Newsflash

Russian attacks kill 8, injure 24, including 2 children, over past day

Over the past day, Russian attacks on Ukraine resulted in the deaths of at least eight civilians and injuries to at least 24 others, according to regional authorities. The assaults involved 47 Shahed-type drones and decoys launched from various locations in Russia, as well as two Iskander-K missiles fired from Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The drones targeted Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk Oblasts, while missiles struck the regional center of Dnipro in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Ukraine's air defenses and electronic warfare systems intercepted one missile and 16 drones, but 31 drones reached their intended targets across 15 locations.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks claimed the lives of two individuals and injured two more in Siversk, and one person was killed and five injured in Kostiantynivka. Additional injuries were reported in the villages of Yampil, Korovii Yar, and the town of Bilytske. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a drone strike killed two people in the Zaporizhzhia district, and Russian forces conducted 585 strikes across 11 localities.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a woman and two men were injured in Dnipro, while a woman was killed and a man injured in Nikopol. Kherson Oblast saw attacks on 36 settlements, including the regional center, resulting in one death and injuries to three people, including a child. Kharkiv Oblast experienced attacks on 13 settlements, injuring seven people, including elderly individuals and a teenager. In Sumy Oblast, a drone attack injured a 50-year-old man in the Seredyna-Buda community. 💥😞

'Ukrainians will not gift their land' — Zelensky rejects idea of territorial concessions to end Russia's war

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has firmly rejected any notion of territorial concessions to Russia as a means to end the ongoing war, following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting potential territorial "swapping." Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's Constitution clearly defines its territorial integrity, and Ukrainians will not relinquish their land to the occupying forces. He stressed that while Ukrainians deserve peace, it must be achieved with dignity, and Kyiv's international partners must uphold this principle.

Zelensky's statement comes as Trump prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the conflict. Putin has previously demanded that Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw troops from four regions, effectively ceding control of several major cities. Trump's comments, though vague, hinted at potential territorial exchanges involving Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and parts of other disputed regions. Zelensky's stance underscores Ukraine's resolve to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any attempts to negotiate away its land. 🇺🇦🇷🇺

Ukraine hits storage site for Shahed-type drones, imported parts in Russia's Tatarstan Republic

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a daring drone strike on August 9, targeting a storage facility in Russia's Tatarstan Republic. The facility housed Shahed-type drones and imported components used in their assembly. This attack marks another Ukrainian strike on Tatarstan, a region known for manufacturing Shahed-type long-range attack drones and reconnaissance UAVs within the Alabuga Special Economic Zone.

The Ukrainian drones, operated by the SBU's Special Operations Center "A," traveled approximately 1,300 kilometers (about 800 miles) to hit a logistics hub in the village of Kizil-Yul, resulting in a fire at the site. The SBU emphasized that such strikes are part of its ongoing efforts to demilitarize Russian military facilities deep within enemy territory, with a focus on disrupting the supply of drones used to terrorize Ukraine.

This latest strike follows an earlier drone attack on August 4, where Ukrainian forces targeted five Russian fighter jets at an airfield in Saky, Russian-occupied Crimea. The attack destroyed a Su-30SM aircraft, damaged another, hit three Su-24s, and struck an aviation weapons depot. These fighter jets are regularly deployed by Russia for attacks on Ukraine, as well as for various military operations. Russia has not officially commented on the reported strikes. 🇺🇦💥

'We stand firm on clear Ukrainian positions' — Zelensky warns Russia will reinvade if ceasefire favors Moscow, ahead of Trump-Putin meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire that involves ceding Ukrainian territory, warning that such a move would only embolden Russia to launch further invasions. In his evening address, Zelensky cautioned that a lack of genuine peace and punitive action against Russia could lead to renewed aggression, drawing parallels with the annexation of Crimea and the subsequent full-scale invasion. He emphasized that Ukraine will not compromise on its territorial integrity and stands resolute in its positions.

Ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin, Zelensky expressed confidence in Trump's ability to secure a just peace, despite the rejection of Russia's proposal. He reiterated Ukraine's support for all ceasefire formats proposed by Trump and called for additional sanctions on Russia to pressure Putin into a dignified and reliable peace agreement. Zelensky accused Putin of using the threat of sanctions as a bargaining chip to legalize the occupation of Ukrainian lands, stressing the need for a clear security architecture to end the war. As Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian cities, Zelensky and European allies continue to urge the U.S. to implement stricter sanctions to bring about a just resolution. 🇺🇦🇷🇺

Exclusive: Putin to demand Ukraine cede new territory in 'Alaska peace plan' — US likely to agree, Kyiv to reject

In an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a controversial peace plan for Ukraine is set to be discussed. The plan, reportedly proposed by Putin, involves Ukraine surrendering significant territories, including parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in exchange for a Russian troop withdrawal from northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts. Russia would reportedly accept the current demarcation line in southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts, where it controls most of the territory but not the regional capitals.

Ukraine has firmly rejected this proposal, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that Ukrainians will not cede their land to the occupier. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a "dignified" peace and has been actively engaging with European leaders and allies to discuss the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting. The international community has widely condemned Russia's territorial claims, which include Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Trump, meanwhile, has hinted at the possibility of territorial swaps, suggesting that the U.S. might be open to the proposal. The diplomatic activity surrounding the meeting is intense, with senior officials from Ukraine, the U.K., the U.S., and the EU convening to strategize. The outcome of the Trump-Putin meeting could significantly impact the ongoing conflict and Ukraine's territorial integrity. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

Zelenskyj Could Be Invited to Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska

The White House is contemplating an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place in Alaska next week. This potential invitation comes amidst growing concerns from Ukraine about being excluded from critical discussions that directly impact its future. Zelenskyy has emphasized that any decisions made without Ukrainian representation are "stillborn," underscoring the importance of Ukraine's involvement in such high-stakes diplomatic talks. The move, if realized, would signal a significant step towards acknowledging Ukraine's pivotal role in the ongoing geopolitical dynamics. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

Trump and Putin to hold talks on Ukraine in Alaska

On June 3, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not been invited to these talks. Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not relinquish any territory to Russia, responding to Trump's suggestion that territorial exchanges might be part of a potential resolution. The upcoming meeting has sparked significant interest and concern, as it could shape the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. 🌍🇺🇸🇷🇺

Zelensky and Stubb talk ahead of Trump-Putin meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently engaged in a significant diplomatic exchange with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, discussing strategies to maximize cooperation with the United States. In a post on X, Zelensky emphasized the shared challenges faced by Ukraine and Finland, both of which have the longest borders with Russia in Europe, highlighting the common threats they confront. This conversation comes amid Zelensky's broader efforts to rally European support ahead of a crucial Trump-Putin meeting scheduled for next Friday in Alaska. Despite these diplomatic endeavors, Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain starkly divided over the conditions for a potential peace agreement.

Seoul offers Athens major defense proposal

South Korea has presented Greece with three significant defense cooperation proposals, aiming to capitalize on Europe's rearmament efforts. The first proposal, from Hanwha Ocean, involves the construction of new submarines and the upgrade of Greece's existing Type 214 fleet. Hanwha, known for its advanced KSS-III submarines, has already built three Type 214 submarines and is developing the KSS-III, which can carry ballistic missiles. Greek defense officials have expressed admiration for South Korean technology and requested detailed proposals for co-production and upgrades in Greek shipyards, with a minimum 25% local industry participation.

Additionally, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has proposed the production of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) systems in Greece. These "Loyal Wingman" systems integrate unmanned combat drones with manned aircraft and are currently in development for South Korea's KF-21 fighter jets. The third proposal focuses on the supply and co-production of military vehicles to replace the Hellenic Army's aging fleet.

Greek authorities have acknowledged that these proposals align with their Long-Term Armament Planning framework and have called for further high-level discussions to explore potential agreements. These initiatives are part of South Korea's broader strategy to establish a presence in Europe's €800 billion rearmament program. 🇰🇷🇬🇷🛢️🛩️🚛

Migrants Treated for Hypothermia After Found in Refrigerated Truck

Several migrants from Eritrea were discovered in critical condition after hiding in a refrigerated truck en route from France to the United Kingdom. The driver, transporting frozen vegetables, stopped at a rest area and heard the migrants screaming for help. Their severe hypothermia indicated they had been concealed in the truck for several hours. Four individuals were hospitalized, and the group included four children, who were cared for by a local organization. Some of the migrants had previously been informed that they would have to leave France. The driver is not under investigation. 🇫🇷🇬🇧❄️

Zelensky rejects surrendering any territory to Russia ahead of Trump-Putin meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any peace plan that involves ceding territory to Russia, following the announcement of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska, aims to discuss a potential peace deal for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump suggested that territorial exchanges might be part of the solution, but Zelensky was unequivocal in his response, stating that Ukrainians will not surrender their land to the occupier. He emphasized that any decisions made without Ukraine's involvement are against peace and will not be effective.

Zelensky urged Ukraine's allies to take concrete steps toward achieving a sustainable peace and engaged in discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who both supported Ukraine's involvement in negotiations. The summit in Alaska, the first between sitting U.S. and Russian presidents since 2021, comes amid ongoing violence, with recent attacks resulting in civilian casualties and territorial disputes. Despite the diplomatic efforts, the war continues to rage, with both sides exchanging drone strikes and artillery fire. The summit's outcome remains uncertain, as the positions of Russia and Ukraine are still far apart, and previous talks have not yielded significant progress. The fighting has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇺🇸

Trump invites new nationalist Polish president to White House

Poland's newly elected President, Karol Nawrocki, has received an official invitation to visit the White House. The invitation, extended by U.S. President Donald Trump, comes in the form of a congratulatory letter, inviting Nawrocki to Washington for a working meeting on September 3. Nawrocki secured a narrow victory in Poland’s presidential election in early June, with support from the opposition Law and Justice party and the Trump administration. His inauguration on Wednesday was attended by a U.S. delegation, despite being described as a "sad day" by his chief political rival, Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The visit underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Price gap narrows between combustion and electric cars in Germany

The price disparity between electric vehicles (EVs) and combustion engine cars in Germany is rapidly closing, with the gap now under €3,000 for the most popular models, according to industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer. This shift is driven by rising prices and reduced discounts for traditional cars, coupled with falling prices and increased discounts for electric vehicles. The average discount levels for both types of vehicles are now nearly equal, a significant change from just a few months ago.

This price convergence has likely fueled the recent surge in electric car sales, benefiting primarily German automakers and their subsidiaries. Volkswagen leads the market with a nearly 21% share, followed by BMW and Mercedes. Tesla, once a dominant player, has seen its market share slip, ranking ninth overall and fourteenth for July alone. The push for electric vehicles is also influenced by stricter EU CO2 fleet emission regulations, which have been in effect since the beginning of the year, compelling manufacturers to increase their electric car sales to meet targets. This trend is expected to continue, further narrowing the price gap and boosting electric vehicle adoption. 🚗🔋

Parliament and moderation

Parliamentary systems rely on both established rules and an unwritten code of democratic moderation to function effectively. However, recent events have highlighted a disturbing trend: some lawmakers are failing to uphold the very principles they are meant to embody, necessitating the imposition of restrictive guidelines to safeguard the institution. This erosion of democratic norms is a troubling development, as it indicates a lack of the essential institutional culture required for parliamentary governance.

Lawmakers who disregard these fundamental principles pose a significant threat to the integrity of parliamentary systems. Their actions undermine the trust and respect that are crucial for the functioning of democratic institutions. It is imperative that such individuals are prevented from controlling parliamentary functions, as their behavior can lead to a breakdown in the democratic process and a loss of public confidence in the system. To preserve the health of parliamentary democracy, it is essential to enforce strict rules and cultivate a culture of moderation and respect among lawmakers. 🏛️📜

Estonian experts cautious about impending Trump-Putin meeting

Following a three-hour meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, both sides expressed optimism. However, Estonian experts remain guarded about the upcoming summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Security expert Rainer Saks suggested that Russia proposed a phased ceasefire, potentially starting with halting airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and targets away from the front lines. While this could signal a step towards reducing hostilities, Saks noted that Putin did not commit to a concrete suspension of fighting. Meanwhile, U.S. policy expert Andreas Kaju urged caution ahead of the Trump-Putin summit, emphasizing the need for a measured approach. The upcoming meeting is anticipated to be crucial in determining the future trajectory of U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict. 🇷🇺🇺🇸🕊️

Moscow warns of ‘provocations’ ahead of Putin-Trump meeting

A prominent advisor to Vladimir Putin has issued a warning about potential disruptions to an upcoming meeting between the Russian president and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, cautioned that certain countries, eager to prolong the Russia-Ukraine conflict, may resort to provocations and disinformation to sabotage the planned summit. The meeting, scheduled for next Friday in Alaska, aims to address peace initiatives in the ongoing war. Dmitriev’s statement underscores the high stakes and geopolitical tensions surrounding the potential diplomatic engagement. 🇷🇺🇺🇸🤝

Watchdog brings to light public sector misconduct

In 2024, the National Transparency Authority (EAD) uncovered numerous instances of public sector misconduct, highlighting significant issues within Greece's public administration. The authority investigated a broad spectrum of violations, including illegal pharmaceutical trafficking, substandard elder care facilities, and irregularities in municipal contracts and public service licensing. EAD's findings revealed improper contract awards, misuse of public funds, and inadequate enforcement of fines for illegal construction.

One notable case involved a mayor who imposed a mere one-month pay cut on an employee convicted of drug possession; EAD increased the penalty to an eight-month suspension. Out of 5,305 public complaints received, nearly 30% pertained to public health issues, leading the agency to pursue disciplinary or criminal action against 254 individuals. EAD also reviewed 2,273 disciplinary cases, resulting in permanent dismissals for 90 employees, many of whom were found guilty of absenteeism or bribery.

Furthermore, EAD conducted 3,638 inspections to ensure compliance with anti-smoking laws, issuing 737 fines totaling €639,000. The authority's efforts underscore the pervasive nature of public sector misconduct and the need for stringent oversight to uphold transparency and accountability in Greece's public administration. 🚬🚫

Vance and Lammy host European, US, Ukrainian officials to talk ceasefire

Vice President JD Vance of the United States and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy have organized an urgent meeting of European, U.S., and Ukrainian officials in the U.K. to explore prospects for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. This gathering, scheduled for Saturday, comes just days before a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the ongoing conflict.

The meeting was hastily arranged and will take place at Lammy’s official residence in Kent, southeast England. Initially, Vance and Lammy had planned to spend the weekend together, but they have now extended the invitation to national security advisers from Europe, Ukraine, and the United States. The gathering underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, as world leaders seek a path to peace amidst escalating tensions.

Merz Faces Internal Criticism Over Decision to Halt Arms Exports to Israel

In a controversial move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a halt to exports of weapons that could be used in Gaza, a decision that caught his own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), off guard. The parties' joint foreign affairs group scheduled an emergency meeting to address the issue, highlighting the lack of coordination within the governing coalition.

The decision sparked immediate backlash from prominent CDU and CSU members. Security policy spokesperson Roderich Kiesewetter criticized the move as a "major German political and strategic wrong decision," emphasizing the importance of security cooperation with Israel and the protection of Jewish life. Several other parliamentarians echoed these sentiments, with Bavarian Governor Markus Söder expressing surprise and disapproval, noting that the decision was made without consulting the CSU. Alexander Hoffmann, the CSU's group leader in Berlin, also expressed regret over the lack of communication and stated that the matter would be discussed internally.

The exact scope of the export restrictions remains unclear, but Germany is a significant supplier of arms to Israel, accounting for about a third of Israel's total imports in the 2020-2024 period, second only to the United States. Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, a member of the Social Democratic Party, welcomed the announcement, citing the "unbearable" humanitarian suffering in Gaza. The decision underscores the tensions within the German government over foreign policy and arms exports, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 🇩🇪🇮🇱💥

Inflation at 12-month high

Greece's inflation rate has surged to a 12-month high, reaching 3.1% in June, marking the third consecutive month of increases. This uptick aligns with Eurostat's initial estimates and is driven by a combination of rising energy prices, increased demand due to a record tourist season, and the impacts of climate change on food supply. Key factors contributing to the inflationary pressure include soaring costs of food, rents, and electricity.

Food prices have seen significant increases, with fruits up by 19.3% and coffee by 16.8% year-over-year. Other notable price hikes include fresh fish (7%), sugar and confectioneries (6.4%), meat (6.2%), and bakery products (5.4%). Housing costs have also risen sharply, with electricity bills up by 18.9%, rents by 11.3%, and natural gas by 4.4%. The tourism sector has not been spared, with holiday packages, plane tickets, catering, and accommodation all seeing substantial price increases. Greece experienced the third-highest services inflation among eurozone countries, with notable rises in health insurance, beauty services, and entertainment.

The overall economic strain is evident, as many Greeks find summer holidays increasingly unaffordable due to the steep price hikes in travel and leisure services. This inflationary trend underscores the broader economic challenges facing the country, exacerbated by global energy costs and climate-related disruptions. 💸🍴🏠