Newsflash

Russia is preparing Ukrainian children from occupied territories to fight in its war

Russia is actively preparing Ukrainian children from occupied territories to fight in its ongoing war, according to an investigation by the Kyiv Independent. High-ranking Russian officers oversee military training programs for Ukrainian teenagers, indoctrinating them in combat skills and harsh discipline. These programs are organized by the Warrior Center for Military and Patriotic Education, established in 2022 by direct order of Vladimir Putin.

The investigation revealed that Ukrainian teens from occupied regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk are sent to the Avangard Defense and Sports Camp in Russia’s Volgograd region. Here, they undergo intense military training, learning to operate drones, dig trenches, handle explosives, and use firearms. The camps, dubbed “Time of Young Heroes,” explicitly aim to prepare youth for service in Russia’s Armed Forces.

The Warrior Center’s leadership includes Viktor Vodolatsky, a Russian State Duma deputy and vocal advocate for the destruction of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and Andranik Gasparyan, a Russian colonel with a history of involvement in conflicts in Chechnya, Syria, and Crimea. Gasparyan’s subordinates have been indicted for war crimes, including torture, abductions, and the rape of a minor. The Volgograd branch is headed by Igor Vorobyov, a former lieutenant colonel who commanded an assault unit during the battles for Maryinka in Donetsk Oblast.

The investigation identified at least 25 instructors with direct experience in Russia’s war against Ukraine, including former Wagner Group fighters and veterans of the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division. One instructor, Anatolii Yushko from Donetsk, joined the Russian military at 19 and now trains children at the Warrior Center. In 2024 alone, 1,290 Ukrainian children from occupied territories underwent militarization programs run by the Warrior Center in Volgograd. This systematic indoctrination and training of minors underscore Russia’s escalating efforts to exploit and involve Ukrainian youth in its military campaigns. 🇷🇺🇺🇦💥

‘Diplomatic solution’ to end Ukraine war in sight, Russian envoy says

Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are nearing an agreement to halt the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special presidential representative for investment and economic cooperation. This development follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent statement that freezing the war along the current frontlines could serve as "a good compromise." Dmitriev's comments indicate a significant shift, as Zelenskyy's acknowledgment of the battle lines as a potential compromise marks a notable step towards a potential ceasefire. 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇺🇸🤝

Europe's shift to the right creates an 'unwelcoming environment' for all foreigners

Across Europe, a significant shift towards stricter immigration policies and more hardline political rhetoric is underway, affecting both legal and illegal migrants. Governments and opposition parties are increasingly proposing measures to tighten residency and citizenship rules, driven by the surging influence of far-right sentiments. This political climate is creating a more challenging environment for migrants seeking long-term integration, with stricter language and civics requirements, increased scrutiny, and potential social exclusion. The entrenchment of far-right politics in the mainstream has led to a rightward shift in the migration debate, impacting all foreign residents, not just irregular migrants.

In Sweden, the government's deal with the far-right Sweden Democrats includes plans to retroactively remove permanent residency from over 100,000 individuals. France, under President Emmanuel Macron, is implementing tougher integration requirements and civics tests. Even left-wing governments, such as Denmark's Social Democrats, are adopting stricter approaches to citizenship and asylum processing. In Spain, both the right and left are expressing concerns about immigration, with the right proposing a points-based visa system and the left focusing on wealthy western immigrants. Germany and Italy are also seeing significant shifts, with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) influencing the debate in Germany and Italy's hard-right government leading Europe's push for offshore migrant processing. 🌍🔒

This trend is likely to persist, with continued emphasis on border control and securitization. The political landscape is increasingly fragmented, with intense competition on the socio-cultural right, pushing mainstream parties to adopt more hardline stances on immigration. Extremist rhetoric, such as proposals to deport second-generation migrants or remove permanent residency, is becoming more common, reinforcing core messaging and forcing other parties to react. The overall message to foreigners is clear: the political environment is becoming more unwelcoming, regardless of their legal status.

Finland Urges Stronger Sanctions on Kremlin Over Ukraine Conflict

In a recent statement, Finnish politician Elina Valtonen emphasized the significance of the USA and Europe's collaborative efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting the country's oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil, and aiming to ban imports of Russian natural gas. However, Valtonen argued that these measures are insufficient and called for increased pressure on Russia. While acknowledging the challenge of altering Russia's imperialistic ambitions, she asserted that it is crucial to influence Russia's strategic calculations through heightened sanctions and international cooperation. This stance underscores the ongoing efforts to counter Russian aggression and promote global security. 🌍💥

One of Russia's largest oil refineries reportedly suspends operations after Ukrainian attack

Ukraine's strategic campaign against Russia's energy infrastructure has resulted in the suspension of operations at one of Russia's largest oil refineries, the Ryazan refinery. Located in central Russia, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Moscow, the refinery is a crucial supplier of fuel to the Moscow Oblast and accounts for 5% of Russia's total refinery capacity. On October 23, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted the refinery, causing a fire at its main crude distillation unit (CDU-4) with a capacity of 4 million tons per year. The incident led to the shutdown of several neighboring units, including a reformer, vacuum gasoil hydrotreater, and catalytic cracker, effectively halting oil processing at the plant.

The Ryazan refinery, which processed 13.1 million tons of oil last year, has been a repeated target, with partial shutdowns occurring earlier in February and September. This latest attack is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to disrupt Russia's war effort by targeting its energy sector. Since August 2025, Ukrainian strikes have hit at least 16 of Russia's 38 oil refineries, significantly impacting Russian diesel exports, which have dropped to their lowest levels since 2020. The Ryazan refinery's suspension underscores the effectiveness of Ukraine's campaign and the vulnerability of Russia's energy infrastructure. 🛢️💥

Russian attacks kill 8, injure 67, hit energy infrastructure in Ukraine over past day

In the past 24 hours, Russian forces conducted a series of devastating attacks across Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least eight civilians and injuring 67 others. The assaults, which included ballistic missiles and drones, targeted both civilian areas and critical infrastructure, highlighting Russia's strategy of exerting pressure on Ukraine while disregarding calls for a ceasefire.

The strikes hit multiple regions, with Kherson Oblast experiencing the most significant casualties. Three people were killed, and 29 were injured, including three children. The attacks damaged 29 apartment buildings, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assaults. Kyiv, the capital, also faced a ballistic missile strike that claimed two lives and injured 12 more. In Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk Oblasts, two people were killed in each region, with additional injuries reported. Kharkiv Oblast saw at least 13 injuries and power outages affecting 25,000 people due to damage to energy infrastructure. A 63-year-old man was also injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy sector come as the country faces a cold snap, exacerbating the strain on its power infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned these tactics, stating that Russia is not only killing civilians but also terrorizing them by weaponizing cold weather. The ongoing assaults underscore the urgent need for international support and intervention to protect Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure from further devastation. 💥🏙️💨

Von der Leyen touts new plan to break reliance on China critical minerals

The European Commission is set to unveil a new strategy to reduce the EU's reliance on China for critical raw materials, as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue, von der Leyen highlighted the growing risks posed by China's tightening export controls on rare earths and other essential materials. China dominates nearly 70% of the global rare earths production and controls the refining process, giving it significant leverage over the EU's supply chain. This move underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing its strategic autonomy and mitigating the risks associated with over-reliance on a single supplier. 🇪🇺🇨🇳🔋

Four Dead in Latest Russian Attacks on Ukraine

In Kyiv, a devastating missile strike resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 13 others. The attack caused a fire in a residential building and scattered debris across an open area. Simultaneously, the Dnipropetrovsk region also faced a deadly assault, with two fatalities and seven injuries reported. Governor Vladyslav Hajvanenko confirmed that multi-family homes and private residences were among the targets, highlighting the ongoing civilian impact of the conflict. 🏠💥🇺🇦

International Gymnastics Federation’s ‘neutral status’ is a sham that legitimizes Russian pro-war athletes

The International Gymnastics Federation's (FIG) decision to grant "neutral status" to Russian athletes, allowing them to compete internationally, has been criticized as a sham that legitimizes Russian pro-war athletes. This issue came to light when Angelina Melnikova, a state-funded gymnast with ties to Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, won the all-around gold medal at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. Despite her public support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and her participation in pro-war activities, Melnikova was granted neutrality, enabling her to compete under a neutral flag.

Melnikova's social media posts, including a photo from a military parade with a pro-war emblem, and her brief political campaign under the United Russia party, raise serious questions about her neutrality. The FIG's decision to allow her to compete under a neutral flag has been seen as a way to include Russia in its competitions while giving the illusion of solidarity with Ukraine. This move has been criticized for undermining the principle of neutrality and legitimizing the Russian invasion.

The case of Melnikova highlights the broader issue of state-funded athletes in Russia, where sports are often intertwined with military and political ideologies. The FIG's decision to grant neutral status to athletes like Melnikova has been seen as a way to maintain the status quo while avoiding the political implications of Russia's actions. However, this approach has been criticized for delegitimizing the FIG as a fair and just governing body and for insulting the sacrifices made by Ukrainian athletes and sports facilities due to the ongoing war. 🏋️‍♀️🏟️

At least 26 injured, including 6 children, in Kyiv amid Russian drone attack on residential buildings

In the early hours of October 26, Kyiv came under a Russian drone attack, resulting in significant damage to residential buildings and injuring at least 26 people, including six children. The assault began around 2:35 a.m. local time, with multiple explosions reported across the city. Air defense systems were activated in response to the threat. The Desnianskyi district was particularly affected, with a nine-story and a 16-story residential building struck, causing fires and substantial structural damage. Another residential facility in the Obolonskyi district was also hit by falling drone debris. The attack follows a previous night's assault by Russian ballistic missiles, which killed two and injured 12, and underscores the ongoing intensification of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has warned of an exceptionally challenging winter ahead due to these relentless attacks. 🏙️💥

Chevron is formally selected for four offshore blocks

Chevron, in partnership with Helleniq Energy, has been formally selected as the preferred investor for four strategic offshore blocks located south of Crete and the Peloponnese in Greece. The consortium is the sole contender for these blocks, which include "South of the Peloponnese," "A2," "South of Crete I," and "South of Crete II." Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou signed the ministerial decisions designating the consortium as the preferred investor, paving the way for finalizing draft contracts with the Greek state.

The evaluation committee of the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (EDEYEP) will now invite the Chevron-Helleniq Energy consortium to finalize these contracts. The primary points under negotiation are legal clauses governing the contract, as all competitive terms, such as investment amounts and research scope, have already been agreed upon. The next steps involve sending the tender file to the State Court of Auditors for pre-contractual review, followed by the signing of lease contracts, ministerial approval, and parliamentary ratification. This process is expected to be completed by the end of the year, demonstrating Greece's commitment to advancing energy exploration in the region.

The exploration process will span nine years, divided into three stages. The first stage, lasting three years, will involve 2D and 3D seismic surveys. The second stage, also three years, will include additional seismic surveys and exploratory drilling. The final stage, lasting two years, will focus on 3D seismic surveys and further drilling. Chevron's interest in the area south of Crete is particularly notable, with at least nine potential sites identified for exploitable reserves. This investment underscores Chevron's significant interest in exploring and developing Greece's offshore energy resources. 🛢️🌊

Poland’s main ruling party changes name and merges with junior partners

In a significant political development, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that his centrist party, Civic Platform (PO), is merging with two smaller allied groups, Modern (Nowoczesna) and Polish Initiative (iPL), to form a new party called Civic Coalition (KO). This move marks the end of the Civic Platform, which has been a major political force in Poland since its founding in 2001. The merger aims to strengthen the centrist coalition's position against the main opposition party, the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS), which Tusk warns could lead Poland down a "Russian model" path if it returns to power.

The newly formed Civic Coalition will retain the white-and-red heart logo used in the 2023 parliamentary elections and will continue to advocate for Poland's sovereignty and democratic values. Tusk emphasized the importance of unity in preserving Poland's freedom and resisting external threats, particularly from PiS, which he accuses of seeking to "plunder" the country. The merger was welcomed by allies, including The Left, which has been in government with Tusk since 2023. However, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński dismissed the move as a public relations stunt aimed at boosting polling numbers. The new party is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Poland's political landscape and defending its democratic institutions. 🇵🇱🏛️

Man arrested for propaganda in favor of a terrorist group

A 35-year-old foreign national was arrested in Thessaloniki, Greece, following the discovery of an international arrest warrant against him. The warrant, issued by a foreign country, accused the man of engaging in propaganda activities in support of a terrorist organization. The arrest was carried out by local police officers in the Ampelokipi district, acting on a temporary arrest order from the Appeals Prosecutor’s Office. In addition to the terrorism-related charges, the suspect is also accused of robbery, insult, and resisting arrest. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the man's nationality or the specific crimes he is alleged to have committed. The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to combat terrorist propaganda and related criminal activities. 🚔🚨

Supply of foreign care workers dries up

Finland's healthcare sector is facing a significant slowdown in the recruitment of foreign nurses, with only 32 applicants receiving their first residence permits to work in health and social care between January and April. This marks a stark contrast to the same period last year, when over 570 permits were granted, and the record year of 2023, which saw more than 2,000 health and social care workers receive residence permits.

The decline is attributed to the public sector's financial strain, which has led to a weak labor market and reduced job opportunities for foreign nurses. Several regional wellbeing authorities plan to cut staff this autumn, with estimates ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 job losses. This shift has raised concerns among nursing unions, as the financial insecurity may deter foreign workers who rely on stable employment to support their families back home.

Despite the current slowdown, the demand for healthcare workers is expected to rise again due to Finland's aging population and retiring staff. A government report estimates that the country will need over 20,000 more nurses and practical nurses by 2030. This impending shortage highlights the need for sustainable solutions to attract and retain foreign healthcare workers, ensuring the sector can meet future demands. 🏥👩‍⚕️

Israeli Forces Target Islamic Jihad in Gaza, One Killed

Israeli ground forces conducted a military operation in the Nuseirat area of the Gaza Strip, aiming to thwart an imminent terrorist attack. The operation, which occurred under the current ceasefire, was deemed necessary to address direct threats, according to the Israeli military. Israel asserts that the action was in line with the established rules of the ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Defense Forces have been actively deployed in the region to eliminate immediate dangers, as stated in official announcements. This operation underscores Israel's ongoing efforts to maintain security and prevent potential attacks, even amidst a fragile ceasefire. 🇮🇱💥

Trump Increases Tariffs on Canada Following Film Dispute

In a recent social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10% increase in tariffs against Canada, citing "seriously incorrect representation of facts and hostile behavior" from the Canadian government. This decision comes after a controversial commercial from Ontario, which featured a 1987 radio speech by former President Ronald Reagan. In the speech, Reagan, known for his support of free trade, criticized tariffs for provoking retaliatory measures and escalating trade wars. Initially, the commercial was withdrawn following Trump's criticism, but he later claimed it continued to air.

Trump also accused Canada of fraudulent behavior and asserted that Ronald Reagan had supported tariffs for national security and economic reasons. This escalation in rhetoric and policy underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada over trade issues. The move is likely to further strain relations and could lead to retaliatory measures from Canada, potentially sparking a broader trade dispute. The situation highlights the complexities of international trade negotiations and the potential for political rhetoric to influence economic policy. 💥🇺🇸🇨🇦

Draghi pushes ‘pragmatic federalism’ to get Europe out of its predicament

The European Union is grappling with significant challenges in adapting to the shifting global landscape, according to former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. In a speech delivered in Oviedo, Spain, Draghi, who received the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, emphasized that the EU's foundational principles are under considerable strain. He highlighted the rise of protectionism, unilateral actions, and the resurgence of military power as key threats to the bloc's prosperity, which was historically built on openness and multilateralism. Draghi argued that the EU's current structure is ill-equipped to tackle these evolving challenges and advocated for "pragmatic federalism" as a potential solution to bolster the union's resilience and effectiveness. 🌍🏛️

Discerning citizens

In today's digital age, the majority of individuals consume information from a media landscape where fact and fiction often blur, creating a "meta-reality" that can be challenging to discern. This environment is pervasive and cannot be effectively addressed through censorship or bans. Instead, the solution lies in fostering a new approach to civic education. This education should equip children with the skills to critically evaluate information, helping them become discerning citizens capable of navigating a world filled with misleading and potentially harmful content. By promoting media literacy and critical thinking, society can better prepare future generations to engage responsibly with the complex information landscape. 🧠🌐

Lithuanian arms makers criticise government for not buying locally

Lithuanian arms and ammunition manufacturers are advocating for increased government support for domestic defense production, citing excessive bureaucracy and a preference for Western suppliers as major obstacles. Despite Lithuania's testing of locally produced weapons in Ukraine, the government is prioritizing the attraction of large foreign defense companies to establish production facilities within the country.

Local defense firms are urging the government to commit to purchasing a portion of its equipment from domestic producers and to ease export restrictions that hinder their competitiveness. Robertas Juodka, a board member of the Defence and Security Industry Association, highlighted a specific issue: Lithuanian drone manufacturers are unable to sell combat drones to the British army due to regulations that classify such exports as "terrorist arming" or "financing." This restriction, which does not apply to other European countries like Italy and Estonia, is seen as a significant barrier to the growth of Lithuania's defense industry. The call to cut red tape and support domestic producers is gaining momentum as the country seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. 🛡️🇱🇹

Gävle Shooting: Young Man Killed, Another Injured in Brynäs

A serious shooting incident occurred just after 8 pm on a Saturday evening, resulting in multiple shots fired. The police have classified the event as a case of murder and attempted murder. A man was rushed to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victims are described as "young men in their late teens," and the police are actively investigating the case. No arrests have been made thus far, and a large-scale police operation is underway, with several locations cordoned off.

The police are appealing to the public for assistance, particularly seeking witnesses and owners of Tesla cars in the area. These vehicles' video cameras may have captured crucial footage of the incident or individuals of interest. The police believe that there are witnesses who have relevant information. This incident follows a similar shooting in central Gävle three weeks prior, where a 13-year-old boy was arrested near the crime scene. The ongoing investigation is intense, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. 🚔🔍