Newsflash

Is Israel risking overplaying its hand? Gaza, the Middle East & Europe’s response

Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza and the broader Middle East have sparked significant international concern, particularly from European nations like France and Britain, which are increasingly inclined to recognize Palestine. This shift in European policy reflects growing frustration with Israel's approach to the conflict, which some analysts argue may be overstepping strategic and diplomatic boundaries.

The potential recognition of Palestine by key European countries could have far-reaching implications for the region. It may embolden other nations to follow suit, further isolating Israel diplomatically. Additionally, this move could intensify tensions within the Middle East, as regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia navigate their own interests and alliances in response to the changing dynamics.

For Israel, the risk of overplaying its hand is significant. While military actions may achieve short-term security gains, they could also fuel long-term instability and international backlash. The delicate balance between maintaining security and fostering diplomatic relations is crucial, as Israel seeks to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. The broader ramifications of Israel's actions in Gaza and the Middle East will likely shape the future of the region, influencing everything from international alliances to domestic policies. As Europe and other global powers respond, the stakes are high for all parties involved. 🌍🇮🇱🇵🇸

Trump Backs Proposal for Ukrainian Land Concessions to Russia

A contentious peace proposal has emerged, suggesting that Ukraine would cede the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk to Russia, effectively acknowledging Russia's military gains in these areas. Additionally, the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be frozen, solidifying Russia's control over these territories. Ukraine would also relinquish the parts of Donetsk it still controls. In exchange, Russia would agree not to demand the entire Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and would commit in writing to refrain from invading other parts of Ukraine or Western countries. The Crimean peninsula would also become permanently Russian under this proposal. This plan, previously rejected by Kyiv and EU countries, has been discussed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The upcoming talks between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House are expected to be highly controversial, as Ukraine and leading EU countries have consistently opposed any concessions to Russia's territorial gains. Several European leaders are considering whether to attend the meeting, with a video conference involving French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb scheduled for Sunday. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the future of Ukrainian sovereignty and European security. 🇺🇦🇷🇺

Slovakia’s Fico parrots Kremlin in remarks on Putin-Trump summit

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has sparked controversy by endorsing the recent Putin-Trump summit in Alaska and adopting Kremlin narratives regarding the conflict in Ukraine. In a Facebook video, Fico suggested that the war has "historical roots" and advocated for security guarantees for both Ukraine and Russia, a stance that aligns with Russian propaganda. This rhetoric echoes Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims that Ukraine's NATO aspirations and alleged Nazi influence justify Russia's invasion. Fico's comments were swiftly amplified by Russian state-controlled media, further fueling concerns about the spread of pro-Russian sentiment in Europe. His statements come amidst ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict and highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. 🇷🇺🇺🇸

Russia captures two more villages in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's military says

Intense fighting persists in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, with Russian troops seizing control of two additional villages, Popiv Yar and Ivano-Darivka. The Ukrainian military reports ongoing Russian offensives near key towns such as Dobropillia, Pokrovsk, and Vuhledar, as Moscow seeks to gain strategic advantages ahead of potential negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the "extremely difficult" situation but highlighted successful Ukrainian counterattacks in critical areas. The Ukrainian military has redeployed elite units, including parts of the 1st Azov Corps and the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, to counter Russian advances. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting in Alaska, but no agreement to end the war was reached. The battlefield remains dynamic, with both sides employing advanced tactics and technology, including drones, to gain the upper hand. 🇺🇦🇷🇺💥

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,069,050 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. As of August 16, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that Russia has lost 1,069,050 troops, including 1,010 casualties in the past day alone. The conflict has also resulted in the destruction or capture of substantial Russian military equipment, including 11,112 tanks, 23,135 armored fighting vehicles, 58,733 vehicles and fuel tanks, 31,540 artillery systems, 1,467 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,207 air defense systems, 422 airplanes, 340 helicopters, 51,342 drones, 3,558 cruise missiles, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. These losses underscore the immense scale and intensity of the ongoing conflict. 💥🛢️🛩️🛳️

Melania Trump wrote letter to Putin about kidnapped Ukrainian children, Reuters reports

During a summit in Alaska, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump discreetly handed a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian forces. The letter, delivered during a private meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighted the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia, Russian-occupied territories, or Belarus. While the exact contents of the letter remain undisclosed, it underscored the grave human rights violation that has seen over 19,500 children identified as abducted, with estimates suggesting the true number could be as high as 300,000.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, for their roles in this systematic kidnapping. The abducted children face a harrowing ordeal, often placed in Russian families or camps, subjected to military training, and intense propaganda aimed at erasing their Ukrainian identity. Many report being punished for speaking Ukrainian and told that their homeland no longer wants them. The Russian occupation authorities have even created an online "catalog" offering these children for adoption, a practice condemned as child trafficking. Ukraine insists that the return of these children must be a non-negotiable part of any peace agreement with Russia. 🇺🇦😢

Trump says he and Putin ‘largely agreed’ on land swaps, security guarantees for Ukraine

In a recent high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that they had "largely agreed" on territorial swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump suggested that a potential peace deal could involve both sides exchanging land, a proposal that has sparked concern in Kyiv and European capitals. The specifics of these "land swaps" remain unclear, but a source from the Ukrainian Presidential Office indicated that Russia might propose Ukraine withdrawing from parts of Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for Russia pulling back from areas in Sumy and Kharkiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any idea of ceding additional Ukrainian territory to Russia, insisting that a ceasefire must be the first step in any negotiations. Trump, however, advised Zelensky to "make a deal," acknowledging Russia's significant power compared to Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, did not result in an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, despite Trump's hopes for a ceasefire. Trump described the talks as productive but noted that several points, including a major one, remained unresolved. Since returning to office, Trump has aimed to broker a swift peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, but these efforts have stalled as Russia has pushed maximalist demands and rejected a ceasefire. Publicly, Putin has insisted on a ban on Ukraine's NATO membership and a full Ukrainian withdrawal from several occupied regions. Russia's illegal annexations of Ukrainian territories, including Crimea in 2014 and parts of other oblasts in 2022, have further complicated the situation. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

Ukrainians fear Trump will shift responsibility for ending war onto Kyiv after failed talks with Putin

In the wake of the Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainians express deep concern and disappointment. The summit, intended to broker a path to ending Russia's war in Ukraine, concluded without a breakthrough agreement, leaving many Ukrainians feeling that Trump demonstrated weakness by accommodating Putin's demands. Trump's decision not to impose new sanctions on Russia, despite its refusal to agree to a ceasefire, has been seen as a significant concession to Moscow. Instead of pushing for an immediate ceasefire, Trump aligned with Putin's position that a full-fledged peace agreement should be the goal, a stance that many Ukrainians find unacceptable.

The summit's outcome has raised fears that Trump may shift the responsibility for ending the war onto Ukraine, potentially pressuring President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept unfavorable terms. Ukrainian lawmakers, experts, and soldiers have expressed skepticism about the summit's potential to bring peace closer, with some viewing it as a diplomatic victory for Putin. The optics of the meeting, including the red carpet treatment and friendly demeanor between the leaders, have been used by Russian propaganda to bolster Putin's image. As Zelensky prepares for his visit to Washington, Ukrainians hope that the focus will remain on resolving issues that can be realistically addressed, rather than being pressured into territorial concessions. The summit has left many questioning the future of the transatlantic alliance and the prospects for lasting peace in Ukraine. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

Estonian MP: Putin wanted to humiliate the US – and he succeeded

Estonian MP Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Riigikogu’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has described the recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a humiliating failure for the U.S. The meeting, held in Alaska, marked the first high-level encounter between the two leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Western leaders have largely avoided engaging with Putin due to his aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Speculation had circulated that the summit might yield a land swap deal for Ukraine’s occupied eastern territories or a ceasefire, potentially negotiated without Ukrainian involvement. However, Trump announced that no agreement had been reached, although he claimed some progress had been made. He characterized the meeting as "very good" and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek a deal with Russia. The summit has been widely perceived as a diplomatic setback for Trump and a triumph for Putin, with many viewing it as a failure for the U.S. and a success for Russia. 🇺🇸🇷🇺

Migrant arrivals resume after lull

After a brief hiatus, migrant arrivals in Greece have resumed, with Greek authorities rescuing 119 migrants in three separate incidents over a 24-hour period. All rescued individuals were transported to the port of Iraklio, Crete. These rescues follow a notable spike in early July, when 2,711 migrants arrived from Libya in just one week, prompting the Greek government to suspend asylum applications for those arriving illegally by boat from North Africa.

In the first incident, a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship spotted 35 migrants in a dinghy southeast of Gavdos. They were subsequently rescued by a Frontex vessel and taken to Paleochora for registration. In the second incident, 56 migrants were found aboard a sailing vessel south of Santorini. The Hellenic Coast Guard, with assistance from a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, transported them to Iraklio. The third incident involved 29 migrants discovered on a beach in Iraklio’s Kalo Limenes area, who reported paying smugglers to depart from Tobruk, Libya. A 28-year-old Sudanese man was identified and arrested as the suspected smuggler.

Data from Frontex indicates that irregular border crossings into the EU decreased by 18% year-on-year from January to July 2025, totaling 95,200 incidents. While most major migration routes saw declines, the Mediterranean routes remain under significant pressure. Notably, the new Libya-Crete sea corridor experienced an increase, with Libya serving as the primary departure point. The Western Balkans, eastern land borders, and the West Africa route saw substantial decreases, while the Central Mediterranean remains the busiest path, accounting for two in five irregular entries and rising 9% from the same period in 2024. 🛥️🇬🇷

Trump – Putin summit in Alaska: a high-profile meeting with few results

In a highly publicized summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for the first time in six years, with Putin visiting U.S. soil for the first time since 2015. The meeting, marked by elaborate symbolism, aimed to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine but resulted in modest outcomes. The summit, initially planned as a one-on-one conversation, took a "3-on-3" format, with key advisors from both sides present.

After nearly three hours of talks, neither leader took questions during a brief joint press conference. Trump described the meeting as productive and his relationship with Putin as "fantastic," but admitted no deal had been finalized. Putin spoke of an "understanding" but provided no details. The summit yielded no formal ceasefire agreement, with Putin reiterating Russia's uncompromising stance on retaining occupied Ukrainian territories and preventing Ukraine's NATO or EU membership.

Analysts viewed the summit's optics as a symbolic victory for Putin, who commanded the proceedings and extended an invitation for a future meeting in Moscow. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continued unabated, with Ukrainian authorities warning of impending Russian offensives. Ukrainian officials and many in Washington reacted with skepticism, accusing Putin of using the summit to buy time while continuing military operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, excluded from the talks, called for genuine peace negotiations involving Ukraine and announced plans to meet with Trump in Washington. The summit's political aftermath reflected deep unease and criticism, particularly from Democrats who saw it as legitimizing a leader wanted by the International Criminal Court. 🇺🇸🇷🇺⚔️

Russia-Ukraine: Is negotiating a peace treaty realistic at this stage in the war?

The recent high-stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, held at a U.S. military base in Alaska, concluded without any agreements on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite a cordial start, the meeting ended inconclusively, highlighting the deep divisions between the two nations. The summit's failure to produce tangible results underscores the complex and entrenched nature of the conflict, as well as the challenges in finding a diplomatic resolution. For further insights, FRANCE 24's Erin Ogunkeye discusses the summit's implications with Claude Blanchemaison, a former French Ambassador to Russia. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to be a significant geopolitical challenge, with no immediate prospects for a negotiated peace treaty. 🇷🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦

A mad dash for EU funds

The Greek government is urgently working to ensure that all funds allocated by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund are fully utilized by the September 2026 deadline. To achieve this, the government is preparing a significant revision of the fund’s terms, focusing on both the projects and the milestones that trigger fund releases. This revision comes just two months after a previous large-scale adjustment approved by the European Commission.

The upcoming revision will involve two main strategies. First, it will redefine 194 milestones to make them more flexible, allowing for easier completion and fund disbursement. For instance, a milestone requiring "complete staffing of mental health units" might be changed to "staffing of operational mental health units." Second, it will remove projects deemed impossible to complete on time and reallocate their funding to more feasible initiatives. This process will be thorough, with both Greek and EU agencies carefully evaluating which projects to exclude.

The European Commission is urging swift decisions, as the fund’s timeline is rapidly approaching its end. The fund estimates that around 3,000 to 3,500 contracts need to be signed in the remaining 13 months, a task never before attempted. The next funding request, expected in October, will amount to €1.8 billion in loans, contingent on signing contracts for €9 billion in loans. Additionally, by the end of the year, Greece must submit a request for €1.7 billion in subsidies and €1.8 billion in loans. The government is racing against time to meet these ambitious targets and secure the remaining funds. 💸🕒

Russia gloats over Putin-Trump summit

The closely watched summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, intended to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, ultimately benefited Russia's propaganda efforts. Despite the meeting's failure to achieve its primary goal, Russian politicians and state-owned media portrayed it as a historic success. Trump's warm reception of Putin, including applause and a ride in his presidential limousine, was seized upon by Russian officials to justify continued military operations in Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current deputy chairman of the Russian security council, interpreted the summit as a greenlight to proceed with Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mocked Western media for their previous claims of Russia's isolation, highlighting the red-carpet treatment Putin received. Russian state media also emphasized the cordial reception and the symbolic significance of the meeting, comparing it to historic U.S.-Soviet summits.

Putin himself framed the summit as a breakthrough in U.S.-Russia relations, calling for renewed cooperation between the two countries. Russian state-controlled outlets quoted various experts and foreign leaders, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to bolster the narrative of improved global security and diplomatic progress. The summit, while falling short of its intended objectives, provided Russia with a significant propaganda victory, reinforcing its narrative of resilience and international relevance. 🇷🇺🇺🇸

Serbia's police use tear gas as they clash with anti-government protesters in Belgrade

In Belgrade, police clashed with anti-government protesters for the third consecutive day, marking a significant escalation of months-long student-led demonstrations challenging President Aleksandar Vucic’s authority. The unrest, which spread to other Serbian cities, saw police deploying tear gas, crowd control vehicles, and armored units against protesters who threw firecrackers, flares, and rocks. The clashes followed weeks of largely peaceful protests sparked by a train station collapse in November, which many attribute to government corruption and negligence.

Protesters, many wearing facemasks, gathered under the slogan "Let’s show them we are not a punching bag," facing off against riot police and pro-government supporters. The chaotic scenes included the use of flash-bang grenades, fires in the streets, and reports of injuries, though the exact number remains unclear. Earlier in the day, police detained hundreds of demonstrators across the country.

President Vucic, who has faced accusations of authoritarianism and corruption, praised the police's actions and accused Western influences of orchestrating the protests. He offered additional bonuses to the officers, despite social media footage showing apparent police brutality against protesters, including women and young people. Opposition leaders and EU officials have condemned the violence, with some calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Ivica Dacic. The protests highlight the deepening political crisis in Serbia, as the country seeks EU membership while maintaining ties with Russia and China. 🇷🇸💥

Serbia: Fresh clashes erupt in Belgrade after days of unrest

Fresh clashes erupted in Belgrade on Friday as anti-government protesters faced off against police in the Serbian capital. The confrontation unfolded in front of the army headquarters, marking another episode of unrest following days of tension. Protesters, driven by grievances against the government, gathered to voice their demands, leading to a tense standoff with law enforcement. The situation underscores the ongoing political turmoil in Serbia, as citizens express their discontent through public demonstrations. The clashes highlight the deep-seated frustrations and the volatile atmosphere in the country, as protesters push for change amidst a backdrop of heightened security and potential unrest. 🇷🇸💥

Europe is sending heavy hitters to US with Zelenskyy to bolster Kyiv

European leaders are growing concerned about the future of Ukraine following President Donald Trump's recent embrace of Russia's Vladimir Putin. Fearing that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may not receive the same warm reception, European leaders are taking proactive steps to support Kyiv. Plans are underway to send Finnish President Alexander Stubb, a trusted figure for Trump, to accompany Zelenskyy during his upcoming visit to Washington. Stubb's presence is intended to smooth any potential tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy and to ensure that European interests are considered in any future negotiations. The recent meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska yielded no significant breakthroughs, leaving the path forward uncertain. Trump has announced plans to meet with Zelenskyy on Monday and subsequently facilitate a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders to pursue a peace agreement. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

Zelenskyy to meet Trump in Washington on Monday

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday. The meeting comes on the heels of a significant phone call between the two leaders, which followed a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where no ceasefire was agreed upon. The conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump lasted over an hour and a half, with the initial portion being a one-on-one discussion before extending the call to include European leaders. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of European involvement in ensuring reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, alongside American support. The upcoming meeting in Washington is expected to focus on the intricacies of ending the ongoing conflict and securing Ukraine's future. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺

Zelenskyj: Russia's Ceasefire Rejection Hinders Ukraine Peace Efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep concern over Russia's ongoing aggression and its refusal to heed calls for a ceasefire. In a social media post, he highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that Russia has shown no signs of halting its military operations. Zelenskyy's remarks came in the wake of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which failed to produce an agreement on a ceasefire. The Ukrainian leader questioned Russia's willingness to implement a ceasefire, let alone achieve long-term peaceful coexistence with its neighbors. Accompanying Zelenskyy's post was a statement from the Nordic and Baltic countries, reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and reiterating the demand for an immediate ceasefire. The international community's resolve to support Ukraine remains steadfast, despite the challenges posed by Russia's intransigence. 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇺🇸

Grenade Shelling in Sudan's El-Fasher Kills Many Civilians

In Sudan, a devastating shelling attack has resulted in at least 17 confirmed deaths and 25 injuries, according to local hospital reports. The actual death toll is feared to be higher, as only those transported to the hospital have been accounted for. This violence is part of an ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. The conflict has seen intense fighting in various locations, including the capital Khartoum, where the army previously expelled the RSF.

Currently, the RSF has shifted its focus to the vulnerable Darfur region, particularly targeting the oasis town of El-Fasher. The city has endured repeated attacks, but Saturday's shelling was exceptionally intense and prolonged. Concurrently, the RSF launched an assault on the Abou Shouk refugee camp north of El-Fasher, resulting in additional civilian casualties, including the camp's leader. The exact number of victims remains unconfirmed.

The civil war has led to tens of thousands of civilian deaths, with international estimates suggesting the true toll may be much higher. The United Nations has described the situation in Sudan as the world's most severe hunger and refugee crisis, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. The ongoing conflict has displaced countless people and left many in dire need of assistance. 🇸🇩💥