Newsflash

Trump: US resumes nuclear weapons tests

In response to recent nuclear advancements by Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the War Department to resume nuclear weapons testing. This decision follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of successful tests of underwater drones equipped with nuclear capabilities and a new long-range missile. Trump's directive, posted on Truth Social, emphasizes the need to maintain parity with other countries' testing programs. The U.S. halted nuclear weapons testing in 1992 but retained the option to restart, a contingency now being exercised amid escalating global nuclear tensions. 💥💥

Pokrovsk defense deteriorates further as Putin claims encirclement — what we know

The strategic situation in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, has significantly deteriorated as Russian forces have made substantial gains in the city, threatening a larger encirclement of the surrounding area. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims of complete encirclement, independent analysts and Ukrainian commanders report a highly dynamic and deteriorating situation for Ukrainian defenders. Russian troops, numbering around 11,000, have outnumbered Ukrainian forces by a ratio of 8 to 1, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russian forces have successfully infiltrated Pokrovsk, planting their flag at the city's western edge, although this does not indicate full territorial control. The city has become a chaotic battleground, with Russian soldiers conducting sabotage and reconnaissance operations, making it difficult to define a clear front line. The sister city of Myrnohrad, east of Pokrovsk, faces a similar threat, with Ukrainian forces struggling to maintain supply lines amidst heavy Russian drone and artillery activity.

The Ukrainian military has acknowledged the presence of around 200 Russian soldiers within Pokrovsk, indicating a significant infiltration. Efforts to clear these forces have been hampered by the lack of control over the southern part of the city, where the infiltration originated. The situation in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad is precarious, with Ukrainian forces facing an uphill battle to maintain their positions and supply lines. The encirclement of these cities poses a grave threat to Ukrainian defenses in the region, making the prospect of holding out increasingly daunting. 🇺🇦💥

Overdue taxes up €5.7 bln

Tax arrears in Greece have surged significantly, with overdue taxes increasing by €5.7 billion from January to August 2025. Including fines and court decisions, the total amount of overdue taxes reached €6.13 billion, pushing the overall overdue debt to €111.62 billion. Of this amount, €27.17 billion is considered uncollectible. Authorities have already initiated compulsory collection measures against 1.62 million debtors, and an additional 2.26 million taxpayers are at risk of facing similar actions for debts exceeding €500. The escalating tax arrears pose a substantial challenge to the country's fiscal stability and highlight the urgent need for effective debt recovery strategies. 💸📉

Court hears suspected Russian proxies traveled to Germany, Switzerland after Paris raid

Four Bulgarian men are currently on trial in Paris for their alleged involvement in a coordinated act of vandalism targeting the Paris Holocaust Museum and numerous other buildings in the city. The incident, which occurred in May 2024, involved the defacement of these sites with red handprints, an act suspected to be part of a broader, undeclared hybrid war strategy by Russia against Europe. The prosecution believes that the suspects received instructions via the Telegram messaging app in Russian, indicating possible direction from Russian proxies.

The four suspects include Mircho Angelov, 27, who remains at large, and Nikolay Ivanov, 42, who was arrested in Croatia and subsequently extradited to France. The trial highlights the ongoing concerns about Russian influence and provocative acts across Europe, with investigators suspecting that the suspects may have also been involved in similar activities in Germany and Switzerland. The case underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of modern geopolitical conflicts, where unconventional tactics are employed to undermine stability and security. 🇷🇺🏛️

Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk's fate hangs in the balance

On day 1,343 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast faces a critical threat as Russian forces advance, aiming to encircle the city and surrounding areas. Ukrainian military reports indicate a significant deterioration in their defensive positions, with Russian troops numbering around 11,000 in the region. President Vladimir Putin has claimed that both Pokrovsk and Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast are encircled, although independent analysts dispute the completeness of this encirclement. Despite mounting losses and economic pressures, Putin remains steadfast in his commitment to the war, according to a recent U.S. intelligence assessment.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have conducted strategic strikes on Russian oil refineries and a gas processing plant, targeting key infrastructure in Ulyanovsk Oblast, Mari El Republic, and Stavropol Krai. These attacks highlight Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military and economic capabilities. In response to Russian aggression, Ukraine's Navy has received a significant boost with the formation of a full division of Combat Boat 90 (CB90) vessels, provided by Sweden and Norway, enhancing its coastal and riverine defense capabilities.

On the humanitarian front, a Russian artillery strike on a children's hospital in Kherson injured nine people, including four children and three medical workers. The attack underscores the ongoing civilian toll of the conflict. Additionally, Ukrainian authorities have arrested a British citizen accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence services and preparing to commit terrorist attacks. The individual, who had been training Ukrainian troops, allegedly passed sensitive information to Russia and offered his services in pro-Kremlin online groups.

In other developments, a Ukrainian colonel faced accusations of breaching operational security after allegedly sharing internal battlefield maps on TikTok, raising concerns about the handling of sensitive information. The colonel denied the accusations, claiming the map was not classified. As the conflict continues, Ukraine's military reports significant Russian losses, with over 1.1 million troops and extensive military equipment destroyed since the start of the full-scale invasion. The situation remains highly dynamic, with both sides engaged in intense military operations and strategic maneuvers. 🇺🇦💥

Les géants de la tech mettent le paquet pour leur lobbying à Bruxelles

The tech industry is significantly increasing its lobbying efforts in the European Union, with annual spending reaching €151 million, up from €113 million just two years ago. This surge in lobbying expenditures comes as tech companies intensify their opposition to key European digital regulations, notably the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). These regulations, which the Trump administration viewed as discriminatory against U.S. companies, are at the forefront of the industry's concerns. As the European Commission prepares to ease its digital rules, tech giants are ramping up their influence campaigns to shape the regulatory landscape in their favor. 💻💸

Trump takes aim at Putin’s oil lifeline — China and India still hold the key

The U.S. under President Donald Trump has intensified its efforts to curb Russia's oil revenues, which are crucial for funding its war in Ukraine. China and India, the largest buyers of Russian oil, hold the key to the success of these sanctions. Over the past decade, oil and gas revenues have accounted for 30–50% of Russia's budget, equating to its war spending. Trump's recent sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil have prompted top oil buyers to reconsider their strategies, but the real test lies in whether China and India will halt their purchases and how effectively the sanctions can be enforced.

China and India have significantly increased their Russian oil imports since the initial Western sanctions in 2022. Last year, China bought over 100 million tons of Russian crude, making up nearly 20% of its total energy imports, while India's oil imports from Russia now account for $140 billion. Together, these two nations make up 85% of Russia's total oil exports. Trump's tariff threats and sanctions have had some impact, with Indian refiners temporarily halting and then resuming Russian oil purchases, and Chinese firms suspending seaborne Russian crude imports due to fears of U.S. penalties.

However, experts are divided on the long-term effectiveness of these measures. Some argue that the threat of secondary sanctions and the potential for reduced Russian oil purchases by India and China could significantly impact Moscow's war budget. Others contend that China and India are unlikely to stop buying Russian oil entirely, given their economic and geopolitical interests. To strengthen the sanctions, the West must offer alternative oil supplies, enforce secondary sanctions, and coordinate more closely on monitoring and implementing sanctions regimes. Additionally, strengthening the oil price cap and restricting insurance coverage to vetted buyers could further cut off Russia's revenue streams. The success of these efforts will depend on the willingness of China and India to comply and the West's ability to enforce and coordinate sanctions effectively. 🛢️💥

Saeima committee continues mulling Latvia's withdrawal from Istanbul Convention

In Latvia, the parliamentary committee tasked with drafting a law to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women, has faced significant opposition and controversy. The committee, which began its work on Tuesday, saw all proposals from the ruling coalition parties, New Unity and Progressives, rejected. The opposition, comprising members from the National Alliance, Latvia First, United List, and For Stability!, voted against these proposals, with one member abstaining.

The committee received 17 proposals for the second reading of the draft law, all of which were rejected. Notably, a proposal by MP Jana Simanovska (Progressives) suggested that instead of denouncing the Convention, the Cabinet of Ministers should assess the legal status of Latvia's declaration annexed to the Convention and its impact on Latvia. This proposal was rejected, despite arguments from MP Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica (New Unity) that the declaration was valid. The committee also denied requests from the Latvian Council of Creative Unions and the Marta Centre, an NGO focused on violence prevention, to speak at the meeting.

The draft law is set for its second and final reading on Thursday, with the committee requesting it be prioritized on the agenda. Meanwhile, public protests and a popular initiative, "Manabalss.lv," continue to rally against Latvia's potential withdrawal from the Convention. Former President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga criticized the move, linking it to Russian propaganda and a departure from European values. Cultural organizations have also expressed their opposition, warning that withdrawing from the Convention would align Latvia with aggressive states and undermine its stability. The outcome of the parliamentary vote on Thursday will be crucial in determining Latvia's stance on the Istanbul Convention and its commitment to European values. 🇱🇻💪

France rejects Ukraine’s extradition request for billionaire charged with bribery, citing risk of unfair trial

The Paris Court of Appeal has rejected Ukraine's extradition request for Ukrainian billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago, citing concerns over the fairness of his trial and the protection of his rights in Ukraine. The request was made in connection with a bribery case, where Zhevago is accused of attempting to bribe the former head of the Supreme Court, Vsevolod Kniazev. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, Zhevago transferred $2.7 million to his lawyer, with $1.8 million intended as a bribe.

This is not the first time France has declined to extradite Zhevago. In 2023, a French court also rejected an extradition request related to a separate embezzlement case. Zhevago is accused of embezzling and laundering $113 million at Finance & Credit Bank. He is the owner of Ferrexpo, a major iron pellet producer. Zhevago has denied all accusations of wrongdoing. 💸🏦

Dutch election 2025: Liberal Rob Jetten on track to be the next prime minister

Rob Jetten is poised to become the next Dutch prime minister after his liberal party, D66, secured a remarkable victory in the recent elections. The party is projected to win 27 seats, placing it in the lead, according to preliminary forecasts from the Dutch news agency ANP and an exit poll by Ipsos I&O. This outcome marks the best-ever result for D66, with Jetten enthusiastically declaring, "We did it!" to his jubilant supporters in Leiden. Meanwhile, the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, is expected to secure 25 seats, trailing closely behind D66. The election results signal a significant shift in Dutch politics, with D66's strong performance setting the stage for Jetten's potential leadership. 🇳🇱🏛️

British man arrested in Kyiv for ‘preparing to commit terrorist attacks,’ Ukraine says

A British citizen has been arrested in Kyiv for allegedly preparing to commit terrorist attacks, according to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and counterintelligence investigators. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, arrived in Ukraine early in 2024 to train newly mobilized troops but later began cooperating with Russian intelligence services, reportedly for financial gain. The man offered his services in pro-Kremlin online groups and was subsequently recruited by an FSB officer, who assigned him operational tasks. He is accused of passing sensitive information about Ukrainian forces to Russia, including details on foreign instructors and military training centers in southern Ukraine. Additionally, the suspect was allegedly provided with instructions to build an improvised explosive device and was in possession of a loaded pistol. The SBU uncovered the plot and detained the individual, who now faces up to 12 years in prison and potential property confiscation. Authorities are investigating the full extent of the case and any additional charges that may apply. This incident highlights Russia's ongoing efforts to recruit both Ukrainian and foreign nationals for subversive operations during its full-scale invasion, including targeting children through social media and online games. 🚨🇬🇧🇷🇺

A message to two sides from the Turkish Cypriots

The recent election victory of Tufan Erhurman in Turkish Cyprus has sent a clear message to both the supporters of the status quo and Turkey’s conservative political circles. Erhurman’s win represents a shift towards a more secular, Europe-oriented perspective and reaffirms the influence of the Republican Turkish Party (CHP) among Turkish Cypriots. Notably, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan allowed the election to proceed without significant interference, unlike in 2020, and there are reports that Ankara instructed settlers to abstain from voting, facilitating Erhurman’s victory.

This outcome suggests a potential policy shift in Ankara, which had previously backed Ersin Tatar and his advocacy for a two-state solution. The Turkish leadership may have recognized the failure of this approach to gain international support. Erdogan’s efforts to cultivate a relationship with US President Donald Trump and position Turkey as a regional peacemaker could be a strategic move to improve Turkey’s image and facilitate defense deals with the United States. However, any attempts by Turkey to enhance its international standing should be met with caution. Concrete actions, rather than mere declarations, are necessary.

Cyprus has gained renewed strategic importance in US planning, and Washington is promoting regional stability, which could lead to renewed discussions on the Cyprus issue. While this development is promising, it should be approached with modest expectations. The international community must remain vigilant and demand tangible steps towards a resolution. 🇨🇾🇹🇷

Liberals: Criminalize strangulation

The Swedish Liberal Party is advocating for the criminalization of strangulation in sexual contexts, aiming to enhance safety and clarify legal boundaries. Minister for Equality Nina Larsson emphasized the need for clear normative legislation that explicitly states that consent cannot be given for such acts. This push comes in response to growing concerns highlighted by the Swedish Board of Forensic Medicine, which has warned about the rising prevalence of strangulation during sex, particularly among young people. The Liberals' proposal seeks to address this issue by establishing unambiguous legal protections against this dangerous practice. 😱🚔

Police chief on Bandidos ban: "Important signal"

The Helsingör District Court has approved a permanent ban on Danish motorcycle gang members entering Sweden, a measure that Swedish authorities hope will curb criminal activities and enhance public security. This decision empowers Swedish police to issue return travel bans for individuals deemed threats to order and security. While the ban does not guarantee the cessation of all criminal acts by gang members, it sends a strong deterrent message. Swedish authorities view this as a significant step in their ongoing efforts to combat cross-border criminal activities and protect the public. The ban is part of a broader strategy to utilize new legal tools to address and mitigate the influence of criminal gangs. 🇸🇪🏍️

Italian court rejects Sicily bridge project

Italy's Court of Auditors has dealt a significant setback to the government's plans to construct a €13.5 billion bridge connecting mainland Italy to Sicily. The court's decision temporarily halts the long-debated project, citing concerns over public spending. The ruling, announced late Wednesday, will be fully explained within 30 days. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized the decision, asserting that her administration had resolved all technical issues raised by the court and accusing the court of overstepping its authority. The bridge, if built, would have been one of Italy's most ambitious infrastructure projects, but it now faces an uncertain future. 🇮🇹🌉

Expert: Ceasefire can continue – despite bombings

A recent escalation in the Gaza conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly a hundred people, following the killing of at least one Israeli soldier. Despite this, a ceasefire has reportedly been reinstated. However, the fragility of the ceasefire is a concern, as violations are not uncommon and can erode trust between the parties involved. Isak Svensson, a professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, emphasizes the importance of clear monitoring mechanisms and a third-party mediator to assess violations and maintain the ceasefire's integrity. The current agreement lacks these elements, which could undermine its long-term sustainability.

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes provisions for an international force, but none has been deployed yet. Svensson criticizes this omission, suggesting that a strong mandate from the UN Security Council could have bolstered the process. Trump, however, remains optimistic about the ceasefire's stability, despite the recent violence. The proposed peace plan outlines a path to ending the conflict, including the release of hostages, distribution of aid, and the disarmament of Hamas, ultimately aiming to create a "deradicalized, terror-free zone" in Gaza. The success of this plan hinges on the parties' commitment to the ceasefire and the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation if the ceasefire is not respected. 🇮🇱🇵🇸⚔️

Firm excluded from Polish road tender after submitting AI-generated bid citing fake legal cases

A Polish construction firm, Exdrog, was disqualified from a public tender for road maintenance after it was discovered that the company had used artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare its bid. The AI-generated text included references to non-existent legal cases, a phenomenon known as "hallucination," where AI produces false information as if it were true. Exdrog had submitted the lowest bid, valued at 15.5 million zloty (€3.66 million), for maintaining a section of roads in Małopolska province. Rival bidders challenged the decision, alleging that Exdrog's explanation for its low price cited fake tax rulings generated by AI. The National Appeal Chamber (KIO) confirmed these allegations and ordered the Provincial Roads Authority to re-examine the bids, excluding Exdrog's offer. The case has sparked a debate on the regulation of AI in public procurement and the need for careful verification of AI-generated information. Despite Poland's low adoption of AI tools, the language has been found to be highly effective for complex AI tasks. 🇵🇱🤖

US to withdraw some troops from Europe's eastern flank, Romania says

The United States is reducing its military presence on Europe's eastern flank, with Romania confirming that the U.S. will withdraw some troops from the region. This decision comes as the U.S. shifts its focus towards the Indo-Pacific, which the Pentagon has designated as its "priority theatre." The reduction involves the redeployment of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division back to its Kentucky-based home unit, affecting troops stationed in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Romania's Defence Minister, Ionut Mosteanu, clarified that this is not a full withdrawal but rather the cessation of a brigade's rotation. He assured that approximately 900-1,000 U.S. soldiers will remain in Romania, maintaining key air bases and a missile-defence system. Mosteanu emphasized that strategic capabilities remain unchanged and that the U.S. commitment to regional security is steadfast.

However, analysts have expressed concerns about the potential implications of this move. George Scutaru, co-founder of the New Strategy Center, warned that Russia might interpret the reduction as a sign of diminished U.S. interest in the Black Sea region, potentially leading to increased pressure on Romania. Meanwhile, Poland's Defence Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, stated that Poland had not received any information about a reduction in the U.S. contingent within its borders.

The U.S. military and NATO officials downplayed the significance of the troop reduction, asserting that the U.S. force posture in Europe remains robust. Nevertheless, the decision has sparked discussions about the need for European allies to enhance their military presence and send a strong signal of solidarity in the face of potential Russian aggression. 🇷🇴🇺🇸🇷🇺

Tourism growth bolsters state revenue

The tourism sector is significantly boosting state revenues through various fees and taxes. Since the implementation of the cruise passenger fee in July, the state has collected €31 million, with projections exceeding €40 million by year-end. Additionally, the climate resilience fee, levied per night, has generated nearly €300 million over an eight-month period, with July alone contributing €86.94 million. These fees are designed to support local communities through infrastructure investments, although the allocation of funds collected in 2024 remains uncertain.

The surge in tourism revenue is driven by a robust increase in travel receipts, which grew by €1.787 billion, or 12%, in the first eight months of 2025, reaching €16.712 billion. This growth is attributed to a 4.1% rise in incoming travel traffic and a 7.2% increase in average expenditure per trip. Key markets contributing to this growth include Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with notable increases in receipts from each. The overall economic impact of these fees and the thriving tourism sector is expected to approach €1 billion for 2024 and 2025 combined, reflecting the sector's pivotal role in the economy. 🌴💰

Oslo operator says Chinese buses have major security flaw

Oslo's public transportation authority, Ruter, has identified a significant security vulnerability in some of its electric buses. The issue stems from a SIM card in Chinese-manufactured buses that allows remote software updates, potentially exposing the buses to unauthorized control or hacking. This vulnerability was not present in Dutch-manufactured buses. Ruter's director, Bernt Reitan Jenssen, emphasized that connected devices, including buses, pose inherent risks, as suppliers or malicious actors could exploit these weaknesses.

In response to the discovery, Ruter is developing a digital firewall to enhance security. The Norwegian government is also investigating the matter, with Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård expressing concern about the risks associated with buses from countries lacking security cooperation agreements. While Ruter operates approximately 300 Chinese electric buses in Oslo and its vicinity, it remains uncertain whether any of these buses are affected by the security flaw. The Chinese bus manufacturer, Yutong, has not yet responded to requests for comment. 🚌🔒