Newsflash

Everything you need to know about the upcoming Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 military drills

The upcoming Zapad-2025 military exercises, jointly conducted by Russia and Belarus, are set to take place in September, sparking concerns and speculation across Europe. These biannual drills, held under the Union State framework, typically involve around 12,000 to 13,000 troops and are officially presented as defensive maneuvers against "terrorist groups" or foreign-backed unrest. However, they are widely seen as a thinly veiled rehearsal for potential aggression against NATO member states, particularly Poland and Lithuania.

The Zapad exercises have a history of provocation, with past scenarios featuring fictional states that closely resemble NATO countries. The 2021 drills, for instance, openly described imaginary "Western states" inspiring riots and launching aggression against Belarus. Moreover, the 2022 "Union Resolve" exercises served as a cover for Russia's buildup of forces that later invaded Ukraine.

This year, the Zapad-2025 drills have been downsized and moved further from the border, with an expected 30,000 personnel, including 6,000 to 8,000 in Belarus and some in Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast. This reduction is likely due to Russia's significant losses in Ukraine and a shortage of military hardware. Despite the downsizing, the exercises remain a cause for concern, as they are part of a broader strategy to integrate Belarusian forces into Russian command structures and prepare for potential future conflicts.

Belarusian and Russian officials have hinted at various provocations that could escalate tensions, such as reigniting a migration crisis, staging border clashes, or escalating tensions over access to Kaliningrad. However, analysts suggest that a full-scale attack on NATO is unlikely in the near term, as Russia is focusing on bolstering its military-industrial complex in Belarus to produce weapons for the war in Ukraine. By 2027-2028, Belarusian industries are expected to reach full capacity, producing a significant amount of artillery shells, rockets, drones, ammunition, and electronic warfare systems.

In response to the Zapad-2025 drills, Belarus' neighbors, Lithuania and Poland, have conducted their own defensive exercises and announced the withdrawal from the anti-landmine treaty to fortify their borders. The situation remains tense, with analysts warning that Russia may attempt limited provocations to test NATO's resolve and unity. Despite the downsizing of the Zapad-2025 drills, the exercises serve as a reminder of the ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Belarus and the potential threats they pose to European security. 🇷🇺🇧🇾🇪🇺

Suspected Ukrainian drone headed for Russia crashes in Estonia, local police say

A suspected Ukrainian drone, believed to be armed with explosives, crashed in Estonia's Tartu County, leaving a crater at the crash site. Local authorities reported no casualties, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the drone's origin. The drone may have been intended for Russian territory but was diverted by Russian electronic warfare, including GPS jamming, causing it to enter Estonian airspace. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur attributed the incident to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, asserting Ukraine's right to self-defense. This is not an isolated event, as similar incidents involving Russian drones crashing on NATO territory, including in the Baltic states and Poland, have been reported throughout the conflict. 🇪🇪🛸💥

Labor bill to allow 10-hour workday

The Labor Ministry has introduced a comprehensive bill, "Fair Work for All," aimed at increasing flexibility in employment arrangements. The legislation proposes significant changes to individual labor laws, including the possibility of 10-hour workdays for four days a week throughout the year, individual contracts with reduced working hours, and a reduction in overtime costs. The bill allows for a flexible reference period for working hours, ranging from one week to 12 months, enabling employers to adjust schedules based on operational needs, with employee consent.

Key provisions include the allowance for up to 13-hour workdays in companies that do not provide short breaks, with a 40% pay increase for overtime. However, this does not apply to sectors like retail and industry, where breaks are provided outside working hours. The bill also ensures that employees are protected from dismissal if they refuse extra hours and sets limits on weekly and annual working hours. Overtime is capped at four hours per day and 150 hours per year, with compensation set at 40% above the regular hourly wage.

The ministry emphasizes that these changes will not disrupt ongoing dialogues with social partners regarding sectoral labor agreements. The bill is open for public consultation until September 19, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed reforms. 🕒💼

A Pro-Russian government in Moldova will facilitate offensive against Ukraine, analyst says

Moldova is facing significant Russian interference ahead of its upcoming parliamentary election, with authorities denouncing unprecedented levels of cyberattacks, destabilization efforts, electoral corruption, and disinformation campaigns. These tactics are designed to undermine the pro-European party of President Maia Sandu, who was re-elected last year. The goal of this interference is to pave the way for a pro-Russian government, which could potentially facilitate further aggression against Ukraine. Clara Volintiru, the Black Sea Regional Director at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, discusses the implications of these developments and the broader geopolitical context. The situation in Moldova highlights the ongoing efforts by Russia to exert influence and undermine democratic processes in its neighboring countries, posing a threat to regional stability and European security. 🇲🇩🇷🇺

UN Forms AI Advisory Council to Address Global Concerns

The United Nations has established a new council to address the global implications of artificial intelligence, responding to concerns from member countries about AI's potential threats to democracy and human rights. This council, comprising 40 experts, will foster international dialogue on AI and facilitate cooperation between states and AI companies. Additionally, the UN will host an annual meeting to develop global AI-related development goals, with the inaugural session scheduled for Geneva next year. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has previously advocated for a UN-led regulatory framework for AI, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency's oversight of nuclear energy. This initiative aims to ensure that AI advancements align with international human rights standards and promote responsible innovation. 🌐🤝

In push for more soldiers, Russia recruits HIV-positive prisoners, civilians

In a desperate bid to bolster its military ranks, Russia has resorted to recruiting individuals with serious illnesses, including HIV and hepatitis, as well as prisoners and residents of occupied territories. Despite official policies exempting such individuals from military service, reports indicate that HIV-positive people are still being drafted, often due to ignorance or indifference among military officials. This trend has led to a significant increase in HIV cases within the Russian armed forces, with numbers rising dramatically since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The recruitment drive targets not only civilians but also prisoners, who are promised substantial financial incentives to enlist. However, these recruits receive little to no medical care, and payments are often delayed or withheld. Prisoners with HIV or hepatitis are marked with colored bracelets and sent to the front lines, where they are essentially used as disposable cannon fodder. This practice has been ongoing since 2022, with recruitment efforts intensifying over time.

Social media platforms like VKontakte (VK) are used to recruit individuals with serious illnesses, disabilities, or criminal records, promising lucrative bonuses and other incentives. In Russian-occupied territories, residents, including those with HIV and hepatitis, are mobilized into assault units with minimal medical support. The healthcare system in these areas is in dire straits, with diseases nearing epidemic levels and little interest from Russian authorities in providing treatment.

Unlike Russia, Ukraine has clear regulations for the service of HIV-positive individuals, assigning them to non-combat roles where they can safely receive treatment. However, challenges remain, such as supply chain disruptions and the lack of a separate register for HIV-positive soldiers. The situation in Ukraine highlights the stark contrast in how the two countries handle the military service of individuals with serious illnesses. 🇷🇺💉💥

Russia to officially quit Europe’s anti-torture treaty

Russia is set to officially withdraw from the Council of Europe’s treaty for the prevention of torture, according to a decree published by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The move, which requires approval from President Vladimir Putin and the State Duma, marks a further deterioration in Russia’s human rights record, which has significantly worsened since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has employed torture as a tool to suppress domestic dissent and maintain control, making the withdrawal largely symbolic of its disregard for international human rights standards. 🇷🇺🔍

Ukraine Confirms Russian Advances in Dnipropetrovsk Region

Ukrainian officials have confirmed a significant breach in their defenses in the Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the first official acknowledgment of a Russian advance in this area. Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukrainian forces in the region, reported intense battles as Russian troops push forward. Previously, Dnipropetrovsk had seen relatively fewer ground attacks compared to other regions. Moscow had earlier claimed to have entered the region in July and captured several towns, but Ukraine's military staff had denied these assertions, particularly regarding the towns of Zaporizke and Novogeorgiivka.

The Dnipropetrovsk region, home to the central city of Dnipro, is strategically located in southeastern Ukraine, between Kharkiv and Odessa. The confirmation of Russian advances in this region underscores the evolving and challenging dynamics of the ongoing conflict, as Ukrainian forces work to repel the invading troops and maintain control over key territories. The situation remains fluid and tense, with both sides engaged in fierce combat. 🇺🇦💥

Paris prosecutors probe streaming site Kick following influencer’s death

Paris prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the streaming platform Kick following the death of an influencer during a marathon livestream. The inquiry, led by the French Anti-Cybercrime Office, will examine whether Kick violated the European Union's Digital Services Act or knowingly facilitated illegal activities by broadcasting harmful content. Digital Minister Clara Chappaz has also filed a complaint against Kick, citing the dissemination of criminal content. The investigation underscores growing concerns about the regulation of online platforms and the potential dangers posed by unmoderated live streaming. 📺💻

Ukraine has no chance of joining EU until Volyn massacre issue is resolved, Polish minister says

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has stated that Ukraine's path to European Union membership is blocked until it acknowledges the Volyn tragedy as a genocide and takes steps such as exhuming victims and establishing memorials. This historical dispute, stemming from the 1943 massacres by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) that resulted in tens of thousands of Polish deaths, has long strained relations between the two countries. Polish President Karol Nawrocki has also pressed for full-scale exhumations and has taken a tough stance on Ukrainian refugees and nationalist symbols, vetoing a bill that would have extended financial support for Ukrainian refugees.

The Volyn massacre remains a contentious issue, with Polish public opinion divided on Ukraine's EU and NATO aspirations. President Nawrocki's conservative stance, backed by the opposition Law and Justice party, signals potential challenges for Polish-Ukrainian relations, even as Poland continues to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The ideological divide between the Polish Presidential Office and the centrist government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk further complicates the political landscape. As Poland navigates these tensions, the future of Ukrainian-Polish relations and Ukraine's EU ambitions hang in the balance. 🇺🇦🇵🇱🤝

HCDI aims for marketable security tech

The Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (HCDI), established in May 2024, is poised to revolutionize Greece’s defense industry. With the Ministry of Defense as its majority shareholder (67%) and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (33%), HCDI aims to bridge the gap between the Armed Forces’ operational needs and the existing technological ecosystem, fostering innovation and marketability.

HCDI’s mission is comprehensive: it plans and funds research and development projects, communicates military requirements to the market, and maps the domestic defense innovation landscape. The goal is to transform scientific knowledge and technology into practical, exportable solutions that address national security needs. The center’s team comprises experienced Armed Forces officers, private sector professionals, and PhDs, ensuring a blend of expertise and fresh ideas.

Funding for HCDI comes from multiple sources, including 2.5% of the Ministry of Defense’s annual armaments procurement program, the Innovation Fund, the National Defense Development Fund, private investments, and contributions from its shareholders. The Growthfund has already allocated €10 million, with plans to secure additional funding from international sources like the European Defense Fund and Horizon Europe.

In 2025, HCDI is set to receive €115 million for high-tech projects that meet the Armed Forces’ needs and have export potential. This strategic initiative underscores Greece’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and establishing itself as a significant player in the global defense market. 🇬🇷🛡️

Trump’s attack on Fed triggers alarm in Europe over economic stability

European central bankers have expressed concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's attempt to remove a top Federal Reserve official, warning of potential global repercussions. Trump's move to oust Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, following accusations of mortgage fraud by housing chief William Pulte, has raised alarms about the erosion of the Fed's independence. Central bankers in Europe view this political interference as a threat to the stability of the world's most influential financial institution, fearing that such actions could have far-reaching consequences for global economic stability. The independence of central banks is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective monetary policy, and any perceived political meddling could undermine these principles. 🏦💸

Greece issues wildfire alert for Attica, islands and Crete

Greece has issued a wildfire alert for several regions, including Attica, parts of Central Greece, Crete, and the North and South Aegean islands. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has warned of a very high risk of wildfires in these areas, specifically Attica, Viotia, Evia, Lesvos, Chios, Ikaria, Karpathos, and the regional units of Rethymno, Iraklio, and Lasithi. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid activities that could ignite fires, such as burning dry vegetation, using outdoor grills, welding, or discarding lit cigarettes.

The Fire Service is on high alert, with personnel on partial standby and aerial surveillance patrols scheduled. Police, fire, and military units will also conduct ground patrols to monitor and prevent potential fire outbreaks. Preventive traffic bans in forests, national parks, and other vulnerable areas will remain in effect. Citizens are advised to immediately report any signs of fire by calling the Fire Service at 199. 🔥🌳📞

Record wildfires burn more than 1 million hectares of EU land this year

This year has seen an unprecedented surge in wildfires across the European Union, with over 1 million hectares of land burned, marking the highest annual total since records began in 2006. As of the latest data, 1,028,000 hectares have been scorched, surpassing the previous record set in 2017. Spain and Portugal have been the most severely affected, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the total burned area. A significant increase in wildfires occurred between August 5-19, coinciding with a 16-day heatwave in the Iberian Peninsula. The heatwave fueled devastating fires that claimed at least eight lives and disrupted transportation networks. 🔥🌡️

Spain continues to grapple with multiple wildfires, particularly in the Castille and Leon region, where around 700 people have been evacuated. Blazes also persist in Galicia and Asturias. In Portugal, cooler temperatures have provided some relief, with the extinguishing of a massive 12-day fire in Piodao, which burned over 60,000 hectares, setting a new national record. Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of wildfires, heatwaves, and droughts. While prevention measures like clearing dry vegetation have helped mitigate some fires, the EU has already emitted 38 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from wildfires this year, putting 2025 on track to exceed the annual record of 41 million tonnes. 🌳💨

Ukrainian government allows men aged 18-22 to go abroad

Ukraine has revised its travel restrictions, permitting men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country. This change comes after a series of developments initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who requested the Cabinet of Ministers to ease border crossing rules for this age group. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the new policy on August 26, following the submission and approval of the necessary legislation in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been barred from leaving the country, with limited exceptions. Men between 25 and 60 are subject to mandatory military conscription. The recent adjustments aim to provide some relief and flexibility for younger men, acknowledging the unique challenges they face amidst the ongoing conflict. This policy shift reflects Ukraine's evolving strategies to balance national security needs with the personal circumstances of its citizens. 🇺🇦

Macron, Merz, Tusk to visit Moldova to back its 'security, sovereignty'

On August 27, the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland are set to visit Moldova in a joint effort to bolster the country's security and sovereignty. This high-level visit underscores the European Union's backing for Moldova, which has accused Russia of attempting to destabilize its political landscape. The trip aims to reinforce Moldova's EU candidacy and demonstrate solidarity amidst regional tensions. The three leaders will engage with Moldovan officials to discuss strategies for enhancing the nation's stability and resilience in the face of external threats. This visit is a clear signal of European unity and support for Moldova's democratic aspirations and territorial integrity. 🇫🇷🇩🇪🇵🇱🇲🇩

Ukraine admits Russian army has entered central Dnipropetrovsk region, fighting ongoing

Ukraine has confirmed that Russian forces have entered the central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the first acknowledgment of Russian presence in this previously spared area. Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for the Dnipro Operational Strategic Group of Forces, stated that fighting is ongoing. Russia had previously claimed to have advanced into the region and captured several settlements, although Ukraine’s General Staff disputes the full capture of certain villages. The battlefield monitor DeepState, aligned with Ukraine’s military, reported that Russian forces are consolidating their positions and preparing for further advances.

The Russian army's slow but steady gains in eastern and southern Ukraine have been characterized by intense battles over largely devastated areas. Dnipropetrovsk is not among the five Ukrainian regions that Russia has formally claimed as its territory. This admission of lost ground comes amid stalled momentum for a potential peace deal, following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin's demand for Ukraine to withdraw from certain territories as a precondition for halting the invasion has been rejected by Kyiv. The situation remains tense, with both sides entrenched in their positions. 🇺🇦🇷🇺💥

Turkish fishermen playing hide-and-seek in Aegean

Turkish fishermen have been engaging in a risky game of hide-and-seek with the Greek coast guard in the eastern Aegean, frequently entering Greek territorial waters, sometimes just a mile from the shore. This issue has escalated in recent years, with incursions occurring even during a seasonal ban on bottom trawling designed to protect spawning fish. Local fishermen report that Turkish vessels exploit gaps in the coast guard's patrols, moving deep into Greek waters and damaging the seabed.

The mayor of Agathonisi, Vangelis Kottoros, has shared photographs of Turkish ships operating dangerously close to the shoreline. Fishermen in the region, including those from Samos, Agathonisi, Leipsoi, and the Imia islets, describe Turkish trawlers sweeping through the Aegean, often equipped with shotguns. Michalis Pouliezos, representing Patmos fishermen, notes that modernized Turkish fleets, backed by foreign investment, are increasingly dominating the area. Greek fishermen face strict penalties for overstepping boundaries, while Turkish boats often evade detection by disabling their tracking systems. This ongoing dispute highlights the tensions and challenges in maritime resource management in the Aegean. 🐟🌊🇹🇷🇬🇷

Europe’s ‘century of humiliation’ could be just beginning

In 1842, following its defeat in the First Opium War, the Qing dynasty was compelled to sign a treaty with Britain, marking the beginning of over a century of foreign domination and unequal trade policies. This treaty, the first of many "unequal treaties," exemplified how a militarily and technologically superior power could impose one-sided terms to address its trade imbalances. Today, the European Union finds itself in a strikingly similar position, grappling with the challenges posed by a dominant global power seeking to redress its trade deficits through unilateral measures. This historical parallel underscores the EU's current struggle to maintain its economic sovereignty and fair trade practices in the face of external pressures. 🌍💼

France must choose between my government or ‘chaos,’ PM Bayrou says

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has issued a stark warning to voters, urging them to support his government to avoid political turmoil and economic catastrophe. In his first public address since announcing a crucial confidence vote scheduled for September 8, Bayrou emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the French people have just 13 days to choose between "chaos" and "conscience and responsibility." Speaking at an event hosted by the CFDT, one of France's largest trade unions, Bayrou vowed that his government would not shirk its duties. The upcoming vote is seen as a pivotal moment for France, with the potential to shape the country's political and economic future. 🇫🇷🏛️