The Universal Postal Union (UPU) reports a dramatic decline in postal traffic to the U.S. following the end of a trade exemption rule. After August 29, 2025, the “de minimis” rule, which exempted small packages under $800 from tariffs, was suspended, leading to an 81% drop in traffic compared to the previous week. The UPU is actively developing a technical solution to restore mail flow. This move was initiated by the Trump administration, citing concerns about counterfeit goods, fentanyl, and the trade deficit.
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In October 2022, Russian soldiers abducted 16-year-old Vladislav Rudenko from his home in Kherson as part of a systematic effort to relocate and re-educate Ukrainian children. He was held in multiple camps, where he was subjected to re-education and mistreatment before being reunited with his mother after an arduous journey facilitated by the organization Save Ukraine. Vlad’s case reflects a broader issue, as thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly relocated across various locations by Russia, a practice for which the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants. Experts emphasize the urgent need to rescue these children as Russia continues its military actions.
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In a significant move, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has revealed a €1.6 billion reform of the income tax system. This reform aims to strengthen the middle class through substantial cuts in income tax rates. Notably, families with four or more children will be exempt from income taxes on the first €20,000 of annual income. The policy is designed to combat Greece’s low birthrate.
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Following a ban due to an earlier break-in at an RAF base, a protest in Parliament Square saw an estimated 1,500 participants. Police arrested 857 individuals for supporting Palestine Action, a proscribed group, with an additional 33 arrests for other offenses, including assaults on officers. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, during a visit to the Met’s control room, expressed support for the arrests, emphasizing that support for Palestine is distinct from support for a proscribed terrorist group. Deputy assistant commissioner Claire Smart noted the coordinated and violent nature of the operation.
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In August, Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast lost five square kilometers but regained control of 26, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russian forces have focused their offensive efforts on the Pokrovsk axis, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses. These counterattacks are led by units of Ukraine’s Assault Forces, which have been reported to have cleared several villages around Pokrovsk of Russian forces. The ongoing conflict in the region and Russia’s advances strengthen Moscow’s position in potential peace negotiations, which could involve Ukraine ceding all of Donetsk Oblast.
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Following his foreign visits, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that 26 countries are prepared to guarantee Ukraine’s security. He expressed gratitude to these leaders for their collaborative efforts. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of pressuring Russia to accept peace initiatives and to understand the repercussions of continuing the war. He highlighted the importance of robust sanctions and tariffs as key instruments to achieve this goal.
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On September 7th, Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the “8-N” oil pipeline control station in Bryansk Oblast, both crucial for supplying fuel to Russian troops. These attacks, carried out by various branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, targeted facilities within Russia’s energy infrastructure as part of an effort to undermine Moscow’s war financing. The “8-N” control station, part of a strategically important pipeline, and the Ilsky refinery, a major fuel producer, were both significantly impacted, with fires reported at each location. These strikes are part of a larger pattern of intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, with over a dozen refineries being targeted in recent months.
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The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently considering formally annexing a significant portion of the occupied West Bank. Such a move, widely considered a breach of international law, risks inciting outrage throughout the Arab world. Annexation could also undermine President Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in the region. However, it might provide Netanyahu with a political advantage among Israeli voters.
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In a recent address, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that approximately 60% of the weapons utilized by Ukrainian forces are now domestically produced. This marks a significant expansion of Ukraine’s defense industry since the full-scale invasion, with recent developments including new ballistic missiles and air defense systems. To further bolster this progress, Ukraine has allocated significant funds to defense manufacturing in its 2025 budget and is also actively seeking contributions through the NATO Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program to reduce reliance on foreign aid. Zelensky emphasized the goal of further developing the domestic production of air defense systems.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has rejected Russian President Putin’s offer to meet in Moscow, viewing the location as a sign of insincere negotiation tactics. Zelenskyy proposed Putin come to Kyiv instead, citing ongoing attacks on Ukraine as a reason for his refusal. While the US has been advocating for face-to-face talks, Moscow has presented additional conditions and escalated shelling, further complicating the prospect of a meeting. Zelenskyy stated Russia is attempting to prolong the war and turn diplomacy into a farce, calling for strengthened sanctions, increased arms supplies, and restrictions on Russian oil and gas.
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John Q. Hosedrinker