Day: August 9, 2025
Kyiv Faces New Threats as Russia Targets Gas Facility in Odesa
Kyiv – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that Russia’s attack on a gas facility in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region hampers crucial winter preparations. Zelenskiy revealed that the gas infrastructure in Novosilske, a village near the Romanian border, was struck. The location is significant as it hosts the Orlovka interconnector, vital for delivering gas to Ukraine through the Transbalkan route, reports 24brussels.
Ukrainian energy officials are currently assessing the damage to the interconnector and whether gas deliveries will continue. The national transit operator indicated an expectation to pump 0.4 million cubic meters of gas through Orlovka on Wednesday.
“This was a deliberate blow to our preparations for the heating season, absolutely cynical, like every Russian blow to the energy sector,”
Zelenskiy stated via Telegram.
Significance of the Transbalkan Gas Route
Recently, Ukraine tested Azerbaijani gas deliveries through the Transbalkan route for the first time, with ambitions to significantly increase imports from Azerbaijan’s SOCAR energy company. This route facilitates gas delivery from Greece through Bulgaria and Romania to Ukraine, enhancing its energy security.
Officials in Kyiv have emphasized the critical importance of this route as it permits access to liquefied gas from Greek and Turkish LNG terminals, as well as gas from Azerbaijani and Romanian pipelines, and potentially Bulgarian offshore gas.
Impact of Russian Strikes on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
Recurring Russian attacks have severely weakened Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, diminishing the resilience of its energy systems. Notably, significant portions of thermal and hydro generation capabilities have been destroyed, leading to widespread blackouts and hampering the national grid’s operation.
Extent of Power Generation Loss in Ukraine
The onslaught has forced Ukraine to rely almost entirely on nuclear power stations, which now contribute about 70% of the remaining electricity generation. As a result of the destruction of thermal generation capacity, Ukraine has experienced a total loss of approximately 80% of its generation capacity, including hydro generation and transmission infrastructure.
The Toll of Previous Energy Strikes in 2022
The most significant Russian strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure occurred on October 10, 2022, when Russia launched 84 strategic cruise missiles and 24 suicide drones, aiming at the electrical grid alongside extensive military operations in Kyiv. This assault inflicted serious damage on critical infrastructure, rendering nearly half of the Ukrainian power grid inoperative, leaving approximately 10 million Ukrainians without electricity.
At a White House press conference on August 6, 2025, CEO Tim Cook presented President Donald Trump with a “unique” piece of Corning glass set in a 24-karat gold base, marking a significant gesture amidst ongoing discussions about Apple’s new U.S. manufacturing plans, reports 24brussels.
The gift, a large disc featuring the Apple logo, has Trump’s name inscribed on the top. The underside bears what is believed to be Cook’s signature along with the message “Made in USA” and the year 2025. Cook revealed that the piece was designed by a “former U.S. Marine Corps corporal” who is part of Apple’s workforce, and noted that the base originates from Utah.
Cook has a well-documented history of cultivating a working relationship with Trump, a skill that has garnered attention from other CEOs looking to emulate his approach. Following Trump’s reelection, many in the business community reportedly sought to adopt similar strategies for engagement. Trump has previously issued threats of tariffs against Apple and other smartphone manufacturers, urging them to relocate manufacturing to the U.S.
As the Biden administration continues to navigate economic recovery, the implications of Apple’s commitment to domestic manufacturing remain a focal point in the discussion around technology firms and their responsibilities to U.S. jobs and industry.
Ypres – On August 6, 2025, Ypres and Bruges commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, holding ceremonies to honor the victims. The tribute was led by Wouter Sinnaeve and Alderman Stephan De Roo.
As reported by VRT News, the cities of Ypres and Bruges observed a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., marking the tragic event that occurred eight decades prior. Wouter Sinnaeve, representing the In Flanders Fields Museum, emphasized Ypres’s shared history of loss due to war.
Sinnaeve noted, “Ypres understands the pain of losing everything in conflict. The people here have not forgotten, and both cities now exchange stories to keep those memories alive.”
Ypres and Bruges Pay Tribute to Hiroshima 80 Years Later
As part of the ceremony, Alderman Stephan De Roo raised the Mayor’s for Peace flag at Astrid Park, accompanied by the song “Enola Gay.” Following the event, Mayor Katrien Desomer and peace officer Filip Deheegher plan to travel to Japan to participate in the official commemoration in Hiroshima.
Ypres holds the title of Belgium’s capital of Mayors for Peace, an international network advocating against nuclear weaponry. The city encouraged other Flemish municipalities to join in raising the flag, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
On August 6, 1945, the U.S. plane “Enola Gay” dropped an atomic bomb known as “Little Boy” from an altitude of over 9,000 meters. This devastating explosion struck near a hospital in Hiroshima, obliterating much of the city within moments. At the time, Hiroshima was home to approximately 245,000 residents.
Initial death tolls reached around 80,000 people, with many more suffering severe injuries or later succumbing to burns and radiation exposure. By year’s end, over 140,000 had died due to the bombing, marking it as one of history’s most catastrophic attacks.
Just three days later, on August 9, 1945, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, named “Fat Man,” killing more than 78,000 people immediately. These two bombings resulted in immense destruction across Japan and led to Japan’s surrender, officially ending World War II on August 15, 1945.
Survivors of the bombings faced long-term health issues, including cancer, and many endured severe psychological trauma. Subsequent generations also experienced health complications linked to the bombings. Given its near-total destruction during World War I, Ypres shares a poignant connection with the suffering endured by the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
, reports 24brussels.
Lanaken – A teenager without a license led police on a dangerous chase in Lanaken after a BOB check, breaking 23 traffic regulations. He now faces charges before a juvenile judge, reports 24brussels.
On Friday, August 1, 2025, during a traffic check for designated drivers in Lanaken, police observed a teenager riding a motorcycle at high speed without a license plate. When officers attempted to stop him, he fled, initiating a reckless pursuit through the town.
During the chase, he displayed extremely unsafe driving behavior, even attempting to strike a police motorcyclist. Authorities indicated that the teenager violated at least 23 traffic laws as he evaded capture, exceeding speed limits, running red lights, and executing risky overtaking maneuvers, thereby endangering both officers and pedestrians.
Details of the High-Speed Pursuit in Lanaken
The pursuit concluded with the teenager crashing his motorcycle but continuing to flee on foot. Police conducted a search and later discovered that a driver had picked him up. Officers promptly intercepted the vehicle and arrested both the teenager and the driver.
He now faces serious charges, including attempted assault on a police officer, evading arrest, and numerous traffic violations. The investigation is ongoing.
Law enforcement described the teenager’s actions as reckless and disrespectful. The case is being treated with utmost seriousness, with the teenager set to appear before a juvenile judge, who will evaluate his accountability for fleeing from police and jeopardizing public safety.
The dramatic incident began during a large BOB check in Lanaken, where police screened 306 drivers. Among those checked, one was found to be over the legal alcohol limit, while two others were driving under the influence of drugs. Another driver received a fine for using a mobile phone while driving. These BOB checks aim to enhance road safety and deter hazardous driving behaviors. The results underline their continued significance in enforcing traffic laws and preventing accidents.
In a related incident from May, a 25-year-old man was pursued by police in the Antwerp area after riding an e-scooter at speeds of up to 90 km/h without valid registration and in violation of a lifelong driving ban. This pursuit also ended in a crash, with the suspect attempting to flee on foot before being apprehended by the authorities.