Newsflash

Russia preparing 'decisive breakthrough' near Pokrovsk, Ukrainian military says

In the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russian forces are intensifying their efforts near the city of Pokrovsk, aiming for a "decisive breakthrough" in the region. The Ukrainian military reports that Russia has deployed experienced marine units to the area, employing tactics such as small group infiltrations and increased assaults using armored and motorized vehicles. The primary goal is to approach Ukrainian defensive positions, disperse forces, and expand the "gray zone"—a contested area between the two sides.

Russian troops are also focusing on severing supply routes and encircling Pokrovsk, while simultaneously reducing airstrikes on frontline positions and intensifying attacks on civilian infrastructure. Nearly all housing in Pokrovsk has been damaged, according to Ukrainian officials. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces maintain control of their defensive positions and have successfully pushed back Russian advances in some areas, including the liberation of several towns in Donetsk Oblast.

The situation in Pokrovsk is part of a broader Russian strategy to capture the Pokrovsk-Kramatorsk-Sloviansk area, with intensified ground offensives in eastern Ukraine. However, the pace of Russia's advance has slowed, and Ukrainian forces continue to resist and regain territory. The conflict remains fluid and intense, with both sides vying for control in this critical region. 🇺🇦💥

Russia airdrops fake banknotes in Ukraine, seeking collaborators

In a brazen attempt to sow discord and gather intelligence, Russian forces dropped leaflets disguised as 100-hryvnia bills over the northeastern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. The leaflets, distributed by a drone, offered real money in exchange for information on the location and movements of Ukrainian military forces. Local authorities quickly issued a warning to residents, emphasizing the criminal penalties for aiding the enemy and disseminating sensitive information.

Chernihiv, situated just 80 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Throughout the conflict, Russian intelligence services have employed various tactics to recruit Ukrainian citizens, including teenagers, to spy on Ukrainian forces or carry out acts of sabotage and arson. These recruitment efforts often involve enticing individuals with financial incentives, delivered through messenger services and other digital platforms. The recent leaflet drop is a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by Russian forces to undermine Ukrainian resistance and exploit vulnerabilities within the population. 💸📜🇺🇦

Ukraine gamifies combat, as soldiers start killing for points and rewards

In the midst of an ongoing conflict heavily influenced by technology, Ukraine has introduced an innovative program to enhance its military capabilities. This initiative, dubbed the "first military Amazon," awards points to drone pilots who successfully engage and destroy targets using remote controllers. Pilots earn points for crashing into designated objectives and uploading footage of their strikes, transforming the battlefield into a high-stakes game with tangible rewards. This gamification of combat reflects a broader trend where technology is reshaping warfare, pushing the boundaries of traditional military strategies. 🎮💥

Russian drone strikes in Zaporizhzhia injure 15, destroy kindergarten

On September 6, Russian forces launched a drone strike on the city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring 15 people. Four individuals were hospitalized, while 11 others received on-site medical treatment. The attack involved at least seven drones, which damaged residential buildings and devastated approximately 80% of a kindergarten. Emergency services were on the scene, successfully rescuing one person from the rubble. This assault occurred amidst ongoing Russian occupation of parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which has endured near-daily aerial and artillery strikes since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. 🏙️💥

Opec+ Plans Oil Production Increase in October

The OPEC+ cartel has decided to boost its oil production, signaling a strategic shift towards expanding market share rather than solely focusing on price stability. The group plans to increase production by 137,000 barrels per day starting in October, bringing its total output to 1.7 million barrels per day. This decision underscores the cartel's new ambition to gain a larger foothold in the global oil market, potentially influencing supply dynamics and market competition. 🛢️💸

Investments of €30 bln are needed by 2030

Greece faces a significant financial challenge in its energy sector, with an estimated €30 billion in investments needed by 2030 to develop new energy production units. This figure, highlighted by National Bank of Greece (NBG) CEO Pavlos Mylonas, does not include additional costs for upgrading homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure. Mylonas emphasized that the transition is not just technical or environmental but also economic and institutional, requiring a broad mobilization of public and private resources, a clear regulatory framework, and viable projects.

The CEO stressed the importance of creating an environment where investments can be properly evaluated, priced, and supported responsibly. As a key financier in Greece's energy sector, NBG is willing to take calculated risks but not unlimited ones. The success of this energy transition hinges on the ability to attract and manage investments effectively, ensuring that the necessary funds are available and that projects are bankable. This ambitious yet crucial undertaking will shape Greece's energy future and its commitment to sustainable development. 💸🏭

Greek trap artist probed for luxury lifestyle via non-profit company

A prominent Greek trap artist is under investigation by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) for allegedly using a non-profit civil company to fund an extravagant lifestyle. Non-profit organizations in Greece enjoy favorable tax treatment, particularly for donations to educational and religious institutions. The artist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was flagged by AADE’s monitoring system after purchasing a €116,000 Swiss luxury watch. An audit revealed that the artist had established a non-profit organization, transferring all intellectual property rights from his record label, valued at over €1 million, to this entity. Instead of using the funds for charitable purposes, the organization was found to be purchasing luxury items such as sports cars, high-end watches, designer bags, and haute couture clothing for the artist’s personal use.

This scheme allowed the artist to access wealth and assets tax-free. Consequently, AADE imposed over €500,000 in taxes and fines. Investigations are ongoing to determine if this case is an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern of tax evasion within the Greek music industry. The probe highlights the need for stricter oversight of non-profit organizations to prevent misuse and ensure compliance with tax laws. 💰🕵️‍♂️

Belgium eyes using army to fight Brussels drug violence

Belgium is on the brink of deploying soldiers to the streets of Brussels to combat a surge in drug-related violence. Security and Home Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin has advocated for this measure, asserting that defending the nation's integrity includes protecting its citizens from internal threats like drug crime. The Belgian capital has witnessed a troubling increase in shootings, with 57 incidents reported this year alone, including 20 during the summer months. Prosecutor Julien Moinil has expressed concern over the escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures. The potential deployment of military personnel underscores the severity of the situation and the government's commitment to restoring public safety in Brussels. 🚔💥

US to rotate tank unit to Estonia, reposition HIMARs training unit in Lithuania

The United States is set to redeploy its HIMARS multiple rocket launcher unit, Task Force Voit, from Estonia to Lithuania. This move follows Estonia's acquisition of six HIMARS systems, which arrived in April and have already undergone testing. The unit, initially deployed to Estonia in 2022, has been instrumental in training the Estonian Defense Forces on the use of these advanced rocket launchers and participating in various military exercises. In exchange for the redeployment of the HIMARS unit, a U.S. tank unit will be rotated into Estonia, maintaining a strong American military presence in the region. This strategic shift underscores the ongoing commitment to bolstering NATO's eastern flank and enhancing regional security. 🇱🇹🇪🇪🇺🇸💥

Protests erupt in Athens and Thessaloniki over Tempe tragedy and workers’ rights

Protests have erupted in Athens and Thessaloniki, driven by outrage over the 2023 Tempe train disaster and broader labor issues. Demonstrators, including victims' relatives, unions, student groups, and leftist organizations, are demanding accountability, higher wages, affordable housing, stronger labor protections, and collective labor agreements. In Athens, protesters gathered at Syntagma Square, prompting the closure of a metro station and increased police presence. Maria Karystianou, head of the Tempe victims’ association, condemned the closure of the official investigation as "immoral and dishonorable."

Meanwhile, in Thessaloniki, families of Tempe victims rallied near the memorial site, and union groups marched across the city. Authorities deployed over 3,000 police officers to secure the Thessaloniki International Fair and manage protests, closing six metro stations and imposing traffic restrictions. Union leaders criticized the government’s handling of wages, inflation, housing, and workplace protections, with Workers’ Union President Christos Panagopoulos denouncing a proposed labor law that could extend workdays to 13 hours as an attack on workers’ rights. The protests underscore growing public frustration with labor policies and the government's response to the Tempe tragedy. 🚇💥🏢

Ukraine detains fugitive lawmaker suspected of collaboration with Russia

Ukrainian authorities have detained a fugitive lawmaker, identified as Fedir Khrystenko, who is accused of treason and collaborating with Russian intelligence. Khrystenko, a former member of the banned pro-Russian party Opposition Platform — For Life, is suspected of establishing an "influence mechanism" within Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to benefit Russia. He was recruited by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) before the full-scale invasion in 2022 and continued his alleged activities from abroad, residing in Warsaw, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Khrystenko was reportedly detained in Ukraine, although the circumstances of his arrest remain unclear. Some sources suggest he was "handed over" to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) based on a political agreement, rather than through an official extradition process. He was brought before a court on September 6 and is currently in custody as the investigation continues. Khrystenko is believed to have been a key figure in strengthening Russian influence over NABU and maintained close ties with senior officials in the bureau.

The detention comes amid escalating tensions between the SBU and NABU, Ukraine's chief anti-corruption agency. The two agencies have been exchanging accusations and launching probes against each other's officials. Recently, NABU charged a senior SBU official with illicit enrichment, while the SBU raided NABU offices and accused some employees of links to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky's lawmakers briefly passed a law dismantling the independence of NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Office (SAPO), but the changes were reversed following public protests and international pressure. The SBU had reportedly attempted to contact Khrystenko in Dubai to obtain testimony against NABU employees as part of their investigation into alleged Russian influence. 🕵️‍♂️🇺🇦🇷🇺

Over 50 Killed in Boko Haram Attack in Northeastern Nigeria

In northeastern Nigeria, a recent attack near the border with Cameroon resulted in numerous civilian casualties, many of whom had returned to their hometowns after living in internally displaced persons camps. The area is controlled by Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist movement responsible for the attack. This region has seen a surge in violence, with nearly 300 jihadist attacks in the first half of the year, primarily carried out by the rival extremist group Iswap, resulting in at least 500 deaths. Iswap has also reportedly destroyed 17 military bases during this period. The escalating violence is partly attributed to Niger's withdrawal from the anti-terrorist force G5 Sahel in 2023, which has weakened regional security efforts.

Boko Haram has been spreading terror in the region since 2009, aiming to establish a caliphate. The conflict has claimed around 40,000 civilian lives and displaced over two million people, according to UN figures. Despite the ongoing violence, Nigeria's government has been closing internal camps and encouraging refugees to return home, a campaign that has put many civilians in harm's way. The situation remains volatile, with extremist groups continuing to pose a significant threat to the region's stability and security. 🇳🇬💥

Israel tells Gaza City residents to flee as it steps up attacks

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to a designated humanitarian zone in the south of the Gaza Strip, as Israeli military operations intensify. The IDF confirmed a strike on a high-rise building in Gaza City, asserting that the structure housed intelligence equipment and observation posts used to monitor Israeli troop movements. The IDF claimed that precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm. However, residents reported to France 24 that the building was primarily residential, sheltering displaced individuals. This attack follows a previous strike on another high-rise building in the area, indicating a escalating military campaign in Gaza City. 🏙️💥

Plastic fees collected, promises unkept: Greece lags in recycling

Greece has been collecting an environmental fee on plastic bags since 2018, amassing around €61 million. However, only a fraction, €4 million, has been allocated to awareness campaigns, with the rest entangled in bureaucratic processes. Despite the revenue, plastic bag consumption has increased, with usage rising from 83 bags per person in 2022 to 95 in 2023, far exceeding the EU's target of fewer than 40 bags per person by 2025.

A more ambitious recycling initiative, a deposit-return system for plastic bottles and cans, has faced significant delays. Initially announced in 2021, the system, which adds a 10-cent surcharge refunded upon return, has been repeatedly postponed. Originally slated for 2022, then 2023, and later 2024, it is now tentatively scheduled for December 2025, though even this date is uncertain. The implementation challenges include setting up return points, managing logistics, and navigating Greece's unique geography, including numerous islands and seasonal tourist fluctuations. As a result, Greece discards 2 billion recyclable plastic bottles annually, highlighting the gap between policy and practice. Until the deposit-return system is effectively implemented, consumers will continue to pay environmental fees, and recycling will remain an unfulfilled promise. 🗑️💸

Fico says Putin interested in meeting Zelensky outside Moscow, as Russian leader contradicts

In a recent development, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed interest in meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside of Moscow. This statement came after Fico's meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in China. Fico mentioned that Putin was open to meeting Zelensky "anywhere else" but Moscow, and that Zelensky had also shown interest in such a meeting during Fico's visit to Ukraine.

However, Putin's stance appears inconsistent. Just a day after his meeting with Fico, Putin invited Zelensky to Moscow for a meeting, only to later state that he saw little point in such a meeting. This back-and-forth has occurred as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, with Putin repeatedly refusing to engage in direct, in-person negotiations with Zelensky.

Zelensky, for his part, has dismissed the idea of meeting in Moscow, suggesting instead that Putin come to Kyiv. He emphasized that he cannot travel to Moscow while Ukraine is under constant attack. The meeting between the two leaders is seen as a crucial step towards ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has been raging for three and a half years. Despite efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and other international figures to facilitate such a meeting, progress has been elusive. Potential host countries for the meeting have included Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, and Hungary, but no concrete plans have materialized. 🇷🇺🇺🇦🤝

UK's Starmer reshuffles top team to restore authority after Rayner blow

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has undertaken a significant reshuffle of his top team, aiming to reassert his authority following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner. The reshuffle includes the appointment of new deputy, foreign, and interior ministers. Rayner's resignation came after Britain's independent adviser determined that she had violated the ministerial code by failing to pay the correct tax, leaving Starmer with little choice but to accept her departure. This shake-up is seen as a strategic move to bolster Starmer's leadership and restore public confidence in his government. 🇬🇧🔄

Clashes break out in Athens after Tempe train disaster rally

Violent clashes erupted in central Athens on a Saturday evening following a rally at Syntagma Square, which marked the conclusion of the investigation into the Tempe train disaster. The unrest began when a group of individuals threw Molotov cocktails near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, prompting a swift response from riot police. Authorities used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, leading to two arrests: a 20-year-old with five incendiary devices, a full-face mask, and gloves, and a 17-year-old carrying a bus emergency hammer. Prior to the main protest, police had already made 20 temporary detentions as part of routine security checks. The incidents underscore the heightened tensions and emotions surrounding the tragic train disaster. 🇬🇷🔥

Chicago Leaders Condemn Trump's Threats as "Repulsive"

In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric and policy, former President Donald Trump is preparing to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, a move he has repeatedly threatened. Trump has intensified his language, referring to Chicago as a "crime-ravaged 'hell'" and suggesting that the U.S. Department of Defense be renamed the Department of War. This aggressive stance has drawn sharp criticism from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who described Trump's words as "repulsive" and a threat to American democracy.

Trump's plans include a significant operation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, aiming to deport undocumented migrants in Chicago. The operation is likened to a military campaign, with references to the film "Apocalypse Now" and a provocative statement: "I love the smell of deportations in the morning." This rhetoric has sparked fears of a potential occupation of Chicago, with Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson warning against what they see as an assault on constitutional rights and democratic principles.

Trump's strategy mirrors previous actions in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., which sparked massive protests and legal challenges. A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that the operation in Los Angeles violated laws prohibiting the use of the military in domestic policing. Since June, ICE has conducted large-scale raids, arresting thousands of migrants, including a record 500 individuals, mostly South Koreans, at a Hyundai factory in Georgia. The impending operation in Chicago is expected to follow a similar pattern, raising concerns about civil liberties and the rule of law. The situation in Chicago is tense, with local leaders vowing to defend their city and its residents against what they perceive as an authoritarian overreach. 🇺🇸🚨

French counter-espionage memo alerts defense companies on spying by Russia

French counter-espionage authorities have issued a warning to defense companies, urging vigilance against potential foreign spying, with a particular focus on Russian activities. The memo, sent this week, advises employers to be wary of several indicators, including employees entering new romantic relationships, especially with foreigners. This heightened alert comes amid growing concerns over national security and the increasing sophistication of espionage tactics employed by foreign powers. Companies are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities. 🕵️‍♂️🇷🇺

SDP chair: Recognising Palestine essential part of peace process

Finland's main opposition party, the Social Democrats (SDP), has criticized the government's approach to recognizing Palestine, urging a more decisive stance. SDP leader Antti Lindtman emphasized the need for Finland to actively contribute to ending the conflict in the Middle East. The government, led by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, is set to sign a French- and Saudi-led declaration on Palestine but remains divided, with coalition partners the Finns Party and the Christian Democrats expressing dissent.

Lindtman views Finland's potential endorsement of the declaration as a positive step towards recognizing Palestine and supporting a two-state solution. However, he argues that the government's internal disagreements send an unclear message, especially amid the ongoing suffering in Gaza. He believes Finland should seize this opportunity to demonstrate consistent and principled foreign policy, including evacuating injured children from Gaza for medical treatment. The SDP has threatened to challenge the government with an interpellation if Finland does not sign the declaration, underscoring the urgency of the matter. 🇫🇮🇵🇸✍️