Newsflash

Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia injure at least 9, maternity hospital damaged

On February 1, Russian forces launched two devastating attacks on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least nine people, including a child. Around noon, a strike hit a maternity hospital, wounding six individuals, including two women undergoing examinations. Later in the day, a Russian drone attack in a residential district injured two women and a four-year-old boy. Governor Ivan Fedorov condemned the strike on the maternity hospital as "yet another proof of a war waged against life," highlighting a pattern of Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including previous strikes on maternity wards.

The latest assault damaged nearly three dozen buildings, including 15 multi-unit apartment buildings and 11 homes. This escalation comes as Russia intensifies its offensive in the southern region, despite ongoing peace negotiations involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a temporary suspension of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, but Moscow clarified that this would only apply to Kyiv and last until February 1. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks, stating that "Putin continues his war against civilians contrary to peace efforts" and emphasizing the need for sustained pressure on Moscow to end its aggression. 💥🏥

Ukraine sees 'real results' from blocking Russia’s Starlink use, defense minister says

Ukraine's Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has reported "real results" from efforts to block Russia's unauthorized use of Starlink, a satellite internet system crucial for Ukrainian military communications. Following Ukraine's request, SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, swiftly responded to prevent Russian drones from exploiting the system. Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, confirmed the success of these measures and offered further assistance if needed. Fedorov emphasized ongoing collaboration with Musk's team to implement a system that ensures only authorized terminals operate in Ukraine, praising Musk's support.

Ukrainian forces heavily rely on Starlink for secure communication in frontline positions, preferring it over traditional radio systems. Despite SpaceX's denial of selling terminals to Russia, concerns arose about Russia's potential misuse. Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Previous tensions with Musk, including threats to block Starlink access, were resolved, with Musk affirming that Starlink will continue to support Ukraine. The current measures to prevent unauthorized use are temporary, with plans for more permanent solutions in the works. 🛰️🇺🇦

Iran threatens wider war if Washington strikes

Iran has escalated its warnings to the United States, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stating that any U.S. military action against Iran would trigger a regional conflict. Speaking through the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Khamenei emphasized that if the U.S. initiates hostilities, the repercussions would extend across the Middle East. The 86-year-old leader’s remarks underscore the heightened tensions between the two nations and the potential for broader instability in the region. 🌍⚔️

SpaceX has stopped Russia's 'unauthorised' use of Starlink against Ukraine, Musk says

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced on Saturday that measures taken by his company have successfully halted Russia's unauthorized use of the Starlink internet system. This development follows Ukraine's discovery that Russia had been utilizing Starlink to guide long-range drones in attacks on Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that Ukraine is collaborating with SpaceX to prevent Russia from exploiting Starlink's internet for military purposes. Fedorov emphasized the importance of ensuring that Western technology supports democratic values and protects civilians rather than being misused for destructive ends.

Despite past disagreements between Musk and Ukrainian officials regarding the war, Ukraine's military continues to rely heavily on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations. Starlink's role in the conflict has significantly expanded Musk's geopolitical influence, particularly after he took control of its deployment in Ukraine in 2022. The recent actions by SpaceX underscore the ongoing efforts to safeguard critical technology from misuse in conflict zones. 🚀🌍

Ukraine: US envoy reports 'constructive' talks with Russia amid mass power outage in Kyiv

Ukraine is experiencing a critical moment as U.S. envoy reports "constructive" talks with Russia, even as Kyiv faces a massive power outage. The discussions, led by U.S. officials, aim to de-escalate tensions and find a path toward peace, though skepticism remains high given Russia's ongoing aggression. Meanwhile, the power outage in Kyiv has left thousands without electricity, exacerbating the challenges faced by civilians already enduring prolonged conflict. The situation underscores the urgent need for a resolution, as Ukraine struggles with both diplomatic efforts and the immediate humanitarian crisis caused by the war. 💡🇺🇸🇷🇺

Erfan Soltani, threatened with death penalty in Iran, has been released

A 26-year-old man, Erfan Soltani, was arrested in early January at his home in connection with a protest in Fardis, west of Tehran. He was released on Saturday, and all his belongings, including his phone, were returned to him. Soltani is one of thousands arrested since the protests began in late December. Shortly after his arrest, his family was reportedly informed that he had been sentenced to death, a decision later overturned by Iran's chief judge. The protests, which have shaken Iran in recent weeks, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, according to exiled organizations. 🇮🇷💔

Ukraine peace talks pushed back as Washington juggles Iran crisis

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the next round of trilateral talks involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine will take place on February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi. The meetings, initially scheduled for Sunday, were postponed due to Washington’s focus on escalating tensions in the Middle East. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s readiness for substantive discussions, emphasizing the importance of achieving a meaningful and dignified end to the war. Earlier, in his nightly address, he had noted that Kyiv was awaiting further details from U.S. officials, who are mediating the negotiations. The upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi represent a crucial step toward resolving the conflict and securing peace. 🕊️🇺🇦

GenZ at work: young Lithuanians change jobs frequently, employers try to adapt

Young people in Lithuania are rapidly changing jobs, often holding multiple positions within a single year, prompting employers to adapt their schedules and working conditions to retain staff. Data from the Employment Service reveals that most young workers do not stay in one job for even a year, with nearly half of those in the Panevėžys region leaving their workplace within 12 months. The number of young people not pursuing education is also on the rise, with many taking on low-skilled jobs and frequently switching roles, while others seek highly flexible working conditions.

Modestas Pariauka, a 26-year-old resident of Panevėžys, exemplifies this trend. He began working at 18 and has since held up to 25 different jobs over eight years. "I didn’t know what I really wanted to do," he admitted, highlighting the uncertainty and experimentation common among young workers today. This trend poses challenges for employers and underscores the need for flexible and appealing work environments to attract and retain young talent. 💼🔄

The Greek economic miracle: Powered by technology, not fuel

Greece is on the cusp of an economic renaissance, driven not by fossil fuels but by a strategic shift to renewable energy. This transition is not just an environmental imperative but a pathway to prosperity, as energy is the lifeblood of economic growth. For decades, Greece's reliance on imported fuels has constrained its potential, leaving it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. However, the shift to renewables transforms energy from a finite resource into a scalable technology, unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities.

Renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels, operates on a technological model where the marginal cost of production is nearly zero once infrastructure is in place. Solar panels and wind turbines, once installed, provide decades of energy with minimal maintenance, eliminating the need for costly extraction and transportation. This technological advantage is compounded by the fact that renewables follow learning curves, becoming cheaper and more efficient with increased production. Over the past decade, the cost of solar power has plummeted by roughly 90%, a trend that fossil fuels cannot match.

Moreover, renewable energy is inherently democratic, as sunlight and wind are universally accessible and cannot be monopolized. Advances in storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro, have rendered concerns about intermittency obsolete. Countries like Portugal and Denmark have already demonstrated the feasibility of operating on renewables, and Greece, with its superior solar resources and ideal geography for energy storage, is poised to lead this transformation.

Greece's strategic advantage lies in its abundant solar irradiation, strong wind resources, and natural geography, which are perfect for energy storage projects. The Amfilochia pumped-storage project, with a capacity of 680 MW, is just one example of the potential that lies ahead. With over 5 GW of additional pumped hydro projects already permitted, Greece has the opportunity to become an energy-independent economic powerhouse.

The choice before Greece is clear: continue to rely on imported fuels and geopolitical volatility or leverage its natural advantages to achieve energy freedom. The technology exists, the projects are approved, and the geography is ideal. What is needed now is political will—a commitment to prioritize long-term prosperity and energy independence. By embracing this vision, Greece can secure a future where its children inherit a self-sufficient nation powered by its own sun and wind, free from the constraints of global fossil fuel markets. 🌞💡

Rafah crossing partially reopens amid continued violence across Gaza

Israel has reopened the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt in a limited capacity, allowing only pedestrian traffic after a two-year closure. This move comes amid ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed dozens of people on Saturday, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes were in response to ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, around 80,000 Palestinians who fled Gaza during the conflict are now seeking to return through the Rafah crossing, according to a Palestinian official. The situation remains tense as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. 🚶‍♂️🇵🇸🇮🇱

Screenwriter behind Oscar-nominated film It Was Just an Accident arrested in Iran

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has praised his co-writer and fellow prisoner of conscience, Mohammad Rasoulof, highlighting his profound impact as a moral force both inside and outside prison walls. Panahi, who is currently outside Iran, emphasized that Rasoulof is not just an activist but a witness, listener, and a rare moral presence whose absence is deeply felt. Rasoulof recently joined 17 others in condemning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's repression of protesters in Iran, a statement that Panahi also supported. Their film, "It Was Just an Accident," is nominated for Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay, underscoring the resilience and courage of those who continue to advocate for justice and human rights in Iran. 🎬🇮🇷

Where martial law meets the energy crisis | Ukraine This Week

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur of the Kyiv Independent explores how martial law intersects with Ukraine's energy crisis, detailing the challenges civilians face during the country's harshest winter since the full-scale Russian invasion. The documentary "Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics" follows Ukrainian medics as they navigate the front lines and later find brief respite in Sweden's tranquil forests, highlighting their mental health struggles. Additionally, recent reports examine China's quiet acquisition of Russian weapons and the motivations behind Colombian volunteers joining Ukraine's fight. As extreme winter conditions grip the front lines, these stories offer a glimpse into the resilience and sacrifices of those enduring the conflict. ❄️💔

UK’s Peter Mandelson resigns from Labour party after Epstein ties resurface

Former British ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, has resigned from the Labour Party following the resurfacing of his ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, 72, stepped down to avoid causing further embarrassment to the party, despite denying any wrongdoing. Recently released U.S. Department of Justice documents allege that Epstein made several payments totaling $75,000 to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, though Mandelson claims to have no memory of these transactions. Additionally, undated photographs show Mandelson in compromising situations, though he could not recall the circumstances. Further documents suggest Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s partner in 2009. Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role last year due to these connections. He had previously apologized for maintaining his friendship with Epstein, initially refusing to do so on the grounds that he was not complicit. 🇬🇧🔍

Closing the door on backroom dealings

The persistent issue of unclear zoning laws in Greece is stifling investment and fostering backroom dealings, despite government reforms in other areas. The controversy over development plans for Milos' iconic Sarakiniko beach highlights the need for decisive legislation—either banning construction on such sites or ensuring legal protections for investors. The lack of spatial planning proposals from local authorities perpetuates uncertainty, leaving room for shady negotiations between citizens and state officials. This mirrors past practices, such as tax audits, where discretionary inspections led to corrupt dealings. To restore trust and transparency, all interactions between citizens and the state should be electronic, clear, and publicly accessible. The government must accelerate reforms to eliminate remnants of an inefficient bureaucracy and meet citizens' expectations for a fair and modern public sector. 🏛️📜

Climate change puts Norway's love of skiing to the test

Norway, renowned for its Winter Olympic success, faces a challenging future as climate change threatens its snowy winters and skiing culture. By the end of the century, Norwegian winters are expected to be 2°C to 3°C warmer, with ski seasons potentially shortened by one to three months. Coastal areas, where most of the population lives, may even lose their winters entirely. This shift is already evident in Oslo, where the winter season has shortened by a month over the past 30 years, and ski club memberships have dropped by 37% since 2014.

To combat this, Norway launched the "Snow for the Future" project nearly a decade ago, exploring sustainable solutions like artificial snow production. Researchers are developing energy-efficient snowmaking technologies that can operate in above-freezing temperatures, with excess heat being repurposed for heating other facilities. Indoor ski centers, like the one in Lorenskog, are also emerging to provide year-round skiing experiences.

Despite these challenges, Norway's top athletes remain optimistic. Former biathlon star Johannes Thingnes Bo notes that most training occurs in the summer, and shorter autumn cold spells could actually extend the skiing season. As Norway adapts to a changing climate, its love for skiing and winter sports endures, ensuring its legacy in the Winter Olympics continues. ❄️🎿

On rights and abortion

In a clinic seven years ago, a woman awaiting an egg harvesting procedure for in vitro fertilization overheard a nurse express disapproval of others seeking abortions, implying that her struggle to conceive should somehow negate another woman's right to choose. This encounter revealed a troubling undercurrent of outdated views on abortion within Greece's institutions, despite the procedure being legal since 1986. The debate over abortion rights has resurfaced in public discourse, with some politicians, like Maria Karystianou, suggesting a conflict between women's rights and fetal rights—a perspective that ignores scientific and legal realities.

The conversation around abortion is not unique to Greece; the U.S. overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, and Europe also faces obstacles to reproductive rights. The complacency in assuming these rights are secure has allowed conservative attitudes to resurface. While abortion remains legal in Greece, history shows that rights erode when taken for granted. Vigilance and active defense are necessary to protect hard-won freedoms. The right to abortion is not just a medical issue but a fundamental aspect of bodily autonomy and gender equality. 💭👩‍⚕️

Starmer aims to revive defense talks with EU

During a visit to China, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his intention to revive discussions on strengthening defense ties with the European Union. Following the collapse of negotiations last year regarding the U.K.'s participation in the EU's SAFE loan program, Starmer emphasized the importance of closer cooperation in defense spending, capabilities, and collaboration. He highlighted the need to explore initiatives like SAFE or other mechanisms to enhance joint efforts between the U.K. and European countries. The prime minister's remarks signal a renewed push for deeper defense integration, despite previous setbacks. 🇬🇧🤝🇪🇺

Poland’s population decline accelerated in 2025, with 168,000 more deaths than births

Poland's population decline has accelerated in 2025, with the country recording around 168,000 more deaths than births. This marks the 13th consecutive year of negative population growth, with the total population falling to 37.33 million, a decline of 0.42%. The trend is driven by persistently low birth rates and high emigration rates, particularly among young people. The demographic shift is reshaping Poland's population structure, with a growing share of retirees and a shrinking working-age population. In 2025, 24.2% of the population was above retirement age, while those under 18 accounted for just 17.7%. This demographic pressure strains pensions, healthcare, and the labor market. Despite these challenges, the number of workers in Poland has reached a record high, thanks to older adults and previously inactive individuals, particularly women, entering the workforce. However, projections suggest the population could fall to 29.4 million by 2060 if current trends continue. Efforts by successive governments to address the issue through incentives have so far failed to reverse the decline. Economic insecurity, housing affordability, and restrictive abortion laws are among the factors contributing to the reluctance of young Poles to have children. While immigration has partially mitigated the impact, experts caution that it is unlikely to fully offset the demographic decline. 📉🇵🇱

'Not enough' work being done in Kyiv as city faces heating emergency, Zelensky says

President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed frustration over the inadequate response to Kyiv's severe energy crisis, which has left hundreds of residential buildings without heating amid freezing temperatures. The crisis follows a major disruption in Ukraine's power grid on January 31, exacerbated by constant Russian attacks and frozen transmission lines. Zelensky emphasized that the situation remains "extremely difficult," with over 500 buildings in Kyiv lacking heat for more than a week, regardless of ongoing strikes. He urged city authorities to work more swiftly with government agencies to provide timely assistance and accurate information to residents.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later reported that the number of buildings without heat had decreased to 244, following a large-scale accident that initially left 3,419 multi-story buildings without heating. He assured that public utilities and energy companies were actively working to restore heating. However, Zelensky's criticism highlights broader concerns about mismanagement and the city's preparedness for the harsh winter, compounded by Russian strikes on critical infrastructure. The ongoing political tension between Zelensky and Klitschko adds another layer of complexity to the crisis. 🌡️🏙️

Greece among EU’s top renewable energy performers in 2025

In 2025, Greece emerged as a standout performer in renewable energy within the European Union, setting new records in clean electricity generation. According to the European Electricity Review 2026 by Ember, wind and solar power collectively surpassed fossil fuels in EU electricity production for the first time, despite a rise in natural gas use. Wind energy contributed 16.9% and solar power 13.2% of the EU's electricity, combining for a 30% share, while fossil fuels accounted for 29%. Renewables, including hydropower, covered 48% of the EU's electricity needs.

Solar power achieved a historic milestone, generating 369 terawatt-hours—an over 20% increase for the fourth consecutive year—and accounting for 13% of the EU's electricity. Every member state saw growth in solar energy, with Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Spain, and the Netherlands each surpassing a 20% solar share. Greece ranked third in the EU for photovoltaic energy's share of total electricity production, following Hungary and Cyprus and ahead of Spain and the Netherlands. Additionally, Greece achieved a historic low in coal use for electricity generation, underscoring its commitment to renewable energy. 🌞💨