Newsflash

Blackout at Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant enters 3rd day after grid strike

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest and under Russian occupation since March 2022, has been without external power for over two days. This blackout, the 10th since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, occurred after Russian forces struck a power line on September 23, severing the plant's connection to Ukraine's electrical grid. The plant now relies on backup diesel generators, which are not designed for prolonged use, posing a significant threat to nuclear safety.

Ukraine's state grid operator, Ukrenergo, confirmed that the damaged power line is operational on Ukrainian territory but that Russian forces are obstructing the plant's reconnection to the grid. This deliberate disruption raises grave concerns for both Ukraine and European countries, as a prolonged loss of power could lead to a catastrophic loss of control over the plant's nuclear safety systems.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has maintained a monitoring mission at the site since September 2022, although Russian authorities have frequently restricted its access. Ukraine continues to advocate for the withdrawal of Russian forces and the establishment of a demilitarized zone around the plant, a proposal that Russia has consistently rejected. Recent diplomatic efforts, including a U.S. peace plan and a counterproposal from Ukraine and the EU, have sought to address the plant's control and operation, but Russia's stance remains uncertain. The situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant highlights the ongoing risks and tensions stemming from the Russian occupation. 💥🔋🇷🇺🇺🇦

Mass child deportations: Russia seeks to 'eradicate Ukrainian identity, history, and entire country'

Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine has taken a grim turn with the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children to Russian territory, a strategy aimed at eradicating Ukrainian identity, history, and even the country itself. This disturbing practice has been highlighted by Mariam Lambert, Co-Founder and CEO of the Emile Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing better futures for vulnerable children worldwide. Since 2023, the Emile Foundation has focused on the repatriation and reintegration of Ukrainian minors forcibly removed from their families.

The deportations, which have been condemned internationally, were brought to the forefront by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his address to the United Nations. These actions underscore the brutal and calculated nature of Russia's war, using children as pawns in a campaign to dismantle Ukrainian society. The Emile Foundation, along with other humanitarian efforts, is working tirelessly to reunite these children with their families and help them recover from the trauma of their experiences. The international community must remain vigilant and supportive in addressing this grave humanitarian crisis. 🇺🇦😢

Bulgaria suspending Russian gas transit for short-term contracts in 2026

Bulgaria has announced its intention to suspend Russian gas transit for short-term contracts starting in 2026, aligning with the European Union's accelerated plans to completely cut off Russian gas imports. Initially, the EU aimed to end Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, but this deadline has been moved up to 2026. Bulgaria, which was entirely reliant on Russian gas until 2022, has been actively diversifying its energy sources. The country has successfully replaced Russian gas with supplies from Azerbaijan and liquefied natural gas from a Greek terminal. This shift is part of a broader EU strategy to reduce dependence on Russian energy and enhance energy security across the continent. 🇧🇬🔥

Stubb to UN: "War is always a failure of humanity"

Finnish President Alexander Stubb delivered a stark assessment of the global political landscape during his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He declared the post-Cold War order obsolete, emphasizing that every UN member state, regardless of size, has a role in shaping the emerging world order. Stubb urged the international community to uphold the UN's founding values, citing ongoing conflicts as evidence of a collective failure to do so.

He condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Israel's actions in Palestine, and the use of Sudanese and Congolese territories for proxy wars, asserting that war represents a failure of humanity. Stubb highlighted the increasing number of global conflicts, noting that civilian suffering and disregard for humanitarian principles are rampant. He criticized the UN's inability to deliver on its promise of peace and stability, calling for a significant reform of the Security Council.

Stubb proposed expanding the Council's membership to include two new seats for Asia, two for Africa, and one for Latin America. He also advocated for the abolition of veto power for any single state and the suspension of voting rights for Council members that violate the UN Charter. His speech underscored the urgent need for international cooperation and reform to address the world's escalating crises. 🌍🏛️

Europe, NATO ready to shoot down Russian jets, Bloomberg reports

European diplomats from Britain, France, and Germany convened in Moscow to issue a stern warning to Russian officials: NATO is prepared to use force, including shooting down Russian aircraft, in response to further airspace violations. This warning follows a series of incidents where Russian military aircraft and drones have infringed upon the airspace of NATO member states, including Estonia, Poland, Romania, and potentially Denmark. The most recent incident involved Russian MiG-31 fighter jets spending 12 minutes in Estonian airspace, an act European diplomats deemed intentional despite Russian denials.

The escalating tensions have prompted NATO to invoke Article 4 twice this month, which mandates consultations over perceived threats. Denmark is also considering invoking the clause as it investigates possible Russian involvement in drone activity that disrupted air traffic in Copenhagen. Hungarian fighter jets intercepted five Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea today, further highlighting the ongoing provocations. Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany has expressed support for all necessary measures to address these violations, coordinating with Paris, London, and Warsaw.

Russia has responded defiantly, with Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov warning that shooting down a Russian plane in allied airspace would constitute an act of war. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused NATO and the EU of waging war on Russia through their support for Ukraine. The United States has backed its NATO allies, with President Donald Trump stating that NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate allied airspace. The heightened rhetoric and frequent incursions have raised concerns in the West about the potential for a broader confrontation with Russia. 🛬️🚨

Vote-buying from Russia has doubled since last year, Moldova expert says

Moldova is currently under intense pressure from Russia as it approaches crucial parliamentary elections. The European Union has identified an "unprecedented campaign of disinformation" orchestrated by Russia, aimed at influencing the electoral process. Clara Volintaru, Director of the Black Sea Trust for the German Marshall Fund, has highlighted a significant escalation in Russian interference tactics. Vote-buying from Russia has doubled since the last presidential election, and there has been a notable increase in voter infiltration and manipulation, particularly among the Moldovan diaspora. These efforts pose a serious threat to the integrity of Moldova's democratic process. 🇲🇩🗳️

Russia targets Moldova’s future as voters head to the polls

As Moldovans prepare to vote in crucial parliamentary elections, the country faces intense pressure from Russia, which seeks to undermine Moldova's democratic process and future alignment with the European Union. The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, is expected to secure the most votes but may fall short of a parliamentary majority. The main opposition, the Kremlin-aligned Patriotic Bloc, aims for around 13-20% of the votes, while other significant players include Renato Usatîi's populist Our Party and the newly formed Alternative Bloc, which is also suspected of Russian influence.

Russia's interference tactics include cyberattacks, vote-buying, and coordinated violence, with reports of Russian-trained individuals planning mass disruptions. Moldovan authorities have arrested numerous individuals linked to these activities, seizing weapons and significant sums of money. President Sandu has warned of extensive Russian efforts to buy votes and spread disinformation, highlighting that local accomplices are driven by financial gain rather than ideology.

The elections are crucial for Moldova's future, as Russia aims to block the country's EU integration and potentially destabilize the region. Investigative journalism has exposed Russian troll farms operating in Moldova, spreading anti-EU and pro-Kremlin narratives. The Moldovan diaspora, traditionally pro-European, is also a target of Russian influence operations. Ukraine closely watches the elections, as Russian control over Moldova could further destabilize southern Ukraine. The outcome will significantly impact Moldova's sovereignty and its path towards European integration. 🇲🇩🇷🇺🇦

Microsoft Blocks Israeli Military from Cloud Services After Surveillance Report

A recent revelation has exposed a significant breach of privacy and data security involving Israel's military intelligence unit 8200 and Microsoft's cloud services. The unit was found to have stored vast amounts of sensitive surveillance data, including intercepted mobile phone calls of Palestinians, on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform in the Netherlands. This secret project aimed to leverage Azure's extensive storage and computing capabilities to analyze the telephone communications of an entire population.

Microsoft has since taken action, shutting down the unit's access to certain services and confirming that an ongoing investigation supports parts of the reported findings. The company's top executive, Brad Smith, acknowledged the breach in a blog post, stating that they have secured information about the Israeli military's use of Azure's storage and AI services. This incident raises serious concerns about data privacy, surveillance practices, and the ethical use of cloud technologies by governments and intelligence agencies. 📞🔒💻

Ukrainian cyber operatives disrupt Russian banking payment system, intelligence source says

Ukrainian cyber operatives have successfully disrupted Russia’s SPB fast payment system, a critical infrastructure used to facilitate financial transactions supporting the ongoing war in Ukraine. On September 24, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack targeted SPB and the telecom provider Transtelekom, leading to widespread disruptions in instant transfers and online payments. The outage, confirmed by Downdetector, affected services between 7:00 and 11:00 a.m. local time, causing significant inconvenience to users across multiple regions.

The cyberattack extended beyond banking services, impacting public transportation in Yekaterinburg, where passengers were unable to pay fares using QR codes. Additionally, users faced difficulties completing transactions at gas stations, and hundreds of thousands of subscribers lost internet access or interactive television services. The economic damage from the DDoS attack on the SPB payment system is estimated to reach up to $30 million.

This latest cyber operation is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to undermine Russia’s war capabilities. Since the start of the full-scale conflict, Ukraine has employed cyberattacks to target Russia’s banking infrastructure, oil refining sector, and classified data networks. Just a day prior, Ukraine’s military intelligence reportedly hacked servers of Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea, extracting over 100 terabytes of confidential data. These cyber operations highlight Ukraine’s strategic use of digital warfare to counter Russian aggression. 💻💥

Ukraine war latest: Moscow alleges NATO, EU have entered war with Russia through Ukraine

Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, asserted that NATO and the EU have effectively declared war on Russia through their support for Ukraine. This claim comes amidst heightened tensions, including Russian violations of NATO airspace and calls from U.S. President Donald Trump and European officials to shoot down Russian aircraft breaching allied airspace. Russian officials have warned that such actions could escalate into full-blown war.

In a significant military operation, Ukraine's naval drones targeted and disrupted key Russian oil export facilities in Tuapse and Novorossiysk, paralyzing major oil hubs on the Black Sea coast. The strikes highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian defenses and caused civilian casualties and property damage. Additionally, Ukraine's military intelligence reported the destruction of two Russian An-26 transport aircraft and radar stations in occupied Crimea, further demonstrating Ukraine's capability to strike high-value Russian assets.

Meanwhile, the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been without external power for over two days due to damage inflicted by Russian forces on the power grid. The plant is relying on backup diesel generators, raising concerns about nuclear safety and the potential for a catastrophic incident. Ukraine's state nuclear agency, Energoatom, warned of the critical situation and the risk to both Ukraine and European countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kremlin officials should be prepared for potential strikes on Russian centers of power, including the Kremlin, if Ukraine receives new long-range weapons from the U.S. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not target civilians but would respond to Russian attacks on its territory. He suggested that such capabilities could force Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate, indicating a strategic shift in Ukraine's defense posture. 💥🏭💣

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has made history as the first ex-president of France to be sentenced to prison. A Paris court handed him a five-year sentence for criminal association related to alleged Libyan funding of his 2007 presidential campaign. While he was acquitted of the most serious corruption charges, the verdict signals a significant change in France’s political and judicial environment. The ruling underscores the growing scrutiny and accountability facing high-ranking officials, reflecting a broader shift towards transparency and justice in French politics. 🇫🇷🏛️🔍

Trump Announces 100% Tariffs on Pharmaceutical Imports

In a significant policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, effective October 1. This sweeping measure targets patented pharmaceuticals and aims to incentivize domestic manufacturing. Companies may avoid these tariffs by establishing production facilities within the United States. Trump revealed the decision on social media, offering no additional details on the implementation or exemptions. This move is expected to reshape the pharmaceutical industry and potentially boost U.S. manufacturing jobs. However, the lack of specifics has left stakeholders uncertain about the practical implications. 💊🏭

Russia's 'hybrid war' strategy: Drone incursions 'disrupt, disorient, destabilise Western countries'

Russia is intensifying its use of drones as a key component of its hybrid warfare strategy, aiming to disrupt, destabilize, and exhaust Western nations. These drones, while relatively inexpensive, have a significant psychological impact and are becoming a primary instrument of war, responsible for the majority of casualties in Ukraine. Professor Natasha Lindstaedt from the University of Essex highlights that while Ukraine has swiftly adapted to this threat with high drone interception rates, NATO countries are lagging behind and unprepared for this evolving battlefield. Russia's ambitious plans to train over a million drone operators by 2030 underscore the growing importance of drone warfare in modern conflict. This shift signals a new era of warfare, where unmanned aerial vehicles play a pivotal role in shaping military strategies and outcomes. 🛸💥

Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy remained a dominant force in French politics until justice closed in

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, once dubbed a "Teflon figure" for his ability to evade legal consequences, has finally faced the full force of the law. Despite numerous scandals and trials, Sarkozy managed to maintain his influence in French politics until now. His recent conviction and five-year prison sentence mark a significant shift, challenging the perception of a two-tiered justice system that often seemed to shield him from accountability. While his loyalists on the right continue to view him as a statesman, critics argue that his past evasions of justice highlight systemic inequalities. This verdict underscores that no one, regardless of their political stature, is above the law. 🏛️⚖️

Estonia to learn drone defense from Ukraine after airspace breach

Estonia is enhancing its drone countermeasures following a recent incident where an attack drone infiltrated its airspace undetected, highlighting vulnerabilities in its surveillance and defense systems. The event, which occurred near the village of Koruste, underscored the need for improved detection capabilities, particularly along internal EU borders that were previously considered low-risk. Andrus Padar, an expert at the Estonian Academy of Security Services, noted that the absence of sensors along the Estonian-Latvian border contributed to the oversight.

The incident has prompted Estonia to draw lessons from Ukraine's experiences in combating drone threats, which have become increasingly prevalent in modern warfare and everyday life. The Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) have previously encountered UAVs in conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the recent event has emphasized the urgency of bolstering domestic defenses against such threats. By learning from Ukraine's strategies, Estonia aims to strengthen its ability to detect and neutralize drones, ensuring better protection of its airspace and borders. 🛸🇪🇪

Frederiksen on Drone Incidents: Denmark Faces "Hybrid War"

Denmark is currently grappling with a series of drone sightings near critical infrastructure, military sites, and civilian areas, prompting concerns about potential threats and the intent to sow confusion and uncertainty. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during a video call, described the drones as a tactic used by a "cowardly enemy" aiming to create chaos. Authorities, including the head of the Danish Security and Intelligence Service PET, Finn Borch, and National Police Commissioner Thorkild Fogde, have acknowledged the drone activities but have not yet identified the source or the perpetrators.

The Danish authorities are investigating the possibility of a connection between recent drone incidents at multiple airports, including Aalborg, Copenhagen's Kastrup, and Billund. These incidents have led to disruptions in air traffic and raised security alerts. While a Russian warship was spotted near the Danish island of Langeland during the drone activities, officials have not ruled out other potential origins. The police have not been able to board foreign ships due to insufficient grounds for suspicion.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged the public to remain calm and not be intimidated by these incidents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining normalcy despite the ongoing investigations. The situation underscores the need for heightened vigilance and coordination among Danish security agencies to address these emerging threats. 🛸🇩🇰

Germany cuts new arms export approvals for Israel to zero

Germany has implemented a stricter stance on arms exports to Israel than initially communicated by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Following Merz's announcement in early August that Germany would halt licenses for weapons "clearly usable in Gaza," it was implied that other types of exports, such as spare parts or non-combat systems, might still be permitted. However, a parliamentary inquiry revealed that Germany has not approved any new arms export licenses to Israel since the announcement, effectively bringing the number of permits to zero. This pause encompasses all types of exports, not just those directly tied to the conflict in Gaza. The economy ministry's confirmation underscores Germany's more comprehensive halt on arms exports to Israel, reflecting a more stringent interpretation of the initial pledge.

Business as usual at Helsinki Airport, despite Nordic drone sightings

Finland's airports remain operational despite recent drone-related disruptions in neighboring countries. Finavia, the Finnish airport operator, reassured the public that Finnish airports are functioning normally and that they employ various methods to detect unauthorized drone activity. However, specific details about these methods and any potential sightings are kept confidential for security reasons. Finavia collaborates closely with authorities, and any instances of drone violations are promptly reported to the police.

Finnish regulations strictly prohibit drone flights near airports without special permission, with protective buffer zones enforced by Traficom, the national transport regulator. While Denmark and Norway have experienced flight disruptions due to unauthorized drone activity, Finland has not reported similar issues. The drones spotted over Denmark are suspected to be part of a coordinated operation, with Russia as a potential culprit, although concrete evidence is lacking. This suspicion arises amid heightened geopolitical tensions, following Poland's recent downing of Russian drones after an airspace violation. 🛬️🛸

Independent research or wishful thinking?

Greece's scientific research sector is in a state of stagnation, akin to a fleet of unused buses gathering rust in a depot. While new researcher positions have been created in recent years to address gaps left by the country's decade-long debt crisis, these positions lack essential startup funding. Unlike their counterparts in the European Union and the United States, Greek researchers receive little to no initial funding, making it challenging to establish teams and research programs. Annual public and private spending on research and development in Greece is a mere 1.5% of GDP, half the European average, with most funds allocated to salaries and infrastructure maintenance rather than actual research.

The current system is plagued by delays, lack of meritocracy, and insufficient funding, hindering Greek researchers' ability to compete for EU funding. To revitalize the sector, a unified, independent authority is needed to oversee scientific research, akin to the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection. This authority should have stable funding, be accountable to Parliament and the judiciary, and operate independently of political influences. A group of 257 Greek scientists has proposed transforming the Hellenic Foundation for Research & Innovation into such an authority, with a five-year funding and administration plan approved by an increased majority. This change would enable long-term planning, foster innovation, and help Greece decide whether to continue relying on imported scientific knowledge or invest in domestic research to create exportable innovations. 🧫📚

Keir Starmer to set out plan for millions to require digital ID

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to introduce a mandatory digital identification system for all workers in the United Kingdom. This initiative aims to address the significant influx of undocumented migrants arriving via small boats. Starmer has previously highlighted the potential of an identity scheme in deterring unauthorized entries into the country. The details of this new policy will be outlined in a speech, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing border control and immigration management. The move is part of a broader strategy to demonstrate the government's proactive approach to tackling immigration challenges and ensuring national security.