Newsflash

Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein

Former Prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct related to his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities have been investigating his connections to Epstein, a convicted sex offender, for years. This development marks a significant escalation in the legal scrutiny surrounding Andrew, who has long faced allegations of involvement in Epstein's criminal activities. The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their associations with Epstein's network. 🚨👑

Russian soldier sentenced to life in prison for executing Ukrainian POWs

A Kyiv court has sentenced a Russian soldier, Vladimir Ivanov, to life imprisonment for executing two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war. Ivanov, a member of Russia's 40th Separate Marine Brigade, was found guilty of violating the laws of war during a January 2025 ambush in Kursk Oblast. Despite the Ukrainian soldiers surrendering and posing no threat, Ivanov opened fire, killing both prisoners. The court ruled that there was no military necessity for his actions and ordered him to pay 50 million hryvnias ($1.3 million) in damages to the victims' families. Ivanov admitted his guilt in court, pleading for leniency. This verdict is part of Ukraine's broader effort to document and prosecute Russian war crimes, with similar life sentences previously handed down in cases involving the execution of Ukrainian prisoners. As of October 2025, at least 322 Ukrainian POWs had been executed by Russian forces, a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law. 🇺🇦⚖️

Orbán threatens to block EU loan to Ukraine unless Druzhba pipeline is reopened

The Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary, has been disrupted following a Russian attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on January 27. Ukrainian authorities have not yet restored the pipeline's operations, despite reports that repair work has been completed. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that Hungary will block the EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine as long as Kyiv continues to block the pipeline. Similarly, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine unless the pipeline is reopened. Slovakia's Minister of Economy, Denisa Saková, announced that Ukraine has postponed the pipeline's reopening until February 24, further escalating tensions over the critical energy route. 🛢️⚡

He is 30. And he lost his limbs in war

Hlib Benia, a 30-year-old Ukrainian soldier from the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade, suffered life-altering injuries in December 2023 when Russian FPV drones struck while he was delivering supplies to his comrades. The attack claimed the lives of two of his fellow soldiers, leaving Benia with the loss of an arm and a leg. His story highlights the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Beyond the frontlines, Ukrainian military medics face their own battles, both physical and psychological. The Kyiv Independent's journalists Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko documented the journey of a group of these medics as they transitioned from the chaos of war-torn Ukraine to the peaceful forests of Sweden for a brief mental health retreat. Their experiences underscore the invisible wounds of war and the critical need for mental health support for those who serve on the frontlines. 🩺🌲

'We will be able to defend Ukraine' thanks to EU loan: Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov

Ukraine’s Ambassador to the European Union, Vsevolod Chentsov, emphasizes the critical role of EU support in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war, Chentsov highlights the strong solidarity and unity among European allies, which has been instrumental in Ukraine’s resilience. The EU has provided over €3 billion in energy support since 2022, helping Ukraine navigate harsh winters and relentless missile attacks. Additionally, a landmark €90 billion EU loan, agreed at the end of last year, will fund Ukraine’s defense needs through 2026 and 2027, with around €60 billion allocated to bolster both Ukrainian and European defense industries. This flexible funding will enable Ukraine to effectively defend itself.

Despite the EU’s substantial contributions, Chentsov notes that additional support from other partners, particularly the G7, is essential to bridge funding gaps. Addressing concerns about reduced U.S. financial aid, Chentsov expresses hope for continued transatlantic unity and encourages the U.S. to maintain pressure on Russia through coordinated sanctions. Regarding Ukraine’s EU membership process, Chentsov acknowledges the challenges posed by Hungary’s blockade but emphasizes ongoing technical progress. He remains optimistic that these obstacles will be overcome, allowing Ukraine to advance its accession negotiations without losing momentum. The ambassador’s remarks underscore the importance of sustained international support in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty and security. 🇺🇦🤝

REVEALED: How hard is it to pass Norway’s citizenship and social studies tests?

To live permanently in Norway or apply for citizenship, individuals must demonstrate their understanding of Norwegian culture, history, politics, and society through specific tests. Those seeking permanent residency must pass the Social Studies test (Samfunnskunnskapsprøven), available in 23 languages, while citizenship applicants must pass the Citizenship test (Statsborgerprøven) in Norwegian or show they have already passed the Social Studies test in Norwegian. Both exams follow the same curriculum, but the Citizenship test is set at a slightly lower language level (A2).

In early 2025, Norway’s Minister of Employment and Inclusion highlighted a positive trend in integration, with a 92.5% pass rate for the citizenship test among 5,116 applicants. However, data from 2024 revealed an 88.9% pass rate among 5,324 applicants, indicating that while more people are passing, fewer are applying. Pass rates vary significantly across regions, with major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim achieving high success rates, while smaller municipalities like Kinn and Stord report much lower results. Despite these differences, the overall number of people passing remains high, with over 27,000 granted Norwegian citizenship in 2024.

The Social Studies test, taken primarily in applicants' native languages, has a lower pass rate of 79.3% in 2024, up from previous years but still lagging behind the citizenship test. Smaller or remote municipalities often see lower pass rates, while major cities maintain higher success rates. The higher failure rate for the Social Studies test suggests challenges beyond language or content, possibly related to integration efforts or test difficulty. Applicants who fail either exam cannot appeal their scores but may appeal procedural errors. Proper preparation is crucial for success. 📚🇳🇴

Milano Cortina: Ukrainian athletes will boycott Paralympic opening ceremony

Ukrainian athletes will boycott the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics in protest of the International Paralympic Committee's decision to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus have largely been barred from international sports, typically competing as neutrals. Ukraine had previously announced that its government officials would not attend the ceremony, and European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef has also declared his intention to skip the event in solidarity.

The Italian government has publicly opposed the International Paralympic Committee's decision, with Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi issuing a joint statement. They emphasized that Russia's ongoing aggression and violation of Olympic and Paralympic values, supported by Belarus, make it unacceptable for their athletes to participate under national symbols. The Italian government insists that any involvement from Russian and Belarusian athletes should only be allowed as neutral individuals. 🇺🇦🏅

Crans Montana survivors say emergency exits locked, Jessica ran away

Rome prosecutors are investigating the New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, focusing on testimonies from Italian survivors. Key details include reports that the venue's emergency exits were locked and that co-owner Jessica Moretti fled the scene. Survivors also described a lack of instructions, unused fire extinguishers, and the rapid spread of the fire, which tragically claimed 41 lives, including six Italian teenagers. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disaster and determine accountability for the devastating event. 🔥🚨

CSM VP says institutional role requires sobriety and sense of limits

In a recent conference honoring the late jurist Vittorio Bachelet, Fabio Pinelli, vice president of Italy's judiciary self-governing body the CSM, emphasized the importance of sobriety and humility in public service. He echoed Italian President Sergio Mattarella's call for respect toward institutions, following controversial remarks by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, who labeled the CSM a "para-mafioso" body. Pinelli highlighted Bachelet's vision of public roles as temporary tasks focused on serving the common good rather than personal power.

Mattarella's intervention came during a CSM session, marking his first such appearance in 11 years as president. Nordio agreed to comply with the president's call for institutional respect. The debate follows a contentious judicial reform aimed at preventing judges and prosecutors from switching roles, a move the opposition fears could lead to executive control over prosecutors. The government argues the reform will enhance fairness and efficiency in the justice system.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has cited miscarriages of justice and judicial decisions hindering government actions, particularly on immigration and crime, as reasons for the reform. Despite political tensions, Meloni also supported Mattarella's call for respect. The reform will be put to a public referendum next month, intensifying the national debate on judicial independence and executive oversight. 🇮🇹⚖️

Andrew released: probe continues into sharing confidential documents

A probe is ongoing into the unauthorized sharing of confidential documents. The investigation aims to determine the source of the leak and assess the potential impact on national security. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about the potential consequences of the leaked information. 🔍📄

EU 'would welcome' Ukraine repairing Druzhba pipeline to resume Russian oil flow

The European Commission has expressed its support for Ukraine resuming operations on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been suspended since late January due to Russian strikes damaging Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The decision to repair and reactivate the pipeline ultimately rests with Ukraine, as the country assesses ongoing security risks. The EU is navigating a delicate balance between supporting Ukraine amid Russia's war and addressing the energy concerns of member states like Hungary and Slovakia, which remain dependent on Russian oil delivered through the pipeline.

Tensions have escalated as Hungary and Slovakia accuse Kyiv of withholding transit for political reasons. In response, Hungary and Slovakia have sought alternative routes, requesting Croatia to facilitate deliveries via the Adria pipeline. However, Croatia has refused to transport Russian oil. The Druzhba pipeline, one of the world's largest oil networks, remains a critical supply route for Hungary and Slovakia, the only EU countries still importing Russian crude through the system. Ukraine argues that continued reliance on Russian energy undermines efforts to cut off funding for Moscow's war, while Russian strikes and Kyiv's own attacks on energy infrastructure inside Russia further complicate the pipeline's future. 🛢️⚖️

Finnish police use new law to launch first probes into suspected FGM cases, paper says

Police in Finland have initiated separate preliminary investigations into suspected cases of female genital mutilation (FGM), marking the first such probes since a specific law criminalizing the practice and its preparation took effect in early 2025. Previously, FGM was prosecuted under general assault laws. One investigation is underway in the Kuopio region, where authorities suspect that mutilation has already occurred. In Tampere, police are examining suspicions that a woman or girl is being prepared for an FGM procedure, which could involve coercion or plans to take the victim abroad for the procedure.

Finland's Minister of Education, Anders Adlercreutz, has expressed concern about the possibility of girls being sent overseas for FGM procedures, prompting these investigations. His remarks followed a report by Yle, which revealed that some Somali parents in Finland have sent their children to disciplinary institutions in Somalia, where they endure severe abuse, including physical violence and confinement. These developments highlight Finland's ongoing efforts to combat FGM and protect vulnerable individuals from this harmful practice. 🚨🚔

Greece rejects Ukrainian request to extradite former pro-Russian city councilor

Greece has denied Ukraine's request to extradite a former pro-Russian city councilor from Odesa, citing safety concerns due to the ongoing war. The 54-year-old, known as the "Cardinal" and affiliated with the pro-Moscow Party of Regions, was arrested in Halkidiki last year while traveling to Mount Athos. Ukrainian authorities accuse him of fraud, forgery, and money laundering involving municipal property between 2013 and 2019. The man, born in Russia and later a Ukrainian citizen, claimed he would face political persecution and personal danger if returned to Ukraine, highlighting the risks posed by Russian strikes on prisons. Despite Ukraine's assurances that proceedings would occur in safer western regions, Greece's Thessaloniki Appeals Council ruled against extradition, citing ongoing security risks from Russian bombardments. 🇬🇷🇺🇦

Judge acquits 29 over Acca Larentia Fascist salutes

A Rome judge recently acquitted 29 individuals, primarily members of the far-right CasaPound group, who were accused of performing Fascist salutes during a January 2024 ceremony commemorating the 1978 Acca Larentia killings. The prosecution had charged them with violating laws against the apology of Fascism. However, the judge dismissed the case, citing a lack of reasonable expectation for a conviction. The event, held annually outside the former headquarters of the neo-Fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), honors three far-right youth militants killed in a 1978 massacre. Hundreds of activists typically participate, performing Fascist salutes and chanting slogans in remembrance of the fallen. The 1978 incident involved the deaths of two MSI youth wing members, Franco Bigonzetti and Francesco Ciavatta, allegedly shot by far-left militants, and a third, Stefano Recchioni, fatally injured by a stray police bullet during ensuing clashes. 🇮🇹⚖️

Boris Johnson lobbied Donald Trump to block UK’s Chagos Islands deal

Former British Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have both urged U.S. President Donald Trump to oppose the U.K.'s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Their lobbying efforts come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to resolve a long-standing colonial dispute by relinquishing control of the archipelago, while retaining access to a vital U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia. The future of this plan now hangs in the balance, as Trump's potential intervention could derail Starmer's strategy to end the sovereignty dispute. The outcome will have significant implications for both U.K. foreign policy and U.S.-U.K. military cooperation in the Indian Ocean. 🌍🇬🇧🇺🇸

New radar failure at the AIA

Athens International Airport (AIA) recently faced significant disruptions due to a power supply failure in its air navigation systems, causing flight delays and operational challenges. The issue, which occurred around 9 a.m., affected the radar systems and backup frequencies, reducing the airport's capacity from 22 to 17 arrivals per hour. Delays of over 20 minutes were reported, impacting both departures and arrivals. Although the problem was resolved by noon, concerns persist about the recurring technical failures in Greece's air navigation infrastructure.

Despite assurances from the Transport Ministry and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) about ongoing upgrades and safety measures, the frequency of such incidents raises doubts about their effectiveness. This latest failure follows a major blackout in January that halted operations at all Greek airports, highlighting a troubling pattern of system vulnerabilities. With the summer travel season approaching, when Athens Airport can handle up to 1,000 flights daily, the need for reliable and robust air navigation systems becomes even more critical. 🛩️⚡

Ukraine permits further searches for Polish victims of WWII massacres

Ukraine has granted permission for searches at another location on its territory for the remains of Polish victims of massacres carried out by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II. The move follows a diplomatic breakthrough that led to the resumption of exhumations, previously banned by Ukraine. The village of Huta Peniatska, once part of Poland, was the site of a 1944 massacre where around 850 people were killed by Ukrainian members of the Nazi Waffen-SS and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

A joint Polish-Ukrainian team will conduct the search, with exhumations and subsequent reburials to follow if remains are discovered. This effort is part of ongoing reconciliation between Poland and Ukraine, with Poland's President Karol Nawrocki playing a key role in securing the permission. Previous exhumations in other locations have uncovered remains, including those of at least 42 people in Puzhnyky, who were reburied in a ceremony attended by both countries' culture ministers.

The Volhynia massacres, in which around 100,000 Polish civilians were killed, have long strained relations between Poland and Ukraine. Poland views the massacres as genocide, a position rejected by Ukraine. The dispute extends beyond historical memory, impacting Poland's stance on Ukraine's potential EU and NATO membership. Poland has stated it will not support Ukraine's admission until differences over Volhynia are resolved. 🇵🇱🇺🇦

Culture Ministry to acquire WWII execution photographs

The Greek Culture Ministry has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire a collection of 262 World War II photographs, including images documenting the 1944 execution of 200 Greek communists by Nazi forces in Kaisariani, Athens. The photographs, part of the collection of Wehrmacht lieutenant Hermann Heuer, were authenticated by Greek experts and independent specialists. The acquisition followed discussions between a Greek delegation and Belgian dealer Tim De Krane, who had initially listed the images on eBay.

The mass execution at Kaisariani was a retaliatory act by the Nazis following the assassination of German Major General Franz Krech by communist partisans. The photographs, which surfaced online, sparked public outcry in Greece, with calls for their preservation in a national museum or archive. Recognizing their historical significance, the Culture Ministry declared the full archive a protected monument. The acquisition process is ongoing, with details of the purchase price remaining undisclosed. 📸🇬🇷

HS: Orpo says government is not preparing to abolish inheritance, gift tax

Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has clarified that his government is not currently planning to abolish inheritance and gift taxes, despite calls from business groups and some members of his National Coalition Party (NCP). While the NCP has long advocated for the elimination of these taxes, Orpo emphasized that such a move is not part of the government's official program. He noted that the government has already made significant tax-related decisions, including corporate tax cuts, which were not initially in the coalition agreement but were implemented nonetheless.

During budget discussions last year, the government could not reach a consensus on abolishing inheritance and gift taxes due to the substantial revenue loss it would entail—estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros. However, the government did pass reforms to ease these taxes, which were approved by Parliament at the end of last year. Orpo acknowledged that while discussions on the matter are ongoing, no viable economic solution has been found to offset the revenue shortfall that full abolition would create. 💸

Eldorado Gold delays Skouries production start to mid-2026

Eldorado Gold has announced a delay in the start of copper-gold production at its Skouries mine in northern Greece, pushing the timeline to the third quarter of 2026, with full commercial production expected by the fourth quarter of that year. Initially, the company had targeted the first quarter of 2026 for production. Despite this delay, Eldorado remains optimistic about the Skouries and Olympias projects, which are key to its growth strategy, aiming to increase gold output by approximately 40% between 2026 and 2028.

Gold production at Skouries is anticipated to begin in 2025, with an expected output of 60,000 to 100,000 ounces. Meanwhile, the Olympias mine is projected to produce 70,000 to 80,000 ounces this year, benefiting from increased plant capacity set to reach 650,000 tons by the second half of 2025. By 2028, Skouries is expected to produce 170,000 to 200,000 ounces annually, while Olympias should yield 75,000 to 90,000 ounces.

Eldorado CEO George Burns emphasized the company's strong momentum entering 2026, noting that while there have been short-term adjustments at Skouries, the project is poised to generate significant cash flow for decades. In 2025, Eldorado reported total gold production of 488,268 ounces, with sales reaching 491,204 ounces at an average price of $3,505 per ounce. The company achieved revenue of $1.8 billion and net income of $519.9 million. 💰🏭