Newsflash

Ukraine damages dam near Belgorod, cuts off Russian troops near Vovchansk, military reports

Ukraine launched a strategic strike on a dam near Belgorod, Russia, causing significant flooding that has disrupted Russian military operations. The attack on the Belgorod Reservoir dam, located north of the Ukrainian border, has reportedly cut off Russian units that had crossed the Siverskyi Donets River near the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast. This flooding has complicated Russian logistics and stranded several units on the Ukrainian side of the river, isolating them from their main forces and supply lines.

The strike was confirmed by Ukraine’s 16th Army Corps and Colonel Robert Brovdi, Commander of Unmanned Systems Forces, who noted that the disruption could lead to an increase in the number of Russian prisoners of war. Vovchansk, which endured Russian occupation until September 2022, has seen renewed fighting since Russia's offensive in May 2024, forcing many residents to flee. The town remains partially occupied by Russian forces.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov acknowledged the risk of further flooding and damage due to potential repeat strikes on the dam. He warned that another attack could threaten both Ukrainian and Russian settlements, including areas in Kharkiv and several streets in local Russian communities, potentially affecting around 1,000 people. 💥🌊

Armement : la liste de courses à 377 milliards de l’Allemagne

Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has set an ambitious goal to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest conventional military force, backed by the necessary financial resources. Five months after announcing this vision, the German government has outlined a comprehensive plan for military acquisitions, totaling €377 billion, across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains. This extensive list, spanning 39 pages, provides a detailed overview of the Bundeswehr's procurement plans, which will be finalized in the 2026 budget. While some acquisitions are imminent, many are long-term investments without specific timelines. This significant investment underscores Germany's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. 🇩🇪💪

Lukoil to sell foreign assets after US sanctions

Lukoil, one of Russia's largest oil producers, has announced plans to sell its foreign assets in response to new U.S. sanctions targeting the company and its subsidiaries. The sanctions, imposed by President Donald Trump following the collapse of peace talks with Russia, freeze all U.S.-based assets of Lukoil and Rosneft, along with their subsidiaries, and open the door for secondary penalties against foreign institutions engaging in transactions with them. Lukoil and Rosneft are pivotal to Russia's economy, accounting for nearly half of the country's crude oil exports. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to limit Russia's oil revenues, which Kyiv argues would hinder Moscow's ability to fund its military operations in Ukraine. Lukoil is currently reviewing bids from potential buyers for its international assets. 🛢️💸

Russia withdraws from US deal to dispose of plutonium for thousands of warheads

Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally withdrawn from the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement with the United States, a significant post-Cold War nuclear security pact. This 2000 agreement committed both nations to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium, sufficient for thousands of nuclear warheads, by converting it into fuel for civilian nuclear power plants. Russia's withdrawal follows years of suspension and accusations of U.S. violations, with Moscow demanding the lifting of sanctions imposed after the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The move comes amid heightened nuclear tensions, including Russia's successful test of its nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed Burevestnik cruise missile, and repeated nuclear threats against Ukraine and its Western allies since the 2022 invasion. The decision to end the plutonium disposal accord further weakens the already fragile nuclear arms control framework between Russia and the U.S., just as the New START treaty, the last active arms control agreement, approaches its 2026 expiration. Despite Putin's proposal to maintain existing limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons under the New START treaty, no formal agreement has been reached with the U.S. 💣🇷🇺🇺🇸

Ukraine war latest: HUR 'liquidates' son of Russian general, releases footage of bombing

In a significant development, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported the elimination of Lieutenant Vasily Marzoev, son of Russian Lieutenant General Arkady Marzoev, in Zaporizhia Oblast. The operation involved a glide bomb strike on a drone unit in the village of Plavni, where Marzoev was reportedly present. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Prosecutor General, Ruslan Kravchenko, revealed that Russian forces have killed 661 Ukrainian children and injured 2,203 others since the start of the full-scale invasion. Additionally, Moscow's forces have destroyed or damaged over 4,500 schools, kindergartens, and 1,294 hospitals, and have committed numerous atrocities, including kidnappings, deportations, and sexual violence.

On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law withdrawing from the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement with the U.S., which aimed to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium. This move raises concerns about nuclear proliferation risks. In positive news for Ukraine, Swedish defense company Saab expressed readiness to establish a Gripen fighter jet factory in Ukraine, following a letter of intent signed between Sweden and Ukraine for the purchase of up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will fulfill a state order for domestic Flamingo cruise missiles by the end of 2025, addressing previous technological and financial challenges.

Military operations saw Ukrainian forces damaging a dam near Belgorod, Russia, disrupting Russian logistics and potentially isolating several units near Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast. Additionally, a large-scale drone attack targeted multiple regions in western Russia, including Moscow and Kursk Oblast, with reports of explosions and fires. In Ukraine, Russian attacks over the past day resulted in at least six deaths and 66 injuries across various regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson Oblasts. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russia has lost approximately 1,136,890 troops since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, along with substantial military equipment. 🇺🇦💥🛢️🛬️

Ukraine rescues 17 children from occupation, Yermak says

Seventeen Ukrainian children and teenagers were successfully rescued from temporarily occupied territories as part of the "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative, led by Andriy Yermak. The rescued children, ranging in age from 7 to 17, had endured various forms of pressure and coercion from occupying authorities. Among them, two 17-year-old boys were forcibly sent to military training camps and subjected to interrogations, while a 7-year-old boy was hidden by his grandparents to prevent his removal. A 12-year-old girl and her 9-year-old brother faced daily bullying and threats at school due to their Ukrainian identity.

The "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative, launched in 2023, aims to coordinate efforts between Ukraine's government, partner countries, and NGOs to locate, return, and reintegrate children illegally deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. An estimated 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain in occupied territories, exposed to Russian propaganda and militarization. The rescued children are now safely back in Ukraine, receiving assistance and support to restore their documents and reintegrate into society. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts to reunite Ukrainian families and protect the nation's children from the impacts of occupation. 🇺🇦👦👧

Saeima committee starts viewing draft budget

Latvia is considering significant reforms to its service pension system, with discussions ongoing in the Saeima committee. The current system, established in 1998, provides service pensions to specific groups, including military personnel, law enforcement, and certain public sector employees. However, the system has expanded over time, and expenditures are projected to exceed €200 million by 2030 if no changes are made.

The proposed reforms, developed by the State Chancellery, aim to increase the retirement age and required length of service for several occupational groups starting in 2027. The goal is to reduce the financial burden on the state budget by excluding positions where job duties do not pose regular threats to health and life, such as support staff, judges, and cultural sector employees. The Ministry of Culture has suggested an alternative for some professions, proposing a fixed-term service pension for those with significant impairment or loss of professional capacity.

The reforms, if approved, will not affect current service pension recipients or those eligible as of January 1, 2027. The final decisions will be made after Friday's meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee, where further discussions on the service pension reform are scheduled. 🇱🇻💼

Finland blocks 11 real estate deals by foreigners

Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has rejected 11 real estate purchase permit applications from buyers outside the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), citing national security concerns. The properties in question are located across Finland, including areas like Mikkeli, Parainen, and Tornio. The applicants, hailing from Russia, Israel, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, had proposed various uses for the properties, such as business, forestry, and residential purposes.

Häkkänen emphasized that foreign real estate purchases can be a vector for hybrid influencing tactics, potentially threatening national security and defense activities. The rejection is part of Finland's efforts to safeguard its strategic interests, particularly in light of the ban on property purchases by non-resident Russian and Belarusian nationals implemented last summer. The decisions, based on the Act on Transfers of Real Estate Requiring Special Permission, are not yet legally final, leaving room for potential appeals or further review. This move underscores Finland's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and security in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. 🏠🇫🇮🔒

Qualcomm Challenges Nvidia with New AI Chip Launch

Qualcomm, renowned for its mobile phone processors, is now entering the competitive arena of advanced AI chips, challenging industry leader Nvidia. Starting in 2026, Qualcomm will supply its cutting-edge AI chips, with the Saudi Arabian AI company Human as its inaugural customer. While Qualcomm has been a stalwart in the mobile industry, it is relatively new to the realm of high-performance data chips, a sector Nvidia has dominated. This strategic move has already positively impacted Qualcomm's stock, which surged by 17% on the New York Stock Exchange. The company's foray into AI chips signals a significant expansion of its technological portfolio and a bold step into a rapidly growing market. 📈📱🤖

Russia’s Lukoil to sell off foreign assets as US sanctions bite

In a significant move, Lukoil, one of Russia's largest industrial conglomerates, has announced its withdrawal from international operations following stringent U.S. sanctions. The energy giant, based in Moscow, stated that it is actively seeking buyers for its foreign ventures due to the "restrictive measures" imposed by several countries. This decision underscores the escalating economic pressure aimed at compelling the Kremlin to cease its military actions in Ukraine. The move is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump to leverage economic sanctions as a tool to influence Russian foreign policy.

Trump and Japan Forge Strongest Alliance with Rare Earth Metals Deal

In a significant diplomatic exchange, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his admiration for Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, describing her as a potential "one of the best prime ministers." Takaichi, a conservative known for her critical stance on China, made history as Japan's first female prime minister. During her inaugural address, she emphasized her vision for a revitalized alliance between Japan and the United States, aiming to strengthen both nations' security and prosperity.

A key aspect of this renewed partnership is the agreement on rare earth metals, which focuses on securing supply chains for these critical resources. This collaboration underscores the strategic importance of ensuring a stable and reliable supply of essential materials, vital for both economic growth and national security. The alliance between Japan and the U.S. is poised to enter a new era of cooperation, with a shared commitment to mutual strength and prosperity. 🇯🇵🇺🇸🤝

EU opens door to watered down climate law over 2040 emissions target impasse

The European Union is contemplating a new draft proposal that could extend the timeline for heavy industry to reduce emissions, as part of an effort to reach a consensus on the bloc's 2040 climate goals. With the COP30 climate summit approaching in November, Denmark, leading the negotiations among EU member states, is exploring ways to garner broader support for a 90% emissions reduction target by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The proposed text, which has been reviewed, suggests a biennial assessment of progress, considering scientific data, technological advancements, and the EU's global competitiveness. This assessment could lead to legislative adjustments, potentially diluting the initial emissions reduction targets. The move aims to balance climate ambitions with the economic realities faced by member states, particularly those with significant industrial sectors. The proposal reflects the ongoing debate within the EU about how to achieve ambitious climate goals while maintaining economic competitiveness and addressing the diverse challenges faced by its member states. The proposal is a compromise to ensure that the EU can present a united front at the upcoming COP30 summit, demonstrating its commitment to global climate action while acknowledging the complexities of implementation.

Turkey signs deal with Britain to buy 20 Eurofighter jets, UK says

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan solidified defense ties between their nations with the signing of a significant military agreement. Turkey has committed to purchasing 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Britain, valued at £8 billion ($10.7 billion). This deal follows a preliminary agreement in July for 40 Typhoons, involving consortium members from Germany, Italy, and Spain, represented by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.

The acquisition of these advanced warplanes is part of Turkey’s strategy to bolster its air defenses and keep pace with regional rivals, particularly Israel, which has conducted numerous strikes across the Middle East. Turkey, possessing NATO’s second-largest military, aims to enhance its capabilities with both Eurofighter Typhoons and potentially U.S.-made F-35s, supplementing its aging fleet of F-16s. The deal comes as Europe looks to Turkey for support in reinforcing its eastern flank and stabilizing post-war Ukraine.

In a move to address immediate needs, Turkey is also set to receive 12 used Typhoons from Qatar and Oman, with additional new jets to be delivered from Britain in the coming years. This acquisition is crucial for Turkey as it awaits the readiness of its domestically produced KAAN fighters. The deal underscores Turkey’s efforts to modernize its military in response to regional tensions, particularly Israel’s air attacks on neighboring countries, which have heightened Ankara’s security concerns. The visit marked Prime Minister Starmer’s first to Turkey since taking office. 🇬🇧🇹🇷🛩️

Trump dangles prospect of Mar-a-Lago visit for Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to visit China in the coming year, with the possibility of a reciprocal visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to either Washington, D.C., or Palm Beach. This revelation came as Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One, hinting at potential summits between the two leaders. The news follows the agreement of a framework for a trade deal between the U.S. and China, set to be discussed during Trump's meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. 🇺🇸🇨🇳🤝

Balloon-smuggling warrants new Belarus sanctions, Lithuania urges EU

The European Union must implement new trade restrictions against Belarus to weaken its military industries and curb its ability to conduct hybrid warfare, according to Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. This call comes after Lithuania temporarily closed its border with Belarus due to an influx of large balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes, which, although not direct security threats, necessitate a response. Budrys emphasized that the EU must expand its sanctions regime against Belarus to address hybrid activities and synchronize sanctions with those imposed on Russia, particularly in the aviation sector. This coordinated approach aims to deter Belarus from further provocations and undermine its capacity to engage in destabilizing activities. 🇱🇹🛬️

King Charles Unveils UK's First LGBTQ Military Monument

In a poignant ceremony, the British monarch inaugurated a memorial dedicated to LGBTQ+ service members who were unjustly impacted by the UK's historic ban on their military service. The event took place in the national memorial grove in Alrewas, Staffordshire, amidst the vibrant hues of autumn flowers. The monument, titled "An Open Letter," features bronze letters forming words from those who endured harassment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The King, as the ceremonial commander of the British forces, presided over the ceremony, marking a quarter-century since the ban was lifted in 1999 following a European Court ruling.

Prior to the lifting of the ban, countless soldiers were discharged, and many lost their right to decorations, medals, and earned pensions due to their perceived or actual LGBTQ+ status. In 2023, the then-Prime Minister issued a formal apology, acknowledging the ban as a "despicable failure" of the British state and initiating efforts to compensate those affected. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the past injustices and a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community within the military. 🌈🏛️

Poland secures return of stolen artwork that appeared for auction in Denmark

Poland has successfully recovered a painting that vanished during the tumultuous aftermath of World War II. The artwork, titled "Summer," was created by Danish artist Bertha Wegmann in 1906 and was originally part of a German institution's collection in Breslau, now known as Wrocław, Poland. The painting surfaced recently at an auction in Denmark, where its Danish owners, unaware of its provenance, agreed to return it to Poland after learning of its history.

Before the war, "Summer" was owned by the Silesian Artists’ Association and displayed at the Silesian Museum of Fine Arts in Breslau. During the interwar period, it was loaned to a local girls' school as part of Nazi social policies promoting motherhood. The painting went missing during the war, and its whereabouts remained unknown until it resurfaced in Denmark. Poland's Ministry of Culture and National Heritage identified the painting through a detailed description in their database of wartime cultural losses and confirmed its authenticity with the help of the Art Loss Register.

The Danish auction house withdrew the painting from sale, and its owners, who had inherited it, willingly returned it to Wrocław, where it will be exhibited at the National Museum. Polish Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska expressed gratitude to the owners for their cooperation and highlighted Poland's recent successes in recovering lost cultural heritage. Since 2008, Poland has recovered 805 works, with 23 items returned this year alone. Despite these achievements, hundreds of thousands of items remain missing, and the ministry is actively pursuing almost 200 restitution cases in 18 countries. 🎨🇵🇱

Polish opposition suspends former ministers over suspect land sale

Poland's main opposition party, the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS), has suspended two of its members amid allegations of improper land sales. The controversy centers around the sale of strategically important land designated for the Central Communication Port (CPK), a major transport infrastructure project. The land, sold to a businessman from a prominent family food firm, is expected to appreciate significantly in value, potentially costing the state dearly if it needs to repurchase it.

The land in question, part of a planned high-speed rail line connecting the CPK airport to Warsaw, was sold to Piotr Wielgomas, vice president of Dawtona, just weeks before PiS lost power. The sale was approved by then-Agriculture Minister Robert Telus and his deputy, Rafał Romanowski, despite objections from CPK project managers who highlighted the land's strategic importance. The land, initially leased by Wielgomas, was sold for 22.8 million zloty (€5.4 million) but is now estimated to be worth between 200 and 400 million zloty due to the CPK project.

Both Telus and the company have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were unaware of the land's future value. However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has revealed that the prosecutor’s office has been investigating the matter for several months. PiS has suspended Telus and Romanowski pending clarification. The current government has also been criticized for not attempting to recover the land, with PiS suggesting political motivations behind the inaction. The state auditor has previously criticized the former government's handling of the CPK project, citing costly mistakes and delays. The controversy underscores ongoing political tensions and allegations of corruption in Poland. 🇵🇱💥

Cybercriminals Target Svenska kraftnät in Data Breach

A hacker group has accessed information from Svenska kraftnät, the authority responsible for Sweden's power grid, but the extent and nature of the compromised data remain unclear. The breach involved a "limited, external file transfer solution," which could range from a less critical file-sharing service to a more secure communication tool used with external parties. While the power supply has not been affected, the potential risks are significant.

Svenska kraftnät manages sensitive information crucial for operating Sweden's power grid. In the worst-case scenario, unauthorized access could allow attackers to control and disrupt parts of the grid. States, such as Russia, have previously targeted similar infrastructure in geopolitical attacks, while cybercriminals often seek financial gain. Experts suggest that the hackers likely did not obtain classified information about the grid's structure or vulnerabilities but may have accessed economic or personnel data.

The incident underscores the inherent challenges in securing complex systems. Even with robust security measures, vulnerabilities can exist, making complete protection elusive. The investigation into the breach is ongoing, with authorities working to assess the full impact and reinforce defenses against future threats. 🔒💻

Alleged ringleader of OPEKEPE farm subsidy fraud network remanded in custody

The alleged mastermind of a fraudulent network that illicitly secured European Union farming subsidies through false declarations submitted to the Greek farm payment agency OPEKEPE has been remanded in custody. The suspect, a resident of Giannitsa, was transferred to prison following a court appearance. This brings the total number of suspects in custody to ten, out of the 37 individuals arrested in connection with the case.

During his testimony, the suspect admitted to some of the charges but denied being the sole perpetrator, stating that the fraud involved multiple individuals who received funds. He also asserted that his ex-wife, who is under house arrest, was not involved in the scheme. Among those remanded is a 38-year-old employee of a farm declaration center in Crete, believed to be the deputy ringleader.

This case represents one of the most significant agricultural subsidy scandals in recent years, with dozens of suspects accused of orchestrating or benefiting from fraudulent subsidy claims. The investigation continues to unravel the extent of the deception and the involvement of various parties. 🌾💸🚔