Newsflash

'This is child trafficking' — Russia launches 'catalog' of Ukrainian children for adoption, sorted by eye and hair color

Russian occupation authorities in Ukraine have established an online "catalog" offering Ukrainian children for adoption, sorted by physical traits such as eye and hair color. This database, managed by the Russian-controlled education department in Luhansk Oblast, lists 294 children, many of whom were born in the region before the Russian occupation and hold Ukrainian citizenship. The children's parents were either killed by occupation forces or had Russian identification documents imposed on them to legitimize their abduction.

Ukraine has documented the abduction of over 19,500 children during the ongoing conflict, with estimates suggesting the actual number could be as high as 300,000. Many of these children have been systematically deported and placed with Russian families. The database describes the children as "orphans" and allows users to filter them based on age, physical traits, and preferred guardianship type, such as adoption or foster care. This practice has been condemned as child trafficking by Ukrainian officials and international observers.

The catalog has been criticized for its dehumanizing descriptions of children, which resemble a "slave catalog." Ukrainian organizations like Save Ukraine are working to raise awareness and demand international action to stop these abductions. The international community has widely denounced these actions as war crimes, and the return of these children remains a non-negotiable demand in Ukraine's peace talks with Russia. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for their roles in these illegal transfers. 👶😢🚨

Trump reportedly tells European allies, Zelensky that Putin open to land-swap talks

U.S. President Donald Trump recently informed European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations, potentially involving territorial exchanges. This revelation came during a phone call on August 6, just before Trump's deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face stricter U.S. penalties. The conversation included key figures such as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions followed a meeting between Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.

Trump expressed optimism about the prospects for a ceasefire, suggesting that Putin is willing to engage in peace talks that could involve discussing territories Russia claims to control. The term "land swaps" likely refers to Crimea, annexed in 2014, and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, which Russia declared as annexed in 2022 following contested referenda. Putin has consistently demanded that Ukraine renounce NATO membership, withdraw troops from the occupied regions, and surrender several major cities under Ukrainian control as prerequisites for peace. These demands were reiterated during the Istanbul peace talks in May and the third round of talks in July, which concluded abruptly.

Zelensky has firmly rejected any conditions that involve Ukraine formally ceding territory. He has stated that Ukraine will not withdraw troops or surrender sovereign land and has insisted that territorial issues can only be discussed after a full, unconditional ceasefire. Trump is preparing for a potential in-person meeting with Putin, possibly followed by a trilateral summit with Zelensky. These meetings, if they occur, would be the first direct talks between the three leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The situation remains tense, with significant disagreements over the terms and conditions for any potential peace agreement. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

Ukrainian drones strike train station in Russia's Volgograd Oblast, governor reports

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on a railway station in the town of Surovikino, Volgograd Oblast, Russia, overnight. The attack, confirmed by regional Governor Andrei Bocharov, resulted in a fire at an administrative building within the station. While no damage to the railway infrastructure was reported, the station serves as a crucial logistics hub for military supplies destined for Ukraine's front lines and occupied territories.

Ukraine's strategy involves targeting Russia's rail infrastructure, which is vital for the rapid transport of equipment, ammunition, and fuel. By focusing on smaller, critical targets like traction substations and transformers, Ukrainian forces aim to cause significant disruptions to Russian supply lines. This "death by a thousand cuts" approach forces Russia to reroute cargo, divert resources, and slow down offensive operations due to logistical challenges.

The attack on Volgograd Oblast is part of a broader campaign targeting Russian infrastructure. In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have struck other railway stations near the Russia-Ukraine border, including one in Salsk, Belgorod Oblast. Additionally, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted the Afipskiy oil refinery and the port city of Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai the same night. These strikes highlight Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russian military logistics and supply chains, despite Russia's claims of shooting down 82 drones overnight across various regions. 🚀💥

Ukraine war latest: Putin, Trump to meet in coming days, Moscow says as US sanctions deadline draws near

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet in the coming days, with preparations already underway. This meeting, potentially taking place in the United Arab Emirates, marks the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since Trump's inauguration. The summit aims to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Trump reportedly suggesting that Putin is open to land-swap talks, possibly involving Crimea and other disputed territories. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of high-level meetings for achieving lasting peace.

On the military front, Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes against strategic Russian targets. Ukrainian forces successfully hit the Afipskiy oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, causing a fire and disrupting Russia's fuel supply for its military operations. Additionally, Ukrainian drones targeted and damaged Russian radar systems and landing craft in Crimea, significantly impairing Russia's air defense capabilities on the peninsula. These strikes underscore Ukraine's growing capability to strike deep into Russian territory, posing a serious threat to Moscow's military infrastructure. 🛢️🛳️💥

'Highest tariffs since Great Depression': In 1930's, trade plummeted and global depression deepened

In a move reminiscent of the 1930s, President Donald Trump has imposed higher import taxes on 60 countries and the European Union, marking the highest tariffs since the Great Depression. This escalation comes as the economic repercussions of Trump's prolonged tariff threats become increasingly apparent, causing significant damage to the U.S. economy. The administration anticipates that the European Union, Japan, and South Korea will invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States to mitigate the impact. The tariff hikes have sparked concerns about a potential trade war and a deepening global economic slowdown, echoing the detrimental effects of protectionist policies during the 1930s. The economic fallout could lead to reduced trade, higher prices for consumers, and potential job losses in various sectors. 💸📉

Inflicting 'serious losses,' Ukraine strikes Russian radar systems, landing craft in Crimea, intelligence claims

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) successfully targeted and damaged several high-value Russian military assets in occupied Crimea. The strikes, conducted using drones, hit a fast assault landing craft and three critical radar systems essential for Russia's air defense capabilities. The targeted radar systems included the Nebo-SVU, Podlet-K1, and 96L6E, which are crucial for detecting aircraft, low-flying targets, and providing air surveillance.

The attack also reportedly caused fire damage to a Project 02510 BK-16 vessel, a high-speed landing craft used for coastal operations and troop transport. Additionally, Ukrainian forces struck a dome structure at the Ai-Petri peak, which reportedly housed equipment belonging to the 3rd Radio Technical Regiment of Russia's air defense forces. Following the strikes, Russian media reported a series of explosions across the peninsula, and Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 18 drones over Crimea.

These targeted strikes are part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military infrastructure in Crimea, which has been under Russian occupation since 2014. The intensified strikes began after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, aiming to degrade Russian military capabilities and hinder their operations on the peninsula. 🇺🇦🎯

Israel’s Leviathan signs $35 billion natural gas supply deal with Egypt

Israel's Leviathan natural gas field has secured a historic $35 billion deal to supply Egypt with natural gas, marking the largest export agreement in Israel’s history. The agreement, signed by NewMed, a partner in the Leviathan field, aims to alleviate Egypt's energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by declining domestic production and the need for expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. The deal will see Leviathan, located off Israel’s Mediterranean coast, provide approximately 130 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Egypt through 2040, significantly reducing Egypt's reliance on LNG. 🏭

The gas will be transported via pipelines, making it a more cost-effective option compared to LNG, which requires energy-intensive cooling and regasification processes. The initial phase of the deal will begin in early 2026, with Leviathan supplying 20 bcm of gas after the completion of additional pipelines. The second phase, starting after the Leviathan expansion project and the construction of a new transmission pipeline, will deliver the remaining 110 bcm. This agreement is expected to lower Egypt's LNG imports by roughly 1-2 bcm in 2026 and potentially eliminate the need for LNG imports altogether if the full 130 bcm is delivered as promised. 🇮🇱🇪🇬

Egypt's gas production has significantly declined in recent years, dropping from 6,133 million cubic meters in March 2021 to 3,545 million cubic meters in May 2025, a decrease of over 42%. The Leviathan field, operated by Chevron with a 40% stake, has been supplying Egypt since 2020 and also provides gas to Jordan. The expansion of Leviathan, estimated to cost around $2.4 billion, will ensure continued production and supply within Israel and to its neighbors through 2064. This strategic partnership not only strengthens energy security for both nations but also underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy challenges.

Israel’s actions are ‘the main instigator’ of antisemitism

Omer Bartov, a prominent scholar of the Holocaust and genocide, has ignited a significant debate with his assertion that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Bartov, who grew up in Israel and served in the Israeli army, argues that Israel's military operations in Gaza are not only unjustified but also fuel antisemitism globally. He contends that Israel's portrayal of itself as the representative of Jews worldwide makes Jews complicit in its actions, thereby provoking antisemitic responses.

Bartov criticizes the Israeli government's strategy, particularly under Prime Minister Netanyahu, which he believes relies on maintaining Hamas's presence in Gaza to avoid political solutions. He also highlights the internal dynamics within Israel, where the public's awareness of the conflict's futility is growing, but political change remains elusive due to Netanyahu's stronghold on power. Bartov suggests that the international community, particularly the U.S., could play a crucial role in ending the conflict but has so far failed to do so.

The scholar also addresses the complex issue of antisemitism, arguing that far-right governments and parties often use accusations of antisemitism to silence criticism of Israeli policies. He believes that Israel's actions are the primary instigators of contemporary antisemitism, as they provide a pretext for antisemites to express their hatred. Bartov emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of protests against Israeli actions, distinguishing between legitimate criticism and antisemitic harassment.

Bartov's views on the Holocaust's uniqueness are also notable. He rejects the idea of the Holocaust's uniqueness, arguing that comparing it to other genocides is essential for historical understanding. He hopes that future generations of Jews will be liberated from the shadow of the Holocaust, allowing them to view Israel's actions more critically and independently. Bartov's perspectives challenge conventional narratives and provoke thought on the complex interplay between Israeli politics, international relations, and the global perception of antisemitism. 🇮🇱🕊️

Zelenskyy says Europe must be part of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of the European Union's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, which are currently being facilitated by the United States. Zelenskyy argued that since the conflict is unfolding in Europe and Ukraine is actively pursuing EU accession, Europe must play a central role in the peace process. This statement came after a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequently hold a trilateral meeting with both leaders. Zelenskyy's remarks underscore the significance of European engagement in resolving the ongoing crisis, ensuring that the continent's interests and values are represented in the negotiations. 🇪🇺🇺🇦🇷🇺

Greece rejects Libya claims in UN letter

Greece has formally rejected Libya’s maritime claims in a letter to the United Nations and a diplomatic note to the Government of National Unity in Tripoli, intensifying a long-running dispute over offshore energy rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Athens declared that Libya’s positions lack legal validity and reaffirmed Greece’s sovereign rights over its continental shelf and resources in the contested areas. The Greek letter emphasizes that its declared offshore blocks, located south of the Peloponnese and Crete, are entirely within Greek jurisdiction, supported by international maritime law and previously published without Libyan objections.

Greece also announced the formation of a technical committee, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, to resume discussions on exclusive economic zone (EEZ) delimitation, which have been suspended since 2011. The country dismissed Libya’s reference to a supposed border line as legally unfounded, asserting that it violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Additionally, Greece criticized the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum for ignoring Greek islands like Crete and the Dodecanese, deeming it legally invalid. Greece maintains that, in the absence of delimitation agreements, the median line—equidistant from the nearest land—should serve as the appropriate boundary. The letter also challenges Libya’s 2005 straight baselines and the closing line of the Gulf of Sirte as unlawful. 🇬🇷🇱🇾🌊

Gaza Poems by Nima Hasan Released in Swedish Book Form

In "The Last Butterfly," Nima Hasan offers a poignant glimpse into life amidst the chaos of war, capturing the stark reality of existence under constant bombardment. Her poems, penned during ongoing air raids, drone attacks, and the ominous presence of nearby tanks, provide a raw and unfiltered perspective on the human experience in conflict zones. The collection, translated from Arabic to Swedish by Jasim Mohamed, an Iraqi-born resident of Uppsala, is a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge even in the most dire circumstances.

Mohamed discovered Hasan's work on social media and, despite the challenges of an unstable internet connection, collaborated closely with the author to bring her poems to a wider audience. The translation is an original work, carefully curated in partnership with Hasan, who resides in a tent camp in Gaza. This collaboration transcends geographical and technological barriers, highlighting the universal power of literature to connect and inspire.

"The Last Butterfly" is set to be published on September 12 by Albert Bonniers Förlag, marking the first time Hasan's poems have been released in book form. The collection promises to be a powerful and moving exploration of life in the face of adversity, offering readers a unique and intimate window into the experiences of those living through conflict. 🦋📚

Egypt’s note verbale on Greek maritime map is ‘an expected reaction,’ says ministry

Egypt has responded to Greece’s recent maritime spatial planning (MSP) with a diplomatic note verbale, questioning the boundaries of Greece’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as outlined in the MSP published in April. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry delivered this note to the Greek embassy in Cairo, expressing disagreement with Greece’s interpretation of the EEZ limits east and west of the demarcation agreed upon in August 2020. This reaction was anticipated by Greece, which acknowledged Egypt’s right to voice its concerns through diplomatic channels, given the ongoing discussions on maritime zone delimitation.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou clarified that the MSP map explicitly indicates potential boundaries in areas where bilateral delimitation is pending, adhering to the median line principle. The issue was addressed during a meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, who reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to cooperation and consultation on maritime matters. The meeting also marked the fifth anniversary of the Greece-Egypt agreement on partial EEZ delimitation, with both sides reaffirming their dedication to international maritime law and regional cooperation.

Additionally, Abdelatty addressed concerns about the Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, dismissing alleged threats to the site as unfounded. He assured that a new agreement with the monastery is nearing completion and emphasized Egypt’s respect for all religious sites. 🇪🇬🇬🇷🌊

Lyten Acquires Northvolt Assets in Sweden and Germany

In a significant development for the battery manufacturing sector, Lyten has acquired Northvolt's factories in Skellefteå and Västerås, Sweden, along with its planned construction site in Heide, Germany. The deal, valued at 50 billion kronor, is set to be finalized by the end of the year. Lyten, a leader in lithium-sulfur battery technology, aims to resume production immediately after the acquisition and plans to rehire a substantial portion of the previously laid-off Northvolt employees, prioritizing local expertise and long-term job creation.

The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to bolster Europe's and North America's battery manufacturing capabilities, with Lyten and Northvolt together forming a powerful alliance. Swedish Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch hailed the deal as a victory for Sweden and its workforce, reinforcing the country's role in Europe's energy independence. Lyten's CEO, Dan Cook, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company, while Chairman Lars Herlitz emphasized the potential for meeting regional ambitions in battery production.

Northvolt, which filed for bankruptcy in March, had nearly 5,000 employees at the time, with around 3,000 working in the Skellefteå factory. The workforce has since been reduced to approximately 160-170 short-term employees, primarily focused on handling environmentally hazardous materials. Lyten's acquisition is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and the broader battery manufacturing industry. 🔋🏭

Indian Leaders Condemn US Tariffs as Economic Blackmail

The United States has announced a significant increase in tariffs on Indian goods, from the current 25% to 50% effective August 27. This escalation, imposed by the Trump administration, is a direct response to India's decision to purchase oil from Russia. The tariff hike is expected to severely impact Indian exports, which account for approximately 20% of the country's total exports, valued at around $80 billion (773 billion kronor).

The Indian export federation has expressed grave concerns, with President SC Ralhan stating that absorbing the sudden cost increase is "simply not feasible." The tariffs are seen as a punitive measure aimed at pressuring India to align with U.S. interests, particularly in the context of global energy markets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to protecting its agricultural sector and farmers' interests, refusing to compromise on domestic priorities. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the tariffs as "economic blackmail," accusing the U.S. of attempting to coerce India into an unfair trade agreement. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with economic leverage being used to influence strategic decisions. 🇮🇳💸🛢️

France’s top court blocks comeback of controversial insecticide

France's constitutional court has dealt a significant setback to the government and major farming lobbies by rejecting the reintroduction of the controversial insecticide acetamiprid. The court's ruling determined that permitting the use of acetamiprid, currently banned in France, would contravene the "Charter of the Environment," a fundamental constitutional text. The proposed reintroduction was part of a broader legislative effort to support farmers by easing regulations on pesticides, streamlining permit approvals for new breeding facilities, and simplifying water storage infrastructure. The court's decision underscores the ongoing tension between agricultural interests and environmental protections in France. 🇫🇷🐛🚫

Poland to launch tax-free personal investment accounts up to 100,000 zloty

Poland's finance ministry has unveiled plans to introduce Personal Investment Accounts (OKI), allowing individuals to invest up to 100,000 zloty (€23,400) without incurring capital gains tax. This initiative aims to encourage investment and innovation, addressing the fact that over half of Poles' savings are held in low-yielding cash and bank deposits. The OKIs, modeled after Sweden's Investment Savings Accounts, will enable investments in regulated markets and other instruments, with up to 25,000 zloty allocable to deposits and savings bonds. These accounts will be optional and offered by banks and brokerage houses, with no restrictions on withdrawals. The finance minister, Andrzej Domański, highlighted the tax benefits, noting that for a 50,000 zloty investment with a 5% return, the capital gains tax would be zero. For investments exceeding 100,000 zloty, a lower tax rate of 0.8-0.9% will apply to the excess amount. The ministry estimates a revenue reduction of 250-300 million zloty due to the new accounts. The legislation, pending interministerial and public consultations, is expected to be presented this autumn, with a realistic implementation date of mid-2026. While the government and Prime Minister Donald Tusk support the initiative, analysts express skepticism, suggesting that OKIs may offer modest benefits and primarily appeal to existing investors rather than creating new ones. 🇵🇱📈

Belgium’s ‘Kafkaesque’ visa policy has ‘devastating’ consequences in Gaza, lawyers warn

Palestinians in Gaza seeking humanitarian visas to Belgium are encountering insurmountable obstacles. The Belgian consulate in Jerusalem has informed applicants that they must travel to Jerusalem to submit their visa applications, a requirement that is impossible to fulfill given the current blockade and violence in Gaza. This demand has been criticized by legal experts, including Thomas Verellen, an assistant professor in EU law, who highlighted the impracticality of such a mandate for individuals trapped in the besieged territory. The situation underscores the dire challenges faced by Gazans attempting to escape the ongoing conflict and secure safe refuge. 🇧🇪🇵🇸😢

Turkey says it won’t allow projects that disregard its rights in EastMed

Turkey has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing that it will not tolerate any projects that disregard its continental shelf claims or bypass necessary coordination. This stance was reiterated by Turkish Defense Ministry sources following a recent navigational telex (Navtex) issued for cable-laying work by the research vessel MV Fugro Gauss, which encroached upon Turkey's claimed continental shelf.

Turkey maintains that international law mandates prior coordination with coastal states for activities such as cable or pipeline laying and scientific research on a country's continental shelf. The country has been closely monitoring and addressing such matters to prevent unauthorized activities. This includes the Great Sea Interconnector Project, which Turkey views as disregarding its rights and bypassing required coordination.

In response to the MV Fugro Gauss's activities, Turkey issued warnings and deployed air and naval units to the area. The vessel's movements are under close surveillance, and Turkey has made it clear that any attempts to violate its continental shelf will be met with appropriate action. This firm stance underscores Turkey's determination to safeguard its maritime rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. 🌊🇹🇷

France's Constitutional Council Blocks Controversial Pesticide Law

In a significant legal reversal, France's Constitutional Council has struck down a law that would have reinstated the controversial pesticide acetamiprid, citing a violation of the country's environmental charter, which guarantees the "right to live in a balanced and healthy environment." The substance, banned since 2018 due to its harmful effects on bees and other pollinating insects, had been approved by parliament in late July following pressure from French farmers. However, the decision sparked widespread public outcry, with over two million people signing a petition against the so-called "Duplomb law," named after Senator Laurent Duplomb. President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the council's decision and pledged to implement the law in a manner that aligns with the ruling, effectively keeping acetamiprid banned. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between agricultural interests and environmental protection in France. 🐝🚫

Loi Duplomb : le Conseil constitutionnel censure la réintroduction de l’acétamipride

The French Constitutional Council has struck down several provisions of the so-called "Duplomb" law, which aimed to ease restrictions on farmers, including the reintroduction of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide. The law, proposed by Senator Laurent Duplomb and supported by major agricultural unions and the executive branch, faced significant opposition from left-wing parties and the public, with a petition against it garnering 2.1 million signatures.

President Emmanuel Macron's office announced that he will promptly promulgate the law in its amended form, following the Council's decision. The controversial law sought to provide farmers with more flexibility in their practices, but critics argued that it posed risks to the environment and public health. The use of neonicotinoids, in particular, has been linked to the decline of bee populations and other environmental concerns. The government's decision to proceed with the law, despite the Council's rejections, underscores the ongoing tension between agricultural interests and environmental protection in France. 🐝🍃