Newsflash

Ukraine war latest: Kyiv carried out 3 offensive operations in 2025, including 2 inside Russia, Syrskyi says

Ukraine has launched three offensive operations in 2025, including two inside Russia, as revealed by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. These operations, conducted in the Dobropillia sector of Donetsk Oblast and Kursk and Belgorod oblasts in Russia, have disrupted Russian plans to seize Donetsk and establish buffer zones. Ukrainian forces are currently on the offensive in about a quarter of combat engagements along certain sections of the front line, which stretches approximately 1,200 kilometers. Advances in drone technology have extended the depth of the kill zone to 15–20 kilometers, with drone strikes accounting for roughly 60% of total fire damage. Despite Russia deploying around 711,000–712,000 troops, they have not achieved significant operational gains in January, suffering daily losses of 1,000 to 1,100 personnel.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced personnel changes in the Air Force, aiming to improve the interception of Russian drones, particularly Shahed-type drones. He noted that while some regions have effective defense lines, others require substantial improvements. Meanwhile, foreign fighters in Ukraine's Azov International Battalion captured 18 Russian soldiers during a clearing operation in Zolotyi Kolodiaz near Dobropillia. Zelensky also described the Air Force's performance in some regions as "unsatisfactory," emphasizing the need for urgent measures to enhance air defense capabilities amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

In other news, a Russian strike on a Zaporizhzhia animal shelter killed eight animals and injured over 20, along with a shelter worker. Former Ukraine Border Guard chief Serhii Deineko was dismissed following a bribery scandal involving the smuggling of cigarettes. Additionally, Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseev was shot multiple times in Moscow, with the assailant's identity unknown. Russia launched a missile and drone attack on Ukraine during the morning rush hour, with air raid sirens sounding nationwide. At least four people were killed, and 15 were injured in Russian attacks over the past day, while Ukraine's General Staff reported Russia's total troop losses since the invasion began at around 1,244,560. 🇺🇦💥

Starlink used by Russian forces deactivated on battlefield, Ukraine says

Ukraine has reported that Russian forces have lost access to Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, on the battlefield. This development comes as a significant setback for Russia, as Starlink has been crucial for maintaining communication and coordination in military operations. The deactivation of Starlink services for Russian forces highlights the strategic importance of satellite technology in modern warfare and underscores the ongoing technological arms race between the two nations. 🛰️💥

'18 prisoners in 24 hours' — Ukraine's Azov International reveals video of Dobropillia clearing operation

In a significant military operation, Ukraine’s Azov International Battalion captured 18 Russian soldiers in less than 24 hours during a successful clearing operation near Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast. The prisoners, roughly the size of a full platoon, were taken during the final clearance of the village of Zolotyi Kolodiaz, which Russian forces had occupied since August as part of a deep infiltration operation. Ukrainian elite units, including the National Guard’s 1st Azov Corps, were deployed to stabilize the situation, eventually halting Russia’s advance and initiating months-long clearing operations.

Zolotyi Kolodiaz, one of the furthest villages reached by Russian forces, was ultimately cleared by foreign fighters of the Azov International Battalion, part of Ukraine’s 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard. The final counterattacks to clear the village were conducted in December 2025, over four months after the initial Russian breakthrough. The Azov International Battalion, formed in late 2024, consists of infantry, assault companies, reconnaissance, and strike drone teams, including both new recruits and experienced soldiers who had previously served in Ukraine's International Legion.

The battalion released interviews with captured Russian soldiers, along with drone and helmet camera footage, detailing their mission and the operation’s success. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to secure Ukrainian territory and the critical role of international fighters in the conflict. 🎥💥

New drone discovered in Moldova near Ukraine border

An unidentified drone was discovered in Moldova near its border with Ukraine, marking the third such incident in the country this year. Moldova, situated between Ukraine and Romania, has experienced multiple airspace violations in recent years. President Maia Sandu has previously accused Russia of using Moldovan airspace to launch drone attacks on Ukraine. The ongoing tensions highlight the broader regional instability and security challenges in Eastern Europe. 🛸🌍

EU tells TikTok to change its 'addictive' design or risk heavy fines

The European Commission has accused TikTok of violating the EU's Digital Services Act due to its "addictive design," which allegedly harms the well-being of young users and children. The Commission's two-year investigation found that TikTok's features, such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized content recommendations, contribute to compulsive use and fail to adequately protect minors. To avoid heavy fines, TikTok has been urged to modify its platform, including implementing screen time breaks, adjusting its recommender system, and enhancing parental controls. TikTok has strongly denied the findings, calling them "categorically false" and vowing to challenge them. The investigation is part of the EU's broader efforts to regulate Big Tech and ensure safer digital environments for all users. 📵🚫

Greek joint venture seeks 20-year US LNG deal to strengthen southern Europe’s gas supply

A Greek joint venture, Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, is in discussions to secure a long-term deal for up to 15 billion cubic meters of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually over 20 years to bolster southern Europe's gas supply. The venture, a collaboration between Greece’s DEPA and construction group Aktor, aims to finalize the agreement during a meeting in Washington. This initiative comes as Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian gas by 2027, intensifying competition for LNG supplies.

The CEO, Alexandros Exarchou, emphasizes the importance of securing long-term agreements to ensure stable gas prices and avoid future shortages. The company is negotiating with U.S. suppliers and engaging with potential buyers across the Vertical Gas Corridor, which spans Greece, central Europe, and Ukraine. Key markets include Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, Austria, and potentially Ukraine. The venture recently signed its first U.S. LNG contract with Ukraine, with delivery scheduled for March through Greece’s Revithoussa terminal and onward to Naftogaz. This move underscores Greece’s growing role as a transit hub for European gas supplies. 🌍💨

US imposes new sanctions on Iran's oil industry, targeting 14 vessels

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting 14 vessels within Iran's oil fleet and other key sectors of the country's oil industry. The move, announced by U.S. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, underscores President Donald Trump's commitment to intensifying pressure on the Iranian regime. The sanctions aim to disrupt Iran's illicit oil and petrochemical exports, a critical revenue source for the country. This latest action follows a meeting between U.S. Representative Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, held through a proxy, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions. The sanctions reflect the administration's broader strategy to curb Iran's economic activities and influence. 🚢🛢️

Athens begging ring lured victims with jobs

A human trafficking ring in Athens lured Romanian migrants with false promises of well-paying factory jobs, only to force them into begging at busy intersections. Police identified 12 victims and arrested three suspects, including a married couple, last week. The victims, mostly aged 40 to 50, were transported from villages near Bacau, Romania, and housed in Athens and Larissa. They were coerced into begging for up to 12 hours a day, earning between €30 and €100 daily, while being guarded and subjected to violence if they failed to meet financial demands. One victim revealed he was ordered to wear rags to appear homeless and was beaten when he couldn't deliver money. The investigation began in December after a 29-year-old victim escaped and contacted emergency services. Authorities believe the operation started in 2021. 😢🚔

MEP Fidias Panayiotou announces he will run for Cypriot parliament

EU lawmaker and YouTube influencer Fidias Panayiotou has announced his candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Cyprus, running under the Direct Democracy party. In a recent interview with local TV Sigma, Panayiotou, who appeared wearing a military helmet, declared his intention to challenge the political establishment. When asked about potentially holding dual parliamentary roles—both in the European Parliament and the Cypriot Parliament—he stated that the decision would ultimately be made collectively by his supporters, and he would respect their choice. 🇪🇺🇨🇾

Poland charges five men for smuggling cigarettes from Belarus with balloons

Polish prosecutors have charged five individuals for their involvement in a sophisticated cigarette smuggling operation from Belarus to Poland using weather balloons. The group, consisting of two Polish citizens, two Ukrainians, and one Belarusian, allegedly smuggled at least 48,000 packs of cigarettes, causing over 2 million zloty (€474,000) in lost tax revenue. The operation not only violated air traffic regulations but also indirectly supported Belarus, an ally of Russia, by providing it with income to fund its role in Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The suspects, who have admitted to the crimes, face potential prison sentences ranging from nine months to 12 years.

This smuggling method emerged as a response to heightened border security measures due to a migration crisis, which shut down traditional smuggling routes. Polish authorities view these balloon smuggling attempts as part of a broader "hybrid warfare" strategy by Belarus and Russia, which includes migrant smuggling, sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation. The case highlights the evolving tactics used by smugglers and the ongoing security challenges faced by Poland. 🌡️🚔

Shein’s Donald Tang messaged Epstein multiple times, documents show

Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019, had multiple interactions with American and Chinese billionaire Donald Tang between 2010 and 2012. Documents released as part of the Epstein files reveal that Epstein and Tang exchanged emails and texts on three occasions during this period. Additionally, Tang contacted Epstein’s co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for child sex trafficking charges.

Donald Tang, the executive chairman of the ultra-fast fashion company Shein, was the CEO of financial advisory firm CITIC Securities International Partners from 2010 to 2012. He has also held various trustee positions in academia and the arts. Prior to this, Tang held leadership roles at the U.S. investment bank Bear Stearns, which collapsed following the 2008 financial crisis. 💼💬

Turkey edges towards curbing social media access to minors amid global push

Turkey is moving toward restricting social media access for minors, following a parliamentary report that recommends age verification, content filtering, and potential bans. The ruling AK Party plans to introduce legislation that could include a social media ban for minors under 16, along with mandatory content filtering for users under 18. The report also suggests night-time internet restrictions for minors and monitoring of AI-enabled games and toys for harmful content. This initiative aligns with a global trend, as countries like Australia, Spain, Greece, and Slovenia are also considering or implementing similar measures to protect children from the negative impacts of social media.

Supporters of the restrictions argue that they are necessary to shield children from addiction and harmful content. Some parents, like shopkeeper Belma Kececioglu, express concern over their children's excessive social media use and exposure to inappropriate material. However, social media companies warn that bans could drive minors to unregulated platforms and highlight the limitations of age-verification technology.

Turkey already enforces strict regulations on social media, including blocking access to 1.2 million web pages and posts as of late 2024. Current laws require companies to comply with takedown requests within two days, with non-compliance resulting in fines, advertisement bans, or reduced bandwidth. Platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Wattpad have been banned in Turkey since 2024, and Wikipedia faced a three-year ban. The proposed legislation could further tighten controls, reflecting Turkey's ongoing efforts to regulate digital content and protect its younger population. 🌐📵

Friday's papers: Nuclear deterrence, an exploding ship, and going for gold

In a recent interview with Helsingin Sanomat, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggested that Europe should explore the possibility of developing its own nuclear deterrent. She emphasized that nuclear weapons remain the only effective deterrent in the current security environment, though she acknowledged the risks of nuclear proliferation. Currently, only France and Britain possess nuclear weapons within Europe, with several countries bound by treaties aimed at limiting their spread. Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister, was in Finland on Thursday.

Meanwhile, an explosion struck a cargo ship, the MSC Giada III, in the Gulf of Finland on Wednesday. The Liberian-flagged vessel, bound for St. Petersburg from Antwerp, carried a crew of 22, including a Russian captain and Myanmarese crew members. Ukrainian outlet United24 claims the ship is part of Russia's "shadow fleet," used to circumvent Western sanctions. The ship had previously been spotted near the Turkish coast in the Black Sea.

In domestic news, vans touring Finland to buy scrap gold are becoming increasingly common, even in small towns. Markus Rasimus, Lapland regional manager at Suomen Kultareservi, noted that supplies remain steady, with sellers offering everything from dental gold to bullion. Gold prices recently hit a record high of $5,600 an ounce before falling 12% the following day. Typical sellers are women over 50, though younger people, often cashing in inherited jewelry, are also active. Individual transactions now commonly fetch €1,500–3,000, as fewer young Finns choose to wear gold jewelry, preferring cash instead. 💰

Zelensky announces Air Force personnel changes amid regional air defense concerns

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant personnel changes within Ukraine's Air Force on February 6, following criticism of regional air defense capabilities. The move comes after Zelensky previously described air defense in some regions as "unsatisfactory" and emphasized the need for a different organizational structure, particularly in response to Russian attacks on energy facilities. The changes will focus on units responsible for intercepting Russian drones, such as Shahed-type UAVs, aiming to strengthen the air defense system and address current shortcomings.

Zelensky noted that while some regions have well-organized defense lines, others still require substantial improvements. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is addressing these issues, and the Air Force commander has received additional instructions to expedite necessary changes. The president stressed the urgency of implementing these decisions, as every day is critical.

Recent Russian attacks in mid- and late January caused severe damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power cuts, disrupted water supplies, and heating failures amid sub-zero temperatures. Kyiv and its surrounding regions have been particularly affected, with some residential buildings left without heating for weeks. A major accident in Ukraine's energy system on January 31 further exacerbated the situation, following disruptions to transmission lines between Romania, Moldova, and western and central Ukraine.

Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force's communications department, highlighted the challenges posed by a shortage of air defense missiles, which has left some systems temporarily without ammunition during massive Russian attacks. The sheer scale of these attacks makes it difficult for Ukraine's air defenses to intercept all aerial targets, with even 20% of remaining drones causing significant damage. 🌬️💥

Former Norway PM under corruption investigation over Epstein files

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland is under police investigation for alleged corruption related to his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Norway’s economic and environmental crime authority, Økokrim, announced the probe, citing reasonable grounds for investigation due to Jagland’s prominent roles as Chairman of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the relevant period.

The investigation stems from reports that Jagland discussed facilitating a meeting between Epstein and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in 2018. Additionally, emails from 2012 and 2013 revealed Jagland mentioning "extraordinary young girls" in Albania and expressing interest in visiting Epstein’s private island, though Jagland denied ever visiting the island. The police will examine whether Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans linked to his position.

Jagland’s lawyer welcomed the investigation, stating that an official inquiry would provide clarity. However, Jagland’s immunity from prosecution, granted as a former head of the Council of Europe, complicates the case. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has requested that the Council of Europe revoke Jagland’s immunity, a request currently under review. The Council of Europe’s internal inquiry found that Epstein attended events at Jagland’s official residence and that Jagland stayed in private premises linked to Epstein during official visits, though no official records of these meetings exist. 🚨🔍

Plevris’ fake congratulations

In the wake of a tragic incident in Chios that claimed the lives of 15 migrants, Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris offered congratulations to the Coast Guard, raising questions about the sincerity and timing of his praise. While the men and women of the Coast Guard are generally deserving of recognition for their challenging work in adverse conditions, Plevris' congratulations appear to be a misguided attempt to deflect responsibility. The Coast Guard, like any group of young people, is composed of individuals who may act heroically in some situations but could also make reckless decisions in others.

The real issue lies not in whether the Coast Guard deserves praise but in the government's failure to address systemic issues. The government's toxic rhetoric, which has fueled dangerous populist narratives about border security, has likely influenced the priorities and actions of Coast Guard officers. This toxic discourse, combined with inadequate training, has created a dangerous environment where tragic incidents like the one in Chios can occur. The government's arbitrary conclusions about the accident further hinder learning from past tragedies, such as those in Pylos in 2023 and Farmakonisi in 2014. Ultimately, the government's rhetoric and lack of accountability contribute to a cycle of preventable disasters. 🚨🌊

Poland wins European Rail Champion Award

Poland has been honored with the 2026 Rail Champion Award for its significant contributions to advancing rail transport in Europe. The award, presented at the European Railway Awards, recognized Poland's efforts during its EU presidency in the first half of 2025 to promote rail as a key component of European competitiveness and resilience. The Polish presidency was praised for its comprehensive program, which emphasized innovation, investment, and the strategic importance of rail transport.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Piotr Malepszak accepted the award, highlighting the critical role of transport in ensuring security amid growing geopolitical threats. He noted the sabotage of a Polish rail line by Russian agents, underscoring the need for a secure and well-financed European transport system. Poland's presidency prioritized strengthening rail capacity and resilience, organizing events to promote investment and protect transport operators from attacks.

Poland's state rail operator, PKP, celebrated the award, citing a "renaissance" in Polish railways with record passenger numbers—439 million in 2025, the highest in 30 years. To meet growing demand, PKP secured the largest rolling stock contract in Polish history and launched a tender for high-speed trains capable of reaching 320 km/h. Additionally, EU funding was confirmed for a new standard-gauge railway connecting Poland and Ukraine, addressing the current inefficiencies caused by differing track gauges. 🚆🇵🇱

Canadian female fighter at the forefront of Ukraine's drone war

In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, Canadian volunteer Brittney Shki-Giizis shares her journey from serving in the Canadian military to fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. A former tank instructor, Shki-Giizis decided to join the Ukrainian forces, learning Ukrainian to integrate into a local unit. As the war evolved with a growing reliance on drones, she transitioned to becoming an FPV (first-person view) drone pilot. She discusses the challenges of being a woman in the Ukrainian military, the harsh realities of drone warfare, and the emotional toll of losing comrades. Shki-Giizis firmly believes that any ceasefire without robust security guarantees would only postpone Russia’s next offensive, emphasizing the need for sustained resistance. 🇺🇦🎖️

Air Force colonel remanded in custody in alleged China espionage case

A Hellenic Air Force colonel, accused of espionage involving China, has been remanded in custody after appearing before an investigating magistrate. The 54-year-old officer is suspected of transmitting highly classified military information to third parties using encrypted communication software, posing a significant threat to national security. He is scheduled to testify before a military prosecutor, with charges carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and the possibility of losing Greek citizenship upon conviction.

The colonel, who commands the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Squadron in Kavouri, Attica, had access to sensitive NATO and Greek military networks, including projects related to airborne radar systems, weapons procurement, and operational planning. Authorities reportedly uncovered his alleged activities after the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency alerted Greek intelligence services to the leak of NATO-related information. The colonel is said to have confessed during questioning and identified his contact in China, with officials unlocking his mobile phone as part of the investigation.

The probe, which began months ago, is ongoing, with authorities examining the colonel’s contacts to determine if accomplices or a wider network may be involved. The colonel’s defense lawyer maintains that his client remains calm and confident in the legal process. 🕵️‍♂️📡

Norway says Russia, China seek to up presence on Svalbard

In its annual threat assessment, the Norwegian Intelligence Service highlighted the strategic importance of Svalbard, particularly for Russia and China. Moscow views Svalbard's location as crucial, necessitating a continued Russian presence in Barentsburg, the archipelago's second-largest town, which is predominantly Russian. The Kremlin is reportedly working to reduce Barentsburg's reliance on Norwegian supply chains, with regular port visits by Russian ships being a key step in this effort. Meanwhile, China is also expanding its presence in the Arctic, with five research vessels operating in the Arctic Ocean in 2025, up from three in 2024 and one in previous years. The report notes that China's growing visibility in the region is driven by its interest in future shipping routes and polar research, which are vital to establishing itself as a significant Arctic player.

The Norwegian Intelligence Service warns that tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland and Arctic security could benefit both Russia and China. Andreas Stensrønes, head of the service, emphasized that the crumbling world order and weakening international cooperation present opportunities for Moscow and Beijing to strengthen their influence. Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik noted that 2026 has been marked by uncertainty, particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump's statements about Greenland, which have strained NATO relations. Stensrønes added that Washington's actions are influencing how Russia and China perceive Western unity, seeing it as fragile and an opportunity to expand their control in neighboring regions. The Arctic is increasingly becoming a focal point for geopolitical competition, with Norway and its allies facing a complex and evolving security landscape. 🌍🐻‍❄️