France has tightened Schengen visa application rules for Russian citizens
Starting July 15, 2026, France is introducing new restrictions on Schengen visa applications for Russian citizens. Visa operator VFS Global announced the move. Under the new rules, visa applications can no longer be submitted via power of attorney through third parties, including travel agencies and visa services. Applications are accepted…
Russian casualties in the war against Ukraine have exceeded 1.4 million
Between the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and June 2026, Russian forces suffered approximately 1.4 million casualties—including those killed, severely wounded, and missing in action. Of these, at least 450,000 military personnel were killed. These figures are cited in a new study by the Center…
European Commission investigation confirms existence of Hungarian spy network in Brussels
An internal European Commission investigation has confirmed the activities of a Hungarian intelligence network that attempted to recruit EU officials of Hungarian origin between 2013 and 2016 to obtain confidential information. Politico reported this, citing an internal European Commission document. According to the document, Hungarian intelligence officers operating undercover at…
Homes of ruling party members firebombed in Greece
Overnight on July 1, unidentified individuals carried out a series of firebomb attacks on the homes of members of the ruling New Democracy party in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki. Five people were injured, including a parliamentary candidate. The attacks took place between 4:00 and 4:45 a.m. Assailants threw…
Finland has handed down its first conviction for breaching sanctions against Russia
The South Karelia District Court has handed down a historic guilty verdict in a case concerning a breach of European sanctions imposed on Russia. Risto Riigimäki, managing director of the Finnish construction company Idä Liikenteenvälitys IL Oy, has been sentenced to 3 years and 8 months’ imprisonment. According to the…