Newsflash

Putin says Russia is considering resuming nuclear tests following Trump's remarks

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia is considering resuming nuclear tests, following remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin convened a security council meeting to address Trump's statement, in which he instructed the Pentagon to begin nuclear weapons testing on par with Russia and China. Putin directed Russia's defense and foreign ministries, along with security services, to gather information and propose preparations for potential nuclear tests. This development marks a significant escalation in nuclear tensions between the two global powers, which have thus far been unable to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin has previously stated that Russia would respond in kind if the U.S. conducted nuclear tests, and this latest move underscores the heightened risks of a new nuclear arms race. The situation remains tense, with both leaders expressing frustration and a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to end the fighting. 💣🌍

Ukraine sentences Russian soldier to life in prison for executing captured Ukrainian serviceman

A Ukrainian court has imposed a life sentence on a Russian soldier for the execution of a captured Ukrainian serviceman in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This marks the first time in Ukraine's history that a Russian soldier has received such a severe penalty for executing a prisoner of war. The convicted individual, 27-year-old Dmitry Kurashov, a rifleman in the Russian "Storm-V" assault unit, shot a Ukrainian soldier at close range after the Ukrainian had surrendered near the village of Pryiutne on January 6, 2024. Kurashov, who had prior criminal convictions in Russia, had joined the military in exchange for amnesty.

The incident occurred during an assault on Ukrainian positions, where the Ukrainian soldier, having run out of ammunition, surrendered by raising his hands. Despite this, Kurashov ordered the soldier to kneel and then fatally shot him. Ukrainian forces later recaptured the position and captured Kurashov along with four other Russian soldiers. The court found Kurashov guilty under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of the laws and customs of war.

Ukraine has documented numerous violations of the Geneva Conventions by Russian forces, including the execution of 322 captured Ukrainian soldiers as of October 2025. Most of these executions, 263, occurred on the battlefield, with others linked to the 2022 Olenivka prison explosion in occupied Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian officials and human rights groups have consistently reported torture, abuse, and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russian captivity. As of September 2025, over 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers remain imprisoned in Russia, with many of their fates unknown. 🚨🇺🇦

Russian troops pile onto Pokrovsk as Ukrainians tries to keep hold of key city

Russian forces are intensifying their efforts to seize control of the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian defenders are vigorously resisting the advancing troops, aiming to maintain their grip on this crucial urban stronghold. The battle for Pokrovsk is part of a broader conflict that has seen Russia escalating its military operations, despite international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution.

The city's capture would significantly bolster Russia's territorial gains and provide a strategic advantage in the ongoing war. Ukrainian forces are determined to hold their ground, recognizing the potential consequences of losing Pokrovsk. The fighting has been intense, with both sides suffering casualties and infrastructure damage. The international community watches closely, as the outcome of this battle could shape the future trajectory of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. 🏙️💥

Trump adviser to Germany’s far-right AfD: ‘We are in this together’

In a significant and controversial move, Alex Bruesewitz, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, addressed leaders of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Berlin. Bruesewitz, known for his role in Trump’s political resurgence, praised the AfD as "bold visionaries" shaping Germany’s future. Speaking to a packed room of AfD parliamentarians and supporters, he framed the alliance between MAGA conservatives, German far-right members, and other global nationalist forces as a "spiritual war" against "Marxists" and "globalists."

The speech underscores a growing alignment between far-right political figures in Germany and the U.S., with AfD members seeking legitimacy and support from Trump’s allies. This alliance is particularly notable as German authorities have labeled the AfD as extremist, and the party faces domestic challenges related to political persecution and censorship. Bruesewitz’s endorsement highlights the transatlantic connections within far-right political movements, raising concerns about the spread of extremist ideologies and the potential for international collaboration among nationalist groups. 🌍🏛️

NATO has reversed Russia’s edge in ammunition production, Rutte says

NATO has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Russia in ammunition production, a reversal from a period when Moscow led the alliance in output. This shift is attributed to NATO's concerted efforts to bolster defense production capacities across its member states. The alliance is now expanding and opening numerous new production lines, marking the highest level of defense production in decades.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted this achievement during the NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest, emphasizing the critical role of a robust defense industry in ensuring strong security. He urged defense industries to enhance supply chains, expand existing production lines, and establish new ones to meet the growing demands. This push aligns with NATO's broader strategy to fortify both its own defenses and Ukraine's capabilities against Russian aggression.

Rutte underscored the necessity of raising defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 and accelerating the procurement of essential systems such as drones, ammunition, and air defense. He warned that the threats posed by Russia are enduring and that Moscow's military cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea presents a long-term challenge. To counter these threats, Rutte called on NATO members and their defense industries to outproduce and outsmart potential adversaries. Notably, Europe's artillery shell production has surged, with the capacity to produce six times more shells annually compared to two years ago, aiming to reach 2 million rounds by year's end. 🌍💥

Poland seeks to act as hub for increased US liquefied natural gas supplies to Ukraine and Slovakia

Poland is actively pursuing increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to bolster its energy security and support neighboring countries. In October, Polish officials visited Washington to discuss the creation of a "Polish gas hub," aiming to enhance the resilience and sovereignty of Central Europe. The U.S. is already Poland's largest LNG supplier, covering around 40% of its domestic gas demand through the Świnoujście terminal. Construction of a second terminal in Gdańsk, with a capacity of 6.1 billion cubic meters (bcm), is underway and set to open in 2028. This terminal will also supply gas to landlocked neighbors Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine.

Poland is exploring the possibility of building a second floating terminal in Gdańsk to further increase LNG imports. The energy ministry is collaborating with the U.S., Slovakia, and Ukraine to boost regional energy security. Slovakia, currently dependent on Russian gas, could receive up to 4 or 5 bcm of gas annually via Poland, covering its entire annual consumption. Polish President Karol Nawrocki recently proposed Poland's role as an energy hub to achieve regional independence from Russian gas. Ukraine, due to infrastructure damage from Russian attacks, is also in need of imported gas, which Poland is prepared to supply through commercial agreements. The development aligns with the EU's ban on Russian LNG imports starting in 2027 and U.S. pressure to reduce Russian oil and gas purchases. 🇵🇱🇺🇸💨

At least 24 relatives of Putin get state-linked jobs, investigative journalists say

Investigative journalists have revealed that at least 24 relatives of Russian President Vladimir Putin hold positions linked to the government, marking an unprecedented level of nepotism since the Romanov dynasty. This extensive web of familial influence spans multiple generations, including Putin's grandnephews, his former wife Lyudmila Putina's family, and relatives of his alleged lovers—Alina Kabayeva, Svetlana Krivonogikh, and Alisa Kharcheva. Additionally, the daughters of Putin, Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, have secured government-linked roles.

These relatives occupy significant positions, such as minister and deputy minister roles, as well as key jobs in state-owned enterprises like Gazprom, Rusgidro, Sberbank, Russian Railways, and the state propaganda outlet Dialog. This pervasive nepotism raises concerns about the concentration of power and influence within Putin's inner circle, potentially undermining the integrity of Russia's political and economic institutions.

'A powerful secondary detonation' — Ukraine confirms drone, missile strike on Russian Shahed base at Donetsk airport

Ukraine's armed forces successfully struck a key Russian drone logistics hub at Donetsk Airport on Nov. 5, confirming the operation on Nov. 6. The attack targeted a base used for storing, assembling, and launching Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The strike involved missile and artillery units, as well as Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, resulting in significant explosions and a "powerful secondary detonation." The operation was the culmination of a meticulous, months-long reconnaissance effort.

The Donetsk Airport, once a major Ukrainian development project, has been under Russian control since 2015 and has been repurposed as a staging ground for drone operations. The strike is reported to have potentially destroyed up to 1,000 Shahed-type drones and over 1,500 warheads, although these figures remain unconfirmed. Additionally, Ukraine's military targeted and damaged Russia's Volgograd oil refinery overnight, as explosions were reported at several Russian energy sites. The coordinated strikes highlight Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military and logistical capabilities. 💥🛩️

Ukraine’s defense of Pokrovsk on a knife-edge as high command resists calls to withdraw

Ukrainian forces are tenaciously defending Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, despite relentless Russian assaults that have left the cities in a chaotic "gray zone." The situation is increasingly dire, with Russian forces infiltrating and setting up positions within Pokrovsk, making large-scale clearing operations nearly impossible. The neighboring city of Myrnohrad faces a growing threat of encirclement, exacerbated by worsening logistical challenges.

The urban battle has created a complex mix of Ukrainian and Russian forces, with territorial control often unclear. Ukrainian drone pilots report a chaotic environment, where distinguishing between friendly and enemy forces is difficult. Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian logistics further hinder the defense efforts, with numerous Ukrainian vehicles destroyed in recent weeks.

As winter approaches, the battle for Pokrovsk has taken on political significance for both Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reinforced the "fortress" mentality, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed premature victories. However, internal criticism within Ukraine questions the strategy of defending the cities at all costs, warning of potential losses and the risk of a collapsing front line.

The reluctance to withdraw is linked to a military culture of "not one step back," associated with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. This mindset, coupled with alleged false reporting of tactical developments, may be obscuring the true extent of the deteriorating situation. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, with high-profile operations aimed at boosting morale and demonstrating control over key areas. The struggle for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad remains intense, with the outcome hanging in the balance as both sides vie for control amidst the urban chaos. 🏙️💥🇺🇦

Five Greeks among crew of tanker seized by pirates off Somalia

On Thursday, pirates seized the Greek-owned tanker Hellas Aphrodite off the coast of Somalia, approximately 550 nautical miles from Eyl. The vessel, flying the Maltese flag, was en route to Durban, South Africa, carrying a cargo of gasoline. Among the 24 crew members aboard, five are Greek nationals. The owning company, Latsco Marine Management, confirmed that all crew members are safe. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the tanker's master alerted authorities to a small vessel approaching the stern, which opened fire with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) before the pirates boarded the ship. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of piracy in the region, despite international efforts to curb such activities. 🚢💥

Research group: Bodies are moved or removed

A recent report by the Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) reveals disturbing activities in a city seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Satellite imagery, the sole visual documentation available, indicates "corpse-moving activities" and the presence of mass graves. The images show meter-long grave-like holes and the disappearance of groups of corpses previously visible. Additionally, similar activities have been observed at Al-Saudi Hospital, raising grave concerns about the treatment of the deceased and the potential concealment of evidence. These findings underscore the urgent need for international intervention and accountability in the region. 🌍💀

US Congressional Budget Office hacked

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which employs around 275 people and is tasked with producing cost estimates for new legislative proposals, recently confirmed a cyberattack. The agency, which processes extensive data from the U.S. government, is investigating the incident. While it remains unclear if any information was compromised, sources suggest that a "foreign actor" may be responsible. The breach underscores the ongoing threat of cyberattacks on critical government institutions. 💻🔒🌐

6 Turkish journalists summoned over reports on imprisoned opposition mayor

In Turkey, six prominent journalists have been summoned by police to testify regarding their coverage of Istanbul's imprisoned opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. The investigation, initiated by the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office, centers on allegations of spreading false information and aiding a criminal organization. Imamoglu, a key figure in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested in March on corruption charges and has been held in prison since then. His arrest sparked significant protests and raised concerns about political repression.

The journalists—Soner Yalcin, Saban Sevinc, Asli Aydintasbas, Rusen Cakir, Yavuz Oghan, and Batuhan Colak—have been critical of the charges against Imamoglu, which many view as politically motivated. Police reportedly confiscated the journalists' phones during early morning raids, a move condemned by the CHP's deputy chairman, Burhanettin Bulut, as an attempt to intimidate and silence the opposition and free press. The government maintains that the courts are acting independently.

Imamoglu faces multiple criminal cases that could result in imprisonment and a ban from political activity. His arrest has intensified scrutiny of Turkey's press freedom, with the country ranking 159th out of 180 in Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 press freedom index. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition, as well as the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey. 📰🚔

Trump: Kazakhstan signs Israel deal

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. The Abraham Accords, initiated during Trump's first term, have previously seen Israel establish diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. While Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since 1992, its formal participation in the Abraham Accords is largely symbolic. This move underscores the ongoing efforts to foster peace and cooperation in the Middle East and Central Asia, with Kazakhstan becoming the latest nation to align with this diplomatic initiative. 🇰🇿🇮🇱🤝

AI in mobility and connected transport: hype, reality, and business value

Artificial intelligence is significantly impacting the mobility sector, but its benefits are not always as straightforward as headlines suggest. Businesses are increasingly questioning where AI in telematics delivers genuine value and where the hype outweighs the results. This topic was a central discussion at the International Telematics & Connected Mobility Conference 2025 in Vilnius, hosted by Gurtam, a global software company focused on fleet management and tracking solutions.

Lithuania, with its established role in the global telematics ecosystem, is at the forefront of this conversation. The country is evaluating where AI can add value and where it might introduce chaos and costs. For tech companies, this means assessing whether AI is truly saving money or quietly inflating expenses.

AI is proving effective in several areas. In waste management, for instance, AI-driven route and load optimization has reduced costs by approximately 15% in Casablanca, Morocco, by predicting waste accumulation and optimizing collection routes. Similarly, AI-based demand prediction in shared mobility services has increased daily returns and fleet utilization, demonstrating real-world benefits.

However, AI integration is not without its challenges. The hidden costs of AI operations, such as computation and model usage, can escalate rapidly when scaled across large systems. While AI promises efficiency and scalability, it also introduces new costs and resource consumption. For example, AI-driven image analysis for scooter parking detection, though beneficial, incurs significant operational expenses when scaled across multiple cities.

Lithuania is emerging as a key player in this global conversation, bridging international AI trends with local opportunities. Companies like Gurtam are fostering collaborations that bring global insights into local discussions about mobility and telematics. This exchange of ideas is attracting investment and positioning Lithuania as a hub for AI and mobility innovation. The country's infrastructure, talent, and strategic conversations are making it a stable foundation for growth and development in the mobility sector. 🇱🇹🚗🤝

PM Mitsotakis: Agreement with ExxonMobil a historic moment

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the agreement with ExxonMobil for hydrocarbon exploration in the Ionian Sea as a "historic moment" in Greece's energy landscape. The deal, signed during the US-Greece Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) meetings in Athens, marks the first exploratory drilling in Greece in nearly four decades. The project, targeting Block 2 northwest of Corfu, is considered one of Greece’s most promising offshore concessions. ExxonMobil will hold a 60% stake, with Energean and HelleniQ Energy securing 30% and 10% respectively. Energean will lead the exploration phase, with ExxonMobil taking over if the drilling proves successful. The process could commence within 18 months, signaling a significant step forward in Greece’s energy sector. 🛢️🇬🇷

Germany tries to reform its pension system as its population ages

Germany is grappling with the urgent need to reform its pension system as the country's population rapidly ages. The demographic shift, characterized by a growing number of retirees and a shrinking workforce, poses significant challenges to the sustainability of the current pension model. The government is exploring various reforms to ensure that the system remains financially viable and continues to provide adequate support for future retirees.

Key issues include the increasing life expectancy, which means people are spending more years in retirement, and the declining birth rate, which results in fewer workers contributing to the pension fund. These factors combined create a strain on the system, as the ratio of contributors to beneficiaries decreases. To address these challenges, policymakers are considering several potential reforms. One proposal is to gradually raise the retirement age, aligning it with the increasing life expectancy. This would help to balance the number of years individuals contribute to the system versus the number of years they receive benefits.

Another proposal involves adjusting the pension formula to better reflect the financial realities of an aging population. This could include reducing the replacement rate, which is the percentage of pre-retirement income that pensions replace. Additionally, there are discussions about encouraging private savings and supplementary pension plans to supplement the state pension, thereby reducing the burden on the public system.

The government is also looking into ways to boost labor force participation, particularly among older workers. This includes promoting flexible work arrangements and lifelong learning opportunities to keep older individuals in the workforce longer. Furthermore, immigration policies are being reviewed to attract and integrate skilled workers from other countries, which could help to bolster the workforce and support the pension system.

Despite the challenges, Germany is committed to finding sustainable solutions to ensure that its pension system remains robust and equitable for future generations. The reforms aim to strike a balance between maintaining adequate retirement benefits and ensuring the long-term financial health of the system. The success of these efforts will be crucial in addressing the demographic changes and securing the financial well-being of Germany's aging population. 👵🏻👴🏻📉

From polarization to consensus

In the current political climate, it is often seen as taboo for opposition parties to acknowledge or praise decisions made by the ruling party, let alone collaborate on specific issues. This polarization is evident in the recent case of a new director of the office of the president of PASOK, who was forced to resign after positive statements about measures of the New Democracy government were revealed. This incident highlights a broader trend where opposition parties feel compelled to criticize the government relentlessly, regardless of the merits of individual policies.

However, it is unrealistic to expect that any government or politician will always make wrong decisions. Recognizing and acknowledging the correct decisions or successes of the opposition can enhance a critic's credibility. It is not uncommon for governments to implement measures that are moving in the right direction, and opposition parties should be willing to declare that they will maintain such measures if they come to power. This does not mean they have to agree on everything but shows a willingness to work towards the common good.

The environment of polarization makes it difficult for capable individuals from one party to offer their expertise to measures implemented by the opposing party. A notable example of potential consensus and cooperation was when Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered the Civil Protection Ministry to a former defense minister in the SYRIZA government, Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis. This move could have served as a symbol of cooperation and consensus, but such actions are often met with resistance.

Historical examples from the United States demonstrate the benefits of bipartisan cooperation. Presidents from different parties have appointed top executives from the opposing party to key positions, fostering a sense of unity and practical benefits. For instance, Bill Clinton appointed Republican Senator Bill Cohen as secretary of defense, and Barack Obama appointed Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to the same position. These examples show that cooperation across party lines is not only possible but also beneficial for the country.

In a time when many major issues require wide social consensus, such as national security and economic stability, cooperation between political parties is essential. The current climate of polarization hinders progress and makes it difficult to address complex challenges effectively. It is time for political leaders to embrace a more collaborative approach, recognizing that consensus and cooperation are key to achieving the best outcomes for the country.

Saeima conceptually supports Latvia's 2026 budget

Latvia's parliament has approved the first reading of the 2026 state budget, which includes significant changes in taxation and increased spending on key priorities. The budget forecasts revenues of €16.1 billion and expenditures of €17.9 billion, marking a 6.2% increase in revenues and a 4.7% increase in expenditures compared to the current year. Notably, revenues are projected to grow by €944.6 million, while expenditures will rise by €804.3 million.

The budget includes a mix of tax cuts and increases. Starting mid-2026, value-added tax (VAT) on essential goods such as bread, milk, poultry, and eggs will be reduced. Conversely, excise duties on strong alcohol, tobacco, and gambling will rise, along with certain natural resource taxes and road user charges. The general government budget deficit is expected to increase from 2.9% of GDP in 2025 to 3.3% in 2026, driven by heightened spending on national defense and security.

Key allocations for 2026 include €448.3 million for national security, aiming to enhance the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, develop military infrastructure, and bolster the local defense industry. Total defense funding will reach €2.2 billion, with defense spending projected to be 4.9% of GDP in 2026, rising to 5% in 2027, and slightly decreasing to 4.9% in 2028. Additionally, €94.8 million is allocated to support families with children and improve maternal and child healthcare. Health funding will increase by €27.9 million to €1.9 billion, and education will see €45 million for a new teacher remuneration model and quality education initiatives. The minimum wage and non-taxable minimum will both increase by €40, reaching €780 and €550 per month, respectively. 📈💸

Auctions threaten big debtors

Tax authorities in Greece are intensifying efforts to recover significant outstanding debts from individuals, employing a range of aggressive tactics. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has initiated an extensive operational plan to compel large debtors to settle their arrears, utilizing asset freezing, auctions, and thorough investigations of both domestic and international bank accounts. In June, AADE sent thousands of notices to major debtors, offering repayment plans of 24 or 48 installments, but the response was underwhelming, prompting the authority to escalate its actions.

The AADE has already published an auction program featuring 26 properties, including residential and commercial buildings, land, and parking spaces, with starting prices ranging from €1,000 to €3.18 million. This initiative is set to expand, with additional auctions planned until the first quarter of 2026. The authority is also collaborating with international offices to gather data on Greek debtors' assets abroad, with initial results expected next year. 🏡💸🇬🇷

Beyond real estate, the AADE is targeting high-value movable assets such as luxury cars, recreational boats, and securities. Audit services have been instructed to identify and seize these assets to facilitate debt repayment. This concerted effort underscores the Greek tax authorities' commitment to recovering substantial debts and enforcing financial regulations.