Newsflash

Zelenskyy in talks with Rutte and von der Leyen

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted the significance of recent diplomatic engagements, emphasizing that these are pivotal days with potential for substantial changes. In a post on X, Zelensky noted that Ukraine and NATO are closely coordinating their efforts. He also shared that his discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen focused on the diplomatic situation, and that both leaders share a common understanding of the most critical issues at hand.

These conversations come as an American and Ukrainian delegation convene in Florida to explore a potential peace agreement in the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine. The timing underscores the urgency and complexity of the diplomatic landscape, as Ukraine seeks to navigate its path forward amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. 🕊️🇺🇦

Trump officials to sit down with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida

U.S. officials are set to meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida to discuss the ongoing conflict with Russia. The talks, led by U.S. representatives, will focus on finding a path toward peace amid escalating tensions. The meeting comes as Russia intensifies its military campaign, launching devastating drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. These strikes have caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, raising concerns about Russia's long-term strategic goals. Meanwhile, European leaders are grappling with the need to bolster their own defense capabilities in response to shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities. The discussions in Florida are expected to address both immediate humanitarian concerns and broader geopolitical strategies to secure a stable future for Ukraine. 🇺🇸🇺🇦✌️

Ukraine's intelligence releases video of alleged attack on Chechen fighters in Russian-occupied territories

Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) has released footage of an operation targeting Chechen fighters in the Russian-occupied Berdiansk district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The operation, conducted in collaboration with local partisans, reportedly disrupted the sale of stolen diesel by members of the Akhmat unit, a Chechen force within the Russian army known as "Kadyrovites." According to HUR, Ukrainian partisans discovered the illicit operation and detonated explosives at the site on November 29, damaging two vehicles. The number of casualties remains under investigation.

Berdiansk, a port city in southeastern Ukraine, has been under Russian control since February 2022. The Kadyrovites, led by Ramzan Kadyrov, have been accused of widespread human rights abuses during the conflict. Ukraine continues to target military assets in occupied territories and within Russia to weaken Moscow's capabilities amid the ongoing war. 🇺🇦💥

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 38 over past day

Russian forces launched a wave of attacks across Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least five civilian deaths and 38 injuries, according to regional authorities. The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted 104 of the 122 drones deployed by Russia, while two ballistic missiles were fired from occupied Crimea.

In Kyiv Oblast, a drone attack in Vyshhorod, a town just 15 kilometers north of Kyiv, claimed one life and injured 19 others, including four children. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences to those affected. In Kherson Oblast, two people were killed, and seven others were wounded, with damage reported to 11 houses and private vehicles. Donetsk Oblast also saw two fatalities and five injuries.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast faced air and artillery strikes, along with hundreds of first-person-view drones, injuring a child and damaging 20 buildings. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast suffered drone and aerial bomb attacks, injuring a 68-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man, and causing damage to homes, apartment blocks, and a school. Kharkiv Oblast reported four injuries and damage to residential buildings and a post truck. Sumy Oblast endured over 30 strikes on 19 settlements, with homes damaged but no casualties reported. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these reports. 💥🏙️

Far-right Active Club establishes chapters across Finland

The far-right combat sports network Active Club has expanded its presence across Finland, with eight local chapters now operating in the country, primarily in Turku and Tampere. Since its arrival two years ago, members have been involved in removing rainbow flags and posting white supremacist stickers in public spaces. According to Katri-Maaria Kyllönen, a doctoral researcher at the University of Jyväskylä, around 50 individuals participate in Active Club and its affiliated Club 8 network.

While the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo) does not classify the group as a terrorist threat, it acknowledges that Active Club poses a risk to public order and safety. Globally, the network has been linked to accelerationism, an ideology that promotes societal collapse through violent acts. Active Club promotes far-right and ethnonationalist ideologies, often sharing violent and dehumanizing content targeting minorities. The group’s activities include low-threshold combat training sessions, making it accessible for newcomers to join. 🚨🤼‍♂️

Vilnius airport halts flights again after balloon sightings

Vilnius International Airport temporarily halted operations on November 30 after detecting unidentified objects, believed to be balloons, in the surrounding airspace. This incident is part of a broader trend of airspace disruptions in Lithuania, which has faced repeated interruptions over recent months. European airports, including Copenhagen and Brussels, have also encountered similar alerts involving drones or unidentified objects, leading to temporary shutdowns.

Lithuanian authorities extended the latest airspace restrictions until 5 a.m. local time on December 1. Officials in Vilnius have long suspected that many of these incidents involve weather balloons used by smugglers to transport illicit cigarettes across the border from Belarus. The Lithuanian government accuses Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of enabling and weaponizing this practice as part of a broader "hybrid attack" on the Baltic state. In response to the surge in balloon incidents, Lithuania shut down both of its remaining border crossings with Belarus in October. However, the checkpoints were reopened last week after the situation appeared to stabilize, with no new disruptions reported.

Lukashenko has dismissed Lithuania’s border closures as "a crazy scam" and accused Western countries of waging a hybrid war against Belarus and Russia. 🌍✈️

Ukraine, Norway to jointly produce drones starting in 2026

Ukraine and Norway have agreed to collaborate on the joint production of drones, with a pilot production line set to launch in 2026. This partnership, formalized by Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Norwegian counterpart, Tore O. Sandvik, underscores the deepening ties between Kyiv and Oslo as Ukraine seeks to bolster its domestic defense industry amid Russia's ongoing invasion and reduced U.S. military support. The agreement leverages Ukraine's expertise and innovations alongside Norway's robust production capabilities and research institutions.

Drones have become a critical asset in the conflict, utilized by both Ukraine and Russia for frontline operations and long-range strikes. Ukraine is also in discussions with the U.K. to produce 2,000 interceptor drones monthly, with London committing to fund thousands of long-range attack drones for Ukraine. While the specific drones to be produced with Norway were not disclosed, Oslo has previously pledged significant financial support, including 6.7 billion Norwegian Crowns ($660 million) for a U.K.-led maritime coalition and an additional $7 billion next year to strengthen Ukraine's defense sector. This collaboration highlights the growing international support for Ukraine's defense capabilities. 🛩️🇺🇦🇳🇴

Ukraine troop cap contentious as US pushes for peace deal to end war

As U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, a contentious issue has emerged: the proposed cap on Ukraine's military size. The original 28-point peace proposal suggested limiting Ukraine's armed forces to 600,000, a figure criticized for aligning with Russia's demands. European leaders countered with an 800,000-cap proposal, which has since gained traction. Ukrainian military analysts argue that a post-war army of 300,000 well-trained professionals would suffice, though maintaining battle-ready reserves of over a million is crucial for national security.

Ukraine seeks to establish conditions that prevent future Russian invasions, emphasizing the importance of a robust defense capability. While economic constraints may naturally reduce the army size, experts stress the need for a well-prepared reserve force, drawing parallels with Israel's model of compulsory military training. The debate highlights the delicate balance between achieving peace and ensuring Ukraine's long-term security. 🇺🇦⚔️

Poland’s President Nawrocki cancels Orbán meeting after Hungarian PM’s Putin visit

Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has canceled a planned meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán following Orbán’s recent visit to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin. Nawrocki, aligned with Poland’s national-conservative opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, had been scheduled to attend a Visegrad Group summit in Hungary and meet with Orbán. However, in response to Orbán’s Moscow visit, Nawrocki decided to limit his trip to only the summit, avoiding any direct engagement with Orbán.

Nawrocki’s decision underscores his firm stance against Russia, contrasting with Orbán’s efforts to secure energy supplies from Moscow and his offer to host peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. The move has been welcomed by Poland’s ruling coalition, which has frequently clashed with Orbán over his pro-Russian stance and his decision to grant asylum to Polish politicians facing legal troubles in Poland. While Nawrocki and PiS share some ideological alignment with Orbán and his Fidesz party, their differing views on Russia have strained relations, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite recent attempts to rebuild cooperation, the cancellation of the meeting highlights ongoing tensions. 🇵🇱🇭🇺

Budget confirms economy is on path of growth, says FinMin

Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis presented the 2026 Budget to Parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee, emphasizing that it marks a significant shift from crisis management to sustainable growth. The budget reflects a forward-looking approach, focusing on opportunities and prospects rather than deficits and risks. Pierrakakis acknowledged that challenges remain but highlighted that Greece is now defining its future through stability, reforms, and ambition. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities and building a solid foundation for the country, ensuring that Greece is not just chasing but actively shaping its future. 📈🌱

Netanyahu officially requests pardon over corruption charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog regarding his ongoing corruption charges. The prime minister's office confirmed that the request was submitted to the legal department of the Office of the President, describing it as an "extraordinary request" with significant implications. This move comes as Netanyahu faces legal challenges that have cast a shadow over his political career. The outcome of this request could have far-reaching consequences for Israel's political landscape. 🇮🇱⚖️

Securing Greece’s AI future

Greece is at a critical juncture in its journey toward artificial intelligence (AI) leadership. One year after publishing its Blueprint for AI Transformation, the country must act decisively to turn its vision into reality. The blueprint outlines a comprehensive framework for AI development, emphasizing education, innovation, public sector modernization, and regulatory alignment. However, significant gaps remain in infrastructure, industrial policy, national security, talent retention, and data governance.

To secure its AI future, Greece must prioritize high-performance computing, secure data centers, and energy provisioning. It should also develop a robust industrial strategy to position itself within European supply chains and attract research partnerships. National security considerations, including cyber defense and intelligence operations, must be integrated into AI planning. Additionally, Greece must implement concrete mechanisms to retain top-tier researchers and repatriate its diaspora.

Data governance frameworks, interoperable APIs, and sector-specific data trusts are essential for unlocking AI's potential. Clear accountability mechanisms, including KPIs, timelines, budgets, and oversight bodies, are crucial for successful implementation. By focusing on areas like public sector AI adoption, maritime monitoring, and cultural AI, Greece can generate economic value, strengthen national security, and reinforce its role in Europe.

The time for decisive action is now. Greece must establish a National AI Implementation Unit, develop a sovereign compute strategy, and implement data governance frameworks. Targeted programs to retain and develop AI talent, along with integrated civilian and defense AI planning, are essential. With coordinated investment, strategic partnerships, and a governance approach that turns vision into measurable impact, Greece can position itself as a regional AI hub and a trusted partner in Europe. The decisions made today will shape Greece's future for decades to come. 🚀🇬🇷

Vilnius airport closes after balloon alarm

Lithuania has temporarily closed its airspace due to the detection of suspicious balloon-like objects, prompting concerns over potential security threats. The restrictions, which began at 6 p.m. local time, will remain in effect throughout the evening. This decision follows a series of incidents where balloons from Belarus violated Lithuanian airspace, leading to the closure of the Vilnius airport earlier in the week. Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced that future intrusions will be met with force, as the balloons will be shot down.

Lithuania has accused Russia of orchestrating these incursions as part of a "hybrid psychological operation," raising tensions in the region. In response to these provocations, Lithuania has not ruled out invoking NATO's Article 4, which mandates urgent consultations among alliance members when a state feels threatened. The situation underscores the ongoing geopolitical challenges in Eastern Europe, where security concerns continue to escalate. 🌍⚠️

Norway moves forward with age limit for social media

The Norwegian government is taking bold steps to safeguard children online by proposing a new law that would ban social media platforms from offering services to children under 15. This initiative aims to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media use, which can impact sleep, mental health, learning, and concentration. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the global nature of this challenge, stressing the need for international cooperation to create a safer digital environment for children.

The proposed law will define social media platforms and enforce an age limit of 15, ensuring children are shielded from harmful content, abuse, and data misuse. While the law will not restrict children’s participation in leisure activities or social communities, it will align with their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and access to information. Exceptions will be made for educational and extracurricular platforms.

Norway is also implementing complementary measures, such as raising the GDPR age of consent for data processing to 15, issuing health recommendations on screen use, and removing mobile phones from schools. Additionally, the government plans to strengthen penalties for violations of child-targeted marketing regulations and combat online crimes affecting children.

Key statistics highlight the urgency of this issue: 72% of Norwegian children aged 9–12 use social media, and 56% have been exposed to frightening or violent content. A significant majority of the population supports electronic age verification for social media, with 60% believing the government should set age limits. Norway is collaborating with the EU and other European countries to develop effective age verification solutions and enforce these restrictions. 🌐📵

Trump calls for right-wing shift as Honduras elects leader

In Latin America, Honduras is poised to follow Argentina and Bolivia in shifting politically to the right, with conservative presidential candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura emerging as a potential leader of this change. U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Asfura, describing him as a partner in combating "narco-communists" and threatening to cut U.S. aid to Honduras if the left secures victory. Trump's endorsement has drawn scrutiny, particularly after he pledged to pardon Asfura's party colleague, former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently imprisoned in the U.S. for drug trafficking.

Despite Trump's influence, many Hondurans remain undeterred. Esmeralda Rodriguez, a 56-year-old fruit vendor, told AFP, "I vote for who I want to vote for, I don't care what Trump says." On the left, Rixi Moncada, the ruling party's candidate, aims to continue President Xiomara Castro's policies, advocating for economic democratization and social reforms. Meanwhile, Salvador Nasralla, a right-wing Liberal Party candidate, is also gaining traction, promising to tackle corruption. With polls closing at midnight Swedish time, preliminary results are expected on Monday morning, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in Honduras' political future. 🇭🇳🗳️

Lithuanian lawmakers begin debate on allowing 16-year-olds to vote in local elections

The Lithuanian parliament has initiated discussions on a proposed constitutional amendment that would lower the voting age to 16 for municipal elections. Supporters argue that this change would enhance civic engagement among young people, who already bear significant responsibilities such as working, paying taxes, and entering legal contracts. Martynas Dikšaitis, president of the Lithuanian School Students’ Union, emphasizes that many 16-year-olds are capable of making informed decisions and that granting them the right to vote could foster greater participation in civic organizations and public life. Proponents also believe the amendment would strengthen young people’s ties to their local communities, particularly those who relocate for education. 🗳️🏙️

After Putin meeting: Polish president snubs Orbán

Poland’s President has decided to scale back his official program during an upcoming visit to Hungary, notably removing a scheduled meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The adjustment follows domestic criticism from national conservative and right-wing factions, who have faced backlash for aligning too closely with Orbán, whose pro-Russian stance contrasts sharply with Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials have welcomed the decision, with Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha praising it as a clear demonstration of Poland’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine and its strong sense of solidarity. 🇵🇱🤝🇺🇦

Experts: Netanyahu's appeal extraordinary

As Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial progresses, the former Israeli Prime Minister is seeking a presidential pardon to clear his name before a verdict is reached. With a ceasefire in Gaza, Netanyahu can no longer use the state of war as a reason to delay court hearings, making this a strategic moment for his legal defense. Political scientist Isabell Schierenbeck suggests that Netanyahu's timing is deliberate, aiming to enter the upcoming election campaign with a clean slate.

Netanyahu's request for a pardon, without admitting any guilt, is unprecedented in Israel. The decision ultimately rests with President Isaac Herzog, a former political rival but currently a constructive partner. Herzog, a traditional politician with a strong belief in accountability, is unlikely to approve the pardon without some form of responsibility from Netanyahu. The outcome of this decision is expected to further polarize an already divided society, with potential protests and unrest regardless of the decision.

Middle East expert Anders Persson views the pardon request as part of Netanyahu's broader survival strategy, similar to other global leaders like Donald Trump, who navigate legal challenges while maintaining political influence. Whether Netanyahu secures a pardon or not, his political future remains uncertain, but his ability to weather legal storms continues to define his career. 🇮🇱⚖️

Why is Poland’s debt rising so fast – and should we be worried?

Poland's public finances, once celebrated for their discipline, now face significant challenges due to rising debt and deficits. In 2019, then-Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki proudly announced a balanced budget, but unforeseen global events—such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—quickly derailed these plans. The country now grapples with record deficits, reaching nearly 240 billion zloty in 2024, and a rapidly growing public debt, which, while still below the EU’s 60% GDP threshold, is projected to rise to 75% by 2029.

The primary concern is not just the debt level but the increasing cost of servicing it. Rising interest payments, expected to exceed $27 billion annually by 2029, pose a greater threat to fiscal stability. Reducing deficits through spending cuts or tax hikes is politically difficult, especially with a coalition government and a president who has vowed to oppose new fiscal burdens. Social spending, rather than defense, is the main driver of the deficit, making reforms politically contentious.

Despite these challenges, Poland’s strong economic growth and investor confidence provide some breathing room. However, analysts warn that without effective fiscal management, the situation could deteriorate, potentially forcing painful austerity measures in the future. The current debt trajectory is a test for Polish politicians, who must balance economic stability with political realities. 📉💸

Industry awaits energy cost cut

Greek industries are growing increasingly anxious about their competitiveness as they await government action to reduce soaring energy costs. The recent shutdown of six aluminium plants by Norsk Hydro has heightened concerns, as Greece's energy expenses far exceed those of its European counterparts. While neighboring countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Bulgaria have already implemented significant measures to lower energy costs and support their industries, Greece's efforts remain stalled.

Germany has taken a leading role by capping electricity prices for heavy industry at approximately 5 cents per kilowatt-hour from 2026 to 2028, alongside tax cuts and reduced network charges. France followed suit, announcing a plan to cut taxes on electricity for businesses by 5-7 euros/MWh starting in 2026, a move expected to cost the state around €2.8 billion. Meanwhile, Greece's government has yet to deliver on its promises, leaving industries in limbo.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis previously pledged a package of measures to address energy costs, but the draft budget for 2026 does not allocate any additional funds for this purpose. Government officials are reportedly working on balancing the scope of eligible companies with the fiscal burden, while industry representatives, such as the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), estimate the cost for energy-intensive sectors at €200 million. The "Italian model," which SEV proposes, is under consideration, though adapted to Greece's electricity market realities. Finalizing these measures is reportedly a matter of days, with cooperation between the government and industry stakeholders underway. 🏭💡