Oct 29, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC

Speculation is growing regarding a potential new wave of military mobilization in Russia following the September legislative elections. Western officials and media reports indicate that Russian authorities are actively testing mobilization readiness, including regional military exercises, digital registries, and updated employer reporting requirements.

Rising attrition rates and the escalating financial costs of recruiting contract soldiers are increasing pressure on the Kremlin. Intelligence assessments suggest that additional manpower could be sought ahead of anticipated major offensives against key Ukrainian strongholds such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Western analysts caution that hostilities could persist until 2027, as both sides prepare for prolonged conflict despite no official call-up decree having been issued by President Vladimir Putin yet.

Sources: Belsat, NEXTA, The Insider.

An analysis of over 83,000 records filed on Ireland's lobbying register since 2020 shows that at least 63 former politicians and senior civil servants repeatedly lobbied their former colleagues and state institutions. The findings highlight the scale of the country's revolving door phenomenon, where former public officials move into private sector advisory and lobbying roles.

Although Irish ethics laws stipulate a mandatory cooling-off period before former public servants can lobby government bodies, registry filings confirm frequent direct contacts with current decision-makers. Governance advocates have called for stricter enforcement and longer post-employment restrictions to ensure greater transparency in public policy.

Sources: The Journal.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to secure two major investors for the central city of Kraljevo within the next twelve months. Speaking during a visit to the municipality, Vučić emphasized that the upcoming industrial projects are slated to create around 1,000 new jobs for local residents, providing targeted support to the regional economy.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly concluded its scheduled legislative business for the day shortly after 6:00 PM local time on Monday. Parliamentary officials confirmed that proceedings will recommence on Tuesday at 10:00 AM to address remaining items on the legislative agenda.

Sources: Tanjug

An investigation published by The Wall Street Journal has raised ethical questions regarding US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and lobbyist Christos Marafatsos over their roles in facilitating a $6 billion natural gas contract in Albania.

According to the report, Guilfoyle traveled to Tirana in March to meet Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by an executive from Greek infrastructure firm Aktor and Marafatsos. She returned to the Albanian capital the following month for the official signing of the agreement to supply Albania with energy.

The investigation highlights potential conflicts of interest, noting that Marafatsos serves as an advisor to the ambassador while simultaneously lobbying for private commercial energy interests across Europe. Neither diplomatic representatives nor regional officials have publicly addressed the allegations.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha.

The United States Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to temporarily proceed with deporting migrants to third countries while lower court challenges are reviewed. The decision comes alongside an international media investigation led by Forbidden Stories and The Guardian, which revealed that at least 25,447 people were sent to 28 non-native nations under undisclosed agreements.

State Department records indicate roughly 20,000 migrants were sent to Mexico, while more than 5,000 were flown to unfamiliar nations. Several deportees had previously received legal protections recognizing that returning home posed severe safety risks. Following the disclosures, over a dozen United Nations human rights experts urged Washington to suspend the program, warning that foreign transfers expose migrants to potential torture and persecution. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether deportees must receive an opportunity to challenge their removal.

Sources: Danas, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti