HolidayBlogging

Tag: increased

  • Zelenskyy slams Russia for intensifying their 'terror, intimidation' campaign on Ukraine

    Russia fired a record 741 drones and missiles in its largest aerial attack against Ukraine on Wednesday in a significant escalation. Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, adding that it speaks volumes to the Kremlin’s sincerity in its claims of wanting to end the war.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy slammed Russia for intensifying what he called a terror campaign designed to intimidate Ukrainian civilians. Zelenskyy made the remarks in a post on X, where he detailed the Kremlin’s increased attacks on Ukraine over the past seven days.
    The Ukrainian leader says Russia fired over 1,800 drones, more than 1,200 guided aerial bombs and 83 missiles of various types in the space of one week. Earlier in the week, Kyiv said Russia launched a barrage which included highly lethal aeroballistic and cruise missiles.

    Russia’s defence ministry have claimed major territorial gains amid their renewed offensive, particularly on the eastern frontlines in the Donbas region. The Kremlin says its forces have claimed the villages of Mykolaiv and Mirne in Donetsk.
    Moscow currently controls a little over two-thirds of the Donetsk region, including the city of Donetsk itself, and a large swathe of surrounding territory. Kyiv has not commented on Russia’s claims of further advancement.
    Zelenskyy did however note that Ukraine’s air defence forces are achieving “good results”. The Ukrainian leader says Kyiv’s air defences were able to thwart hundreds of Russian drone strikes targeting several cities and positions in primarily civilian positions.
    “Interceptor drones are performing particularly well, with hundreds of Russian-Iranian “shaheds” shot down over the past week,” wrote Zelenskyy.

    Zelenskyy also expressed ongoing efforts to further bolster Ukrainian air defences and advance interception technology.
    “Every meeting with partners this week was about scaling up this technology. I am grateful to everyone willing to invest in the protection of life, and to our warriors who safeguard the Ukrainian skies.”
    He also called on allies to ramp up pressure on Moscow to force them to the negotiating table and end their full-scale invasion of his country, well into its fourth year.
    “Shaheds” are one of Russia’s ways of prolonging the war. We must neutralize this threat in order to bring diplomacy into motion sooner,” asserted Zelenskyy.

    The Ukrainian president expressed his gratitude to Ukraine’s allies in Europe, the Group of Seven – or G7 – and the United States for their continued support and commitment to ensuring Ukraine can continue to fend off Russian attacks.
    A few days ago, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington will send a weapons package to Ukraine in the coming days, which will be delivered to them through an intermediary in NATO.
    The weapons shipment, paid for by Ukraine’s European allies and NATO, includes Patriot air defence systems, which Ukraine has been seeking for a long time due to their high efficacy in intercepting aerial attacks.

  • Commission Boosts Research & Innovation Funding, Nearly Doubling Long‑Term Budget

    Budget Boost for Tech? A Laughable Amount, According to Lobby Dodgers

    So Fewer Tech Funds, Why Not?

    Operators & Allies are raising their voices, saying the financial lift for tech is a gulp compared to a splash. They’re all like, “What’s the big plan? A penny to paint the city green?”

    • From Chalk to Code: Budget makers trimmed spending on tech gear, but not by much.
    • Windmills vs. Wind Turbines: Think a few buzzwords, but no real power.
    • Lobby Hysteria: Lawmakers once again overlook the legitimate when the public wants more!

    Potential Fallout

    Without enough ink in the tech drawer, companies will find themselves walking through a tumbleweed forest. Missing training, outdated devices, and that, my friends, is a recipe for a distraught workforce.

    Commission Boosts Research & Innovation Funding, Nearly Doubling Long‑Term Budget

    EU’s Budget Boom: €2 Trillion Power Surge

    Just when the finance gurus were about to catch their breath, the Commission unveiled a mind‑blowing 2028‑2034 budget: a hefty €2 trillion—talk about a dramatic bump from the €1.21 trillion of the last era. It’s the EU’s super‑charged fuel for the next decade.

    Digital Europe Calls Out the Gap

    Like a frantic tech ambassador, Digital Europe shouted out: “We’re missing €157‑227 billion a year—that’s the daily dose Europe needs to keep pace with Silicon Valley and Shanghai.” Digital tech isn’t just a fad; it’s the magic wand for cutting emissions, fortifying critical infrastructure, and turbo‑charging productivity across all EU priorities.

    • Emissions? We’re aiming for zero, not a lazy “no more.”
    • Infrastructure? Cyber‑security bursts get the seat reservation.
    • Productivity? The “super‑charge” is a literal power‑step tip.

    AI Gigafactories: Ursula’s 20‑Billion Plan

    Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened a new AI chapter, pledging €20 billion for “AI gigafactories”. Think of it as a playground where the next-gen AI models can collaborate, grow, and finally stop sounding like a single neuron.

    When Other Nations Throw Their Money on the Table

    But it’s not just EU antics:

    • France’s President Emmanuel Macron has lined up €109 billion for AI projects.
    • The US government’s got the same punch with €92 billion aimed at AI and next‑gen energy.
    • So the rivalry is real—every country has its own “budget game plan.”

    What’s Next?

    The plan’s still on the table, waiting for the grand member‑states’ verdict and the final thumbs‑up from the European Parliament. Will it go front‑and‑center or a little tacked on? Time will tell!