Newsflash

Humanitarian situation in Ukraine 'the worst it's ever been', IFRC says

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has reached its most severe point since the conflict began, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The organization warns that the escalating violence and destruction have left millions of people in dire need of aid, with critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, have further exacerbated the suffering, displacing countless families and leaving many without access to basic necessities. The IFRC urges immediate international action to address this worsening crisis and provide urgent relief to those affected. 😢🚑

Belgian defense minister to Merz: ‘Keep your mouth shut’ on nukes

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has criticized European leaders for openly discussing nuclear weapons, urging restraint in public statements. In a post on X, Francken responded to a podcast interview with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where Merz discussed the possibility of German fighter jets carrying French and U.K. nuclear weapons. While ruling out the development of a German nuclear deterrent, Merz's comments sparked Francken's warning about the risks of loose-lipped discussions on nuclear deterrence. Both Belgium and Germany are part of the U.S. nuclear sharing agreement, allowing their air forces to carry American nuclear bombs. Francken emphasized the importance of discretion in such sensitive matters. 💣🤫

Ukraine's officials to boycott Paralympics over Russian flag decision

Ukraine has announced it will boycott the upcoming Paralympics in response to the decision allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag. The move comes amid ongoing tensions and the war in Ukraine, where Russian aggression has led to widespread destruction and loss of life. Ukrainian officials argue that permitting athletes from these countries to participate, even under a neutral banner, undermines the spirit of the Games and sends a message of normalization to Russian actions. The boycott underscores Ukraine's stance against any perceived legitimization of Russia's military campaign, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The decision highlights the broader geopolitical tensions that continue to overshadow international sporting events. 🏅🇺🇦

Estonia: Nato would strike 'deep inside Russia' if Putin hits Baltics

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has warned that the Baltic states are prepared to repel any Russian invasion and retaliate with a devastating counter-attack deep into Russia. Speaking to The Telegraph, Tsahkna emphasized that NATO would invoke Article 5, its mutual defense clause, ensuring a collective response to any attack on a member state. The Baltic nations have significantly increased their defense spending, allocating five to six percent of their GDP to bolster military capabilities in response to Russia's escalating military presence along its western borders, including near Finland. Tsahkna underscored that the Baltic states' strategy is clear: prevent Russian incursions and strike back decisively, leaving no room for compromise. 🛡️💥

US pressures global energy body to drop net zero modeling

The United States has urged the International Energy Agency (IEA) to abandon its net zero emissions scenario modeling, which has guided global green transition efforts, deeming the targets unrealistic. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright made this call during a closed-door ministerial meeting in Paris. While the proposal received a subdued response from other energy ministers, it highlights a growing debate over the feasibility of aggressive climate targets. The move underscores shifting priorities in global energy policy, with potential implications for international climate agreements and sustainable development goals. 🌍🔋

Turkish lawmakers back plan advancing PKK peace process

Turkish lawmakers have taken a significant step toward ending over four decades of conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). A parliamentary commission overwhelmingly approved a report outlining legal reforms and PKK disarmament, advancing a peace process aimed at resolving a conflict that has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, has halted attacks and pledged to disarm and disband, urging Ankara to facilitate political participation for its members.

The report, approved by 47 lawmakers with two dissenting votes and one abstention, proposes a roadmap for legislative changes. It emphasizes a "terrorism-free Turkey" and democratic strengthening, with reforms contingent on verified PKK disarmament. The plan includes a temporary legal framework, a special executive appointment to oversee implementation, and continued judicial oversight to prevent perceptions of a general amnesty. Additionally, it calls for compliance with European Court of Human Rights and Constitutional Court rulings, clearer anti-terrorism law definitions, and expanded freedoms of expression, press, and assembly.

Formed in August 2025, the commission aims to support a new phase in ending the conflict, which has hindered economic development in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast. The PKK’s insurgency, initially seeking an independent state, has shifted to advocating for greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy. Pressured by the Turkish military, the PKK has symbolically burned weapons and announced the withdrawal of remaining fighters from Turkey as a first step toward their legal reintegration into society, following the call of its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan. 🇹🇷✌️

LMT teams up with European Space Agency on connectivity project

A new project aims to bridge connectivity gaps by developing an IoT module that seamlessly operates across both mobile and satellite networks. This innovation will enable devices to maintain connections in remote areas such as oceans, deep forests, and rural agricultural lands, where traditional cellular networks are unavailable. The collaboration between LMT’s IoT team and the European Space Agency (ESA) seeks to create a cost-effective hardware module and software suite that allows IoT devices to autonomously switch between terrestrial cellular networks and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). This ensures uninterrupted connectivity without user intervention or data loss.

The project addresses the current limitations of IoT devices, which are often too complex, expensive, or unavailable in the required formats, particularly for low-power solutions. Ingmārs Pūķis, VP & Member of the Management Board at LMT, emphasized the goal of providing seamless connectivity in urban, rural, and beyond-traditional mobile coverage areas without the need for separate devices or complex configurations.

Europe is investing €2.1 billion in satellite communication programs to enhance secure and resilient connectivity and to advance satellite-integrated 5G/6G technologies, reinforcing industrial autonomy. In this project, LMT’s IoT team and ESA will partner with the Spanish company Sateliot and receive knowledge support from the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre. This initiative promises to revolutionize IoT connectivity, ensuring reliable communication across diverse environments. 🌍📡

Fidan to attend Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in Washington

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will represent Turkey at the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s "Board of Peace" in Washington. In his discussions, Fidan will advocate for decisive actions to resolve the Palestinian issue, urging Israel to halt actions that obstruct aid to Gaza and cease ceasefire violations. He will also emphasize Turkey’s commitment to Gaza’s reconstruction, the protection of Palestinians, and their security. Additionally, Fidan will call for immediate measures to address Israel’s settlement activities and settler violence in the West Bank.

President Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the Board of Peace will contribute to lasting stability, a ceasefire, and ultimately peace in Gaza, with a focus on achieving a two-state solution. This meeting underscores Turkey’s active role in regional diplomacy and its dedication to fostering peace and security in the Middle East. 🕊️🇹🇷🇺🇸

‘Pure bullshit’: Macron slams tech giants’ claim they are defending free speech

In a scathing critique during a discussion on university partnerships between India and France, French President Emmanuel Macron lambasted social media platforms and their executives for their claims of defending free speech. Macron argued that transparency is far more critical than the mere assertion of free speech, stating, "Some of them claim to be in favor of free speech. We are in favor of free algorithms, totally transparent. Free speech is pure bullshit if nobody knows how you are guided through this." His remarks underscore a growing global concern over the opacity of digital platforms and the influence of artificial intelligence on public discourse. 🗣️💻

Finland moves on to Olympic hockey semifinals after dramatic turnaround

Finland faced a challenging start in their game against Switzerland, falling behind early with two quick goals. Just 14 minutes into the match, a defensive error led to a Swiss breakaway, resulting in a 1–0 lead. Moments later, Switzerland extended their advantage to 2–0. Finland fought back fiercely, and with six minutes remaining, Sebastian Aho scored to cut the deficit. In a desperate final push, Finland pulled their goalkeeper, and Miro Heiskanen's shot found the net. The game went into overtime, where Artturi Lehkonen secured the winning goal for Finland. The dramatic comeback sets the stage for the semi-finals, with the matchups to be decided after all quarter-finals conclude. 🏒🇫🇮🇨🇭

Greece working with four EU partners on migrant deportation

Greece is collaborating with Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Denmark to establish detention centers outside the EU, likely in Africa, for deported migrants. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris announced this initiative to address challenges in repatriating migrants denied asylum, as Greece struggles with a higher influx of migrants than it can deport. These centers aim to deter illegal migration by housing individuals whose home countries refuse to accept them. Plevris also emphasized that asylum status in Greece is not permanent, as conditions in migrants' home countries may change. Additionally, he directed asylum authorities to review the status of individuals arrested on suspicion of crimes or whose original asylum grounds are no longer valid. Human rights groups have criticized similar deportation plans by other European nations. 🌍✈️

Nicosia expects inflow of 30,000 visitors as it presides over EU council

Cyprus is preparing for a significant influx of international visitors as it assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. With an expected 30,000 visitors, including officials, experts, journalists, and delegation staff, the island nation is set to experience a surge in activity and global attention. This presidency presents a unique opportunity for Cyprus to showcase its modern, reliable, and welcoming nature, with the success of hosting such a large-scale event directly impacting its international image.

Hotels in Nicosia, the Cypriot capital, are playing a central role in this endeavor. Beyond providing accommodation, they are tasked with shaping the overall experience for visitors, ensuring high service standards, professionalism, and quality. The presidency is a major milestone, and Cyprus aims to leverage this moment to enhance its reputation on the global stage. 🏨🌍

Russian nuclear icebreaker Sibir in the Gulf of Finland

Russia's shadow fleet, a collection of vessels used to transport oil despite Western sanctions, is facing significant challenges due to harsh ice conditions in the Baltic Sea. Many of these ships lack the necessary ice-class certification, and the availability of icebreakers is limited, severely disrupting Russian maritime trade. The severe weather conditions pose a real threat to shipping operations, as highlighted by Alexei Likhachev, CEO of state-owned Rosatom, which operates the icebreaker Sibir. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Sibir, stationed in Murmansk, was recently assisting the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Sinbad as it departed from the port of Primorsk in the eastern Gulf of Finland. The combination of inadequate ship preparation and harsh weather creates a precarious situation for Russia's maritime logistics. ❄️🚢

Hacker accessed data on about 1.2 million French bank accounts, Finance Ministry says

A hacker has breached French banking systems, accessing sensitive data from approximately 1.2 million accounts. The stolen information includes personal details such as account numbers, addresses, and account holders' names, but crucially, it does not contain account balances or enable unauthorized transactions. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance confirmed the breach, emphasizing that the hacker exploited stolen data to infiltrate parts of the files. While the incident raises concerns about data security, authorities have reassured the public that no financial transactions were compromised. 🔒💳

Meloni says 2% IRAP increase for energy production companies

Premier Giorgia Meloni announced a 2% increase in the IRAP business tax for energy production companies as part of a new decree aimed at reducing energy bills for businesses. The decree focuses on easing the burden of system charges, which significantly impact utility costs. Key measures include extending payment times for these charges and raising the IRAP tax for firms involved in energy production, distribution, and supply. The additional revenue generated will be used to lower system charges for over 4 million businesses. Additionally, the decree supports gas-dependent industries, such as ceramics and glass, by reducing transportation costs and other tariff components. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to alleviating financial pressures on businesses while ensuring a more sustainable energy sector. 💡🏭

Trump blasts Starmer’s Chagos deal — hours after US backed it

Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a deal involving the Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Starmer not to "give away Diego Garcia," despite the U.S. State Department's recent tentative support for the agreement. This sudden shift in stance follows a similar incident in January, when Trump publicly condemned a deal his own administration had previously endorsed. The British government, which had believed it secured U.S. backing, now faces renewed uncertainty and potential diplomatic strain. 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸

Tajani says he'll be at Board of Peace meeting, not Meloni

Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will represent Italy as an observer at the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Washington. Premier Giorgia Meloni will not attend. Italy's participation is limited to an observer role due to constitutional constraints, as the Italian Constitution permits membership in international bodies only if Italy is on equal footing with other members. Tajani emphasized Italy's significant role in the Mediterranean and its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, particularly regarding the reconstruction of Gaza and the future of Palestine. He noted that Italy's involvement aligns with broader European efforts, with the EU represented by Commissioner Suica and Cyprus, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, also in attendance. This decision allows Italy to remain engaged in critical discussions while respecting its constitutional framework. 🇮🇹🇺🇸🤝

Merz warns US on tariffs, hails ‘future cooperation’ with China

In a speech on Wednesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned the United States against escalating a trade war through tariffs, emphasizing that Germany and Europe would not follow suit. Merz, speaking at a CDU party event in Rhineland-Palatinate, stated that while the U.S. has the right to set its own trade policies, Europe will not participate in such measures. He warned that if U.S. actions become excessive, Europe is prepared to respond firmly. Merz also hinted at a potential partnership with China, signaling a more independent stance on global trade. He plans to convey this message during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next month. 🌍💼

'For Stability!' party fails to live up to its name yet again

The political party "For Stability!" made a notable entry into Latvia's Saeima (parliament) in the 14th elections, securing 11 seats and becoming the fifth-largest faction. However, its initial success has been overshadowed by a series of scandals and defections, reducing its presence in the parliament. Since its election, seven deputies have left the faction, significantly diminishing its influence.

The departures began with Jeļena Kļaviņa and Ekaterina Drelinga, who resigned shortly after taking their seats. In 2023, Gloria Grevcova, convicted of providing false information, also left the faction, replaced by Amils Salimovs, who later departed as well. Viktorija Pleškāne was expelled by the faction, though the reasons remained undisclosed. The faction's former leader, Aleksejs Rosļikovs, resigned amid controversy and later faced scrutiny from Latvian security services.

On February 10 of this year, three more deputies—Illya Ivanovs, Igors Judins, and Amils Salimovs—left the faction. Additionally, the Prosecutor General's Office has launched an investigation into whether the party's activities comply with the Political Parties Law, citing concerns over its social media messages. The party's instability and legal troubles have raised questions about its future viability in Latvian politics. 🇱🇻📉

UN warns of de facto annexation as Israel strengthens its control over the West Bank

At a recent UN Security Council meeting, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General, warned of a "dangerous expansion of Israeli rule in the occupied West Bank," describing it as a "gradual de facto annexation." The meeting, chaired by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, emphasized the urgent need to prevent destabilization in the region and preserve the possibility of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defended Israel's position, asserting the nation's historical and documented right to the land of the Bible. The discussions come ahead of a US-led peace council meeting, highlighting the ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 🇮🇱🇵🇸⚖️