Newsflash

Major effort against mold in Ukraine's energy sector

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) conducted a series of 70 raids following a 15-month investigation into the country's nuclear power sector. The investigation uncovered a "high-level criminal organization" involving bribes linked to contracts awarded by Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear power company. Approximately $100 million was reportedly laundered through this system. This development comes amidst ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizing the importance of transparency and cooperation with anti-corruption agencies. Energoatom confirmed the raids and stated its cooperation with investigators, although it did not comment on the specific allegations. The Ukrainian energy sector faces additional challenges due to recurrent Russian attacks, as the country braces for another winter of conflict. 💸💥

Source: Syria joins cooperation against IS

Syria is set to join the international coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) as its 90th member, following a visit by Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to the White House. This development comes as Syria and the United States reportedly work towards restoring diplomatic relations. The coalition aims to collaborate with Syria to eradicate the remaining ISIS strongholds, marking a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The move underscores a growing international effort to combat extremist threats and stabilize the region. 🇸🇾🇺🇸💥

The cost of war: Is Russia running out of money to continue the fight?

Russia faces a severe budget crisis, with seven consecutive years of high deficits, as the government struggles to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine. The country's fiscal situation is dire, with a projected 2.6% deficit for 2025 and an unrealistic 1.6% deficit planned for 2026. Sanctions have shut Russia out of international financial markets, leaving it dependent on domestic borrowing and limited reserves. Even China, once seen as a potential lender, has refused to provide government loans.

The fiscal crisis has led to a cap on military spending, with defense expenditures projected to remain flat or decrease slightly as a share of GDP between 2026 and 2028. However, this hides deeper financial difficulties within the military-industrial complex, which is struggling to maintain operations. The war effort has relied on low-intensity conflicts, such as drone strikes and missile attacks, which Russia can sustain for some time, but at a significant economic cost.

To cope with the budget crisis, Russia has resorted to cutting recruitment bonuses, increasing taxes, and potentially resorting to monetary emission. The National Wealth Fund, once a significant fiscal cushion, has dwindled, and domestic borrowing is functionally impossible due to high yields on state bonds. The government has raised taxes extensively, but the resulting revenue is only a fraction of what is needed.

Western sanctions have significantly contributed to Russia's economic and budget crisis. To further disrupt Russia's war machine, Europe should accelerate the phasing out of Russian energy imports. The oil price cap and secondary sanctions have had some impact, but their effectiveness could be enhanced. The ruble's strength and lower global oil prices have also reduced revenues from energy exports, exacerbating the fiscal strain. The deepening crisis underscores the need for continued and strengthened Western sanctions to pressure Russia's economy and limit its ability to fund the war.

EU’s new visa rules for Russians: restrictions and exceptions

The European Commission has implemented stricter rules for issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens, eliminating multiple-entry visas in response to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and related hybrid threats. Under the new policy, Russian citizens must now apply for a new visa for each visit to the EU, allowing for more frequent and thorough security checks. This measure, which took effect on November 7, aims to mitigate potential risks posed by Russia's actions, including drone disruptions and sabotage incidents across Europe.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the necessity of protecting European citizens, stating that travel to and within the EU are privileges, not rights. The decision was unanimously agreed upon by all EU member states and is part of broader efforts to counter Russia's hybrid attacks, which have disrupted airports and military bases in several European countries. This move underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing security and safeguarding its citizens in the face of evolving threats. 🛬️🚨

Greece eyes US-made AIM-120D missiles for F-35 fleet

Greece is actively pursuing the acquisition of US-made AIM-120D missiles for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets, emphasizing the need to maintain regional military balance. Initially, the United States had reservations about the request, but Greece argues that these missiles are crucial for countering Turkey's planned acquisition of Meteor missiles for its Eurofighter jets. If the U.S. continues to refuse, Greece is prepared to order Meteor missiles from MBDA to equip its 20 F-35s. Additionally, Greece has expressed interest in the advanced AIM-260 JATM, which is slated to replace the AIM-120 in the near future. This strategic move underscores Greece's commitment to enhancing its air defense capabilities in the Aegean region. 🇬🇷🛩️💥

Giving Ukraine fighter jets was not a crime, Slovak prosecutor says

In a significant development, Slovakia's prosecutor's office has concluded that the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets and air defense systems to Ukraine in 2023 did not constitute a criminal offense. This decision comes after the previous Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Eduard Heger, donated the country's entire fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 jets and two air defense systems to Ukraine, marking Slovakia as the first nation to send warplanes to Kyiv following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The current government, headed by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is known for his pro-Moscow stance, had previously criticized the military aid and filed a criminal complaint against Heger and former Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad. The allegations included sabotage, abuse of power, and mismanagement of public property, which both Heger and Nad vehemently denied. Current Defense Minister Robert Kalinak had even accused his predecessor of "treason."

However, the prosecutor's office determined that the donation did not cause harm to Slovakia as defined by the country's criminal code. The investigation found no evidence that the government officials acted with intent to gain unlawful benefits or exceeded their legal authority. The inquiry was halted on October 30, with the prosecutor's office stating that there was no basis to refer the case further.

Former Defense Minister Nad welcomed the decision, asserting that the Heger government acted morally and in the national interest of Slovakia, fully compliant with laws and the constitution. He called for a public apology from Fico's government. This ruling underscores the complex political dynamics surrounding military aid to Ukraine and the differing views within Slovakia on its role in the conflict.

Famellos calls for urgent debate on sudden closure of 204 ELTA branches

SYRIZA leader Socrates Famellos has demanded an immediate parliamentary debate on the abrupt closure of 204 Hellenic Post (ELTA) branches, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency. The original meeting, scheduled for November 4, was abruptly postponed just an hour before it was due to start, following the resignation of ELTA’s CEO. Famellos has since called for its urgent rescheduling, citing revelations that the deputy prime minister was aware of the closures.

The closures, which have already seen 46 post offices shut down and another 158 slated to close within three months, have sparked concerns about the "abandonment and desolation of the countryside" and the restriction of citizens' access to essential services. Famellos has linked these closures to the broader issue of public service privatization and has called for a transparent and non-partisan approach to address ELTA’s sustainability. He has invited key ministers, including the economy and finance minister, the deputy prime minister, the digital governance minister, and the head of the Superfund, to attend the rescheduled session to provide proper information to MPs and the public. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for swift action to ensure that citizens are fully informed and that the integrity of Parliament is maintained. 📮📢

Who is Timur Mindich, Zelensky's secretive associate at the center of a major corruption probe?

Timur Mindich, a 46-year-old businessman and close associate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is at the center of a significant corruption investigation. Mindich, who hails from Dnipro, Ukraine, is a co-owner of Zelensky's Kvartal 95 production company and has reportedly leveraged his ties with the president to expand his influence across various industries. His alleged activities have sparked concerns and investigations, particularly in the energy sector, including Ukraine's state nuclear power company, Energoatom.

Mindich's political and business clout has grown substantially in recent years. He has been linked to several high-ranking officials, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, who was fired amid bribery and abuse of power charges. Mindich's alleged protégés also include key ministers in the justice, energy, and agriculture sectors. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has conducted searches related to Mindich's activities, and he has been accused of aiding the aggressor state due to his business interests in Russia, including a stake in a Russian diamond producer.

Mindich's influence extends to the media and banking industries. His associates have secured lucrative contracts for producing content for Ukraine's state-run telethon, and he is suspected of having ties to the nationalized Sense Bank. Additionally, Mindich's relative, Leonid Mindich, was arrested for embezzling millions from the electric power company Kharkivoblenergo. The ongoing investigations into Mindich's activities highlight the complex web of political and business connections that have raised concerns about corruption and influence within Ukraine's government. 🕵️‍♂️💸

South Korea opens office in Poland to promote cultural exports and content creation

South Korea's Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) has established its first office in Central and Eastern Europe in Warsaw, Poland. This strategic move aims to capitalize on Poland's thriving film, music, and gaming sectors, as well as the growing interest in Korean culture among Poles. KOCCA's head in Poland, Iljoong Kim, highlighted the "enormous potential" for collaboration, noting that Poland has approximately 250,000 enthusiasts of Korean culture, the largest number in the region.

KOCCA supports the creation and distribution of content across various industries, including music, video games, fashion, and broadcasting. Kim emphasized Poland's strengths in these sectors, particularly in gaming and animation, and expressed interest in fostering joint projects with influential Polish companies like CD Projekt, TVN, and Polsat. The agency also sees opportunities to promote Polish cultural content in Korea and other parts of Asia, with discussions underway to adapt "The Witcher" comic books for the popular Webtoon platform.

The opening of KOCCA's Warsaw office was announced at the K-Content Expo, the first event of its kind in Poland, showcasing leading firms from South Korea's creative industry. This development follows a trend of increased international interest and investment in Poland's creative sector, with Netflix also establishing an office in Warsaw in 2022. Additionally, South Korea and Poland have strengthened their business and defense ties, with Warsaw purchasing significant amounts of Korean military hardware and investing in joint production. 🇰🇷🇵🇱🎬🎮

EU’s SAFE program has limits for third countries

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Greece and Cyprus regarding Turkey's potential participation in the EU's SAFE defense program. While the program has financial limitations for third countries, Kallas emphasized that defense remains a national responsibility and that individual EU member-states can pursue bilateral defense cooperation with Turkey if they choose. The EU is focusing on strengthening its economic and military power to become a geopolitical force, but it faces challenges in filling the void left by the U.S. in certain regions. The bloc continues to support Ukraine through military aid and economic sanctions against Russia, aiming to pressure Moscow into negotiations. Meanwhile, the EU is accelerating its defense capabilities but may need to rely on external procurement in the short term while bolstering its own defense industry. The EU also seeks a more significant role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, recognizing the region's direct impact on European security. The bloc is expanding its defense initiatives to address threats from all sides, including the development of a European drone wall to counter drone threats across the continent. 🌍🛡️

Ukraine war latest: Kyiv denies Pokrovsk encirclement, 7th Rapid Response Corps releases drone strike footage

On the 1,355th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has denied reports that Russian troops have encircled the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Donetsk Oblast. Major Andrii Kovalev, a spokesman for Ukraine's General Staff, acknowledged logistical challenges but insisted that supply routes to the city remain open. The 7th Rapid Response Corps reported intense fighting in the region, with Russian forces launching nearly 20% more assaults in the past week compared to the previous one.

Meanwhile, a Czech crowdfunding campaign has successfully raised funds for the production of a Flamingo missile for Ukraine, with the manufacturer, Fire Point, committing to provide two missiles. The Flamingo missile, described by President Zelensky as "the most successful" missile Ukraine currently has, has a claimed range of 3,000 kilometers and a significant warhead.

In other developments, the Ukrainian memorialization project Memorial of Heroes had its YouTube channel deleted, erasing stories of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. The project's deputy editor, Kateryna Maiboroda, accused Russia of a coordinated operation to destroy Ukrainian memory. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces claimed a successful drone attack on an oil depot near Simferopol in Russian-occupied Crimea, highlighting the strategic importance of such targets.

Former Ukrainian military chief and current ambassador to the U.K., Valerii Zaluzhnyi, published an opinion piece stating that a peace deal to end the war is premature and would require months or years of tough negotiations. Additionally, explosions rocked the Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse, reportedly due to a Ukrainian sea drone attack.

In the past day, Russian attacks on Ukraine resulted in at least one death and 15 injuries. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 52 drones, while regional authorities across Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson oblasts reported casualties and damage from Russian strikes. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that Russia has lost over 1,152,160 troops since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, along with significant military equipment. 🇺🇦💥

Finland sees record number of hate crime reports, Police University College says

Hate crimes in Finland have surged to unprecedented levels, with the Police University College reporting a record 1,808 suspected incidents in the past year, marking a 13% increase from 2023. The majority of these cases involved verbal insults, threats, and harassment, with assaults being the second most common offense. Racism was the primary motive, accounting for nearly 70% of the reported crimes, with Syrian residents being the most targeted group. Other motives included prejudice based on disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious background. The increase in reported hate crimes is attributed to both a rise in actual incidents and improved identification and reporting by authorities. While Finland's Criminal Code does not explicitly define hate crimes, the motive behind an act can enhance penalties. The trend highlights growing societal polarization and the need for continued vigilance in addressing and preventing hate-motivated offenses. 📈🚨

Polish parliament approves increased taxes on alcohol and sweet drinks, but presidential veto looms

Poland's ruling coalition has approved significant tax increases on alcohol, sugary beverages, and energy drinks, aiming to boost public health and generate additional revenue. The Sejm, the lower house of parliament, passed legislation to raise excise duties on alcohol by 15% in 2026 and 10% in 2027, and to increase the surcharge on sugary and artificially sweetened drinks by up to 50%. The finance ministry frames these measures as a means to combat health issues like obesity and alcohol-related problems, but critics argue that the primary motive is revenue generation. The opposition, led by President Karol Nawrocki, has pledged to veto the tax increases, citing campaign promises to oppose tax hikes. The government's fiscal strategy comes amid efforts to reduce Poland's budget deficit, which has grown due to increased defense and social welfare spending. The country was recently placed under the EU's excessive deficit procedure, requiring it to outline a plan to balance its budget. Despite these challenges, the government is also pursuing other revenue-raising measures, such as increasing the corporate income tax rate for banks. The implementation of these taxes has been criticized for deviating from their original health-focused intent, with funds being used for general healthcare rather than targeted programs. 🇵🇱💸

Mendoni: Return of Parthenon Marbles ‘closer than ever’

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has expressed optimism about the return of the Parthenon Marbles, stating that the goal is "closer than ever" after five decades of campaigning. Mendoni highlighted a recent dinner event held in the British Museum’s Parthenon gallery, suggesting that such activities bolster Greece’s arguments for reunification and challenge British assertions regarding the sculptures' safety. The minister emphasized the Greek government's systematic and methodical approach to achieving reunification, noting that significant progress has been made in the past six years. This renewed push underscores Greece's unwavering commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage. 🏛️🇬🇷

'Gift for Putin' — Czech public raises money for 1 Flamingo missile for Ukraine, Fire Point to provide 2

A Czech crowdfunding initiative, "Gift for Putin," has successfully raised 16.1 million crowns ($756,700) to fund the production of a Flamingo missile for Ukraine. The campaign, which aimed to collect 12.5 million crowns, exceeded its goal in less than two days. The missile manufacturer, Fire Point, has pledged to provide two Flamingo missiles, effectively doubling the value of the public's donation. The first missile will be named DANA 1 in honor of the late Czech nuclear physicist Dana Drabova, with the second named DANA 2. The additional funds raised will be allocated based on a public vote on social media, with options including ambulances, plastic explosives, or a training aircraft for the Ukrainian army.

The Flamingo missile, with a range of 3,000 kilometers and a 1,150-kilogram warhead, has been described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the "most successful" missile in Ukraine's arsenal. Ukraine has increasingly relied on its long-range capabilities, enabled by Western-provided weapons and domestically produced drones, to disrupt Russian logistics and combat capabilities. Despite facing challenges with Western military aid, Ukraine has turned to producing its own long-range weapons, seeking financial backing from allies. However, the manufacturer, Fire Point, is under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau for alleged irregularities in component values and drone deliveries. 🇺🇦🚀

UN slams military junta's election plans: "Unbelievable"

In 2021, a military junta seized power in Myanmar through a forceful coup, following the landslide victory of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in the previous year's elections. This power grab ignited a brutal civil war, with the junta displacing hundreds of thousands of people, committing alleged genocide and human rights abuses, and conducting indiscriminate aerial bombings that have resulted in civilian deaths. Despite this ongoing conflict, the military has announced plans to hold elections starting on December 28, touting them as a step towards peace. However, rebel-held areas are boycotting the elections, opposition figures remain imprisoned, and journalists have been targeted and killed.

The international community, including Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern and skepticism about the legitimacy and feasibility of these elections. Türk highlights the dire situation in Myanmar, noting that significant portions of the country are beyond the junta's control and that the military's oppressive actions make the prospect of free and fair elections unthinkable. The global attention to this crisis remains insufficient, further complicating efforts to address the humanitarian and political turmoil in Myanmar. 🇲🇲💥

Right-wing lawmakers to sue Parliament over blocked corruption inquiry

The European Union's General Court is set to review a case challenging the European Parliament's decision to block an investigation into the EU's vaccine contract management. The legal motion, filed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from right-wing and far-right political groups, argues that the September 3 decision by political group leaders to prevent a vote on establishing an investigative committee was unlawful. The MEPs, representing the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations and Patriots factions, as well as the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists group, have accused the EU of corruption, money laundering, abuse of power, and undue interference in legislative processes. The court's examination of this case could have significant implications for transparency and accountability within the EU's vaccine procurement and broader governance. 🏛️💉

Finland moves forward with 500-member reserve police force plans

The Finnish government is advancing plans to establish a reserve police force, as announced in a recent interior ministry press release. This volunteer force, consisting of approximately 400 to 500 individuals—primarily police students and retired officers—aims to bolster police resources during serious incidents, emergencies, and potential defense situations.

The reserve force would be deployed under the authority of the interior ministry, with a high threshold for activation. This initiative, included in Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government program, seeks to ensure that law enforcement has adequate personnel in all circumstances. Previous attempts to revive a supplementary police force in the late 1990s and under recent governments failed, but the current administration is pushing forward with the proposal. 🚔🇫🇮

Update: Wehrdienst, was junge Menschen fordern – mit Quentin Gärtner

In a significant development, the German Bundestag is focusing on the topic of mandatory military service, a matter that impacts an entire generation. Quentin Gärtner, the General Secretary of the Bundesschülerkonferenz, has called for young people to be heard not just as a target group but as active participants in the decision-making process. During a public hearing of the Defense Committee at the Paul-Löbe-Haus, Gärtner emphasized the importance of youth involvement in discussions about mandatory service, highlighting issues such as mental health, democratic education, and the responsibilities the state owes to its youth.

Gärtner's insights underscore the need for greater youth participation in political dialogues, particularly when policies directly affect them. The debate revolves around ensuring that young people are not only considered as recipients of policies but are also given a voice in shaping them. This approach is crucial for fostering a sense of ownership and engagement among the youth, who will be the ones most affected by decisions regarding mandatory service. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for mental health and democratic values, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to youth policy. 🗣️🏛️

Mayors still being evaluated for security clearance in Latvia

Gatis Truksnis, a member of the Latvian Green Party, remains in his position at the Jūrmala municipal council building despite resigning last week due to his denial of state secrets clearance. Truksnis was denied access because of a past conviction for falsifying documents related to a work trip, which is one of the reasons the State Security Service (VDD) commonly denies clearance. The VDD considers various factors, including criminal offenses, travel to certain countries, and personal addictions, when evaluating clearance applications.

Truksnis plans to appeal the VDD's decision, highlighting that a conviction does not automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining clearance. The VDD assesses each case individually, prioritizing national security interests. The process for obtaining state secrets clearance has become more stringent, with municipal leaders now required to undergo this vetting process. As of mid-last week, 81 applications had been evaluated, with 80 granted clearance and one granted for a shortened period. The assessment for 36 applications is still ongoing.

The current procedure allows for three scenarios if a mayor is denied clearance: resignation, a council vote (which would be symbolic), or ministerial intervention. The minister responsible for local governments acknowledged that clearer legal wording could simplify the process. The requirement for state secrets clearance for municipal leaders was introduced to ensure access to classified threat analyses during national threats. The evaluation process, which can take up to six months, aims to ensure that municipal officials can be trusted with sensitive information. 🇱🇻🔒