Newsflash

Romania, Poland detain Ukrainian citizens over alleged Russian-backed sabotage plot

Romania and Poland have detained three Ukrainian citizens in connection with a suspected Russian-backed sabotage plot targeting the Bucharest headquarters of Nova Post, Ukraine's largest private courier service. The alleged plot, orchestrated by Russian intelligence, aimed to set fire to the facility, which serves as a crucial link between Ukrainians abroad and their homeland. The Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) successfully thwarted the plan, with two suspects, aged 21 and 24, detained in Romania and facing attempted sabotage charges. A third suspect, a 21-year-old Ukrainian named Danylo H., was apprehended in Poland. The detainees reportedly traveled between Romania and Poland, highlighting the transnational nature of the plot. 🇷🇺🔥

Romania, along with Poland and Moldova, remains a target of Russian aggression, with the goal of disrupting public order, fostering social tensions, and undermining international support for Ukraine. This incident follows a pattern of suspected Russian-backed sabotage and arson attacks across Europe, including incidents in Vilnius, Warsaw, and Leipzig. The use of Ukrainian nationals in these subversive activities is a common tactic employed by Russian foreign services, often involving financial incentives. The recent detentions underscore the ongoing efforts by Russian intelligence to destabilize Eastern European countries and disrupt support for Ukraine. 🌍💥

L’Europe se rapproche d’un accord sur l’utilisation des avoirs russes gelés pour financer l’Ukraine

European Union leaders are preparing to task the European Commission with drafting a legal proposal to utilize billions of euros in frozen Russian state assets to fund a substantial loan for Ukraine. This move comes after Belgium indicated it would not block the initiative. If approved, this controversial proposal could unlock up to €140 billion to support Ukraine's war effort for the next two to three years, using assets frozen since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

The European Commission first proposed this idea in September but has been awaiting explicit approval from EU leaders before presenting a concrete proposal. This endorsement is expected during the quarterly European Council meeting in Brussels, where the 27 EU leaders will convene. The potential use of these funds underscores the EU's commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defense and economic resilience in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. 💸🇪🇺🇺🇦

Trump’s anti-climate crusade crashes EU’s COP30 preparations

The Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the world's first global carbon price for shipping have disrupted internal EU climate negotiations. Greece, yielding to pressure from the U.S. and its shipping industry, withdrew support for the carbon levy and other pollution reduction measures at a recent International Maritime Organization meeting. This shift led to a significant delay in the EU's approval of its joint negotiating position for the upcoming COP30 climate summit, as Greece initially blocked the text due to its reference to the IMO agreement. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the EU in maintaining a unified front on climate policy amidst external pressures. 🌍🛳️

Ukraine strikes Russian chemical plant with long-range Storm Shadow missiles, military says

Ukrainian forces executed a significant strike on Russia's Bryansk Chemical Plant using long-range Storm Shadow missiles, as announced by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Air Force, Navy, and Land Forces, successfully breached Russian air defenses. The Bryansk Chemical Plant, a crucial facility in Russia's military-industrial complex, produces gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel components used in Russia's military arsenal. The plant has been previously targeted and is under sanctions from the U.K. and the U.S.

The Storm Shadow missiles, supplied by the U.K., have a range of 250 to 560 kilometers and are equipped with advanced navigation systems, allowing them to fly at high speeds close to the terrain. This strike marks another instance of Ukraine using these missiles to target strategic Russian locations, including areas in Bryansk, Kursk, and Russian-occupied Crimea.

The attack coincides with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's assertion that Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russia could be pivotal in achieving peace. Zelenskyy had previously sought long-range Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. during his meeting with President Donald Trump, but Trump's focus on avoiding escalation and pursuing a bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin led to the collapse of these plans. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's reluctance to engage in diplomacy is linked to Ukraine's deep strike capabilities, suggesting that these capabilities are essential for securing peace. 💥🏭

Possibility of Trump-Putin summit in Hungary raises concerns among EU leaders

A potential summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary has sparked unease among European Union leaders. The proposed meeting, which would take place in Budapest, has raised alarms due to the geopolitical implications and the potential for the two leaders to discuss issues that could impact European security and stability. 🇭🇺🇷🇺

EU officials are concerned that such a summit could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump potentially prioritizing personal interests or business deals over traditional alliances and democratic values. This shift could leave Europe more vulnerable to Russian aggression, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and tensions in Eastern Europe. 🇪🇺⚠️

The summit could also embolden Putin, who has been accused of violating international law and human rights in his dealings with Ukraine and other neighboring countries. A meeting between Trump and Putin could be seen as a validation of Putin's actions, further destabilizing the region and undermining the EU's efforts to promote peace and security. 🇺🇦💥

Moreover, the choice of Hungary as the summit location is significant, as the country has been criticized for its authoritarian tendencies and close ties to Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been accused of eroding democratic institutions and aligning his policies with those of Putin, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. 🇭🇺🤝🇷🇺

In response to these concerns, EU leaders are calling for increased vigilance and coordination among member states. They are also urging the U.S. to maintain a strong commitment to European security and to work closely with its allies to address shared challenges. The potential summit serves as a reminder of the complex and ever-changing nature of international relations, and the need for Europe to remain united and resolute in the face of emerging threats. 🌍🤝

Poland detains eight suspected of plotting sabotage on behalf of Russia

Poland's security services have recently detained eight individuals suspected of planning acts of sabotage on behalf of Russia, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced. These arrests are part of a broader effort to counter what Polish officials describe as Russia's "hybrid warfare" campaign, which includes sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and other covert operations aimed at undermining Poland's security and stability.

One of the detained individuals is a Ukrainian citizen living in Poland, charged with preparing acts of sabotage and working on behalf of Russian intelligence. This person, identified only as Danylo H. under Polish privacy law, was accused of sending packages containing explosives to Ukraine, intended to detonate during transport and destabilize European Union member states supporting Ukraine. The packages were intercepted by Romanian authorities, leading to the detention of two other Ukrainian suspects in Romania.

The arrests highlight a pattern of Russian-backed activities in Poland, with operatives often recruited from among Ukrainian or Belarusian immigrants and directed through online messaging services like Telegram. Recent years have seen several such cases, including the closure of Russian consulates in Kraków and Poznań due to suspected involvement in sabotage activities, such as a fire that destroyed Warsaw's largest shopping center. Poland continues to fortify its defenses against these hybrid threats, emphasizing the need for vigilance and international cooperation. 🇵🇱🔍

Nato Secretary General Travels to Washington for Meeting with Trump

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte traveled to Washington for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, the timing and context suggest a focus on bolstering military support for Ukraine. Recent NATO discussions in Brussels highlighted the Purl initiative, where member countries procure war materials from the U.S. to aid Ukraine. Despite a reported decline in military assistance over the summer, several NATO nations have pledged increased contributions, underscoring the alliance's commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The meeting between Rutte and Trump is expected to further solidify NATO's stance and coordinate efforts to ensure sustained and effective aid to Ukraine. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🤝

Trump says did not want ‘wasted' meeting with Putin as Ukraine talks are shelved

The planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been put on hold, with Trump expressing concerns about a potential "wasted" meeting. This decision follows a call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. European leaders, who have accused Putin of using diplomacy to gain time while advancing militarily, are likely relieved by the delay. They oppose any peace deal that involves Ukraine surrendering occupied territories and are pushing for the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for long-range Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. to strengthen Ukraine's position, noting that Russian diplomatic efforts seem to wane when pressure eases. Meanwhile, Trump's stance on the war has been inconsistent, initially pressuring Ukraine for concessions, then suggesting it could reclaim lost territories, and most recently proposing a freeze on the current battle lines. European leaders, including those from the UK, France, Germany, and others, support Trump's call for an immediate halt to fighting but remain wary of a frozen conflict that could lead to future Russian aggression.

The Kremlin has indicated that significant preparation is needed before any meeting between Trump and Putin, while Ukraine and its allies are ramping up diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions against Russia. A meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, supporting Ukraine, is scheduled for London, and further sanctions may be discussed at an EU summit in Brussels. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, with all parties maneuvering to gain an advantage in the ongoing conflict. 🌍💥

EU to stockpile critical minerals amid supply chain threats

The European Union is taking significant steps to secure its industrial sovereignty by establishing a Critical Raw Materials Center. This initiative, announced as part of a new annual work plan, aims to monitor, jointly purchase, and stockpile essential minerals and metals crucial for various industries, including defense and automotive manufacturing. The move is designed to address Europe's growing need for independence in critical supply chains, ensuring a stable and secure supply of raw materials. This strategic effort is part of a broader 2026 plan focused on bolstering the EU's self-reliance and resilience in the face of global challenges. 🔧🏭

Open AI Unveils AI-Powered Web Browser Challenging Google

American tech giant OpenAI, renowned for its groundbreaking ChatGPT technology, is set to disrupt the web browser market with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered browser. This innovative product will be available globally in the near future, positioning OpenAI as a direct competitor to Alphabet's Google Chrome, the dominant player in the browser market. The announcement sent ripples through the tech industry, causing Alphabet's stock to dip by 3% on the New York Stock Exchange. 🌐💻🤖

Russia slams Kyiv with ballistic missiles in mass overnight attack

Overnight on October 22, Russia launched a significant aerial assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, marking a retaliatory strike following Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles against a Russian chemical plant. The attack, which included ballistic missiles, resulted in explosions and fires across Kyiv, with reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Air defense units are actively working to repel the assault, and while no casualties have been reported in Kyiv, injuries and damage have been confirmed in other cities, including Zaporizhzhia and Izmail.

The Russian offensive comes amid an intensified campaign targeting Ukraine's energy facilities as winter approaches. President Zelensky had previously warned of escalating attacks on Ukraine's power grid, especially as international pressure and the potential threat of U.S.-supplied Tomahawk missiles diminish. Recent developments, including a phone call between Russian President Putin and the White House, have dampened hopes for increased U.S. support and long-range missile supplies.

Ukraine has been advocating for "long-range sanctions" through targeted strikes on Russian military and energy facilities, using domestically produced drones and, more recently, British Storm Shadow missiles. The Ukrainian military's strike on the Bryansk Chemical Plant, which produces key components for Russian missiles, underscores this strategy. Additionally, reports indicate that the U.S. will begin sharing intelligence with Ukraine to support long-range missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for international support to bolster Ukraine's defenses and counter Russia's aggressive tactics. 💥🏙️

Russian drone attacks kill 4, injure 16 in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts

On October 21, Russian drone attacks struck the northern Ukrainian cities of Sumy and Novhorod-Siverskyi in Chernihiv Oblast, resulting in significant casualties and damage. In Novhorod-Siverskyi, Shahed-type drones hit approximately 20 sites, killing four civilians—two men and two women—and injuring seven others, including a 10-year-old girl who was critically wounded. The city sustained extensive destruction. Meanwhile, in Sumy, a drone strike targeted a crossroad, injuring nine civilians and damaging cars and infrastructure. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to both locations to provide medical assistance and assess the damage.

These attacks underscore the ongoing vulnerability of Ukraine's northern regions, which have been frequent targets of Russian incursions and shelling since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Just a day earlier, a heat supply facility and an energy facility in Chernihiv Oblast were damaged, causing power outages in the region. The recent strikes are part of Russia's escalating aerial campaign aimed at Ukraine's energy infrastructure, particularly as winter approaches. The relentless assaults highlight the urgent need for international support and reinforcement of Ukraine's defenses. 💥🏙️

Greek journalist denied entry to Turkey

A Greek journalist, Nikos Aslanidis, was denied entry to Turkey and labeled a national threat by Turkish authorities. Aslanidis, a reporter for the state broadcaster ERT, was set to join a 100-member press delegation visiting Istanbul to cover stories related to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Hagia Sophia, and the Great School of the Nation. Upon arrival, he was detained at a police station and later released with orders to return to Thessaloniki, following negotiations between the Greek consul and the journalists’ association.

Aslanidis is known for his investigative work on the Pontic Genocide and missing persons in Cyprus. He condemned the incident on social media, asserting that it was an attempt by Turkey's "deep state" to intimidate journalists and suppress historical truths. The move has sparked concerns about press freedom and political tensions between Greece and Turkey. 📰🇹🇷🇬🇷

UK Removes Terror Label from Syrian Group HTS

The United Kingdom has followed the United States in lifting the terror designation of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, a move that opens the door for improved relations with the new Syrian government. The British Foreign and Home Offices issued a joint statement confirming the decision, which aligns with the U.S. move made in July. HTS, previously associated with al-Qaida, played a pivotal role in the uprising that led to the fall of the Assad regime last year. Following the regime change, HTS commander Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed the presidency of Syria and is currently guiding the country through a five-year transition period. Although HTS has been officially dissolved, its members have been integrated into the new state apparatus, signaling a significant shift in Syria's political landscape. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇸🇾

Russia’s children’s commissioner shamelessly describes kidnapping a Ukrainian child

Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights and a wanted individual by the International Criminal Court (ICC), has provided new insights into her alleged involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children. In a recent interview, she detailed the story of a 15-year-old boy named Filip from Mariupol, whom she claimed to have adopted. Lvova-Belova admitted that Filip initially resisted being taken to Russia and expressed a strong preference for Ukraine, even singing Ukrainian songs. She described her efforts to "re-educate" him, aiming to shift his allegiance to Russia. This account aligns with the ICC's accusations of unlawful deportation and transfer of children from occupied Ukrainian territories, for which Lvova-Belova and Russian President Vladimir Putin face arrest warrants.

Lvova-Belova met Filip during her "humanitarian trips" to occupied Donbas, where she allegedly helped evacuate children. She acknowledged that Filip's initial hostility towards Russia stemmed from anti-Russian propaganda in Mariupol schools. Despite his reluctance, she took him in, attributing his resistance to typical teenage behavior. She dismissed the ICC's charges as politically motivated fiction, asserting that she had not received any formal charges. However, she confirmed that the case involving Filip was one of the reasons for the ICC's arrest warrant. Lvova-Belova also estimated that around 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia, a figure supported by Ukraine’s official Children of War database, which confirms the abduction of at least 19,500 children. The return of these abducted children remains a critical issue in Ukraine's peace negotiations. 🇷🇺🇺🇦👦

Via Baltica section to the Latvian border to be completed by 2033 – Lithuanian minister

Lithuania has completed the final four-lane section of the Via Baltica motorway connecting it to Poland, marking a significant milestone in the region's infrastructure development. Transport Minister Juras Taminskas announced that the stretch from Kaunas to the Latvian border is on track to be finished by 2033, with construction expected to commence in 2030 following the completion of design work and land acquisition. The project will be funded through a combination of state budget allocations and the European Union’s 2028–2034 budget framework.

The Via Baltica motorway, stretching from Warsaw to Tallinn, is a crucial trans-European route, totaling 970 kilometers, with 269 kilometers running through Lithuania. The recently inaugurated 12-kilometer section, linking Kaunas and Marijampolė to Suwałki, was upgraded by the infrastructure company Kauno Tiltai under a €154.7 million contract, excluding VAT. This motorway is vital for both civilian traffic and military mobility, enhancing regional connectivity and security. The completion of this section underscores Lithuania's commitment to improving its infrastructure and integrating with neighboring countries. 🚗🇱🇹🇵🇱

Polish opposition politician to face trial over Pegasus spyware purchase

Michał Woś, a former deputy justice minister from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, is set to face trial for his involvement in the controversial purchase of Pegasus spyware. Prosecutors have indicted him for abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds, alleging that he transferred 25 million zloty (€5.9 million) from the Justice Fund to the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) to acquire the spyware, despite the CBA not meeting legal criteria for such funds. Woś is also accused of failing to oversee the allocation and accounting of the funds, leading to potential financial losses and depriving intended beneficiaries of the fund.

The purchase of Pegasus, a powerful tool for harvesting data from mobile devices, was particularly contentious as it was used against political opponents of the PiS government. Woś, who was stripped of parliamentary immunity last year, denies the allegations, asserting that the funding was legal and that he is a victim of political repression. He maintains that Pegasus was used to combat crime and that he would make the same decision again. Woś has received support from PiS, with the party's parliamentary caucus head, Mariusz Błaszczak, calling the indictment an act of revenge by the current government.

The current government, which took power in December 2023, has made it a priority to hold former PiS officials accountable for alleged crimes. Recently, two former PiS ministers were indicted for violating a ban on holding public office, and another former deputy justice minister fled to Hungary to avoid arrest. The former justice minister, Zbigniew Ziobro, confirmed his key role in the Pegasus purchase during a parliamentary commission hearing, stating that he would do it again. The justice ministry is now refocusing the Justice Fund on supporting actual victims of crime. 🇵🇱🔍

Greece rises three spots in global tax competitiveness ranking

Greece has improved its standing in global tax competitiveness, climbing three spots to 23rd place among the 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This advancement is reflected in the International Tax Competitiveness Index, published by the Center for Liberal Studies (KEFIM) in collaboration with the Tax Foundation. Greece’s overall score increased to 67 out of 100, up from 62.9 in the previous edition.

The country's tax system shows strengths and weaknesses across various categories. Greece ranks 16th in corporate taxation and 4th in personal taxation, benefiting from a low net personal tax rate on dividends (5%) and a corporate income tax rate of 22%, both below the OECD averages. Additionally, capital gains from listed shares without a substantial holding are tax-exempt, and the controlled foreign company rules are considered modest. However, Greece faces challenges in consumption taxation (30th), property taxes (29th), and taxation of profits earned abroad (23rd). The country also has a relatively small network of tax treaties and one of the highest value-added tax (VAT) rates in the OECD at 24%, with a narrow tax base covering around 43% of final consumption. 📈💰

Von der Leyen to push even harder on housing in 2026

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has prioritized housing affordability in the EU's 2026 legislative agenda, aiming to tackle the bloc-wide cost of living crisis. In a speech to the European Parliament, von der Leyen emphasized the need to address high housing prices to protect citizens and uphold European values. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that full-time workers can afford to live in areas with good job opportunities, stressing that housing affordability is crucial for the EU's competitiveness. The Commission's focus on this issue underscores its commitment to improving the quality of life for all Europeans. 🏠💸

EU leaders demand even more simplification, setting tone for summit

Leaders from 19 European Union countries have urged European Council President António Costa to prioritize the simplification of the bloc's regulations. In a letter sent ahead of a crucial EU summit in Brussels, these leaders, including those from Germany, France, and Italy, emphasized the need for a "constant stream" of proposals to streamline EU rules. The push for deregulation aims to enhance economic competitiveness and address pressures from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for reducing regulatory burdens. The letter underscores a shared commitment among these nations to foster a more business-friendly environment within the EU. 🇪🇺📜