captains of Russia's shadow fleet

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 94 individuals and five entities, primarily targeting the captains of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" vessels. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the measures in his evening address, marking the first of three planned sanctions packages aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. The sanctions target citizens from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, India, and Georgia, reflecting Russia's practice of registering vessels in other countries to evade Western sanctions and oil price caps.

The "shadow fleet" refers to Moscow's aging and poorly insured tankers, used for evading sanctions, conducting espionage, and transporting oil, weapons, and military personnel. This fleet has become a focal point for Kyiv and Western allies seeking to curb Russian oil revenues, which fund its ongoing military operations. Ukraine recently passed a law enabling sanctions against vessels and aircraft involved in covert Russian schemes, while the EU and UK have also targeted over 200 shadow fleet ships and lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil. These coordinated efforts aim to synchronize sanctions across multiple jurisdictions, maximizing their impact on Russia's ability to finance its war efforts. 🛳️💥

'Work on lists is ongoing' — Ukraine, Russia preparing to exchange 1,200 POWs each, Zelensky says

Ukraine and Russia are actively preparing for a significant prisoner exchange, with each side set to release 1,200 prisoners of war (POWs). President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this development on social media, following a briefing by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. The agreement, reached during the third round of peace talks in Istanbul, focuses on a humanitarian exchange involving over 1,200 individuals. However, Zelensky did not specify a timeline for the exchange, emphasizing that Kyiv is also working to facilitate the return of abducted Ukrainian civilians and verifying data on each individual.

The ongoing negotiations align with previous rounds of talks, where Moscow has consistently rejected a ceasefire but agreed to POW exchanges. Since the second round of peace talks in June, nine exchanges have been conducted, building on the initial "1,000-for-1,000" prisoner swap agreed upon in May. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has successfully repatriated 5,857 individuals from Russian captivity through various exchanges. This latest development underscores the continued efforts to address the humanitarian aspects of the conflict, even as broader peace negotiations remain stalled. 🤝🕊️

Cyprus-Egypt energy deal for ‘Cronos’ enters key phase

The energy partnership between Cyprus and Egypt for the development of the "Cronos" natural gas field is advancing rapidly, with crucial technical and commercial agreements anticipated in the coming weeks. Following a high-level meeting in Nicosia between Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Giorgos Papanastasiou, and Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, significant progress has been made.

The meeting, attended by senior executives from Eni and TotalEnergies, focused on the progress of the Host Government Agreement, which involves the Republic of Cyprus, Egypt, and the investing companies. Key commercial agreements, covering the entire supply chain from gas extraction to liquefaction at Egypt’s Damietta facility, have already been drafted. Additionally, a gas sales agreement between Cyprus and the investors is expected to be finalized by the end of August, with consultations and signing anticipated in September and October, respectively.

Eni and TotalEnergies have submitted a draft Development and Production Plan for the "Cronos" field, which is currently under review by the Republic of Cyprus. The companies aim to make a Final Investment Decision by the end of 2025, with the potential for first gas flow as early as 2027. The plan outlines both technical and commercial aspects of the project, with a target of 100% liquefaction and export of the extracted gas. This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to advancing their energy sectors and enhancing regional energy security. 🛢️🇨🇾🇪🇬

Warming waters transforming Greece’s seas

The Mediterranean Sea is experiencing rapid warming due to climate change, with surface temperatures rising by 0.041°C per year over the past four decades. This warming trend is more pronounced in the eastern Mediterranean, leading to increased frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves. The consequences for marine ecosystems are profound and multifaceted.

Rising temperatures are altering the composition and function of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain, leading to decreased chlorophyll concentrations and disrupted zooplankton biomass. This disruption cascades up the food chain, affecting fish populations and overall ecosystem stability. Fishery yields are declining, with a 16% drop in Greece's total catch in 2022 compared to 2020. Climate models project further declines in fishery production by 2050, with more significant decreases under high-emissions scenarios.

Invasive, thermophilic species are spreading, outcompeting native marine life and causing damage to marine vegetation. Marine mammals and turtles are experiencing shifts in distribution and breeding cycles, increased disease susceptibility, and jellyfish blooms are becoming more frequent due to warmer waters and overfishing. Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, crucial "fish nurseries," are suffering from biomass loss and limited reproductive recovery. Aquaculture is also under threat, with farmed species facing severe physiological stress and mass mortality due to extreme temperatures and hypoxia.

These changes have significant socioeconomic impacts, particularly in the fishing and aquaculture sectors, which employ around 600,000 people across the Mediterranean. Economic losses in fisheries and burdens on coastal communities are severe, with the eastern and southeastern Mediterranean being particularly vulnerable. The decline of Posidonia seagrass meadows alone has caused losses exceeding €750 million between 1990 and 2014. Future projections indicate that under extreme scenarios, profitability losses in aquaculture due to marine heatwaves could reach as high as 80%, with significant impacts on mussel farming and the spread of pathogenic organisms. 🌊🌡️🐠

Greece, US discuss possible new military bases

Greece and the United States are engaged in negotiations to update their Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), with a primary focus on expanding and enhancing military bases that host and support U.S. forces. Greece has long sought to establish U.S. military presence on its islands, with particular interest in Skyros, although the U.S. has been hesitant except for the existing base on Crete. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation to facilitate U.S. forces on Aegean Sea islands.

The recent destruction of infrastructure at the Greek base hosting the 1st Army Air Forces Brigade due to a severe storm in 2023 has underscored the need for new facilities to support U.S. helicopters, likely involving the expansion of the 110th Air Wing in Larissa. Greece is also proposing two new bases: the Petrochori firing range, already used for U.S. field exercises, and the Dalipis Army Base near Thessaloniki, which could serve as a headquarters for a U.S. unit. The strategic northeastern port of Alexandroupoli will continue to host U.S. forces due to its proximity to Eastern European countries, including Ukraine. Additionally, the U.S. plans to invest $42 million to upgrade installations at the Souda base and the nearby 115th Air Wing, including a new repair facility for Special Forces craft. These developments indicate Greece's growing strategic importance in U.S. defense planning, with the country likely to avoid spending cuts affecting other European installations. 🇬🇷🇺🇸🏠

The paradox of Greece’s SMEs

Greece boasts one of the highest concentrations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union, with 79 SMEs per 1,000 inhabitants, significantly above the EU average of 58. However, these SMEs struggle with the lowest productivity rates in the EU, a persistent issue highlighted by various studies, including the Pissarides Commission and Alpha Bank's Economic Developments Bulletin. The primary challenges stem from the small size of these enterprises and their operation in low-tech, low-knowledge sectors. To boost productivity, Greek SMEs must grow in size, transition to more innovative sectors, and invest heavily in technology.

The Alpha Bank analysis emphasizes the need for increased investment in capital equipment and digital upgrades, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing funds from the Recovery Fund and the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) is crucial for enhancing access to capital and financing. Despite these challenges, Greek SMEs have shown resilience, with a notable presence in the Recovery Fund, securing 265 loans totaling €2.79 billion and €1.4 billion in subsidies. However, digital adoption remains a concern, with only 52.4% of Greek SMEs achieving at least a basic level of digital intensity, compared to 72.9% in the EU.

SMEs are the backbone of Greece's non-financial sector, accounting for 99.9% of enterprises, 84.7% of employment, and 62.8% of real gross added value. Despite recent economic crises, SMEs have demonstrated strength and growth, both in numbers and output, with expectations of continued upward trends in 2025. 📈💻🇬🇷

'Armed with bats and metal pipes' — Casualties reported after civilians allegedly attack draft officer in Mykolaiv Oblast

In Mykolaiv Oblast, an alarming incident unfolded when civilians allegedly attacked a draft officer in the village of Buzke. Armed with bats and metal pipes, the assailants reportedly damaged a vehicle and injured a soldier who was conducting enlistment activities. In response, a serviceman fired a non-lethal weapon in self-defense, resulting in unspecified casualties among both servicemen and civilians. The exact number and condition of the injured parties remain unclear.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of tensions surrounding Ukraine's mobilization efforts, which have been marred by accusations of forced conscription and ill-treatment of conscripts. Just days prior, protesters in Vinnytsia stormed a stadium where detained men were being held, demanding their release. Russian propaganda has exploited these incidents to escalate social tensions and undermine Ukraine's recruitment efforts.

Adding to the turmoil, Russian forces have launched strikes on enlistment offices in several Ukrainian cities, including Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, Kremenchuk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. These attacks, which have caused both civilian and military casualties, are seen as a deliberate strategy to disrupt Ukraine's mobilization and fuel internal unrest. The situation underscores the multifaceted challenges Ukraine faces in its defense efforts amidst ongoing conflict. 🇺🇦💥

At the world’s most elite art fair, Qatar cements its soft power

The prestigious Art Basel, renowned for its high-end art fairs and elite clientele, has expanded its global footprint by adding Doha, Qatar, to its roster of host cities. This move underscores the deepening intersection of art, wealth, and international politics, raising questions about the blurred lines between cultural expression and commercial and political interests. Doha joins an exclusive list of cities, including Paris, Hong Kong, Miami, and the original Basel in Switzerland, that host these influential art fairs. The inclusion of Doha signifies Qatar's growing influence in the global art world and its strategic efforts to position itself as a cultural hub. This development highlights the increasing trend of art serving as a tool for soft power and economic diplomacy, where nations leverage cultural events to enhance their international standing and attract investment. 🎨💰🌍

Macron and Merz Denounce Hostage Videos Released by Hamas

In a series of disturbing videos released by Islamic Jihad and Hamas, two Israeli hostages, Rom Braslavski, 21, and Evyatar David, 24, were shown. The footage, particularly a clip where Evyatar David is forced to dig his own grave, has sparked international outrage. World leaders have condemned the actions, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing the videos as "inhuman" and evidence of Hamas' "unrelenting cruelty." He stressed France's commitment to securing the immediate release of the hostages. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted that Hamas should have no future role in Gaza, while EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas labeled the videos as evidence of "barbarism" and called for Hamas to be disarmed. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha also joined the criticism, denouncing the treatment of the hostages as "inhuman."

Out of the 251 people taken hostage during Hamas' terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 49 remain in captivity, with 27 feared dead. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, predominantly civilians. Israel's ongoing military offensive in Gaza has reportedly claimed over 60,000 lives, according to local health authorities, a figure considered reliable by the United Nations. The escalating conflict continues to draw global attention and condemnation. 🇮🇱💔

Worst drought in 33 years tests Evros farmers

The Evros River in northeastern Greece is experiencing its worst drought in 33 years, severely impacting local farmers and the region's agricultural output. The river, which supplies water to thousands of hectares of farmland and supports the livelihoods of over 1,200 farmers, has seen its water levels drop dramatically, with some sections completely dry. This crisis has led to significant crop failures and has highlighted the region's vulnerability to water scarcity.

Farmers blame the situation on poor planning and the lack of infrastructure to manage water resources effectively. The Local Land Improvement Organization (LIO) for Feres-Peplos has been working to mitigate the crisis, but the scale of the problem requires more substantial and coordinated efforts. The drought has also exposed tensions among farmers, with some acting unilaterally to secure water for their fields, leading to conflicts and legal actions.

The water scarcity in Evros is not solely due to climate change but also results from strategic failures in foreign policy and the lack of infrastructure. Greece shares the Evros River with Bulgaria and Turkey, and the water flow is significantly reduced by upstream water retention in both countries. Greece has not secured long-term agreements with its neighbors to ensure a stable water supply, leaving its farmers at the mercy of external factors.

The Greek government is now facing urgent calls to address the water crisis, with reports indicating that Attica could face severe water shortages within the next few years if no radical interventions are made. The government has announced a national water management strategy, aiming to centralize water management, invest in critical infrastructure, and adopt new technologies for water production and reuse. However, the implementation of these plans faces significant challenges, including the need for diplomatic agreements with neighboring countries and the consolidation of Greece's fragmented water management system.

The drought in Evros serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of water scarcity, affecting not only agriculture but also national security and economic stability. The situation underscores the need for a coherent, centrally coordinated policy and careful diplomatic handling to secure Greece's water resources and ensure the sustainability of its agricultural sector. 🌱💦

Sweden Democrats Criticize Government's EU-Israel Trade Freeze Demand

The Swedish government faces internal and external criticism over its handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly regarding a proposed freeze on a trade agreement. Recently, the government decided to partially meet the opposition's demands without consulting key stakeholders or exploring alternative solutions, a move described as "deeply regrettable" by Minister Emilsson. The opposition argues that while a humanitarian ceasefire is necessary, ending the trade agreement would not aid negotiations. Instead, they propose leveraging bilateral talks, EU influence, and targeted aid to pressure Israel and support Gaza.

The Sweden Democrats, led by Jimmie Åkesson, have been vocal in their disapproval, labeling the government's approach as weak and inconsistent. Åkesson criticized the lack of foreign policy guarantees in the Tidö Agreement, suggesting that the government's current stance could have been anticipated. Despite these tensions, the government maintains that Sweden, due to its geographical and cultural limitations, cannot single-handedly resolve the situation in Gaza. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of Swedish foreign policy and the challenges of balancing domestic politics with international responsibilities. 🇸🇪🌍

Four Killed in Renewed Clashes in Southern Syria's Sweida Province

Deadly violence has resurfaced in Syria's Sweida province, marking the first such incident since a ceasefire agreement was established in mid-July. The clashes, which occurred on Sunday, involved government forces and local groups near Tal Hadid, a strategically important highland area. The fighting resulted in the deaths of three Syrian security forces soldiers and one local fighter. Additionally, the town of Thaala experienced shelling and explosions.

Tensions in Sweida have been simmering since the brutal July clashes between Druze and Sunni Muslim Bedouins, which reportedly left over 1,400 people dead. In response to the violence, the Syrian government imposed a blockade on the province, restricting aid deliveries and closing roads. Residents have protested against the siege, demanding the withdrawal of government forces. While the UN has managed to deliver some aid, the humanitarian corridor from Jordan is now closed.

The Syrian government has initiated an investigation into the July violence, with a committee holding its first meeting on Saturday. The resumption of hostilities in Sweida raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. 🇸🇾💥

“No one has the right to make children starve,” Poland tells Israel in Gaza warning

Poland's foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, has criticized Israel for using "excessive force" in response to Hamas's attacks, urging Israel to respect international humanitarian law in its operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Sikorski acknowledged that Israel's actions were provoked by Hamas's brutal attack on October 7, 2023, but argued that the high civilian casualty toll is unacceptable. He emphasized Poland's historical ties to Israel and its condemnation of illegal settlements, while also highlighting Israel's responsibility for the well-being of Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Sikorski's remarks sparked a response from the incoming U.S. ambassador to Poland, Thomas Rose, who defended Israel's actions as within the bounds of international law, despite Hamas's tactics. Rose highlighted the unprecedented nature of the conflict, where a terrorist group seeks to annihilate a sovereign state while using civilians as shields. Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, also weighed in, expressing solidarity with Israel against Islamic terrorism but condemning actions that lead to civilian suffering. The debate underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian concerns at play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 🇮🇱🇵🇸🤝

Banks’ motor finance redress could reach £18B, Britain’s City watchdog says

Major U.K. lenders, including HSBC, Lloyds, and Santander, may face substantial compensation payouts due to the mis-selling of car finance. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced that the total bill could range from £9 billion to £18 billion, with a likely midpoint of around £13.5 billion. This estimate is significantly lower than the previously projected £44 billion. The compensation arises from a landmark court case that concluded on Friday, leading the FCA to propose a market-wide compensation facility. Affected consumers are expected to receive less than £950 each, as the regulator works to address the widespread issue of mis-sold car finance agreements. 🚗💸