Tag:

Europe

World

Drone Sightings Cause Airport Closures Amid Airspace Concerns

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Drone Sightings Disrupt Flights at Copenhagen and Oslo Airports Amidst Heightened Regional Tensions

Copenhagen airport briefly closed its‍ airspace on Monday due to the sighting of ‍”unidentified drones,” before reopening later in the evening. Concurrently, Oslo Airport in Norway has ​suspended flights after a similar​ drone observation‌ prompted a⁣ closure of its airspace.

Copenhagen airport initially announced the airspace closure due​ to the presence of two to three unidentified drones.Airport spokeswoman Lise Agerley Kurstein⁣ reported that approximately 15 flights were diverted to alternative airports during the disruption.

According ​to Copenhagen police, “three or four big drones” were observed⁢ flying over the airport. Duty officer Anette Ostenfeldt stated at 10:45pm local time (20:45⁢ GMT) that the drones were “still flying back and forth, coming ‌and going,” and that police were investigating. Ostenfeldt noted⁢ the drones appeared larger then those ‍typically available for private use.

Oslo Airport also halted operations from ‍midnight local time (2200 GMT) following a drone sighting, with all flights being diverted to the nearest ‌available airport, according to ⁤a statement from Avinor, the Norwegian ​airport operator.

These incidents occur ‌against a backdrop of reported airspace violations by Russia in several European⁣ countries in recent days.Estonia reported three Russian mig-31 fighter jets entering its airspace without permission on Friday. Poland stated that approximately‍ 19 drones crossed into its airspace⁣ during ‍a Russian air strike⁢ on Ukraine the previous week, with Polish and NATO forces⁢ intercepting some of them – the‌ first instances of​ Russian drones being downed over NATO territory since ​the start of the full-scale invasion​ of Ukraine in⁤ 2022. Romania also ‌reported a Russian drone in its airspace.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ​convened on Monday to discuss⁣ these airspace violations. Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Dmitry⁢ Polyanskiy, denied allegations that Russian fighter jets had violated​ Estonian airspace,‌ claiming Friday’s flight ⁤of three ⁤MiG-31 aircraft adhered “strictly ‌to international airspace regulations.” The Russian Ministry of Defense supported this assertion, stating that “objective monitoring” confirmed the‌ MiGs did not cross Estonian borders.

However, NATO allies at the UNSC meeting condemned Russia’s ⁣alleged airspace ⁣violations.UK Foreign Secretary Yvette ⁤Cooper warned, “Your reckless actions risk direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia.our alliance ‍is defensive, but be under no illusion we stand ready to defend NATO’s⁢ skies and NATO’s territory.”

NATO’s North Atlantic Council is scheduled to meet on⁤ Tuesday to further discuss the situation.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

Russia Denies Estonia’s Claims of Airspace Violation Amid Rising Tensions

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Russia Denies Estonian airspace ⁤Claims, Accuses Tallinn of Escalating Tensions

Russia has ‍vehemently denied allegations ‍that its military‍ jets violated Estonian airspace last week, asserting ​that Estonia has presented no evidence to support its claims. The denial comes ⁢amid growing concerns about the potential for ‍moscow’s war in Ukraine to extend to ⁢neighboring European countries.

Responding to Estonia’s accusation on Monday,‌ Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the Baltic ‌nation of fabricating the claims. “We never heard in the Estonian ‌statement​ that they have objective monitoring data ⁤ [to back up their claim],” ⁢Peskov told reporters. “That is why we consider such words to⁢ be empty, unfounded and a continuation of a wholly reckless pattern‌ of escalating tensions⁣ and provoking a confrontational atmosphere,” he⁣ added.

The Russian Ministry of ‍Defense also maintained that its ⁢pilots operated in full compliance ⁤with international law, according to Peskov.

On Friday, Estonia, a NATO ⁣member, reported that three russian MiG-31 jets had entered its‍ airspace for ⁣12 minutes before ⁢departing. this incident ⁤followed ⁣a previous event on September 10th, when 20 Russian drones ⁣entered‍ Polish airspace and were ⁤intercepted by NATO jets.‍

These incidents ‍have heightened anxieties ‌across Europe, particularly in countries bordering ‍Russia and Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to discuss​ the Estonian airspace incursion later on Monday.

NATO⁣ representatives are also set to meet on ​Tuesday to discuss the situation and perhaps invoke Article 4 of the alliance’s charter. Article 4 ‍calls for consultations among member states if any⁤ party perceives a threat to​ their “territorial integrity,‌ political independence, ⁤or​ security.” This would be the third invocation of Article 4 since ⁣Russia’s invasion ⁤of Ukraine ⁢began in 2022, and the ninth time ‌overall in NATO’s 79-year ⁣history.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk affirmed on Monday ​that ⁤Warsaw would not⁣ hesitate ​to intercept and potentially⁤ shoot ‌down any objects violating its airspace. “We will take the decision to shoot down flying objects when they violate our territory and fly ⁢over Poland – there is absolutely no discussion about‌ that,” tusk stated⁣ at a ⁢news ⁣conference.

Tho, ⁤tusk also ⁤expressed caution, noting the need to consider the‌ potential for⁤ escalation and ensure Poland​ would not be isolated in ‍the event of a wider conflict. “When we’re dealing ‌with ‌situations that aren’t entirely ⁢clear… you⁣ really​ need to think twice⁢ before deciding on actions that could trigger⁢ a very acute ⁢phase ⁤of conflict,” he said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

UK Announces Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

UK Formally ⁢Recognizes Palestinian Statehood Amidst Escalating Conflict

The United Kingdom has officially recognized the State of Palestine, joining Canada and Australia​ in a move occurring⁢ shortly ⁣before the 80th session ⁤of the ‍united Nations General Assembly. This decision, ⁤announced recently, underscores the UK’s commitment to‍ a two-state solution and ⁤affirms the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, according‍ to Foreign Secretary Yvette⁢ Cooper.

The recognition‌ arrives as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to​ deteriorate dramatically. The Israeli military’s ongoing operations in Gaza City, aimed at seizing control,⁤ are accompanied by widespread destruction, displacement, and a confirmed famine affecting the enclave’s population.

Simultaneously, ⁤the occupied West Bank is experiencing daily Israeli military raids⁢ and attacks by settlers. Israel is also advancing plans for annexation of Palestinian territory,with some officials openly discussing actions intended to preclude the establishment of‌ a contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem⁢ as it’s capital.

While acknowledging the symbolic ‍importance of the decision, British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized that recognizing a Palestinian state will not ‍instantly create one. He reiterated the government’s view that‍ recognition must be integrated into⁢ a broader,⁤ long-stalled peace process.

The Israeli government has strongly condemned the UK’s decision, along with the recognition extended by​ over 75 percent of UN member states, characterizing it as a reward for terrorism. US President Donald⁤ Trump also voiced his⁢ disagreement with the move during ⁢a recent visit to ⁣the UK.

Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the recognition as a⁤ message of hope for ⁢a free, self-reliant, and sovereign Palestinian ⁣state.She asserted that the move challenges Israel’s ‍claims of sovereignty over Palestinian territories and described israel’s actions as a “systematic assault” on Palestinian​ existence, culture, ‌and future.

A summit co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia⁤ is scheduled to take place in New ⁢York at the⁤ UN, focusing on advancing a‌ two-state solution. ​

Analysts, such as Mohamad Elmasry of the Doha ⁢Institute for Graduate‌ Studies, ‌suggest that Western countries might potentially be motivated by public and international pressure ⁣to ⁢act, but question whether these symbolic gestures will translate into substantive action to address the ongoing crisis, notably the situation in Gaza. Despite the recognition, all ​Palestinian territory remains under Israeli military occupation, with Israel ⁤continuing to assert ‌its right to self-defense.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Health

Estonia’s opioid crisis is heading for Britain

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Estonia‘s opioid Crisis Signals Imminent⁤ Threat to Britain as New ‌Synthetic Drugs⁣ Spread

TALLINN, estonia – ‍ A concerning trend emerging ‍from Estonia’s decades-long battle with opioids is raising alarm‍ bells ‌for public health officials in Britain and⁣ across Western Europe. As Estonia grapples ‌with a shifting landscape of synthetic opioids – ​moving from nitazenes to newly emerging ‌”brorphines” sourced from China – experts warn that the conditions fueling the crisis in the⁤ Baltic nation are readily present in more socially divided Western countries, potentially triggering a similar surge in addiction and overdose deaths.

For over a quarter-century,‌ Estonia has struggled with ​an opioid epidemic, a‍ problem exacerbated by a history of societal alienation stemming from periods of occupation and a unique cultural context. While ​Estonia recently ​experienced​ a period with no reported‍ drug-related deaths as May – a potential indication of a decrease in ⁣the prevalence of nitazenes ⁢- the⁤ emergence of brorphines signals a continuation of a dangerous “whack-a-mole” scenario, ⁢according to those monitoring the situation on⁤ the ground.

“The harder you come down on the people who use​ drugs and sell ⁣drugs, the more problematic drugs appear‍ on the street,” explains Jüri Kalvet of the drug policy group​ LUNEST. “It’s an iron ⁢law.”

This cycle is particularly worrying as markets in ​the UK, US, and wider Europe begin to experiment with nitazenes and their successors as cheaper alternatives to fentanyl and⁣ heroin. Experts fear long-term users will readily adopt thes new, potent substances,⁤ creating a “festering social wound” with devastating‍ consequences.

The situation in Estonia highlights the critical need for a shift in drug policy, moving away from criminalization towards a ⁣public health⁢ approach.LUNEST advocates for a regulated, safe supply of drugs alongside comprehensive access to healthcare ⁤and social support. ‌They emphasize the importance of addressing the⁢ root causes ‍of‍ addiction, including investing in marginalized communities like Lasnamäe, a district still grappling with its⁣ Soviet past.

However, access to vital treatment is dwindling. Rasmus, a long-term opioid user‍ in tallinn, illustrates the dire consequences of recent‌ government‍ funding cuts. He ⁢attempted to access the only long-term detox clinic in Tallinn offering ‍substitute therapy, but‌ the‍ quadrupled cost of treatment has left him with​ no viable‌ options.⁤ In a recent message, he stated his outlook is bleak: “Most likely dead.”

Kalvet suggests Estonia’s vulnerability stems from a confluence of cultural factors, ‌a “cultural‌ yearning for some warmth that our history has not provided us with,”​ influenced by both Scandinavian and eastern European traditions. Regardless of ⁢the underlying causes, the Estonian‍ experience serves as a stark ‍warning.

The implications for Britain, and other Western nations with significant​ social divisions, are profound. ⁣Alienated segments of society, already ⁣present in these countries, could provide a fertile⁢ ground for an⁢ opioid epidemic to take hold and spread, particularly in the absence of thoughtful and nuanced drug policy⁢ reform.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

Putin ‘without doubt’ behind cyberattack on Heathrow and European airports, expert claims as fallout ‘to last DAYS’

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Putin ‘Without Doubt’ behind⁣ cyberattacks on Heathrow and European Airports, Expert⁣ Claims ⁤as Fallout ‘to ‍Last Days’

Brussels, Belgium – Disruptions ⁢at major European ⁤airports, including Heathrow, are the result ​of a cyberattack orchestrated by Russian ​President Vladimir Putin‍ “without doubt,” according⁢ to a leading​ cybersecurity expert. The attacks,which began Tuesday,have caused important flight delays and⁢ cancellations,leaving ⁢thousands of passengers ‌stranded and sparking fears of a prolonged period of travel chaos lasting “days.”

The coordinated cyberattacks targeted airport‍ websites⁤ and operational ‌systems, causing widespread disruption to ‍flight facts displays and check-in ‍procedures.‍ Passengers at Brussels Airport faced lengthy queues and uncertainty as airlines⁤ struggled to manage the fallout. Derine, 19, arriving from Malta en route‍ to university ⁢in Ireland, described her flight circling‌ the runway for half an hour before ​being allowed to disembark. Another traveller heading to Mumbai reported a delay of an hour and a half to ‌their flight.

“This is a clear escalation in Putin’s‍ hybrid warfare tactics,” stated the cybersecurity expert,​ who wished to remain anonymous‌ due​ to ⁣the⁢ sensitive nature of their work. “Targeting critical infrastructure like airports ‌is designed to sow ⁢discord,undermine confidence in European systems,and exert political pressure.”⁢

The ‍attacks ⁢come amid ​heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of ‌Ukraine. While no group has formally claimed responsibility, the expert pointed to the sophistication of⁢ the⁤ attack and its strategic timing as evidence of state-sponsored involvement.

Passengers shared their frustrations as they grappled with the uncertainty. A family travelling to Canada, hoping ⁤to ‍reunite with a ⁢son they hadn’t seen in⁤ over a year, expressed anxiety over potential delays.​ A mother and son en route to Zanzibar described “nightmare” conditions at security, with malfunctioning machines and overwhelmed staff. ⁢”there were huge queues,and the⁢ machines weren’t working,so everyone was just swarming the staff with iPads. It was ‍chaos,” they said.

Airlines and airport authorities are working to restore full functionality and ‍mitigate‌ the impact on travellers. However,officials warn that the‌ recovery process could take several days as systems are thoroughly checked⁢ and security protocols⁢ are reinforced. The incident underscores the vulnerability ​of critical⁤ infrastructure to cyberattacks and the growing need for international⁣ cooperation to‌ address this evolving threat.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Business

Estonia Accuses Russia of Airspace Violation, NATO Condemns

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Russian Military Aircraft Briefly Enter Estonian Airspace, ​Prompting Condemnation and NATO ⁣Concerns

TALLINN, estonia – Three Russian military​ aircraft violated Estonian ⁤airspace​ on Friday, September 20, 2025, prompting a‍ swift condemnation from Tallinn and raising concerns within NATO about escalating tensions in the region. The Estonian Ministry of Defense reported the incursion, stating the aircraft – identified as Russian military planes – entered it’s airspace without ⁢authorization.​ Estonian fighter jets where ⁤scrambled as a precautionary measure.

The incident follows recent reports of similar ‍incursions and drone crashes⁣ in neighboring Poland and Romania,fueling anxieties about a ‍pattern of Russian⁤ probing of NATO’s eastern‌ flank amid the ongoing war⁢ in Ukraine. ‌on Sunday, Romania’s Ministry of ⁣national Defence reported detecting a Russian⁢ drone in its airspace, also‌ scrambling fighter jets.

kaja ⁣Kallas, the⁤ European⁤ Union’s High Representative for foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and formerly Estonia‘s Prime minister, labeled the airspace violation “an extremely ⁢perilous provocation” and stated it “further escalates tensions in the region.” She affirmed the EU’s ⁣”full solidarity” with Estonia.

European⁢ Council President Antonio Costa echoed this​ sentiment on X (formerly⁣ Twitter), ⁢stating,​ “The European Union stands firmly in solidarity with 🇪🇪. Today’s violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian military aircraft is ​another⁢ unacceptable provocation.” Costa added the need to reinforce the Eastern flank ‌and deepen European defence⁢ cooperation.

[blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet”>

The european Union stands firmly in solidarity ⁤with 🇪🇪.

Today’s‍ violation of Estonian airspace by three‌ Russian military ⁣aircraft⁣ is another unacceptable provocation.

It underscores yet again the urgent need to reinforce our Eastern flank, deepen European defence ​cooperation,…

– António Costa (@eucopresident) September 19,‌ 2025

Moscow has denied the claim‌ of violating estonian‌ airspace.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of ‍deliberately expanding its “destabilising activity” with the series of airspace violations across Poland, Romania, and Estonia.”Strong action is needed, both ⁢jointly and from individual countries,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene urged NATO to urgently deploy air defence capabilities to front-line states, arguing, ​”We are being tested, our citizens are being threatened almost every day now. This means that​ we need to have capabilities collected from our allies ⁢ [to be placed] by ‌our borders, ‍as ‌that’s the border of NATO.”

Marko⁢ Mihkelson, ⁤Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of estonia’s Parliament, emphasized the ⁢broader context of Russia’s war in Ukraine, stating it was launched in 2022 “in an end to to ‌destroy Ukraine, but also to destroy NATO.” He noted a recent intensification of Russian military activity in‌ Ukraine, alongside the airspace incursions, ‍and called for ‌increased⁢ deterrence measures to prevent future violations. He referenced a ⁣massive Russian attack on ​kyiv on ‌August 28,​ 2025, which resulted in casualties.

The incident underscores the heightened security concerns in the Baltic region and ⁣the potential for miscalculation as⁤ the conflict in Ukraine continues. NATO allies ‍are expected‌ to discuss a collective response‌ to Russia’s⁤ actions at an‌ informal European⁣ Council meeting in Copenhagen ​on October 1.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts
@2025 - All Right Reserved.

Hosted by Byohosting – Most Recommended Web Hosting – for complains, abuse, advertising contact: contact@world-today-news.com