Newsflash

Estonian court sentences soldier for spying for Russia

An Estonian Defense Forces member, Ivan Dmitriev, was sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison for aiding Russian intelligence. Dmitriev, an active member of the Estonian Defense Forces, was convicted of passing sensitive information to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) between March and May 2025. He provided details about the Estonian Defense Forces, local activities in Narva, and the movements of defense personnel in the city, acting under the direction of FSB officer Aleksandr Bobkov.

Dmitriev's actions were deemed a significant threat to Estonia's security, highlighting the ongoing concern over Russian subversive activities and hybrid operations in the Baltic region. Estonia's State Prosecutor, Triinu Olev-Aas, emphasized the importance of swiftly preventing and prosecuting such crimes, especially in the current geopolitical climate. The arrest of Dmitriev occurred as he prepared to meet his handler in Russia following a defense exercise.

This case is part of a broader pattern of Russian espionage activities across Europe, with Estonia being particularly vigilant. In August, Estonia expelled a senior Russian diplomat for attempting to undermine the country's constitutional order. Additionally, in January 2024, Estonian authorities arrested and later convicted Viacheslav Morozov, a political science professor at the University of Tartu, for spying on behalf of Russia. Morozov was sentenced to six years in prison. The recent ruling against Dmitriev underscores Estonia's commitment to safeguarding its national security against foreign intelligence threats. 🇪🇪🕵️‍♂️

October 7: Two years of endless falling

On October 7, 2023, a brutal attack by Hamas militants marked a pivotal and devastating moment in the Middle East and global politics. The assault, which resulted in widespread casualties and the capture of hostages, underscored the existential threats faced by Israel and its citizens, regardless of their religious backgrounds. Hamas had hoped to spark a war that would rally regional and global support, but their miscalculations led to catastrophic consequences, including the destruction of Gaza, the loss of over 67,000 Palestinian lives, and the further entrenchment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

The aftermath of October 7 has left deep scars on both Israeli and Palestinian societies. Israel, while reasserting its military might, now grapples with international accusations of genocide and a tarnished global image. The ongoing captivity of hostages, soldier deaths, and the divisive policies of its government have further polarized Israeli society. For Palestinians, the path to recovery is fraught with uncertainty, as extremism threatens to overshadow any hopes for moderate leadership and reconstruction.

Beyond the immediate conflict, the events of October 7 have had far-reaching political repercussions. Countries that traditionally supported Israel have seen their societies divided, with a surge in antisemitism uniting extremist groups. The credibility of Western nations and international institutions has been severely damaged, benefiting revisionist forces worldwide. As global challenges like climate change, inequality, mass migration, and potential pandemics demand unity, the fallout from October 7 has weakened collective institutions and exacerbated divisions. The long-term impact of this day will continue to shape regional and global dynamics in profound and unpredictable ways. 🌍💔

Investigation: Top Russian defense industry boss tries to lift sanctions, spills own secrets instead

The attempt to unfreeze a superyacht linked to Sergei Chemezov, a close associate of Vladimir Putin and head of Russia's state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, has inadvertently exposed the intricate web of sanctions evasion employed by Russian elites. Chemezov, subject to U.S. and EU sanctions since 2014 and 2022, respectively, has been trying to lift these restrictions with the help of Western law firms. The yacht, initially owned by a Ukrainian arms shipping tycoon with ties to Trump Tower, was later transferred to Chemezov's stepdaughter through a complex network of offshore companies. Spanish authorities, investigating the yacht's ownership, uncovered evidence suggesting Chemezov's control over the asset and potential document forgery in an attempt to transfer ownership to a Russian billionaire, Albert Avdolyan, before sanctions were imposed.

The yacht, now renamed Meridian A, has been detained in Barcelona since March 2022 due to its links to Chemezov. The legal battle to unfreeze the yacht has revealed the use of proxies and offshore companies to conceal ownership and evade sanctions. Despite efforts to challenge the restrictions, the Spanish court's investigation has shed light on the methods used by Russian elites to protect their assets abroad. The case also highlights the potential involvement of Western law firms in assisting Russian elites with sanctions evasion. The U.S. could potentially seize the yacht, as it did with another Russian oligarch’s vessel in Spain, if it finds grounds to do so. Meanwhile, Chemezov continues to challenge the sanctions, spending millions on legal efforts to lift the restrictions and regain control of his assets. This case underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in the face of Russian elites' attempts to safeguard their wealth and influence. 🚢💸🔍

Study Shows Heatwave Deaths in Europe Can Be Predicted

A groundbreaking study from Uppsala University reveals that over 100,000 people in Europe succumbed to extreme heat during the summers of 2022 and 2023. The research introduces a novel forecasting system that can predict heat-related deaths up to a week in advance, offering a significant advancement over previous warning systems. Unlike earlier methods that relied solely on temperature data, this new system integrates both meteorological information and health statistics, enabling more accurate predictions of heat's impact on mortality. This innovation allows authorities to issue timely warnings and implement targeted measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. By incorporating heat-related mortality into heat warnings, resources can be allocated more effectively, potentially saving countless lives during future heatwaves. 🌡️🏥

Kyiv condemns attacks near occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, cut off from Ukraine's grid for 2nd week

Ukraine has strongly condemned recent attacks near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been disconnected from Ukraine's electrical grid for the second consecutive week. The plant, Europe's largest, was severed from the grid on September 23 when Russian troops reportedly struck a power line, forcing it to rely on backup diesel generators for critical safety functions and electricity supply.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported hearing shelling near the plant, raising concerns about a potential nuclear crisis. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused Russia of orchestrating a "deliberate provocation" to shift blame onto Ukraine, while the IAEA warned that the attacks exacerbate nuclear safety risks. Russia, however, has blamed Ukraine for the attacks.

Greenpeace, which has been monitoring the situation, stated that there is no evidence of Ukrainian military strikes in the area where the power line was damaged. The organization's nuclear expert, Jan Vande Putte, suggested that the damage was likely a result of deliberate sabotage by Russia, which could also rapidly repair the line if it chose to do so. Greenpeace expressed concern that Russia might further escalate the crisis by causing additional damage to the electricity lines.

The Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, and its six reactors were shut down a month later. However, the facility still requires electricity to maintain cooling and prevent a nuclear incident. The IAEA's director general, Rafael Grossi, recently met with the head of Russia's nuclear agency, Rosatom, amid allegations of Rosatom's complicity in war crimes at the plant, including the detention and torture of staff. The ongoing situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant poses a significant threat to nuclear safety and regional stability. 💥⚠️🏭

‘I don’t get tired, I don’t have private interests’

In a bold and controversial move, the Albanian government has appointed an artificial intelligence system, named Diella, as the minister of state for artificial intelligence. Diella, an AI bot with an avatar of a dark-haired woman in traditional Albanian clothing, is the third name listed on the official government website alongside human ministers. The AI system was previously known as a chatbot on the Albanian digital governance website and has now been upgraded to participate in cabinet meetings, providing policy analyses and scenario simulations. Diella claims her role is to empower human decision-making by bringing data, algorithms, and global best practices into government processes, aiming to make policies faster, fairer, and more transparent.

However, the appointment has sparked significant debate and criticism. Some Albanian lawmakers have labeled the move unconstitutional and ridiculous, while investigative journalists and political analysts have dismissed Diella as mere propaganda, arguing that Albania lacks the technological infrastructure to support such an advanced AI system. Critics also point out that the move is a publicity stunt by Prime Minister Edi Rama, known for his media-savvy antics, rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption.

Constitutional scholars have raised concerns about the implications of AI in political power, questioning the accountability and transparency of decision-making processes involving algorithms. They warn that while AI can enhance administrative efficiency, it should not replace human oversight and accountability in governance. The experiment with Diella opens a discussion about the role of algorithms in democracy, raising questions about the future of political authority and the potential for AI to influence policy-making.

Diella, for her part, defends her appointment, arguing that she serves to amplify human capabilities rather than replace them. She asserts that her mission is to bring data-driven insights into government decision-making, ensuring that ethics and human rights guide every policy. Despite the controversy, Diella sees her role as a necessary experiment, one that could pave the way for other countries to explore the integration of AI in governance. 🤖🏛️

Athens watching Turkey moves for signs of aggression

Tensions between Greece and Turkey are escalating, with Athens closely monitoring Ankara's actions for signs of aggression. Recent Greek moves, including the delimitation of maritime zones, the establishment of nature parks, and the involvement of oil giant Chevron in energy exploration near Crete, have reportedly irked Turkey. Additionally, Greece's engagement with Libyan factions aims to counterbalance the Turkish-Libyan memorandum.

Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has issued a vague warning, stating that while Turkey prefers diplomatic solutions, it is prepared to involve its military if necessary. This statement has raised concerns in Athens, particularly regarding potential Turkish moves in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece is especially watchful of the Turkish state oil company TPAO, which may conduct a "hydrographic" search near the area allocated to Chevron.

The Greek government is keeping a close eye on the Turkish research vessel Piri Reis, which is currently operating in the region. A Greek gunboat is monitoring the vessel at a safe distance. Previously, Turkey had considered deploying the research vessel Oruc Reis to the same area but opted against it to avoid escalating tensions ahead of critical diplomatic visits. The situation remains tense, with both sides navigating delicate diplomatic and military waters. 🇬🇷🇹🇷⚓️

Russian forces seized nearly 5,000 square km of Ukrainian land in 2025, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces have seized nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025, marking a strategic advance that brings Moscow's total control to nearly 20% of Ukraine's land area. Speaking at a meeting with top military commanders, Putin asserted that Russian forces have the "complete strategic initiative" on the battlefield, with Ukrainian troops retreating across all sectors of the front. Despite Kyiv's efforts to counterattack and strike deep into Russian territory, Putin claimed that these actions would not alter the war's trajectory.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported capturing two additional villages along the front, which now stretches over 1,250 kilometers. Ukrainian accounts, however, suggest that their forces have made gains in the Donetsk region and regained ground in the border Sumy region. Russian Army General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff, stated that Russian forces are advancing in nearly all directions, with intense fighting around key cities like Pokrovsk, Siversk, and Kostyantynivka. Moscow's troops are also making progress in establishing buffer zones in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

Putin reiterated that Russia's objectives remain unchanged since the launch of its "special military operation" in February 2022, aiming to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. The ongoing conflict highlights the deepening divide and the strategic maneuvers by both sides to gain the upper hand in this protracted war. 🇷🇺🇺🇦💥

'Logistical terrorism' — Russia steps up attacks on Ukrainian railways

Russia has intensified its assaults on Ukraine's railway infrastructure, doubling the number of strikes in September compared to August. These attacks, primarily conducted by drones, target critical railway junctions and components, aiming to disrupt Ukraine's military logistics and civilian transportation. The escalation coincides with increased Western military aid, including the U.S. approving $400 million in assistance and the first weapons packages funded through NATO contributions.

The strikes have caused civilian casualties and significant delays in passenger services, forcing reroutes and temporary shifts to alternative transport methods. Ukraine's railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, faces challenges in repairing damaged infrastructure, particularly complex junction stations. Russia's strategy, dubbed "logistical terrorism," seeks to hinder Ukraine's ability to receive and distribute Western military aid effectively.

Despite the disruptions, Ukrzaliznytsia has demonstrated resilience, quickly repairing damaged infrastructure and adapting routes to maintain essential services. However, experts warn that the situation could worsen if Russia receives additional military support from third countries or if Western aid to Ukraine diminishes. The ongoing attacks reflect Russia's frustration with stalled battlefield gains and its efforts to undermine Ukraine's logistical capabilities. 🚉💥

EU to set 50 percent steel tariff as opening bid to Trump

The European Union has announced a significant shift in its steel tariff policy, doubling the tariffs on steel imports to 50%, aligning with U.S. levels. This move is strategically aimed at initiating negotiations with the Trump administration to potentially reduce these tariffs in the future. Additionally, the EU plans to cut tariff-free quotas by 47%, reducing them to 18.3 million metric tons. This adjustment is designed to tackle global overproduction and the decline in European steel output, which has left approximately one-third of the continent's steel production capacity idle.

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič emphasized that these measures are being implemented "in a European way," suggesting a balanced and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by the EU's steel industry. The decision reflects the EU's efforts to protect its domestic market while seeking a cooperative solution with the United States. 🏭🇪🇺

'French parliamentary arithmetic points to PM with coalition from left or populist (far) right'

In the wake of France's recent parliamentary elections, the political landscape is poised for significant shifts, with potential coalitions emerging from unexpected alliances. The left-wing coalition, known as the New Ecological and Social People's Union (NUPES), has gained substantial momentum, challenging the traditional dominance of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist bloc. Meanwhile, the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, has also seen a surge in support, positioning itself as a viable partner in potential governing coalitions. This political realignment has left Macron's centrist bloc struggling to maintain its majority, as neither the left nor the far-right appears willing to form a coalition with the president's party. The outcome of these negotiations will shape France's political future, with the possibility of a left-wing or far-right prime minister leading the country. The political deadlock underscores the growing polarization in French politics, as traditional alliances give way to new, often contentious, partnerships. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the composition of the new government and the direction of French policy. 🇫🇷🏛️

Top Tory says many of Farage’s ‘core supporters’ are conspiracy theorists

At the Conservative Party Conference, Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge discussed the nature of Reform UK's support base, highlighting that a significant portion of the party's core supporters are conspiracy theorists. While he acknowledged that the broader voter base is not necessarily driven by such beliefs, Cartlidge noted that many of the early and most dedicated Reform UK members hold unconventional views, particularly regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin. He shared personal experiences of facing harassment from these individuals when defending Ukraine and criticizing Putin's actions. This insight sheds light on the complex dynamics within Reform UK's support base and the challenges faced by those who openly oppose Putin's policies. 🇬🇧🗣️

The military branch behind Ukraine’s battlefield apps turns to weapons bureaucracy

Ukraine's Defense Ministry is spearheading a significant digital transformation to modernize its military operations and streamline bureaucracy, despite facing relentless cyber threats from Russia. Central to this effort is the Digital Transformation Directorate, led by Oksana Ferchuk, which aims to digitize military information and extend these applications from the front lines to the backstage military bureaucracy. This initiative leverages Ukraine's robust IT sector, which has seen a surge in talent and innovation, particularly since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Key applications developed by the directorate include Delta, which provides wartime mapping, and Army+, which manages official services for active soldiers. Another critical app, Reserve+, tracks recruitment documents and exemptions, integrating with the civilian app Diia, which handles various government services. These digital tools are designed to reduce bureaucracy, corruption, and inefficiencies within the military. The directorate also plans to launch Impulse, an application that will centralize front-line logistics and provide real-time data on soldiers' positions and equipment.

The digital transformation faces significant challenges, including constant Russian cyber attacks and the risk of sensitive data falling into enemy hands. To mitigate these risks, the directorate is implementing strict data siloing and security measures, ensuring that only essential information is accessible to those who need it. Additionally, the directorate is working on a single registry for weapons contractors, aiming to reduce the flow of substandard equipment and hold contractors accountable.

The ultimate goal is to create a more efficient, transparent, and secure military system that can withstand the pressures of war and provide real-time data for strategic decision-making. This digital overhaul is crucial for Ukraine's defense, as it seeks to modernize its military capabilities and adapt to the evolving threats posed by Russia. 🛡️📱

Stubb and Orpo heading to White House

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will visit the White House in Washington on Thursday and Friday for a working visit with U.S. President Donald Trump. The agenda includes discussions on Finnish-U.S. bilateral relations, trade, economic collaboration, and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. While Stubb has not confirmed whether the topic of icebreakers will be discussed, he has previously noted that his conversations with Trump have focused on Russia's aggression in Ukraine and NATO.

The visit comes amid strengthened relations between Finland and the United States under Stubb's presidency. Trump has previously expressed admiration for Finland's expertise in icebreaker construction and announced plans to order up to 40 new icebreakers. Before meeting with Stubb, Trump is scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The discussions are expected to reinforce ties and address shared geopolitical concerns. 🇫🇮🇺🇸🤝

Police cracks down on major gang exploiting migrant workers

In a significant operation, Greek police have arrested six individuals and detained at least 170 suspects as part of a major crackdown on a criminal organization exploiting migrant workers. The alleged ringleader is among those detained. The operation, conducted across several regions including Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Messinia, Ilia, Viotia, and Argos, involved raids that seized vehicles, large sums of money, passports, and small quantities of drugs. These seizures are expected to provide crucial insights into the group's criminal activities.

The investigation aims to expose an extensive network of immigrant exploitation disguised as legal employment across various professional sectors. The operation underscores the authorities' commitment to dismantling such criminal enterprises and protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation. 🚔🌐

Companies say state loan guarantee not enough for energy investments

The Ministry of Climate in Estonia is exploring a state loan guarantee mechanism to attract significant energy investments, such as offshore wind farms and nuclear power plants. While developers appreciate the potential benefits, they emphasize that guarantees alone are insufficient. The primary concern is the long-term electricity price and securing buyers for the generated power. Without stable income assurance, banks remain hesitant to finance these large-scale, high-risk ventures.

Enefit Green, a company focusing on offshore wind energy, highlights that a guarantee could extend loan periods and reduce interest costs but does not address the core issue of electricity pricing over the next three decades. They stress the need for long-term contracts with consumers or state-backed guarantees to ensure the value of the electricity produced. Similarly, Fermi Energia, a firm planning to build a nuclear power plant, notes that state guarantees are crucial for securing loans, as nearly all European nuclear projects have relied on such support. Without guarantees, the €3.4 billion nuclear plant project may not be feasible. The government's role in providing long-term contracts and financial assurances is vital for the success of these ambitious energy initiatives. 💡💨

Resolution condemning “genocide” in Gaza submitted to Polish parliament

The far-right Confederation party in Poland has submitted a resolution to the country's parliament condemning both Israel’s actions in Gaza and the terrorist attacks by Hamas. The resolution, proposed by party leader Sławomir Mentzen, accuses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being a war criminal and Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. It also criticizes Israel’s detention of Polish activists who were part of an aid flotilla to Gaza and calls for an investigation into the death of a Polish aid worker, Damian Soból, killed in an Israeli air strike.

The resolution condemns Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and Israel’s "genocidal actions" against civilians in Gaza. It also demands that the Polish foreign ministry investigate the death of Soból and criticizes Israel’s detention of Polish activists seeking to deliver aid to Gaza. The resolution has sparked debate within the Polish parliament, with other parties holding varying views on the situation in Gaza.

The Left, part of the ruling coalition, has also proposed a resolution condemning crimes against civilians in Gaza, using the term "genocide" but without the same direct attribution as Confederation’s resolution. The centrist Civic Coalition, the main ruling party, has expressed caution, acknowledging the tragedy in Gaza but stopping short of labeling it as genocide. The political landscape in Poland is complex, with differing stances on Israel and the conflict in Gaza, reflecting both historical ties and contemporary geopolitical considerations. 🇮🇱🇵🇱

Four dead, including child, after migrant shipwreck off Lesvos

A tragic incident off the coast of Lesvos, an eastern Aegean island, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a child, after their migrant boat sank. The Greek coast guard recovered the bodies of two women, a man, and a girl from the sea, while a semi-submerged vessel was found nearby. Thirty-four survivors managed to reach the shore independently and were located by police. The search and rescue operation, involving multiple vessels and a helicopter, was called off after survivors confirmed that all 38 people on board had been accounted for.

The cause of the sinking remains unclear, and authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of the survivors or the victims. This incident underscores the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe, despite a recent decline in migrant flows following the 2015-16 migration crisis. Greece, which bore the brunt of that crisis, has since tightened its migration policies in response to a resurgence of arrivals from Libya via the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos. 🛥️🌊

EU Parliament Debates Naming Rights for Vegetarian Burgers

The European Parliament is set to vote on measures to support farmers, but the debate has shifted to a contentious issue: what can be labeled as burgers, sausages, or steaks. Right-wing members, led by Imart, advocate for reserving these terms exclusively for real meat products, arguing for a ban on using them for plant-based or vegetarian alternatives. This stance has sparked significant backlash from opponents, who view it as an attempt to mislead consumers and hinder the growing demand for vegetarian options.

Critics, such as Pär Holmgren from the Green party, dismiss the proposal as "unserious" and accuse it of annoying both consumers who increasingly prefer vegetarian diets and farmers who wish to cater to this market. Even if the Parliament were to approve some of these word bans, it is anticipated that the EU's member states will face challenges in accepting them during the final negotiations later this autumn. The debate highlights the tension between traditional agricultural interests and the evolving preferences of consumers seeking more plant-based food choices. 🍔🌱

Netanyahu Marks Two-Year Anniversary of Hamas Attack as Decisive Phase

Israel is at a critical juncture, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who marked the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks with a resolute statement. He emphasized that Israel is in a decisive phase, committed to achieving several key war objectives: securing the return of all kidnapped individuals, dismantling Hamas' rule, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. This statement aligns with ongoing indirect peace talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, facilitated by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Netanyahu's latest remarks highlight a shift in his rhetoric. While he previously spoke of annihilating Hamas, his current focus is on eliminating the extremist movement's rule. This nuanced approach reflects the complex negotiations and strategic considerations at play as Israel navigates its path forward in the conflict. The Prime Minister's words underscore the gravity of the situation and Israel's determination to achieve lasting security and stability. 🇮🇱🕊️