Newsflash

Putin and Trump's envoy set for key Ukraine talks in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin and a U.S. envoy are set to hold crucial talks in Moscow, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions and escalating military engagements, as Russia continues its aggressive campaign against Ukraine. The discussions are expected to address potential ceasefire agreements, humanitarian aid, and broader geopolitical implications. Both sides are under pressure to find a resolution, as the war has caused significant destruction and loss of life, with civilian areas bearing the brunt of the attacks. The outcome of these talks could shape the future of the region and influence global security dynamics. 🕊️💥

Belgian cops raid EU foreign service in fraud probe

Belgian authorities have detained three individuals and conducted raids on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the College of Europe as part of an investigation into alleged fraud related to the establishment of a diplomat training academy. The searches, approved by Belgian police and requested by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), targeted locations in Brussels and Bruges, including the EEAS headquarters and private residences.

The EEAS, the EU’s foreign policy arm, was previously led by Federica Mogherini, who now serves as rector of the College of Europe, a prominent institution for training future EU officials. Reports from Belgian newspaper L’Echo suggest Mogherini was among those detained, though the College of Europe has declined to comment. The investigation highlights concerns over potential misconduct in high-level EU institutions. 🚨📜

'Blurred Lines: One US team dealing with the Ukrainians, the other dealing with the Russians'

The U.S. is navigating a delicate diplomatic tightrope by engaging with both Ukraine and Russia through separate teams, each pursuing distinct objectives. One team focuses on supporting Ukraine with military aid and political backing, while the other engages with Russia in an effort to de-escalate tensions and explore potential diplomatic solutions. This dual approach reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as the U.S. seeks to balance its commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty with the need to prevent further escalation of the conflict. The blurred lines between these two strategies highlight the challenges of managing competing priorities in a volatile international landscape. 🌍🤝

Accused Hitler mimic gets the boot from Germany’s far-right AfD

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is considering expelling a member after he delivered a speech mimicking Adolf Hitler at a recent party event. The incident occurred during the founding congress of the AfD's new youth movement, "Generation Deutschland," held in Gießen. Alexander Eichwald, a relatively unknown AfD member, took the stage dressed in a blue jacket, black tie, and slicked-back hair. His speech and gestures reportedly evoked the notorious Nazi leader, sparking outrage and prompting the party to take disciplinary action. 🚨🇩🇪

Witkoff arrives in Moscow for crunch Putin talks

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow for a critical meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to persuade him to end the war in Ukraine. The visit follows controversy surrounding Witkoff, after a leaked transcript revealed he had advised a high-ranking Kremlin official on how to approach negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting also comes on the heels of a 28-point peace plan, reportedly drafted by Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Witkoff. The plan has faced criticism from Ukraine and European allies for its perceived favoritism toward Russia. The outcome of Witkoff’s discussions with Putin could significantly influence the trajectory of the ongoing conflict. 🕊️🇷🇺

ECB refuses to provide backstop for $163 billion Ukraine loan, FT reports

The European Central Bank (ECB) has declined to support a €140 billion ($162.53 billion) loan to Ukraine, a move that complicates the European Union's efforts to secure a "reparations loan" using frozen Russian assets. According to the Financial Times, the ECB deemed the European Commission's proposal to be outside its mandate, further hindering Brussels' ability to raise funds against Russian central bank assets held at Euroclear, the Belgian securities depository. This decision adds to the challenges faced by the EU in its financial support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. 💸🚫

Europe’s defense starts with networks, and we are running out of time

Europe's security hinges not just on physical borders but on the digital networks that sustain its societies, economies, and democracies. These networks, operated by telecom companies, are the backbone of essential services, from emergency communications and healthcare to energy systems, financial markets, transport, and defense. A recent study by Copenhagen Economics underscores the critical role of telecom operators in Europe’s security architecture, highlighting their indispensable contribution to maintaining daily operations and defense readiness.

However, Europe faces a pressing challenge: its telecom sector is economically strained and structurally fragmented, which could undermine efforts to build robust defense capabilities. The reality is clear—without resilient and well-supported digital networks, Europe’s security and defense ambitions are at risk. Addressing this vulnerability is crucial to ensuring the continent’s stability and sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world. 🌍📡

Live: Russia claims control of Pokrovsk, Ukraine says still holds part of city

Russia has claimed full control of the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, with President Vladimir Putin praising military commanders for the reported victory. However, Ukrainian forces insist they still hold the northern part of the city, and fighting continues. These conflicting reports emerge as Donald Trump’s special peace envoy prepares to meet with Putin in Moscow to discuss a potential peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Key developments from yesterday include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing cautious optimism about the progress of revising the Trump administration’s peace plan. Meanwhile, Russia announced the capture of both Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, further escalating tensions. The Trump administration has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement to end the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and military engagements shaping the future of the region. 🌍⚔️

Macron - Zelensky: ‘No peace deal without Ukraine and Europe’

In a recent meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and security. Macron emphasized that any future peace deal must involve both Ukraine and Europe, underscoring the importance of European unity in addressing regional conflicts. The discussion highlighted France's continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Both leaders stressed the need for a collaborative approach to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. 🇫🇷🤝🇺🇦

Intense diplomacy in Paris as Macron and Zelensky seek consensus on peace plan

Intense diplomatic efforts are underway in Paris as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky work toward a consensus on a peace plan for Ukraine. The discussions come at a critical juncture, with global attention focused on the ongoing conflict and the need for a sustainable resolution. Both leaders are engaging in high-stakes negotiations, aiming to align their positions and present a unified front in the face of Russia's continued aggression. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. 🇫🇷🇺🇦🤝

More Russian attacks on Ukraine in November

In November, Russia launched a relentless assault on Ukraine, firing 215 missiles and deploying 5,445 long-range drones, according to an AFP tally based on daily updates from the Ukrainian Air Force. This marks a 2% increase in attacks compared to October, despite ongoing intensive peace negotiations and U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement. Russia's strategy of targeting Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure with drones daily has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and allies, who view these attacks as deliberate attempts to terrorize civilians and destabilize the country. 🚨💥

Ukrainian Special Forces hit Russian Shahed drone launch site in occupied Crimea, military says

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) successfully struck a Russian drone launch site in occupied Crimea on the night of November 28. The attack targeted a storage and launch area for Shahed-type drones near Cape Chauda, a location frequently used by Russian forces to launch drones at Ukrainian cities. The SSO released video footage of the operation, but the claim could not be independently verified. Explosions were reported in the area, and the Ukrainian General Staff later confirmed that the strike hit a drone storage site at the Saky airfield in Novofedorivka, along with other military facilities.

Russia produces its own versions of the Iranian Shahed drones, known as Geran-1 and Geran-2, which are cheaper models of the Shahed-131/136. These long-range, high-flying kamikaze drones have been a key component of Russia's nightly assaults on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure throughout 2025. The scale of these attacks has increased significantly, with larger swarms of Gerans overwhelming Ukraine's air defenses. Russia has also been equipping these drones with jet engines and deploying them against Ukrainian frontline positions.

Ukraine has been targeting Russian military facilities in long-range strikes as part of its defense strategy. 🚁💥

Israel awaits new remains from Gaza

The remains of two hostages, taken during Hamas' October 2023 attack, are expected to be handed over on Tuesday, according to the prime minister's office. Authorities are maintaining continuous contact with the families of the deceased. While it is unclear whether Hamas has already transferred the remains to the Red Cross, the exchange is part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. Under this deal, Israel will release 15 Palestinian prisoners to Gaza for each deceased hostage returned. The remaining hostages include an Israeli and a Thai citizen. 🕊️🇮🇱🇵🇸

Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk; Kyiv denies

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on December 1 that Russian troops had captured the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, citing a report from the Russian army's General Staff. This claim was supported by a video released by Russia's Defense Ministry, showing soldiers raising a Russian flag in the center of Pokrovsk. However, Ukrainian officials swiftly refuted these claims, stating that Russian forces had not taken control of either city. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that their forces were still holding the northern part of Pokrovsk and had repelled numerous Russian assaults. They also noted that 106 Russian soldiers had been killed in the previous 24 hours.

Putin's announcement coincides with a visit by a U.S. delegation to Moscow for negotiations on a peace plan, which has been revised to better reflect Ukraine's position. Analysts suggest that Russia's claims of territorial gains are part of a propaganda strategy to influence international negotiations. Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, warned that Russia would likely escalate such claims to exert pressure on the front line and raise the stakes in diplomacy. He also noted that part of Vovchansk remains under Ukrainian control.

Pokrovsk and Vovchansk have been among the most fiercely contested areas, with Ukrainian forces holding off major Russian assaults for over a year. Despite intense fighting and destruction, Ukrainian troops continue to defend these strategic locations. 🇺🇦💥

Hidden quake faults mapped

Scientists from Greece’s National Observatory of Athens (NOA) and New Zealand have completed the first comprehensive mapping of active seismic faults across mainland Greece, revealing hundreds of previously unknown fault lines. Using high-resolution digital elevation models from the Hellenic Cadastre, the research team systematically surveyed the entire country, creating the Active Faults Greece (AFG) database. The study cataloged 3,815 fault traces grouped into 892 faults, with over half mapped for the first time. The database also includes 35 surface ruptures linked to historical earthquakes.

Greece’s landscape is shaped by its position between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, with faults classified as active, possibly active, or uncertain based on recent deformation. Over 2,000 fault traces were characterized as active, while approximately 1,600 were deemed possibly active. Dr. Vasiliki Mouslopoulou, lead researcher at the NOA’s Geodynamic Institute, highlighted the practical implications, emphasizing the need for infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, and energy facilities to be designed with knowledge of active seismic sources.

The AFG database is freely accessible online through an interactive map, allowing engineers, researchers, and citizens to identify active faults and their characteristics. This groundbreaking work underscores the dynamic geological forces at play in Greece and the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone regions. 🌍🔍

Farmers blockade highways over payments

Greek farmers are staging a massive protest, blocking major highways with over 2,500 tractors due to delayed and insufficient subsidy payments. The demonstrations, which began on Sunday, have paralyzed key routes, including the Athens-Thessaloniki National Highway and the E-65 near Karditsa. Farmers plan to maintain the blockades through the holiday season, marking the first time in over a decade that national roads have been fully closed during such protests.

The immediate cause of the unrest is the government's advance payment of basic agricultural subsidies, which many farmers report receiving either nothing or significantly less than expected. The government distributed €363 million this year, down from €476 million last year, with delays exceeding one month. After deductions for insurance contributions, approximately €280 million reached farmers, leaving around 139,000 producers without payments. Issues such as frozen tax identification numbers, data rechecks, cadastral problems, and unavailable pastureland have further complicated the situation.

Violent clashes erupted on Sunday when riot police used chemicals and stun grenades against protesters attempting to reach the Athens-Thessaloniki Highway, resulting in injuries and three arrests. Despite instructions to avoid violence, police face communication challenges. The protests have bipartisan support, with farmers demanding systemic changes rather than temporary fixes. They emphasize the need for the government to understand and address the underlying issues affecting the agricultural sector. 🚜🚧

Athens water crisis deepens as reservoirs fall to decade lows

Athens is grappling with its most severe water shortage in a decade as reservoirs Mornos and Yliki have lost nearly 40% of their reserves, with Mornos' surface area halved and Yliki experiencing a sharp decline in water levels. The drought, comparable to the prolonged dry spell of 1988-1994, has been exacerbated by fewer rainy days and reduced mountain snow, leaving recent storms ineffective in replenishing supplies. In response, the government plans to implement an emergency water consumption regime and accelerate major infrastructure projects, including the Evrytos project, which aims to divert surplus water from Lake Kremasta to Attica. Water utility EYDAP is investing €2.5 billion in upgrades, such as smart-network monitoring and water-reuse systems. Authorities stress the need for public cooperation to prevent excessive water use amid the worsening crisis. 💧🌊

Greece’s bet on AI

Greece is making significant strides in the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) dominance, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spearheading the nation's ambitious AI strategy. Through high-profile partnerships with leading AI firms like OpenAI and Mistral AI, Greece is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The country's focus on AI innovation is driven by a commitment to technological advancement and economic growth, aiming to leverage AI to enhance various sectors, from healthcare to education and beyond.

By fostering a collaborative environment with global AI leaders, Greece is not only attracting investment but also nurturing local talent and infrastructure. These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform Greece into a hub for AI research and development, ensuring that the nation remains competitive in the digital age. As the world watches the AI race unfold, Greece's strategic bets on AI could redefine its technological and economic future, solidifying its place in the global AI ecosystem. 🌍💡

Ukraine's Umerov meets Trump envoy Witkoff again after Florida talks, White House says

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov held a second meeting in two days with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Florida, as part of ongoing discussions about the U.S.-backed peace plan for Ukraine. The talks, which also included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner, focused on revising the original 28-point proposal, which imposed stringent conditions on Kyiv, such as limiting its military, banning NATO membership, and recognizing Russian occupation. Ukraine has been working to amend these terms, with initial consultations in Geneva followed by further negotiations in Florida.

Both sides described the meeting as "productive" and "constructive," though challenges remain. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio highlighted the discussions on ending the war and ensuring Ukraine's long-term prosperity, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the need to address "tough issues." Umerov, who was initially scheduled to meet with Zelensky in Paris, will now report the outcomes of the talks in Ireland on December 2. Meanwhile, Witkoff is set to continue negotiations with Russia, with a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on the same day. 🇺🇸🇷🇺

Russian tanker reportedly hit by sea drones in Black Sea near Turkish coast

A Russian oil tanker, the MIDVOLGA-2, reportedly came under a drone attack in the Black Sea while en route to a port in northern Turkey on December 2. The vessel, carrying sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia, was struck 80 miles off Turkey’s coast, within Turkey’s Exclusive Economic Zone but outside its territorial waters. The Turkish Transport Ministry confirmed the attack, stating that all 13 crew members were unharmed and the ship continued its journey to Sinop under its own power. According to Marine Traffic, the MIDVOLGA-2 is a 140-meter-long oil and chemical tanker sailing under the Russian flag.

The attack follows a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which uses vessels to evade sanctions and sell Russian fossil fuels abroad. While there has been no official confirmation linking Ukraine to this specific incident, the strikes typically involve “Sea Baby” naval drones. Turkish authorities have expressed concern over the safety risks posed by such incidents in the region. 🚢💥