Newsflash

3 Russian Mi-8 helicopters, radar station destroyed in occupied Crimea, Ukraine's HUR says

Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) has reported a significant blow to Russian military capabilities in occupied Crimea, successfully destroying three Mi-8 helicopters and a radar station. The Mi-8 helicopters, versatile in transport, reconnaissance, and combat support roles, are crucial assets for Russian operations. The radar station, identified as the 55Zh6U Nebo-U, is a mobile early-warning system capable of detecting stealth aircraft and cruise missiles over long distances, providing vital data for surface-to-air missile systems.

The strike underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to degrade Russian military infrastructure in Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014. This operation follows previous successful attacks on Russian targets in the region, including radar stations and military vessels. The exact location of the strike was not disclosed by HUR, maintaining operational security. These actions highlight Ukraine's strategic focus on weakening Russian military presence and capabilities in the annexed territory. 🇺🇦🚁📡

Trump Commits to Defend Poland and Baltics Against Russian Threat

President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States will defend Poland and the Baltic countries in the event of increased Russian aggression. This declaration comes in the wake of recent Russian violations of Estonian airspace, where a Mig-31 combat aircraft intruded for twelve minutes. Earlier in September, over 20 Russian drones had breached Polish airspace, prompting NATO planes to shoot them down. When questioned about potential U.S. support for EU countries facing heightened Russian hostilities, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would indeed provide assistance. This stance underscores the U.S.'s commitment to NATO allies and its readiness to counter Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🛬️

High-stakes autumn for Ukraine | Ukraine This Week

As Ukraine braces for a pivotal autumn, the geopolitical landscape is fraught with tension and high stakes. The recent incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace marked a significant escalation, drawing NATO into direct military engagement with Russia on its own soil for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This development underscores the urgent need for a strategic response from both Ukraine and its international allies.

Ukraine faces a multifaceted challenge, not only on the battlefield but also in the realm of information warfare. The country is actively combating Russian propaganda, which seeks to distort Ukrainian history and undermine national unity. Efforts to counter these narratives are crucial for maintaining public morale and international support.

On the ground, Ukrainian commanders express optimism that the country's resilience and strategic prowess can compel Russia to seek peace. Meanwhile, renowned artist Ai Weiwei recently visited Ukraine, highlighting the human impact of the conflict through his artistic lens. His exploration trip shed light on the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people amidst the devastation.

A poignant documentary, "Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics," delves into the often-overlooked struggles of Ukrainian military medics. Followed by journalists Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko, the film captures the medics' journey from the frontlines of war-torn Ukraine to a peaceful retreat in Sweden. This mental health respite offers a glimpse into the profound emotional and psychological toll of war, emphasizing the need for support and healing for those on the frontlines. 🇺🇦🩺

Ukrainian drones strike resort in occupied Crimea near Russian state dachas, Kremlin proxy says

Ukrainian drones conducted a strike on the Foros resort in Russian-occupied Crimea on the evening of September 21, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The attack targeted the Foros Sanatorium, a luxury resort situated near four Russian state dachas, which are country homes of Russia's political elite. The head of the illegal occupation government, Sergey Aksyonov, reported that several facilities at the resort were damaged, including a nearby village school. Debris from downed drones ignited a grass fire near the city of Yalta. The strike reportedly killed three people and injured 16, with the attack occurring at 7:30 p.m. Moscow time using drones equipped with high-explosive warheads.

The Foros resort, purchased in 2016 by the Federation of Trade Unions of Tatarstan with financial backing from Russian businesses, including the oil company Tatneft, is believed to be a favored vacation spot for Russian President Vladimir Putin and is reportedly linked to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The resort's restaurant was reportedly closed for a special service on the day of the attack, fueling speculation about the presence of high-profile individuals. Russia has maintained illegal occupation of Crimea since 2014, transforming the peninsula into a heavily militarized stronghold to support its ongoing war against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted the peninsula with missiles and drones since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. 🇺🇦💥

NATO was ready to 'use force' against Russia, Estonia says after airspace incursion

NATO's readiness to counter Russian aggression was underscored by Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur following a recent airspace incursion. On September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland, remaining for 12 minutes before departing. Estonia, which maintains that the jets crossed without permission, invoked NATO's Article 4, triggering consultations among allies. Pevkur asserted that NATO demonstrated efficiency and a willingness to use force if necessary, highlighting the alliance's preparedness to defend its members.

Russia's actions are seen as an attempt to divert Western attention from Ukraine and focus on internal security concerns. This incident occurred amid heightened tensions along NATO's eastern flank. On the same day, Poland reported Russian jets entering the security zone around a Baltic Sea drilling platform. Earlier, Poland had shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, marking the first direct NATO engagement against Russian military assets over alliance territory. Romania also reported a similar breach, scrambling F-16s to intercept a Russian drone.

In response to these provocations, NATO launched the Eastern Sentry mission to bolster defenses. Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized the need for a united and firm response from the alliance, including potential military action. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia aims to weaken NATO's resolve to support Ukraine with additional air defense systems. These incidents underscore the escalating tensions and the critical role of NATO in maintaining regional security. 🛬️🇪🇪🇷🇺

UN Security Council to meet over Russian fighter jets violating Estonian airspace

The United Nations Security Council is set to convene on September 22 to address a recent incident where three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The jets remained in Estonian territory for 12 minutes before departing, an act that Estonia's Foreign Ministry condemned as a "blatant, reckless, and flagrant violation." The ministry emphasized that this incident is part of Russia's ongoing efforts to escalate regional and global tensions, particularly in light of its aggression against Ukraine. This is the first time in over three decades that Estonia has requested an emergency Security Council meeting.

Ukraine has also expressed support for Estonia, calling for a strong and united international response to Russia's actions. The Security Council had previously convened an emergency meeting after Russian drones breached Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine, leading to NATO's Eastern Sentry operation to reinforce defenses along its eastern border. Since then, there have been several other provocations in NATO airspace, including incidents in Romania and Poland. Both Estonia and Poland have invoked NATO's Article 4, seeking consultations with member states to address these security threats. The upcoming meeting aims to address these escalating tensions and Russia's repeated violations of international law. 🛩️🌍

Cyberattack bring chaos to airports: Who is behind this outage?

A suspected cyberattack has caused significant disruptions at major international airports across Europe, including London’s Heathrow and Berlin’s Brandenburg. The attack targeted check-in systems, resulting in widespread cancellations and delays for thousands of passengers. The outage has led to chaos at these key transportation hubs, with travelers facing uncertainty and frustration. The exact perpetrators behind the attack remain unknown, but the incident underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Authorities and aviation experts are working to restore normal operations and enhance security measures to prevent future incidents. 🛬️💻🚨

Three Dead in Ukrainian Drone Attack on Crimea

A Ukrainian drone strike on the Crimean Peninsula resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 16 others, according to Sergey Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed governor. The attack targeted the tourist destination of Foros, causing damage to a hospital and a school building. Additionally, debris from the downed drone ignited a fire in the coastal town of Yalta. The Crimean Peninsula has been under Russian control since its illegal annexation in 2014. 🇷🇺🇺🇦💥

Greece emerging as critical energy hub in Eastern Mediterranean

Greece is rapidly becoming a pivotal energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, with significant support from the United States. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, highlighted Greece's strategic importance in advancing American energy and security interests in the region. The Revithoussa LNG Terminal, which receives a substantial amount of its LNG from the U.S., is a testament to this growing partnership. This collaboration is crucial for Europe's energy security, helping to reduce dependence on Russian gas and strengthen regional stability alongside allies like Israel and Cyprus.

Greece's strong capabilities in shipbuilding and the maritime sector present further opportunities for U.S.-Greek cooperation. The country's strategic location and pro-investment policies make it an attractive destination for international investments, particularly from the United States. Discussions with Greek ministers have indicated a strong potential for collaborations in the shipping and shipbuilding industries, with Greece's unique position and policies driving this interest.

The U.S. sees Greece as a key partner in counterbalancing China's influence and supporting a secure energy future. The recent expression of interest by Chevron in areas south of Crete underscores this strategic collaboration. However, regional tensions, particularly with Turkey, pose challenges to energy projects. To ensure these projects proceed smoothly, strong diplomatic engagement and sustained support for regional energy cooperation are essential. The U.S. aims to reinforce its long-term and reliable energy leadership in the region, fostering a secure and prosperous energy future for all involved. 🌍🔋

Delayed Investigations of Serious Crimes Against Children Reported

The Swedish police are facing significant challenges in investigating severe crimes against children, with a backlog of over 400 cases where investigations have exceeded a six-month deadline. This delay is causing concern, as guidelines recommend that such cases should be resolved within three months of identifying a suspect, except in very complex situations.

Niclas Andersson, head of investigative activities at the police's National Operational Department, acknowledges that while most delays are justified due to the complexity of the cases, there are instances where the police could have managed the investigations more efficiently. Factors such as inadequate resource allocation and insufficient activity in certain cases contribute to the delays. However, Andersson emphasizes that many investigations involve intricate and challenging aspects that require additional time to resolve. The police are working to address these issues and improve their response to such critical cases. 🕵️‍♂️🕒

Denmark to Announce Timeline for Recognizing Palestinian State

Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has announced a shift in Denmark's stance on recognizing Palestine, aiming to move away from a policy that has effectively given Israel veto power over the decision. Previously, Denmark had tied its recognition of Palestine to the achievement of a negotiated two-state solution. However, Rasmussen now seeks to empower the Palestinian population by placing the decision-making process in their hands, rather than allowing Israel to dictate the terms.

This policy change comes ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Rasmussen is present. By altering its position, Denmark hopes to facilitate progress towards Palestinian self-determination and potentially recognize Palestine in the near future. This move underscores Denmark's commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and advancing the peace process. 🇩🇰🇵🇸

Muriel Penicaud’s world matrix

Muriel Penicaud, a former French labor minister and accomplished photographer, recently visited Athens to participate in the "Applied Greek-French Dialogues," an initiative promoting dialogue between researchers, diplomats, and politicians from Greece and France. During her visit, Penicaud presented her photography exhibition, "Matrix of Worlds," reflecting her lifelong commitment to business, society, and art. She discussed the challenges facing France and Europe, emphasizing the need for reform and cooperation.

Penicaud, who served as France's labor minister from 2017 to 2020, spearheaded significant initiatives such as a major labor law reform and the creation of a gender equality index. She noted that while progress has been made, much work remains to be done, particularly in addressing the economic and technological challenges posed by rapid advancements in AI. Penicaud warned that these changes will disproportionately affect middle-class jobs, threatening social cohesion and democracy.

Reflecting on France's current political and economic turmoil, Penicaud argued that the state budget is unsustainable under the present model of social benefits. She highlighted the need for urgent reform, particularly in the pension system, to ensure the country's long-term financial viability. Penicaud also emphasized the importance of learning from Greece's crisis, noting that while the Greek economy has recovered financially, the social impact has been severe.

To tackle these challenges, Penicaud advocated for greater cooperation between European countries, fostering partnerships and bringing together the continent's best minds. She believed that by working together, Europe can maintain sovereignty over critical sectors like AI and prepare for a rapidly changing world. Penicaud also stressed the importance of investing in education and innovation to keep up with the impact of technological progress on the job market. She noted that the French and Greek tech sectors have much to offer each other, as they share a common heritage and can learn from one another's experiences. 🇫🇷🇬🇷💡

Israeli Drone Attack in Lebanon Kills Children, Sparks Condemnation

On Sunday evening, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed their responsibility for an attack near Bint Jbeil, Lebanon, targeting a "Hizbollah terrorist" allegedly operating near civilians. The strike resulted in the deaths of several innocent civilians, prompting the IDF to express regret and initiate an investigation. The state news agency National News Agency reported that the attack targeted a motorcycle. Lebanon's president condemned the incident as a "massacre," while UNICEF Lebanon expressed outrage, emphasizing the need to protect children from the conflict.

The attack occurred despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Shia militia Hizbollah, which was established in November of the previous year. However, Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, conducting numerous airstrikes in southern Lebanon and even in the capital, Beirut. Additionally, Israel maintains several military outposts in southern Lebanon, contravening the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese military reported that Israel had breached the ceasefire over 4,500 times since the agreement was signed. The ongoing tensions and violations highlight the fragile state of the ceasefire and the persistent risks to civilian populations in the region. 🇮🇱🇱🇧💥

Zelenskyy urges tough sanctions on Russia ahead of Trump meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is advocating for robust sanctions against Russia as he prepares to visit New York this week, where he anticipates a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for "strong sanctions" to hold Moscow accountable for its actions and to compel it to pursue peace. He argued that such measures are crucial to prevent Russia from posing a threat to EU countries. Ukraine continues to face near-daily Russian attacks, with evidence of foreign components in Russian weapons, sourced from Europe, the United States, and Japan. Zelenskyy's push for sanctions underscores the urgent need for international countermeasures to address Russia's aggressive behavior and safeguard European security. 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇺🇸

Britain, Canada, Australia recognize Palestinian statehood

In a significant diplomatic shift, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will officially recognize the State of Palestine. This historic move aligns the UK with several other nations, including France, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which have also recently declared their recognition of a Palestinian state. The decision comes as world leaders gather at the United Nations in New York, and it fulfills a longstanding promise made by Starmer to his Labour Party members. The recognition is aimed at revitalizing hopes for peace and a two-state solution between Palestinians and Israelis. The announcement underscores a growing international consensus on the need for Palestinian statehood and the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. 🇬🇧🇵🇸🇮🇱

PM warns against populism, interests

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed his party’s parliamentary group, emphasizing the need for unity and discipline in the face of upcoming challenges. He highlighted the importance of maintaining internal dialogue while presenting a united front externally, warning of potential threats from populism and special interests seeking to undermine Greece's stability. Mitsotakis underscored the strength of New Democracy, noting its significant lead in polls and its role as the sole party capable of steering the country through turbulent times. He hinted at the party's readiness for future elections, aiming to lead Greece securely into the next decade. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of engaging with local communities and addressing their concerns, while reiterating key policy commitments such as tax relief, support for the middle class, and improvements in foreign policy and defense. He cautioned against arrogance, urging party officials to remain humble and responsive to citizens' needs, particularly in addressing issues like the troubled agricultural payments agency, OPEKEPE. 🇬🇷🗣️

Erdogan says Palestine, US ties and Syria talks on agenda in US trip

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has announced his upcoming trip to the United States, where he plans to address several critical international issues. Erdogan intends to use his platform at the UN General Assembly to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza, advocating for wider recognition of Palestine as a means to advance a two-state solution. In addition to his diplomatic engagements at the UN, Erdogan will meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade and defense industry partnerships. Furthermore, Erdogan has scheduled a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling Turkey’s continued involvement in regional diplomacy and peace efforts. Erdogan's trip underscores Turkey's active role in global politics and its commitment to addressing pressing international challenges. 🇹🇷🇺🇸🇸🇾

European airports getting back online after cyberattack

A Europe-wide technical glitch disrupted air travel across the continent, affecting passenger check-in and boarding systems at major airports. Brussels Airport reported significant cancellations and delays, with nearly one-fifth of Sunday's scheduled departures canceled and passengers facing wait times of up to 90 minutes. Other hubs, including London Heathrow and Dublin, managed to maintain most of their schedules while working to resolve the issue. Dublin Airport anticipated normal operations throughout the day, with ongoing support for airlines dealing with the disruption. Heathrow Airport also reported that the "vast majority of flights" were operating thanks to collaboration with airlines.

Berlin experienced over 70 flight delays by midday, while Münster/Osnabrück Airport redirected its handling systems to internal IT infrastructure to ensure smooth operations. The technical problems stemmed from a software outage at Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, which provides digital and data processing services to the aviation industry. The company is actively working to restore full functionality. The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of the aviation sector to cyberattacks and tech outages, with a 600% increase in cyberattacks reported from 2024 to 2025, according to a Thales report. The aviation industry, a prime target for cyber threats, must enhance its cybersecurity measures to protect against such disruptions. 🛬️💻🔒

Attica accounts for 55% of Greek exports

Attica, the capital region of Greece, is the powerhouse of the country's export economy, accounting for a staggering 55% of Greece's total goods exports. Together with Central Macedonia and the Peloponnese, these three regions contribute to 82% of the nation's exports, highlighting significant regional disparities and the need for greater decentralization in high-value production and processing. The Greek Exporters Association's study, "Mapping Export Activity by Region" for 2020-2024, underscores the crucial role of exports in regional economic growth, with contributions to GDP varying widely from 3.8% to 52.5% across different regions.

In 2024, Attica maintained its dominant position, exporting €27.1 billion worth of goods, although this represented a slight decline from the previous year. Central Macedonia saw a modest increase, reaching €8.1 billion, while the Peloponnese experienced a decrease to €5.2 billion. Smaller regions like Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and the South Aegean showed notable growth, with increases of 12.9% and 26.8%, respectively. However, the North Aegean faced a significant drop of 28.7% in exports.

The overall value of Greece's exports in 2024 was €49.32 billion, a slight decrease from 2023. Meanwhile, imports increased by 2.5%, reaching €82.9 billion, which widened the trade deficit to €33.5 billion. Attica's top export categories include petroleum products, chemicals-plastics, and machinery-appliances, while Central Macedonia leads in food exports. This regional concentration in exports underscores the need for policies that promote economic diversification and decentralization to foster more balanced growth across Greece. 🇬🇷📈

Trump slaps $100K fee on H-1B visas, launches “Gold Card” for millionaires

President Donald Trump has implemented significant changes to U.S. immigration policy, introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications and a new "gold card" pathway for wealthy foreigners. The H-1B visa overhaul aims to discourage what the White House perceives as overuse of the program, steering companies toward hiring American talent. Employers can choose to pay the fee annually or upfront, pending further discussions with the Department of Homeland Security.

Simultaneously, Trump unveiled a "gold card" initiative, allowing wealthy individuals to fast-track visas by paying $1 million personally or $2 million if sponsored by a company. This new pathway prioritizes "extraordinary people" while potentially sidelining lower-income applicants. The changes could dramatically alter the U.S. immigration landscape, particularly affecting tech firms that rely on H-1B workers to fill talent gaps. Critics argue the new fees could disrupt industries dependent on international expertise and create a two-tiered immigration system favoring the ultra-wealthy. Supporters, however, contend that these measures will protect American jobs and attract top global talent. Trump's latest immigration reforms underscore his administration's focus on reshaping immigration policies, with economic implications for both domestic and international workers. 💸🌐