Newsflash

Russia cuts Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant from Ukrainian grid to test Russian link as blackout nears 3 weeks, Kyiv says

In a concerning escalation, Russia has severed the connection between the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and Ukraine's power grid, testing its integration into the Russian network. This unprecedented move comes as the plant, the largest in Europe, has been in blackout mode for nearly three weeks, relying on backup diesel generators to maintain critical safety functions. The blackout began after Russian troops reportedly struck a power line on September 23, disconnecting the plant from Ukraine's electrical grid.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia's actions, stating that they violate international nuclear safety protocols and threaten a potential nuclear incident. He urged Russia to halt its attacks, allow repairs, and called on the international community to recognize the illegality and danger of Moscow's actions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern, reporting shelling near the site, while Russia and Ukraine trade blame for the attacks.

The Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, and Ukraine continues to demand the withdrawal of Russian forces and the establishment of a demilitarized zone around the facility, a proposal Russia has consistently rejected. The ongoing standoff raises serious nuclear safety concerns and underscores the urgent need for international intervention. 💥💥💥

Russia launched over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, nearly 1,360 aerial bombs against Ukraine in a week, Zelensky says

In a span of just one week, Russia unleashed an intense barrage of over 3,100 drones, nearly 1,360 aerial bombs, and 92 missiles of various types against Ukraine. This escalation, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky, is part of a concerted effort to cripple Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season. The attacks have resulted in widespread power outages and civilian casualties across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

The intensified assault comes as global attention shifts to the Middle East, where Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan. Zelensky emphasized the need for sustained international pressure on Russia, advocating for continued sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions against buyers of Russian oil, which fund the ongoing conflict. He also warned that Russian citizens may face blackouts if Moscow persists in targeting Ukraine's energy facilities. Ukraine has retaliated by striking Russian energy infrastructure, including a recent attack on the city of Belgorod that left nearly 40,000 residents without electricity. Additionally, Ukraine has targeted at least 16 of Russia's 38 oil refineries since August, significantly impacting diesel exports. 💥💥🇺🇦

Russia attacks Ukraine power grid, Moscow expresses 'extreme concern' over US Tomahawk missiles

Russia has intensified its campaign to cripple Ukraine's power grid, launching overnight attacks on energy infrastructure in the Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv regions. The strikes, part of a broader effort to undermine Ukraine's energy sector before winter, resulted in injuries to two employees of Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, highlighting the extensive use of drones, missiles, and glide bombs by Russian forces over the past week. He called for stricter sanctions on buyers of Russian oil, which he argues are financing the war.

Meanwhile, Russia has expressed "extreme concern" over the potential U.S. provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned of escalating tensions, while Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko downplayed the likelihood of such a move. Zelensky, who has been in discussions with U.S. officials about acquiring long-range precision strike weapons, reported productive conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine's air defense and energy sector resilience. The U.S. is considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawks, a move that has sparked concern in Moscow. The ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are part of Russia's strategy to weaken Ukrainian morale ahead of the winter season. 💥💥💥

Trump says he will urge Putin to end the war or face the US sending Tomahawks to Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to discuss the potential supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that failure to end the war could result in the delivery of these powerful weapons. Trump emphasized that the Tomahawk, a subsonic, long-range cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers away, would be a significant deterrent, potentially forcing Russia to negotiate. He suggested that Putin could secure a favorable outcome by ending the conflict, but cautioned that continued aggression could lead to the deployment of Tomahawks, which he described as "a very offensive weapon."

Trump's remarks have heightened tensions, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressing concern over the escalating situation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that the delivery of Tomahawk missiles could compel Russia to acknowledge the reality of the conflict and engage in peace talks. The potential supply of these advanced missiles underscores the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Ukraine while pressuring Russia to seek a diplomatic resolution. 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦

'Very dramatic moment' — Moscow concerned over possible Tomahawk missiles supplies to Ukraine

The potential supply of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has sparked significant alarm in the Kremlin, with Russian officials describing the current moment as "very dramatic" and tensions escalating rapidly. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed "extreme concern" over the possibility, highlighting the missiles' long-range capabilities and potential nuclear implications. The Tomahawk, a subsonic, precision-guided cruise missile with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, could theoretically reach targets deep within Russia, including Siberia.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he has "sort of made a decision" on the matter but is awaiting more information on Ukraine's intended use for the missiles. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that supplying these missiles would mark a "qualitatively new stage of escalation," suggesting that their use would require direct U.S. military involvement. The escalating conflict, viewed by Russian officials as a "hot" war with the West, is rooted in differing narratives: Putin frames it as a response to Western humiliation of Russia post-1991, while Ukraine and its allies see it as an imperial-style land grab. The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing the other of escalating the confrontation. 💥🌍

Russia has pounded Ukraine's rail infrastructure 300 times since August, official says

Russia has intensified its assault on Ukraine's railway infrastructure, launching nearly 300 attacks since August. These strikes, which have increased as autumn arrives, have led to significant disruptions in train services, including delays and cancellations. Despite the damage, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) has demonstrated remarkable resilience, restoring infrastructure and resuming operations within an average of four hours after each attack.

The relentless bombardment has taken a heavy toll on railway workers, with 221 injured and 37 killed since the start of the full-scale invasion. Civilian casualties have also occurred, notably in a double-tap drone strike on a railway station in Sumy Oblast, which resulted in one death and at least 30 injuries, including three children. Military expert Dmytro Zhmailo suggests that the escalation in attacks may be linked to recent arms supply agreements between Ukraine and its Western partners, particularly the approval of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which facilitates NATO members' financing of U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine. The Russian strategy appears aimed at disrupting Ukraine's supply lines and hindering its ability to receive and deploy Western military aid. 🚂💥

The waters are closing over Emmanuel Macron’s head

Emmanuel Macron's political standing in France is increasingly tenuous, with significant implications for Europe. Despite surviving recent crises, Macron faces a precarious future, with a new prime minister appointed following a brief government collapse. The political instability has led to calls for his resignation and raises questions about his ability to pass crucial legislation, such as the budget. The far-right and far-left's opposition further complicates his path forward, with potential reversals of key reforms like the pension age increase and tax cuts.

France's political turmoil has already impacted its economy, with household savings surging to pandemic levels amid evaporating confidence. While the immediate financial risks are manageable, the long-term trajectory is concerning. France may need a substantial GDP adjustment to stabilize its debt, and the current political climate makes such reforms challenging. The country's economic struggles could further dampen European growth, already hindered by Germany's impending recession.

Beyond immediate economic concerns, France's political instability threatens Macron's vision for a more integrated and strategically autonomous European Union. A weakened France could stall crucial continental reforms, including those advocated by the Draghi report, and hinder new common borrowing initiatives for defense, clean energy, and scientific research. The potential rise of Marine Le Pen's National Rally adds another layer of uncertainty, as her policies could undermine EU integration and the Franco-German partnership.

The broader European landscape is also shifting, with Germany focused on internal debates and Italy's Giorgia Meloni proving pragmatic but tactically committed to integration. The absence of a clear successor to Macron's leadership role raises concerns about Europe's fragmentation and geopolitical weakness in an increasingly multipolar world. The coming months and years will be pivotal in determining the future of European integration and France's role within it.

Zelenskyy urges continued pressure on Russia amid strikes on energy plants

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international allies to sustain pressure on Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing that Moscow is exploiting global attention on the Middle East peace process to intensify its aggression. In a recent social media post, Zelenskyy warned against any reduction in sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions targeting Russian oil buyers. He highlighted the urgent need for the international community to maintain a strong stance against Russia's escalating strikes, which have resulted in civilian casualties, including the tragic death of a child in a church bombing in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka. Zelenskyy stressed that ensuring peace in the Middle East should not come at the expense of addressing Russia's actions in Ukraine. 🇺🇦🕊️

Trump Considers Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine

Donald Trump has discussed the potential supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, although he has not committed to sending the weapons. The Tomahawk system, with its estimated range of up to 250 miles, could significantly enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, potentially enabling strikes on Russian oil facilities and air bases deeper within Russian territory. However, this move has raised concerns from Russia, with President Vladimir Putin warning that such a supply would constitute a major escalation and could severely impact U.S.-Russia relations. The Kremlin has expressed its disapproval, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing the issue as "very disturbing." Trump has suggested that he might discuss the matter further with Russia, acknowledging the potential implications of supplying such advanced weaponry to Ukraine. 🚀💥

Turkish Goalkeeper Berke Özer Leaves Team After World Championship Snub

On Saturday, Turkey secured a resounding 6-1 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia. However, the celebration was short-lived as goalkeeper Berke Özer chose to leave the team upon their return to Istanbul. Özer, who was not selected for the match against Bulgaria by national team coach Vincenzo Montella, departed the training facility without permission and returned to his French club, Lille. This is not Özer's first absence from the national team; he has only played in two friendly matches this summer and has not been included in any World Cup qualification squad.

Turkey currently stands strong with six points after three matches, while Georgia follows with three points. Spain leads Group E with a perfect nine points. Bulgaria, unfortunately, remains at the bottom with zero points. The top team in the group will secure a direct spot in the World Championship, set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer. The second-place team will compete in a playoff in March. The Turkish Football Association has expressed disappointment in Özer's actions, highlighting the importance of team cohesion and discipline as they strive for World Cup qualification. ⚽️🏆

Special ops companies at GSOF Symposium

This week, Athens hosted the GSOF Symposium Europe 2025, a premier event that combines a conference and an expo of defense equipment. The symposium showcased the latest technological and operational advancements in special operations, fostering cooperation between state agencies and industrial partners. Over 750 representatives from 30 countries and 70 defense industries participated, underscoring Athens' role as a key hub for international collaboration in special operations.

The Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defense Industries Group (HASDIG) led the Greek contingent, with eight member companies representing the nation's defense industry. These companies—Delian Alliance Industries, Elmon, Intracom Defense, Qualco Group, SAS Technology, Scytalys, Theon Sensors, and Ucandrone—demonstrated their cutting-edge capabilities and innovations. The annual GSOF Symposium rotates among European cities, providing a platform for global defense industries to connect, collaborate, and drive progress in special operations. 🇬🇷🛡️

Vance Warns of More Painful Federal Cutbacks Amid Shutdown

The United States is in the twelfth day of a federal government shutdown, with no resolution in sight as Congress remains deadlocked over the budget. Hundreds of thousands of government employees have already been furloughed, and further cutbacks are anticipated as the shutdown persists. The longer the impasse continues, the more severe the consequences will become, with some reductions expected to be particularly challenging. The ongoing shutdown has halted various federal activities due to the inability of Congress to reach a budget agreement. The situation is described as difficult to manage, with both sides facing significant obstacles in finding a resolution. The political stalemate has left many government services disrupted, and the outlook remains uncertain as negotiations continue. 🏛️💼

Lisbon, Porto too close to call in Portuguese local elections

In Portugal's recent local elections, the top contenders for mayoral positions in Lisbon and Porto remained in a tight race as ballot counting continued into Monday morning. The outcome in these major cities is still too close to predict. Meanwhile, the far-right Chega party, despite failing to secure mayoralties in significant urban areas, made notable gains. As of midnight, Chega had won mayoralties in São Vicente, a municipality on the island of Madeira, and Entroncamento, a key railway hub in Portugal’s interior. The party is expected to double its voter support compared to the 2021 local elections, potentially positioning itself as a crucial ally in several municipalities. 🇵🇹🗳️

NEW: Europe launches long-awaited EES biometric border checks

The European Union is implementing a new border management system designed to enhance security and streamline information-sharing among its 27 member states. This system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), will eventually replace the manual stamp on passports and provide real-time data on when individuals enter and exit the EU. This is expected to improve the detection of overstays and refused entries. The rollout, beginning on October 12, will initially focus on non-EU nationals arriving for short stays, with automated kiosks capturing passport numbers, fingerprints, and photos. The system will be phased in to minimize disruptions, with some countries fully implementing it from the start and others following by mid-April.

The new system has raised concerns about potential delays at airports and train stations, but authorities are confident that measures will be taken to avoid congestion. France, one of the EU's largest countries and a major tourist destination, acknowledges the challenge but expects a smooth transition. The UK, no longer part of the EU due to Brexit, will also be subject to these checks, with British authorities warning of slight delays. The EU plans to support the implementation with information campaigns and is also developing an electronic travel authorization document, similar to the U.S. ESTA, for visa-exempt countries. This next phase, known as ETIAS, will require an online form and a small fee before travel. The EES is part of the EU's broader effort to prevent irregular migration and bolster security. 🛂🇪🇺

France's Lecornu Unveils New Government with 34 Ministers

In France, a new government has been swiftly assembled to convene its inaugural meeting on Tuesday morning. Led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, a loyalist of President Emmanuel Macron, the cabinet comprises a mix of seasoned politicians from Macron's centrist and conservative coalition parties, as well as newcomers from outside the political sphere. This diverse team is tasked with presenting a budget for the upcoming year by the start of next week, with Lecornu emphasizing the need for unity and national interest above personal or partisan gains.

The 39-year-old Lecornu, who was initially appointed prime minister on September 10, faced a brief setback when his first government collapsed after just hours in office. However, he was reinstated on Friday, just four days later, following a whirlwind weekend of negotiations. The new government, consisting of 34 members, aims to navigate the challenges posed by a deeply divided parliament, where Macron lacks a majority. To ensure stability, Lecornu will need to forge compromises and avoid immediate votes of no confidence, as the country looks ahead to the 2027 presidential election. 🇫🇷🏛️

Israel Expects Delay in Returning Deceased Hostages

The deadline for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is set for 12:00 PM local time on Monday. Both Israeli authorities and Hamas have indicated that the release will occur in the early morning, although specific timings remain uncertain. Of the 48 hostages still in Gaza, 20 are reported to be alive. Unfortunately, the Israeli military spokesperson has cautioned that not all deceased hostages may be returned.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel plans to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange will commence only after all Israeli hostages have safely reached Israeli territory. The hostage release is scheduled to coincide with US President Donald Trump's visit to Israel, where he will address the country's parliament before traveling to Egypt for a summit on advancing a peace agreement. Neither Israel nor Hamas will participate in this summit. 🇮🇱🇵🇸🇺🇸🇪🇬

Possible Nobel leak was 'likely' espionage, report says

The Nobel Peace Prize announcement saw a dramatic shift in betting odds overnight, with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's chances of winning surging from 3.75% to nearly 73%. This sudden change occurred on the predictive betting platform Polymarket, just hours before the official announcement in Oslo. Despite the significant shift in betting odds, no experts or media outlets had previously mentioned Machado as a favorite for the prize.

The director of the Nobel Institute, Kristian Berg Harpviken, suggested that espionage might be behind the unusual betting activity. He acknowledged that the Nobel Institute is a target for espionage due to its high-profile nature and the sensitive information it holds. While the committee chairman, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, expressed confidence that there had never been a leak in the prize's history, Harpviken indicated that an investigation would be conducted to tighten security measures if necessary.

Machado, who was awarded the prize for her advocacy for democratic rights and her struggle against dictatorship in Venezuela, was barred from running in the country's 2024 presidential election. The Nobel Committee cited her "tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." The decision sparked criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump's office, which viewed the award as a political move rather than a recognition of peace efforts. 🏆🇻🇪🔍

HS: Finnish government agrees to support Ukraine with US arms purchases

The Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, is considering joining a NATO-led initiative to support Ukraine by purchasing weapons from the United States. This potential move comes as part of the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a program coordinated by NATO to supply Ukraine with essential military equipment, including Patriot surface-to-air missiles. While no formal decision has been made, discussions have taken place with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other allies. Finland's participation is still under review due to domestic budgetary constraints, as the country has previously focused on supporting its own defense industry by purchasing domestic weapons for donation to Ukraine.

Finland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine since the start of the conflict in 2022, allocating over €3.7 billion in aid, with approximately €2.8 billion dedicated to defense material support. Additionally, the country has contributed over €1 billion in development cooperation and humanitarian aid. The decision to join the PURL initiative would mark a shift in Finland's approach to supporting Ukraine, potentially strengthening its defense capabilities and aligning more closely with NATO's collective efforts. 🇫🇮🇺🇸

Death rates are rising in young adults in Eastern Europe

Over the past decade, Eastern Europe has experienced a troubling rise in mortality rates among young adults, a stark contrast to the global trend of declining death rates. This alarming trend is driven by several factors, including increased drug use, suicide rates, and the devastating impact of war. Additionally, natural disasters such as earthquakes and climate-related events have further exacerbated mortality rates in the region. The Global Burden of Disease report, presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin, analyzed data from over 200 countries and territories, revealing that while global health outcomes have generally improved, Eastern Europe faces unique and pressing challenges. The region's struggles with substance abuse, mental health crises, and conflict-related deaths, coupled with the growing threat of environmental disasters, highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support. 📉💊🌪️

Open letter to Commissioner Costas Kadis

A coalition of European citizens, scientists, small-scale fishers, and civil society organizations is urging the EU to end bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs). This call comes amid growing momentum, with over 250,000 citizens signing petitions, legal complaints filed, and member states like Sweden, Greece, and Denmark taking steps to ban bottom trawling in their MPAs. The EU Ocean Pact consultation also saw overwhelming support for this ban, highlighting the public's demand for stronger marine conservation measures.

Despite Commissioner Kadis' acknowledgment that bottom trawling should not occur in vulnerable Natura 2000 sites, the current approach of case-by-case assessments is seen as inadequate. This method risks prolonging inaction and undermining the EU's commitments to halt marine biodiversity loss and adhere to the Habitats Directive. The scientific consensus is clear: bottom trawling damages habitats and ecosystems, making it incompatible with the conservation objectives of MPAs. The coalition argues that a full ban on bottom trawling in all MPAs would align with the EU's simplification agenda, reduce administrative burdens, and benefit both the environment and low-impact fishers.

The recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice exposed the hypocrisy of allowing bottom trawling in so-called protected areas, and the Ocean Pact's aspirational goals fell short of delivering meaningful change. The coalition urges Commissioner Kadis to commit to legally binding targets in the Ocean Act to phase out destructive fishing practices in MPAs, ensuring healthy seas and a secure future for Europe's coastal communities. The time for ambiguity is over; the EU must demonstrate leadership by prioritizing the voices of citizens and fishers over industrial interests. The future of Europe's marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them hangs in the balance. 🌊🐠