Newsflash

Putin considers nuclear tests after Trump threat

In a significant escalation of global tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed top officials to explore the potential resumption of nuclear testing, a move not seen since the end of the Cold War over three decades ago. This directive follows a similar order from U.S. President Donald Trump, who instructed the Pentagon to commence nuclear weapons testing in response to perceived advances by other nations. Putin's order, issued during a Security Council meeting, tasked foreign and defense ministers, special services, and relevant civilian agencies with studying the feasibility of nuclear tests and submitting coordinated proposals.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov advocated for immediate preparations for full-scale nuclear tests, although Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin's order was for a feasibility study rather than an immediate resumption of testing. This development comes amid heightened nuclear activities, with Russia recently testing a nuclear-powered torpedo, Poseidon, and a new cruise missile, Burevestnik. In response, the U.S. conducted a routine test of its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.

The Cold War era, marked by an intense nuclear arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, concluded in 1991 with the Soviet Union's collapse and the signing of nuclear treaties like START, aimed at reducing and controlling nuclear arsenals. However, recent reports indicate a growing global stockpile of nuclear weapons, with all nine nuclear-armed states—including the U.S., Russia, China, and others—upgrading and expanding their arsenals. This resurgence in nuclear activities raises concerns about a potential new arms race and increased global instability. 💥🌍

Russia should 'begin preparations for full-scale nuclear tests immediately,' defense minister says

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has urged the country to commence immediate preparations for full-scale nuclear tests, citing the accelerated modernization of U.S. strategic weapons. During a televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council, chaired by President Vladimir Putin, Belousov emphasized the need for readiness, given the potential actions of the United States. Putin, however, instructed the council to further study the issue without issuing a direct order for test preparations. This development follows Russia's revocation of its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 2023, aligning its stance with the U.S., which signed but never ratified the treaty.

The call for nuclear test preparations comes amid heightened tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing plans to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992. Trump's decision was prompted by Russia's test of its new nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed Burevestnik cruise missile. The U.S. has also deployed a nuclear submarine near Russian shores, adding to the geopolitical strain. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov warned that delaying preparations could result in lost opportunities for a timely response to U.S. actions. Meanwhile, Belousov asserted that Russia's testing site in Novaya Zemlya is ready for swift preparations, backed by recent expansions and reinforcements at the site. The archipelago, historically used for nuclear testing during the Cold War, is poised to play a crucial role in Russia's potential nuclear testing strategy. 💥🌍

Turkey’s Gaza ambitions alarm Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's growing ambitions in Gaza have raised significant concerns in Israel, particularly as the region contemplates a post-war landscape. Erdogan has openly expressed his desire to play a pivotal role in Gaza's future, aiming to expand Turkey's influence in the Middle East. This ambition is part of a broader strategy to assert Turkey's regional leadership, a goal that aligns with Erdogan's vision of a neo-Ottoman empire.

Israel views Turkey's increasing involvement in Gaza with alarm, fearing that it could undermine its security and strategic interests. The prospect of Turkey gaining a foothold in Gaza is seen as a potential threat, given the historical tensions and ideological differences between the two countries. Israel is particularly wary of Turkey's support for Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic militant group that controls Gaza, which Israel considers a terrorist organization.

The situation is further complicated by the stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has indicated a willingness to engage Turkey in regional affairs. Trump's administration has shown a degree of openness to Turkey's involvement, which has not gone unnoticed by Israeli officials. This U.S. posture has added another layer of complexity to the dynamics between Turkey, Israel, and the broader Middle East.

As the region navigates the aftermath of conflicts, the power struggle between Turkey and Israel over Gaza's future is likely to intensify. Turkey's ambitions, coupled with its support for Hamas, present a significant challenge to Israel's security and regional stability. The evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East will require careful diplomatic maneuvers from all parties involved to manage these tensions and prevent further escalation. 🇮🇱🇹🇷🇺🇸

Under the hood, Russia’s 'Reaper' drone copy is shockingly American

Russia's "Orion" drone, a large unmanned aerial vehicle designed for maritime surveillance and capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms of explosives, has been identified as a knock-off of the U.S. Reaper drone. Produced by Kronshtadt, the Orion shares a similar design and was initially touted as Russia's flagship unmanned vehicle. However, it has since been overshadowed by Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which Russia began producing domestically in 2023. The Orion's components are manufactured by 43 Russian companies, many of which are not subject to international sanctions. Despite these sanctions, the Orion's complex parts rely heavily on Western electronics, particularly microchips and processors from U.S. companies like Motorola, AMD, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, and Maxim. This reliance on Western technology persists despite efforts to prevent such exports from reaching Russia's defense industry. The challenge of enforcing these sanctions has been exacerbated by third-country sanction busting, with significant increases in exports to neighboring countries like Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. Ukrainian officials advocate for enhanced tracking of exported electronics to better monitor and control their end use. 🛸💻💥

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian soldiers raise flag on Pokrovsk city council building, release video

Ukrainian forces have made significant strides in the ongoing conflict with Russia, particularly in the strategic city of Pokrovsk. The 425th Separate Assault Regiment successfully raised the Ukrainian flag over the city council building, marking a crucial victory in the battle for this key eastern Ukrainian hub. The operation, detailed in a released video, involved Ukrainian assault groups advancing into Pokrovsk at night, despite facing resistance from Russian forces. One soldier, slightly injured during the operation, refused evacuation to complete the mission, symbolizing the determination of Ukrainian troops.

The capture of Pokrovsk is pivotal as it serves as a major road and rail hub in Donetsk Oblast, a region Russia has sought to fully occupy since 2014. The city’s defense has been a focal point of intense fighting, with Russian forces attempting to gain a foothold in both industrial and residential areas. Ukrainian forces have been actively countering these advances, preventing encirclement and maintaining control over vital logistics routes.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has called for immediate preparations for full-scale nuclear tests, citing the U.S.'s accelerated modernization of strategic offensive weapons. This announcement comes amidst ongoing military actions, including a Ukrainian drone strike that halted operations at Russia's Tuapse oil refinery and the destruction of an Iskander missile launcher support vehicle in the Kursk region, a joint operation with the Russian partisan movement Chornaya Iskra.

In other developments, Norway has pledged $7 billion in aid to Ukraine for 2026, underscoring continued international support for Ukraine's defense. Despite these efforts, Russian attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with at least five people killed and 16 injured in the past day alone. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that Russia has lost over 1.14 million troops and extensive military equipment since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in fierce battles and strategic maneuvers. 🇺🇦💥

'Online Killboard' — How to track Ukraine’s top drone units in (almost) real-time

Since July 2025, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have operated an innovative and transparent online "killboard," allowing the public to track confirmed Russian losses from Ukrainian drone strikes in near real-time. The "USF Grouping Online Killboard" dashboard displays verified data from twelve of the drone force’s thirteen units, including destroyed targets, personnel losses, and other confirmed information. The data, which updates every five minutes, covers a range of targets such as tanks, helicopters, radars, and shelters, with some strategic infrastructure entries marked as "top secret."

The project, advertised by Major Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, serves multiple purposes. It demonstrates the transparency of Ukraine’s drone operations, provides a motivational tool for units by gamifying their performance, and acts as a recruitment platform. The system tracks drone usage, munitions, and component effectiveness, releasing results only after official confirmation from the General Staff.

The "killboard" also includes a points-based program for drone teams, allowing units to earn and exchange points for military supplies through an open marketplace called Brave1 Market. This competitive system, while not without flaws, has gained popularity, with around 400 drone units participating. The platform not only showcases operational data but also serves as a recruitment tool, aiming to expand the Unmanned Systems Forces by 15,000 personnel, with only half of these roles being combat positions. This initiative underscores Ukraine's strategic use of technology and transparency in its ongoing conflict. 🎯🛸

EU set to further tighten visa rules for Russians

The European Union is set to impose stricter visa regulations for Russian citizens, effectively ending the issuance of multi-entry Schengen visas in most cases. This decision, aimed at further penalizing Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine, will limit Russians to single-entry visas, with exceptions for humanitarian reasons or individuals holding dual EU citizenship. This move follows the EU's suspension of its visa facilitation agreement with Russia in late 2022, which made obtaining visas more difficult and costly. Some EU member states, like the Baltic countries, have already implemented severe restrictions or outright bans on Russian entry, reflecting a broader trend of tightening borders in response to Russia's aggression. 🇪🇺🇷🇺🔒

Ukraine war is in a "stalemate" due to slow European aid and US reluctance

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reached a stalemate, primarily due to the slow disbursement of aid from European countries and the reluctance of the United States to provide more substantial support. This impasse has allowed Russian forces to maintain their positions and even make incremental gains in certain areas, despite facing significant resistance from Ukrainian defenders.

The European Union, while vocal in its support for Ukraine, has struggled to deliver promised military and financial aid swiftly. Bureaucratic hurdles and internal political disagreements among member states have hindered the timely provision of assistance, leaving Ukrainian forces to contend with shortages in equipment and ammunition. This delay has not only affected Ukraine's ability to defend its territory but has also demoralized its troops and civilians, who are enduring prolonged hardships.

Meanwhile, the United States, traditionally a key ally of Ukraine, has been cautious in its approach, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of deeper involvement. The U.S. has provided significant aid, including military equipment and financial support, but has been reluctant to escalate its involvement further, fearing a direct confrontation with Russia. This reluctance has been exacerbated by domestic political pressures and the desire to avoid a broader conflict that could have global repercussions.

The stalemate has also been influenced by Russia's strategic use of its military and economic resources. Despite facing international sanctions and a weakened economy, Russia has managed to sustain its military operations in Ukraine, thanks in part to its vast reserves and the ability to mobilize additional troops. Moreover, Russia has employed hybrid warfare tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion, to wear down Ukraine and its Western supporters.

The situation has left Ukraine in a precarious position, as it struggles to maintain its defenses while awaiting more substantial support from its allies. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly called for increased aid and a more unified response from the international community, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the conflict. However, the complex geopolitical dynamics and the reluctance of key Western powers to commit more resources have made finding a resolution challenging. The ongoing stalemate underscores the urgent need for a coordinated and decisive international response to support Ukraine and restore stability to the region.

US pharma to abandon UK unless NHS pays more, says Trump’s ambassador

American pharmaceutical companies are threatening to close their operations in the U.K. if the new government under Keir Starmer does not agree to increase payments for their drugs. U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens delivered this stark warning during a U.K.-U.S. business event in London, attended by British trade and foreign ministers. Stephens emphasized that the U.K. must address its drug pricing structures to remain competitive and attract investment from U.S. firms. Failure to do so could result in not only the cancellation of future investments but also the shutdown of existing facilities, posing a significant threat to the U.K.'s renowned life sciences sector. The ambassador's message underscores the high stakes involved in the ongoing negotiations between the U.K. and U.S. pharmaceutical industry. 💊💸

Zelensky visits troops in Pokrovsk as fighting for key city continues

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to troops stationed in Pokrovsk, a city that has become a critical battleground in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The visit comes as intense fighting persists in the region, with both sides vying for control of strategic locations. Zelenskyy's presence on the front lines underscores the high stakes and the urgent need for continued support and resilience from Ukrainian forces. The city's fate could significantly impact the broader conflict, making it a focal point for military operations and international attention. 🇺🇦💥

French nationals's release in Iran comes as way to "improve relations" with Europe

France has successfully negotiated the release of several of its nationals detained in Iran, a move aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Iran and Europe. The release comes amidst ongoing efforts to ease tensions and foster better cooperation between the two regions. This diplomatic breakthrough is seen as a significant step towards mending strained relations and promoting dialogue on various fronts, including security, trade, and cultural exchange. The release of the French nationals is expected to pave the way for further discussions and potential agreements that could benefit both Iran and Europe in the long run. This development underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts and building stronger international partnerships. 🇫🇷🇮🇷🤝

Latvian Saeima parks Istanbul Convention exit until next parliamentary term

The Latvian parliament has decided to postpone the review of controversial legislation until November 1 of next year, effectively delaying the decision until the next parliamentary term. The motion, supported by 53 members from various political parties, aims to defer the contentious issue until after the upcoming Saeima elections scheduled for October 3, 2026. This decision comes after President Edgars Rinkēvičs called for a review of the law, which had sparked widespread international attention and domestic protests.

The postponement was approved during an extraordinary parliamentary session, with 18 deputies from "For Stability!" and "Latvia in First Place" voting against the motion. Linda Liepiņa of "Latvia in First Place" criticized the decision, stating that the majority had succumbed to pressure. In contrast, the Progressives party celebrated the outcome, attributing it to societal mobilization and the defense of national values. Constitutional law expert Edgars Pastars clarified that while the parliament can set a deadline for review, it cannot indefinitely postpone the matter. The delay, set for nearly a year, will likely keep all parties engaged as the deadline approaches. 📅🏛️

Zelenskyy to visit Athens in November for talks with Greek PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Athens in November for high-level talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The visit, confirmed by the Greek Foreign Ministry, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss pressing regional and international issues. While the exact date remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that the Prime Minister's office will announce the specific details soon. This meeting underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement between the two nations amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges. 🇬🇷🇺🇦🤝

Need to recalibrate

The Hellenic Post (ELTA) situation has highlighted the urgent need for the government to reassess and refine its political strategy and communication tactics. The handling of the case revealed a pattern of delayed recognition of potential controversies and a reactive, disjointed response. To navigate the numerous challenging issues ahead, the government must exercise greater caution to prevent missteps and avoid conveying unintended messages. Effective communication and proactive planning will be crucial in managing future crises and maintaining public trust.

Chart of the week: What do Ukraine's front-line communities need?

In Ukraine, a significant portion of the population faces severe economic and security challenges, with 12.7 million people requiring humanitarian assistance. Despite the urgent needs, there is a persistent concern that aid organizations may not fully understand the specific requirements of the affected communities. To address this issue, organizations like Impact Reach conduct extensive surveys to gather detailed information directly from the people in need.

Impact Reach, operating in 37 countries including Ukraine, interviews thousands of individuals annually to assess their living conditions, income, health, education, and daily struggles. Their latest survey, conducted in July and August 2025, involved nearly 3,000 Ukrainians, including those residing within 50 kilometers of the front lines. The findings reveal a stark economic divide, with a median monthly income of just over $200, and a significant gap between urban and rural households, where incomes are $240 and $160 respectively. This disparity is evident even in Kyiv, where the average salary is around $700.

The survey also highlights the severe coping mechanisms employed by Ukrainians due to resource scarcity. Thirty-two percent of the population has reduced essential health expenditures, with this figure rising to 51% for those near the front lines in Donetsk Oblast. Older adults in these areas are particularly affected, resorting to extreme measures to manage their limited resources. Additionally, 62% of Ukrainians have experienced drone or missile attacks, with nearly half encountering these threats daily or almost daily. In front-line oblasts like Donetsk and Kherson, the exposure to artillery and armed violence is even higher, affecting 75% and 81% of the population respectively.

Unfortunately, the sudden reduction in U.S. funding for humanitarian causes under the second Trump administration has forced organizations like Impact Reach to reprioritize their efforts, potentially limiting the scope of their crucial work. This underscores the urgent need for sustained support to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. 💔💸

Poland has highest employment rate for Ukrainian refugees in OECD

Poland has emerged as a leading destination for Ukrainian refugees, boasting the highest employment rate for displaced Ukrainians among OECD countries. In 2024, 78% of Ukrainian refugees in Poland were employed, significantly higher than in other nations like Lithuania (72%) and the UK (69%). Poland's welcoming stance has not only provided refuge but also integrated Ukrainians into its economy, with refugees contributing substantially to GDP growth and state revenues.

The country's overall immigrant employment rate stands at 78.4%, surpassing both the OECD and EU averages. This high employment rate is part of a broader trend of increased immigration to Poland, which saw a foreign population inflow of 374,100 in 2023, up from just 46,600 a decade earlier. Additionally, Poland has experienced a significant rise in asylum claims, with a 422% increase from 2019 to 2024, the third-highest surge in the OECD.

Despite these positive trends, Poland's new government, in power since late 2023, has implemented a stricter migration strategy aimed at reducing the number of immigrants and asylum seekers. This includes tougher visa requirements and restrictions on asylum claims for those crossing borders irregularly. The government has also made access to certain social benefits conditional upon employment, reflecting a shift in policy despite the country's historical openness to refugees and immigrants. 🇵🇱🤝🇺🇦

NBI: "Several people" detained in Eastern Finland on suspicion of funding terrorism

On Tuesday evening, Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detained "several people" in southeast Finland as part of a preliminary investigation into suspected financing of terrorist activities. The detentions occurred in Ruokolahti, where police were seen stopping a car and taking individuals into custody near Route 62. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of multiple police vehicles at the scene, approximately eight kilometers from the center of Ruokolahti.

Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen, heading the investigation, declined to provide specific details, citing the early stages of the inquiry. He confirmed the detentions but offered no information on the number of suspects, their nationalities, or further crime specifics. The Finnish government is considering tougher penalties for terrorist-related offenses, aiming to expand criminal liability and increase prison sentences for such crimes. Currently, financing terrorism is punishable by up to eight years in prison, with only five such cases reported in Finland since 2007. 🚔🔍

Government: Report cash exports

Sweden is set to implement stricter measures to combat money laundering and cash smuggling. The proposed legislation will empower Swedish Customs to search individuals or their belongings if there is suspicion that they are carrying undeclared cash amounts exceeding €10,000 (approximately 110,000 kronor). This limit will apply to both international and intra-EU travel into Sweden. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson emphasized the need for these measures, citing significant issues with money laundering and cash smuggling, which are integral to serious criminal activities in the country.

The government will decide on a referral to the Legislative Council on this matter, with violations of the new law potentially resulting in fines. Currently, EU regulations require reporting to Swedish Customs for cash exports exceeding €10,000 to non-EU countries. This proposed expansion aims to close loopholes and enhance Sweden’s ability to tackle financial crimes. 💸🚨

Hamas: May give up rockets

Hamas, a prominent Palestinian militant group, has expressed a willingness to discuss disarmament of long-range weapons, acknowledging that such arms could pose a threat to the opposing side. This statement comes from Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, who was responding to queries from Al Jazeera. However, significant hurdles remain before any concrete agreement can be reached based on the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in late September.

Abu Marzouk clarified that discussions on disarmament have not yet begun. Additionally, Hamas has proposed an alternative to the temporary "international stabilization force" outlined in Trump's plan. Instead, Hamas suggests that Gaza be controlled by a security force comprising its own police and security personnel, who would retain their small arms. This proposal underscores Hamas's desire to maintain a degree of autonomy and control over the region, even as it engages in broader peace negotiations. 🇵🇸🇺🇸🇶🇦

Lessons for the left from Zohran Mamdani

The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City in 2025 marks a significant shift in American politics, challenging the entrenched power of the old establishment and business elites. Mamdani's strategy, rooted in the Occupy Wall Street movement, involves a nuanced approach of being inside, outside, and against the Democratic Party, transforming it from within by drawing new voters and changing its agenda. This method contrasts with traditional entryism and identity-focused leftist politics, focusing instead on tangible issues that resonate with the public.

Mamdani's campaign centered on addressing critical problems, such as housing, with radical solutions that challenge the status quo. His authenticity and relatability, coupled with a grassroots campaign, mobilized thousands of supporters, particularly young people. Unlike typical politicians, Mamdani's public persona aligns with his personal identity, making him a genuine representative of his constituents.

As mayor-elect, Mamdani faces the real challenge of implementing his program, engaging with business leaders and influential figures to bring about change. His approach, grounded in the power of conviction, offers a counterbalance to the authoritarian tendencies exemplified by figures like Donald Trump. Mamdani's success represents a mobilization of the many around issues that genuinely concern them, providing a social counterbalance to the dominance of the few. His trajectory highlights a new paradigm in politics, where authentic representation and grassroots support can drive meaningful change. 🏙️🗳️