Newsflash

Russia kills at least 15, injures 20 across Ukraine over past day

In a relentless wave of attacks, Russian forces targeted multiple regions across Ukraine, resulting in at least 15 civilian deaths and 20 injuries over the past day. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched two Iskander M ballistic missiles and 79 attack drones, including Shahed-type, Gerbera, and decoy drones. Ukrainian defenses managed to shoot down 67 drones, but 12 successfully reached their targets in six locations.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian strikes on 18 settlements killed one person and injured four, including a 91-year-old man. The attacks damaged numerous houses, apartments, vehicles, and infrastructure, leaving 11,434 consumers without power. In Donetsk Oblast, five civilians were killed, and two were injured, with the entire region plunged into darkness due to strikes on energy facilities. Emergency services are working to restore power.

In Odesa Oblast, a drone attack on civilian infrastructure resulted in two deaths and three injuries, with five trucks catching fire. Kherson Oblast faced drone, artillery, and air strikes on over 20 settlements, including Kherson city, killing one person and injuring two. The attacks damaged residential buildings and critical infrastructure.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast saw the tragic loss of four lives, including two children aged 11 and 14, with six others injured in drone strikes. In Kharkiv Oblast, a 54-year-old man was killed, and power was temporarily lost for 6,996 consumers. Sumy Oblast reported one death and two injuries from Russian attacks, with a 29-year-old man injured when his car was struck by a drone. In Chernihiv Oblast, Russian forces conducted 53 attacks, injuring one civilian and damaging infrastructure, including an agricultural enterprise hit by a ballistic missile. 💥🏙️🇺🇦

Europe’s wake-up call: Spend, build, defend

Europe is awakening to the harsh realities of a world where peace is no longer guaranteed, and deterrence is a necessity. The wars on its borders and the rise of assertive authoritarian powers have shattered illusions, making it clear that peace comes at a price. This price is measured in defense spending, capabilities, and readiness, not just in rhetoric. The United States, while remaining a cornerstone of NATO, expects European allies to shoulder their share of the burden.

Some nations, like Poland, the Baltic states, and Greece, have already recognized this truth and are investing significantly in their defense. Poland leads NATO in defense expenditure, while the Baltic states focus on military readiness and societal defense. Greece, despite its economic challenges, has consistently ranked high in NATO spending, reflecting its strategic understanding of regional tensions. However, the evolving strategic environment demands more. Even high spenders like Greece must accelerate their efforts, leading in innovation and regional defense production.

Europe as a whole must move beyond the 2% of GDP spending target, treating it as the bare minimum. The SAFE initiative is a start, but each member-state must raise its defense budget, reinforce its industrial base, and prove readiness through action. This means building resilient supply chains, delivering technologies from AI to cyber-defense, and ensuring that Europe can meet the demands of modern warfare.

Defense spending is not a drain on welfare or infrastructure but a precondition for prosperity, democracy, and freedom. It signals to allies, adversaries, and citizens that Europe is serious about its security. Europe's new defense awakening is about realism, not militarism. It is about securing peace through strength and ensuring that Europe remains a credible partner in the transatlantic alliance, not a dependent client. The question is not whether Europe can afford to spend more on defense but whether it can afford not to. The future of Europe's peace and security depends on this realization. 🇪🇺💪

Ukraine war latest: Russian oil tanker on fire after strike by Ukrainian drones in Krasnodar Krai, source says

Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal and tanker in Russia's Krasnodar Krai late on November 1, causing significant damage to the port infrastructure in Tuapse, a crucial hub for Russian oil exports. The attack, confirmed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Armed Forces, resulted in a large fire and rendered several piers inoperable. The SBU source emphasized that such strikes will continue as long as the war persists, targeting Russia's oil refining infrastructure to disrupt its resources for aggression.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers were killed in Russian missile and drone strikes on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with casualties reported in several settlements including Nikopol and Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian military is investigating the incident, focusing on adherence to air alert protocols and shelter usage. Previously, Governor Vladyslav Haivanenko reported civilian casualties, including children, in Russian air strikes.

Ukraine's drone commander, Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, announced plans for new strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, aiming to cause widespread blackouts. Brovdi's statement followed reports of power outages in Moscow Oblast, linked to drone attacks on energy facilities. Additionally, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) struck a key Russian military fuel pipeline in Moscow Oblast, disrupting a major supply route for the Russian army.

In Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces are defending against a large Russian offensive, with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi denying claims of encirclement. Ukrainian special forces, including HUR units, are actively engaged in repelling Russian advances and maintaining supply routes. Despite Russian claims of thwarting a Ukrainian raid, Ukrainian authorities maintain that their operations are ongoing and successful. The situation in Pokrovsk remains tense, with both sides reporting advances and counterattacks. 🇺🇦🇷🇺

Minister: No explosions in Trump's nuclear weapons test

The United States is reportedly preparing to conduct non-nuclear, system tests of its nuclear-capable missiles, rather than full-scale nuclear explosions. This development comes after President Trump's announcement that the Pentagon would begin testing nuclear weapons in response to other countries' testing programs. The U.S. has not conducted a nuclear weapons test since 1992, and most other nuclear powers have also refrained from such tests, with North Korea being the notable exception.

The upcoming tests are described as "non-critical explosions," focusing on evaluating all other components of the weapons. The announcement has drawn criticism from international figures, including the UN Secretary-General, and has raised concerns from China and Russia. The U.S. regularly tests its nuclear-capable missiles, but the recent statement suggests a shift in approach, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to maintain its nuclear deterrent on par with other global powers. The specifics of the upcoming tests and their implications for international nuclear policy remain unclear, as the president has only provided vague responses to follow-up inquiries. 💣🌍

Russian blitz on Ukraine kills six people, including two children

In a series of overnight attacks, Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of six people, including two young boys aged 11 and 14. The strikes targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages in the eastern Donetsk region and affecting nearly 58,000 households in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating that they were aimed at inflicting harm on civilians and announced that Kyiv had bolstered its air defenses in response. The assaults occurred amid intense fighting in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where Ukraine is facing significant pressure from a large Russian offensive. Both sides have claimed gains in the battle for the strategically important city. Meanwhile, Ukraine has retaliated against Russia's strikes on its energy grid by targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure, reportedly setting an oil tanker ablaze in the Black Sea port of Tuapse. The ongoing conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced Ukrainians. 💥🏙️

New violence in Serbia – Vucic promises new elections

In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic has announced that parliamentary elections will be held before the current term ends in 2027, with the exact timing to be determined by relevant authorities. Tensions in the capital, Belgrade, escalated on Sunday evening as protesters clashed near a tent camp set up by Vucic loyalists outside the parliament building. The protesters, supporting a woman on a hunger strike demanding Vucic's resignation, were met with police presence, who guarded the camp.

The woman's son died in a train station roof collapse that sparked the ongoing protests against the regime and corruption. Vucic has framed the tent camp as a "symbol of freedom" and accused the opposition of seeking to destroy progressive elements in Serbia, suggesting U.S. involvement. Opposition figures, including former president Boris Tadic, have rallied support for the protesters, urging demonstrations across the country. Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic has criticized Tadic, accusing him of inciting violence rather than promoting dialogue. The protests, which began after a deadly roof collapse in Novi Sad last November, have continued to gain momentum, with large demonstrations marking the anniversary of the tragedy. 🇷🇸🏛️

The crisis of trust in institutions is a wake-up call

A recent survey by KAPA Research has uncovered a profound crisis of trust in Greek institutions, with an overwhelming majority of citizens perceiving corruption as widespread and expressing deep mistrust in key institutions. Specifically, 97% of Greeks view corruption as prevalent, while 92% distrust the media, 86% political parties, 71% the judiciary, 65% the government, and 66% independent authorities. This widespread disillusionment serves as a stark wake-up call, reflecting not just institutional failures but also broader societal issues.

Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that begins with self-criticism and a shift towards a culture of integrity. Education plays a crucial role in fostering transparency, ethics, and public service values, starting from schools and permeating all levels of society. However, individual change and education alone are insufficient. Immediate institutional reforms are essential to tackle the root causes of corruption:

1. Whistleblower Protection: Ensuring robust protection for whistleblowers is vital to encourage the exposure of corrupt practices.
2. Constitutional Reforms: Strengthening accountability for ministers and parliamentarians, including revising parliamentary immunity and criminal liability, is necessary to curb impunity.
3. Independent Authorities: Appointing heads of independent authorities based on objective criteria and transparent procedures can enhance their legitimacy and effectiveness.
4. Transparency in Public Procurement: Opening up procurement data to public scrutiny can help safeguard public funds and promote accountability.

To drive these changes, a specific initiative focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity is imperative. This initiative should address recent scandals and structural issues, providing a reliable and feasible path forward. Collective action, responsibility, and self-criticism are essential for restoring trust and renewing Greek institutions. Only through coordinated efforts and a commitment to ethical governance can Greece rebuild public confidence and address the deep-seated problems highlighted by recent crises. 🇬🇷📜

Belgium says suspicious drones ‘come to spy’ on fighter jets, ammunition

Over the weekend, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken revealed that suspicious drones had been spotted above Belgian military bases, with the apparent intent to gather intelligence on strategic assets. The drones were observed near the Kleine Brogel military base in northern Belgium, prompting an official investigation. Francken stated that these unmanned aerial vehicles were likely collecting information on the location of F-16 fighter jets, ammunition, and other critical military resources. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about potential espionage and the vulnerability of military installations to aerial surveillance. 🛸🔍

Last stand for Pokrovsk | Ukraine This Week

In the latest updates from Ukraine, the city of Pokrovsk stands as a critical battleground, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Russian forces have escalated their aggression, violating NATO airspace and targeting journalists reporting from the front lines, resulting in tragic fatalities. The Kharkiv Oblast governor has highlighted the evolving nature of Russia's terror tactics, raising concerns about the safety and security of the region.

Meanwhile, the specter of a potential nuclear disaster looms with discussions around Russia's so-called "flying Chornobyl," a chilling reference to the possibility of a nuclear incident. The humanitarian toll of the war is immense, with Russia's relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure and populations. The documentary "Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics" offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Ukrainian medical personnel, who bravely tend to the wounded amidst the chaos of war. The film follows journalists Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko as they document the medics' journey from the front lines in Ukraine to a brief respite in the tranquil forests of Sweden, underscoring the profound mental health challenges faced by these frontline heroes. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to test the resilience and determination of its people, as they strive to defend their sovereignty and protect their communities. 🎬🇺🇦💔

These people just escaped Russian-occupied Ukraine — but some say they need to go back

In the bitter cold on the Ukraine-Belarus border, refugees from Russian-occupied territories face a heart-wrenching dilemma: whether to return to their homes despite the horrors of life under occupation. Olena, a retiree from Zaporizhzhia Oblast, recently crossed the Volyn humanitarian corridor, the sole operational checkpoint between Ukraine and Belarus. She vividly recalls the hardships of living in fear, with Russian soldiers and neighbors posing constant threats. Yet, she feels compelled to return to her newly built home and her children, despite the dangers.

The Volyn corridor is heavily fortified due to Belarus's role in Russia's invasion, and the number of people using it has surged nine-fold since early 2025. Many evacuees leave due to impending winter hardships and the oppressive conditions under Russian occupation, which include forced mobilization, sexual violence, and widespread torture. However, a significant portion of those using the corridor plan to return to the occupied territories, driven by the desire to care for sick relatives, tend to their land, or simply because they cannot bear to abandon their homes.

The journey to escape Russian-occupied Ukraine is treacherous and lengthy, with refugees facing ordeals at Russian and Belarusian checkpoints. For those who make it, the relief of reaching Ukrainian soil is profound. Yet, for many, the prospect of returning to the occupied territories looms large, highlighting the complex and desperate choices faced by those trapped in the conflict. The Helping to Leave organization plays a crucial role in assisting these civilians, providing vital support as they navigate the perilous journey to safety. 🇺🇦🏠

Suspected terrorist arrested in Berlin

A Syrian man was arrested in Berlin's Neukölln district on Saturday following a police operation that uncovered bomb-making materials at three separate locations. The suspect is believed to have expressed support for the terrorist organization ISIS and shared propaganda on social media. Authorities suspect that the man was planning an attack in Berlin. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement works to dismantle any potential threats to public safety. 🇩🇪🚨

The trust vacuum demands a political solution

In Greece, despite a largely homogeneous society and the resolution of many historical political and social issues, political tension and distrust remain pervasive. The country has abolished the monarchy, settled the language question, and achieved a long period of political stability, yet consensus is elusive, and mistrust is rampant. This environment fosters demagoguery and further erodes faith in politics and democratic institutions. The roots of this distrust lie in a political culture that values conflict over compromise, exacerbated by historical periods of polarization and a fragmented news landscape that spreads misinformation and propaganda.

The lack of trust is fueled by chronic corruption, an incompetent state, economic deprivation, and widening inequalities. Citizens, disillusioned by these issues, often withdraw from politics, leading to low voter turnout and a passionate but limited political engagement. To break this cycle, political forces must inspire faith in democracy by tackling corruption, providing opportunities for civic participation, and implementing effective reforms. Institutions, including independent authorities, must be strengthened, and it must be clear that the government acts in the best interests of all citizens. By placing citizens at the center of politics, the government can encourage greater engagement and belief in the democratic process, ultimately filling the vacuum of distrust and cynicism. 🇬🇷🤝

Ukrainian soldiers killed in Russian missile, drone strikes on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, military says

On November 1, Russian forces launched a coordinated missile and drone attack on several settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine, resulting in casualties among Ukrainian military personnel. The targeted areas included Nikopol, Pishchansk, Pokrovsk, Marhanets, and Chervonohryhorivsk. The Operational Task Force "East" confirmed that the strikes caused both deaths and injuries among Ukrainian soldiers, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russian systematic attacks on populated areas.

The Ukrainian military is investigating the incident, focusing on whether local units adhered to air alert warnings and shelter protocols. The exact number of soldiers killed remains undisclosed, but the task force extended condolences to the families of the fallen defenders. The Russian assault is part of a broader offensive that has seen Russian forces breach previously unoccupied regions of Ukraine, including Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Despite these incursions, Ukraine has reportedly launched a counteroffensive, reclaiming several settlements in the east. 🇺🇦💥

What's happening to Finland's lakes and rivers? Urgent action needed to protect declining species, researchers say

Researchers in Finland are raising urgent concerns about the declining populations of plants and animals in the country's rivers, streams, and lakes. A comprehensive report from the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) reveals that over half of underwater species have become rarer in some areas, with significant declines noted in regions with intensive land use, particularly small streams affected by forestry. While some lakes and rivers remain nearly pristine, the overall trend is alarming, with certain fish species becoming rarer, prompting changes in fishing habits.

The report highlights that both forestry and agriculture contribute to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems through runoff, leading to issues like nutrient pollution and water browning. These environmental changes disrupt species composition and biodiversity, affecting everything from benthic animals to aquatic plants and algae. The decline in basic aquatic organisms directly impacts fish stocks and their diversity, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy freshwater systems for clean water, recreation, and ecological value.

To reverse this trend, experts recommend integrating biodiversity assessments into water protection and restoration planning, implementing careful land use practices, and establishing effective buffer zones between intensive land use areas and water bodies. Additionally, removing fish migration barriers and reducing agricultural and forestry loads on water bodies are crucial steps. Finland's upcoming national implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law presents an opportunity to strengthen these efforts, ensuring that the definition of 'good ecological status' truly protects biodiversity. The goal is to restore at least 20% of degraded land and sea areas by 2030, with a long-term aim of restoring all degraded ecosystems by 2050. 🌊🐟🌳

Tens of thousands protest in Serbia on anniversary of deadly roof collapse

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad, marking the one-year anniversary of a tragic railway station roof collapse that claimed 16 lives. The disaster has sparked widespread anger and protests across the country, fueled by allegations of corruption and a lack of accountability. Demonstrators, many of them young, observed a moment of silence for the victims and called for justice, holding up red hearts with the victims' names and laying wreaths at the site of the collapse.

The protests, which have persisted for months, have challenged President Aleksandar Vucic's long-standing grip on power and sparked demands for early elections. The movement, led by students, academics, and opposition figures, accuses Vucic and his populist nationalist party of overseeing a system riddled with corruption, poor public services, nepotism, and media restrictions. Despite these accusations, the government has denied any wrongdoing and even suggested that the collapse might have been an act of terrorism.

An independent commission investigating the disaster reported to the European Parliament, revealing high-level state corruption that led to substandard construction and the hiring of unqualified subcontractors. Although several senior officials have been indicted on charges of endangering public safety, a court has yet to confirm the indictment, preventing a trial from proceeding. The protesters' demands for justice and accountability continue to resonate, as they seek to honor the victims and push for meaningful change in Serbia. 🇷🇸💔

At least seven dead after earthquake

A powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck in the mountains near the city of Khulm, located close to the major city of Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan. The quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. The tremor resulted in at least seven fatalities and injured 150 people. The seismic activity was also felt in the capital, Kabul, and other regions. This event comes just over nine months after a devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which claimed over 2,200 lives. The recent quake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and response measures. 🌍🏔️

Most companies are personal

Entrepreneurship in Greece is predominantly characterized by small, service-oriented businesses, with a significant portion operating informally or without employees. Approximately 75% of the 932,549 active enterprises in 2023 were sole proprietorships, and 61% had no employees, indicating a prevalence of freelancers and businesses relying on undeclared labor. The service sector dominates, with wholesale and retail trade, professional services, and accommodation and food services being the most prominent. However, this structure poses challenges to Greece's competitiveness and economic resilience, as these sectors are vulnerable to economic, geopolitical, and climatic fluctuations. The manufacturing sector, though small, is also largely composed of micro-enterprises, with nearly half employing no workers. This economic landscape contributes to Greece's low labor productivity and reliance on private consumption for GDP growth. The European Commission has noted that a majority of Greek small and medium-sized enterprises operate in low-knowledge-intensive service sectors and low-technology manufacturing, highlighting the need for structural changes to foster innovation and competitiveness. 🇬🇷📈

Israel: Remains of three hostages handed over

In a significant development, the remains of individuals retrieved from tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip were handed over to Israeli authorities. This transfer is part of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, under which Hamas has released all 20 surviving hostages and 17 bodies. In exchange, Israel has released Palestinian prisoners and handed over the remains of Palestinians. However, only 75 of the 225 remains have been identified due to the lack of DNA testing capabilities in Gaza, prompting the health authorities to publish photos of the deceased in hopes of aiding identification by their families.

Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization, reported that the bodies were found in tunnels during the day. Initially, three sets of remains were believed to belong to the eleven hostages still held in Gaza. However, Israel later confirmed that these remains did not match any of the hostages. The ongoing process of identification and exchange underscores the complex and delicate nature of the ceasefire negotiations and the humanitarian challenges faced by both sides. 🕊️🇮🇱🇵🇸

Serbia: Thousands of Serbians commemorate anniversary of deadly station collapse

In Serbia, thousands of people gathered to commemorate the anniversary of a tragic train station collapse that resulted in numerous fatalities. The event, marked by solemn ceremonies and memorials, honored the victims and reflected on the devastating impact of the incident. The commemoration underscored the enduring grief within the community and the ongoing efforts to remember and learn from the tragedy. The event was attended by both local residents and dignitaries, highlighting the collective remembrance and solidarity in the face of such a profound loss. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance in ensuring public safety and infrastructure resilience. 🕯️🇷🇸

"I was speechless": Cow returns to Lapland farm after six months on the run – with a newborn in tow

In a remarkable turn of events, a dairy farmer named Pertti Salmi was astonished to find a cow named Vilukas standing outside his barn in Rovaniemi, Finland, after a prolonged absence. Vilukas had escaped from Pirttilahti Farm around May Day, jumping over a fence and venturing into the nearby forest. Despite several sightings and attempts by villagers to capture her, the young heifer remained elusive, vanishing without a trace as summer approached.

Salmi had nearly lost hope of ever seeing Vilukas again, fearing she might have fallen prey to local predators or met some other unfortunate end. To his amazement, Vilukas reappeared last Monday, accompanied by a day-old calf. The heifer and her calf were in good condition, suggesting that Vilukas had managed to find sufficient food in the forest during her extended absence.

Marjukka Mattio, a dairy expert, noted that Vilukas' return was highly unusual, attributing it to the heifer's luck or caution in avoiding predators. Both Mattio and Salmi agreed that the onset of autumn and the approaching winter likely drove Vilukas back to the farm in search of better food and shelter, as the old Finnish saying goes, "frost drives the pig home." The heifer's instinct to return to a familiar and safe environment, especially after giving birth, proved to be a lifesaver for both her and her calf. 🐄🐃