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On August 18, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at the White House, wearing a black suit-style jacket, a departure from his usual military attire. This sartorial change was noted and praised by Trump and right-wing reporter Brian Glenn, who had previously criticized Zelensky's attire. The meeting focused on peace talks amid ongoing war tensions.
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The 28th Air Guitar World Championships took place in Oulu, Finland, featuring competitors from 13 countries. Contestants performed for judges on stage, judged on originality, stage presence, and artistic impression. The event promotes global unity through music and performance, with the winner receiving a Finnish-made guitar.
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Finland is updating its air force symbols, removing the swastika from some flags due to international sensitivities. The symbol, used since 1918, has no Nazi connection but is being phased out following Finland's NATO accession in 2023. New flags featuring an eagle will replace the old ones.
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European leaders, including von der Leyen and Tusk, visited Poland's border with Belarus, emphasizing border security and defense investment. The EU plans to allocate €150 billion to enhance military capabilities, with Poland as the main beneficiary. Discussions follow recent military actions in Crimea and ongoing Ukraine conflict.
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Ars Technica reviews Rally Arcade Classics, a nostalgic rally game featuring vintage cars and point-to-point stages across iconic landscapes. The indie title emphasizes fun over realism, with short, frenetic levels and recognizable cars from the 70s to 90s. It offers a throwback experience for rally fans and gamers alike.
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As of October 8, 2025, the EU is advancing a 'drone wall' plan to counter recent Russian drone incursions over Poland, Denmark, Estonia, and other member states. The initiative aims to establish a network of sensors and weapons to detect, track, and neutralize drones by 2030, with contributions from member states and expertise from Ukraine. The plan addresses rising hybrid threats and seeks to boost Europe's defense industry and job creation.
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As of late October 2025, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts across eight regions including Kyiv and Kharkiv. Ukraine's President Zelensky is in the US seeking advanced air defenses, long-range missiles like Tomahawks, and stronger sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine advances domestic arms production and deep-strike capabilities against Russian energy assets, while Moscow warns of escalation risks.
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President Trump criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's 5% defense spending target, calling them a 'laggard' and suggesting they could be expelled. Spain reaffirmed its commitment, stating it meets its targets, amid ongoing disputes over contributions within the alliance. The debate highlights tensions over NATO commitments and defense budgets.
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Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and southeastern Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and causing injuries, blackouts, and water disruptions. Kyiv's mayor reports nine injuries, while Ukraine begins repairs amid ongoing attacks aimed at destabilizing the country ahead of winter.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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European leaders are increasing intelligence cooperation and defense spending in response to rising tensions with Russia and internal EU trust issues. New initiatives include enhanced drone defenses and a strategic plan to strengthen eastern borders, amid concerns over Russian hybrid warfare and deteriorating US-EU intelligence ties.
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The U.S. will stop rotating a brigade in Romania, with about 1,000 troops remaining, reflecting a strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. This move follows increased Russian hybrid warfare activities and NATO's heightened eastern defenses. The decision aims to balance U.S. priorities while maintaining NATO commitments.
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Finnish officials are divided over engaging directly with Russia's Putin amid ongoing tensions. Niinistö suggests Europe should hold talks itself, while others emphasize the need for EU coordination and caution due to the Ukraine war. The Kremlin remains open to respectful ties with Finland.