Oct 25, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC

SpaceX chief Elon Musk accused Ukrainian forces of violating terms of service by using the commercial Starlink satellite network to conduct drone strikes, claiming the company restricted the capability last week.

Writing on X, Musk stated that civilian Starlink terminals were "never permitted" for offensive combat operations. He highlighted that while Starshield, a military-grade satellite system, remains under US government oversight, commercial Starlink remains essential to Ukraine's defense, warning the front line would collapse without it.

Ukrainian activist Serhii Sternenko pushed back against the claims, asserting that using commercial Starlink hardware directly for combat drone strikes is technically impossible.

Sources: NEXTA, NV, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has condemned the transfer of executive control in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar, Özel questioned President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's commitment to democratic principles after opposition local election gains were overturned during municipal council proceedings. In a separate televised interview, Özel characterized the council's actions as an unprecedented breach of political integrity.

Additionally, Özel addressed a recent dialogue between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, describing the meeting as a standard administrative step required to ensure the continued delivery of public services in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged citizens not to fear heightened security measures along the border with Russia, framing early preparation as essential to preventing potential provocations. Stressing that "it is better to observe even excessive caution" than to react after an incident, Nausėda defended the deployment of troops and defensive barriers to lower security risks.

In a wide-ranging interview, Nausėda acknowledged that Lithuania’s air defense capability "is not ideal" and pointed to delays in joint drone manufacturing projects with Ukraine. He also addressed internal tensions between the defense minister and the chief of defense, while expressing frustration over a controversy involving a Ministry of National Defence gathering, warning of lasting reputational damage.

Sources: 15min, LSM.

Firefighters in southern France have stabilized several major wildfires, though emergency teams remain on high alert due to adverse weather conditions. In the Aude department, a blaze near Montséret that burned 100 hectares was contained after a rapid deployment of 240 firefighters and ten aircraft. However, another nearby fire covering 225 hectares in Puilaurens remains active due to steep, inaccessible terrain, despite its perimeter being stabilized.

To mitigate ongoing risks, authorities in the Var department temporarily closed seven forest massifs to the public. Official records indicate that over 115,000 hectares have been destroyed across France this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on August 17 to launch regional reconstruction initiatives following widespread devastation.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced efforts to attract two major foreign investors to the city of Kraljevo within the next year. Speaking during a regional visit, Vučić stated that the prospective development projects are anticipated to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs, offering a significant boost to employment in the area.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly concluded its daily legislative session after progressing through several scheduled agenda items. Lawmakers adjourned in the early evening and are scheduled to reconvene at 10:00 AM on Tuesday to continue deliberations on the remaining parliamentary business.

Sources: Tanjug