Newsflash

Musk calls for new UK government at far-right rally in London

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and X, sparked controversy by calling for the "dissolution of parliament" and a change of government in the U.K. during a far-right rally in London. Speaking to thousands via video link, Musk addressed a "unite the kingdom" demonstration organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Musk warned the audience that "violence is coming" and urged them to "fight back" against what he termed the "woke mindset," stating bluntly, "You either fight back or you die." His remarks have ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern over the influence of extremist ideologies in mainstream politics. 🇬🇧💥

Georgia arrests opposition leader amid crackdown on pro-EU voices

Georgian authorities have arrested Levan Khabeishvili, the leader of the country's largest opposition party, amid a crackdown on pro-European Union voices. The arrest follows Khabeishvili's call for a "peaceful revolution" ahead of upcoming municipal elections. This move comes as part of a broader effort to suppress dissent, with ongoing street protests challenging the legitimacy of a disputed election last October and the government's decision to suspend EU accession talks. The arrest underscores the escalating tensions between the Georgian government and pro-EU opposition figures, as the political climate in the country grows increasingly volatile. 🇬🇪🏛️

Ukraine destroys $40 million Russian Buk air defense system, military intelligence says

Ukrainian special forces have successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The Buk-M3, valued between $40-$50 million, is a critical component of Russia's air defense arsenal, capable of engaging aerial, ground, and naval targets. The strike occurred near Oleksandrivka, a town in the Melitopol district, according to Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR). The Buk-M3, produced by Russia's Almaz-Antey defense company, is the latest iteration of the Soviet-era Buk system, known for its ability to track and engage up to 36 targets simultaneously. This system can effectively counter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. The Buk system gained international notoriety in 2014 when it was used to down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. Ukraine has previously reported the destruction of Russian Buk systems in other strikes, highlighting their ongoing efforts to neutralize key Russian military assets. 💥🛡️

Ukraine hits Russia's Black Sea Fleet communication hub in occupied Crimea, Navy says

Ukraine's Navy successfully targeted a crucial communications hub of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the occupied city of Sevastopol, Crimea, during an overnight operation on September 11. The communications center, located at the 184th Research and Testing Facility, played a vital role in coordinating the fleet's operations. The attack, which was confirmed by the Ukrainian Navy, is part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian naval activities in the region.

Sevastopol has long served as the primary base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, but repeated Ukrainian strikes using naval drones, missiles, and long-range drones have significantly diminished the fleet's presence. Ukraine's strategic attacks have resulted in the destruction of several key Russian vessels, including the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, the Ivanovets missile corvette, and multiple high-speed landing crafts. This ongoing campaign is part of a broader effort to weaken Russia's naval capabilities in the Black Sea, with recent drone strikes also targeting the fleet's facilities in Novorossiysk, a critical port east of Crimea. 🇺🇦💥🚢

Turkey wary of Israeli threat following airstrike on Hamas in Qatar

An Israeli airstrike on Hamas officials in Qatar has heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel, with Ankara expressing grave concerns about potential future attacks on its territory. Turkey, a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian cause and Hamas, views Israel's actions as part of a broader strategy to create a buffer zone of weakened states around its borders. This concern is amplified by Israel's recent strikes on Iran, Syria, and Yemen, demonstrating its ability to operate with seeming impunity.

Turkey, with its superior military capabilities and NATO membership, is better positioned to defend against Israeli aggression compared to Qatar. However, the strike on Qatar, a close U.S. ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, has raised questions about Israel's willingness to target even its allies. Turkey has responded by bolstering its defenses, increasing missile production, and fast-tracking advanced military projects.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions in Syria, where Turkey and Israel are on a collision course. Both countries have been vying for influence since the fall of Bashar Assad's government, with Turkey supporting the new interim government and Israel viewing it with suspicion. The potential for conflict extends to the eastern Mediterranean, where Israel could align with Greece and Greek Cypriots to challenge Turkey's presence in northern Cyprus.

Turkey is pursuing a dual strategy of military deterrence and diplomacy to manage the escalating tensions. It has engaged in talks with Israel to establish a de-escalation mechanism in Syria and has provided military training and advice to Syria's armed forces. Additionally, Turkey is hoping that the U.S. will take a firm stance against any Israeli military incursions, although the strike on Qatar has shown that strong relations with Washington do not guarantee protection from Israeli actions. The situation remains volatile, with both countries navigating a complex web of regional alliances and rivalries. 🇹🇷🇮🇱⚔️

Ukrainian drones strike major Russian oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, governor says

Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone strike on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad Oblast overnight. The refinery, one of Russia's largest, processes over 17 million tons of oil annually and is a crucial component of the country's energy infrastructure. Russian air defenses managed to intercept three drones, but debris from one downed drone ignited a fire at the refinery, which was later extinguished without any casualties. The attack comes amidst a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities, including a previous strike on the same refinery in March and a recent drone assault on the Primorsk oil port, which temporarily halted oil shipments. Ukraine views these refineries as legitimate military targets, as they support Russia's ongoing war efforts. The strike on the Kirishi refinery, located over 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, underscores Ukraine's ability to conduct deep strikes within Russian territory. 🛢️💥🇷🇺

Ukraine behind attack on Russian railway logistics, undermining offensive capabilities, military intelligence source claims

Ukrainian forces have reportedly conducted a significant operation to disrupt Russian railway logistics, a move aimed at hampering Russia's offensive capabilities. On September 13, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) and Special Operations Forces (SSO) executed a complex operation that targeted the Oryol-Kursk railway line in Russia. This critical supply route supports Russian forces operating in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions. The operation involved placing unidentified mines on the Maloarkhangelsk-Glazunovka section, which detonated during a demining effort by the Russian National Guard, killing two soldiers and injuring another. The explosion halted train service in the area, confirming the incident.

In a separate incident overnight on September 14, another explosion targeted the Saint Petersburg-Pskov railway line near the Stroganovo-Mshinskaya section. This attack derailed a locomotive and destroyed 15 fuel tankers filled with fuel. The disruptions to these rail lines are expected to create serious logistical challenges for Russia, significantly impacting its ability to conduct offensive operations against Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian forces and pro-Ukrainian partisan groups have consistently targeted Russian railway and energy infrastructure through sabotage operations and drone strikes, aiming to degrade Russia's logistical capabilities and supply chains. 🚂💥

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones strike major Russian oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, chemical plant in Perm Krai

Ukrainian forces have intensified their strikes on strategic Russian targets, demonstrating their ability to project power deep into Russian territory. On September 14, Ukrainian drones successfully attacked the Kirishi oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, one of Russia's largest refineries, causing a significant fire that was later extinguished. The refinery, located over 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, processes approximately 17.7 million metric tons of oil annually, making it a critical asset for Russia's energy sector.

In another significant strike, a Ukrainian drone hit the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai, over 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The attack reportedly damaged equipment used in urea production, which has both agricultural and military applications. The plant, located in the city of Gubakha, has been sanctioned by the U.K. and Ukraine.

Additionally, Ukraine targeted a communications hub of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in occupied Crimea, disrupting the fleet's operational capabilities. This attack is part of a broader campaign to degrade Russian naval power in the Black Sea, following previous strikes on fleet facilities in Novorossiysk.

Ukraine also claimed responsibility for disrupting Russian railway logistics, targeting critical supply routes used by Russian forces. An operation on the Oryol-Kursk railway line resulted in the deaths of two Russian National Guard members and halted train service in the area. Another attack on the Saint Petersburg-Pskov railway line derailed a locomotive and destroyed fuel tankers, further hampering Russian logistical efforts.

In response to escalating Russian drone activity, Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets to intercept a drone that breached its airspace, while Poland temporarily closed Lublin Airport due to renewed threats. These incidents highlight the growing tensions and potential for broader conflict as Russian drones increasingly venture into NATO territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's actions, describing them as deliberate attempts to expand the war. 🇺🇦💥

Romania Summons Russian Ambassador Over Drone Airspace Violation

In a recent escalation of tensions, several Russian drones violated Polish airspace, prompting a strong response from both the EU and NATO. The incident, which occurred just days after a similar breach, has been described by Poland's foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, as a deliberate test of NATO's readiness. Despite the drones being unarmed, the intrusion is seen as a calculated move by Russia to probe the alliance's defenses without provoking a full-scale conflict. The EU and NATO have vowed to enhance their presence in Eastern Europe in response to this new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area. Russia, however, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it did not violate Polish airspace. This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for heightened vigilance in the region. 🛩️🌍

Starmer Condemns Violence and Racism After London Protest

On Saturday, approximately 150,000 people participated in a demonstration organized by right-wing extremist activist Tommy Robinson, under the banner "Unite the Kingdom." Concurrently, around 5,000 individuals gathered for an anti-racist counter-protest. The day began peacefully, but tensions escalated in the late afternoon, leading to clashes between the two groups. Twenty-six police officers were injured, with four suffering serious injuries as they attempted to maintain order. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, asserting that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, attacks on law enforcement and intimidation based on background or skin color are unacceptable. He emphasized that the national flag represents the country's diversity and will not be co-opted by those promoting violence and division. In response to the disturbances, 24 arrests were made, with police expecting more arrests as investigations continue. 🇬🇧🚔

Trump Urges Israel to Be Cautious After Qatar Attack

Israel conducted a strike on a building complex in Doha, Qatar, resulting in the deaths of five Hamas members and one Qatari citizen. The attack has drawn strong condemnation from Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin al-Thani, who labeled it "state terrorism." The incident has also raised concerns in Washington, with former U.S. President Donald Trump urging Israel to exercise caution. Trump acknowledged the need to address Hamas but emphasized Qatar's importance as a U.S. ally, advising that any military actions should be conducted with care. The attack is set to be a focal point at an upcoming summit of Arab leaders, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is concurrently visiting Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the strike, asserting that targeting Hamas leaders could expedite an end to the ongoing conflict. 🇮🇱🇶🇺🇸

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

The Tour of Spain, a prestigious cycling event, faced significant disruptions due to large-scale pro-Palestinian protests. The demonstrations were sparked by the participation of the Israeli team, Israel-Premier Tech, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protests led to rerouted and shortened stages, as well as several crashes during the competition.

The final stage in Madrid saw thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets, pushing down barriers, entering the cycling route, and blocking roads. Smoke bombs were also set off, causing chaos and leading to clashes between protesters and police. Despite the deployment of 1,100 police officers by Spanish authorities, the protests were too extensive to control, prompting organizers to interrupt the final stage.

As a result of the disruptions, Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, riding for Visma, was declared the winner of the Tour of Spain, marking the first time a Dane has won the competition. However, the uncertainty surrounding the protests makes it unclear whether a victory ceremony can be held. The protests highlight the intersection of sports and politics, as well as the challenges of maintaining public order during high-profile events. 🚴‍♂️🇪🇸🇮🇱🇵🇸💥

Afghans deported to Taliban-run home country struggle to start over

Afghans forcibly returned to their home country face severe challenges in rebuilding their lives under Taliban rule, particularly women and former government officials. Since the start of the year, over 2 million Afghans have been repatriated from neighboring countries, often under duress. Many returnees have never lived in Afghanistan or have sold assets to escape, leaving them with no means to restart their lives. Women are denied access to higher education and most jobs, while former officials and activists fear persecution. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been assisting returnees, but aid efforts are hindered by donor restrictions and the Taliban's refusal to recognize the UN's work. Despite these obstacles, aid groups can now reach every province, and overall security has improved. Most deportations come from Pakistan and Iran, with Turkey also regularly sending Afghans back. Germany has deported only a few convicted men and plans to increase deportations, despite Afghanistan being the main country of origin for asylum seekers. The situation remains complex, with limited resources and dangers of flight leading mostly young men to attempt the journey. 🇦🇫🛬️

Trump calls on NATO members to stop purchasing Russian oil

President Donald Trump has called for a significant shift in NATO's energy policies to pressure Russia over its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Trump suggested that if all NATO countries ceased purchasing Russian oil and imposed substantial tariffs on China for its Russian petroleum imports, the war could be brought to an end. This proposal comes amidst growing concerns over Europe's energy dependence on Russia, with Turkey notably being one of the largest buyers of Russian oil among NATO members since 2023, trailing only China and India. The move aims to economically isolate Russia and compel it to negotiate a resolution to the conflict. 🛢️🇷🇺🇺🇦

Germany edges Turkey to win EuroBasket 2025

In an intense and thrilling final held in Riga, Germany emerged victorious at EuroBasket 2025, securing an 88-83 win over Turkey. Both teams entered the championship match undefeated, with Turkey having dominated Greece in the semifinal and Germany confidently defeating Finland. The game remained closely contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a significant lead.

Turkey's Alperen Şengün was a standout performer, scoring 28 points and contributing significantly on both ends of the court. However, it was Germany's balanced approach—efficient scoring, strong defense, and minimal turnovers—that ultimately proved decisive. Dennis Schröder played a pivotal role for Germany, particularly in the crucial final moments, with a key turnaround jumper that helped seal the victory.

With less than a minute remaining, Turkey trailed by just a point or two. Şengün had opportunities to tie or win the game but missed two critical shots. Germany capitalized on the missed chances, extending their lead through free throws and securing the win as Turkey failed to convert on their final possession. This victory marks Germany's second EuroBasket championship title, their first since 1993, and Turkey's first final appearance away from home in a EuroBasket tournament. Schröder was named the tournament MVP, highlighting his exceptional performance throughout the competition. 🏀🏆

Migration inflow rising, 578 arrivals to Gavdos in 24 hours

In a significant surge of migration, 578 migrants arrived on Gavdos, Greece’s southernmost island, within a 24-hour period, aboard nine boats. This influx brings the total number of migrants in the region to 1,139, including those already housed at a temporary facility in Agia, near Hania. The rapid increase has led local authorities to urgently request transfers to closed facilities on the mainland.

The situation on Gavdos is dire, with over 450 migrants spending the night before being gradually transferred to Hora Sfakion on Crete’s southern coast and then to Agia. The Agia facility, currently housing 561 migrants, is reported to be overcrowded, leading to dangerous and unacceptable conditions, according to the union of Coast Guard workers. Tensions and incidents at the facility have further exacerbated the situation.

Despite stricter migration policies, the flow of migrants to Crete has increased by 310% this year. In response, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has issued a new directive that replaces the term "irregular migration" with "illegal migration" in official documents. The directive also allows for the detention of rejected asylum seekers for up to 24 months and imposes prison terms of two to five years for those found illegally residing in the country. The escalating migrant crisis in Greece underscores the urgent need for effective management and humanitarian support. 🛳️🇬🇷

Commission determined on the GSI

The European Commission, under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen, has unveiled ambitious plans to tackle critical energy bottlenecks across Europe. Central to this initiative is the "Energy Highways" project, which aims to accelerate infrastructure developments that alleviate congestion and enhance energy security. Among the eight priority projects is the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), which seeks to link Cyprus to Greece, thereby ending Cyprus’ electricity isolation and integrating it into the continental grid. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s energy infrastructure, with other key projects including the integration of the Iberian Peninsula with France, enhanced energy links among the Baltic states, and the development of hydrogen corridors connecting the North Sea to the Mediterranean. The Commission will collaborate with governments and utility operators to expedite these projects, ensuring a more resilient and interconnected energy network across the continent. 🏙️💡

US missile destroyer arrives in Finland as Nato beefs up eastern flank

The USS Bainbridge, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, has arrived in Helsinki for a port visit, as announced by the Finnish Navy. The ship's visit coincides with NATO's Eastern Sentry operation, aimed at bolstering the alliance's eastern border in response to recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. The operation includes Finland, which shares the longest border with Russia among NATO members. The USS Bainbridge, known for its anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities, docked at the Hernesaari quay on Sunday morning and is scheduled to depart on Thursday. The ship, which has a crew of approximately 330, is not open to the public during its stay in Helsinki.

The USS Bainbridge gained fame for its role in the 2009 rescue of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama, which was hijacked by Somali pirates. The successful operation, depicted in the 2013 film "Captain Phillips," starring Tom Hanks, earned six Oscar nominations. The ship, commissioned in 2005 and based in Norfolk, Virginia, previously served as the flagship of NATO's Maritime Group 1, which included Finnish Navy vessels in its Baltic Sea operations. The destroyer's advanced AN/SPY-1 radar system allows it to track over 100 aerial targets simultaneously, enhancing its strategic capabilities. 🚢🇫🇮🇺🇸

The politics of public space

The recent dispute between the Municipality of Athens and the Ministry of Tourism over antisemitic graffiti in the city reflects a deeper clash of cultural perspectives and political agendas. At the heart of the issue is the differing views on the acceptability of graffiti in public spaces, rather than the content of the graffiti itself. Mayor Haris Doukas has expressed sympathy for urban disorder, equating graffiti with art and disregarding its illegal and anti-democratic nature. This stance aligns with a political strategy to appease those who use public spaces for political expression, often to the detriment of legal and aesthetic standards.

The mayor's approach is not driven by a genuine appreciation for liberal expression but rather by a calculated agenda to support specific political factions. This tolerance for vandalism creates an environment where propaganda can flourish, normalizing hateful messages and distorting public perception. The prevalence of antisemitic slogans in Athens is not accidental; it reflects a broader trend of using public spaces to perpetuate hatred and prejudice. The city's failure to address this issue not only fuels antisemitism but also sets a dangerous precedent for future racist persecution. The need for clear distinctions between supportive and hateful messages is crucial, as is the recognition that unregulated graffiti can have severe consequences beyond mere aesthetics. 🏙️🚫🇮🇱

Massive Ankara Protest Backs Turkish Opposition Amid Court Case

In a fiery speech to demonstrators in the capital, Özgür Özel, leader of the opposition party CHP, accused the ruling government of orchestrating a "judicial coup" to undermine democracy. Özel asserted that the government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, fears losing elections under fair conditions and is resorting to undemocratic means to maintain power. The CHP leader's remarks come ahead of a court hearing set for Monday, which aims to annul the results of the party's recent leadership election, citing alleged electoral fraud. Critics view the trial as politically motivated, designed to weaken the CHP, which has gained significant momentum, notably winning big in the 2024 local elections against Erdogan's AKP.

Throughout the year, numerous CHP mayors, including Istanbul's Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent figure and Erdogan's main political rival, have been arrested on corruption charges. The CHP sees these arrests as a strategic move to cripple the opposition, a claim the government vehemently denies. The ongoing political tension highlights the deepening divide between the ruling party and the opposition, with the CHP accusing the government of employing authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent and maintain control. 🇹🇷🏛️