标签： Europe

In the shadow of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, a unique and controversial initiative is unfolding within the nation’s penal system. At Penal Colony No. 4, a medium-security prison with an imposing atmosphere, inmates like Andrii Askerov and Roman Chech are trading their prison jumpsuits for military fatigues. Under a law enacted last year, over 10,000 prisoners, including drug dealers and even murderers, have volunteered to join the Ukrainian army in exchange for early release. Their mission? To fight on the front lines until the war ends. For many, this is not just a path to freedom but a chance for redemption and revenge. Roman, whose sister was killed by a Russian missile in Kharkiv in 2023, sees this as an opportunity to avenge her death. ‘I would have a lifelong label as a convict, but if I serve, I’d be a serviceman,’ he says. The recruits, many of whom have no prior military experience, undergo a month of training before being deployed to some of the most dangerous sectors of the front line. According to the governor of Penal Colony No. 4, half of the thousand inmates who volunteered have already perished. Despite the high mortality rate, morale among these convict soldiers remains surprisingly high. For them, the battlefield offers a chance to rewrite their legacies. Andrii Andriichuk, a former career burglar turned soldier, proudly displays his ‘Hero of Ukraine’ medal, the nation’s highest honor. ‘I’ve committed many evil deeds for this country,’ he admits. ‘There is a price to pay for everything. I’ll just go back to the job I’m good at: fighting.’ The initiative has drawn comparisons to Russia’s earlier strategy of recruiting prisoners, which was widely criticized. However, Ukraine’s Deputy Justice Minister, Evhen Pikalo, insists there is a fundamental difference. ‘The Russians are paid per hundred meters, and Ukrainians are driven by patriotic feelings,’ he claims. Pikalo views the program as a form of rehabilitation, offering convicts a chance to contribute to their country’s defense. Yet, the moral implications of releasing serious offenders remain contentious. Pikalo emphasizes that these are conditional releases, not pardons, and that the program aims to resocialize rather than exploit. As Ukraine’s war effort continues, the search for motivated soldiers grows increasingly desperate. For these convicts, the battlefield is both a proving ground and a path to redemption, even as the odds of survival remain grim.

Kyiv faced a harrowing 12-hour bombardment on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities and over 70 injuries across Ukraine. The attack, involving hundreds of drones and nearly 50 missiles, targeted civilian infrastructure, including a cardiology center in the capital. This escalation comes as the US deliberates Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could potentially strike deep into Russian territory. US Vice-President JD Vance indicated that President Donald Trump would have the final say on the matter, while US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg hinted that Trump had already authorized such strikes. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the potential impact of these weapons, asserting that no missile could alter the dynamics of the conflict. Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Ivan Havryliuk emphasized that increasing the cost of war for Russia could compel Moscow to engage in peace talks. Meanwhile, Ukraine is seeking advanced air defense systems, including Patriot units, to counter Russia’s intensified aerial assaults. The country is also ramping up its domestic production of drones and artillery, aiming to reduce reliance on Western allies. However, the urgency for immediate support remains critical as Russia continues to deploy more sophisticated drones and missiles, posing a growing threat to Ukraine’s cities and Europe’s security.

Denmark has implemented a comprehensive ban on all civilian drone flights this week in anticipation of the European Union summit in Copenhagen. The country’s transport minister announced the decision on Sunday, citing the need to ‘simplify security operations’ for law enforcement and prevent ‘foreign drones from causing uncertainty and disruption.’ The ban, effective until October 3, carries severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment for up to two years. This move follows a series of recent drone sightings over Danish military sites and airports, which have raised significant security concerns. In response, defense ministers from ten EU countries have agreed to establish a ‘drone wall,’ while NATO has heightened its vigilance across the Baltic region. Danish authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators behind these incursions, with the defense minister labeling them as part of a ‘hybrid attack’ and a ‘systematic operation.’ Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not ruled out Russian involvement, though Moscow has vehemently denied any connection. The situation has also prompted Norway and Romania to report similar drone incidents, with Romania recently passing legislation to empower air force pilots to shoot down unidentified aircraft. The ongoing war in Ukraine and previous Russian incursions into NATO airspace have further intensified regional tensions.

The iconic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, renowned for its historic windmills, is grappling with an overwhelming influx of tourists. This year, the village is projected to attract 2.8 million visitors, a significant increase from the 2.6 million recorded last year. For a community with a resident population of just 100, this surge has become unsustainable. In response, the local council has announced a new €17.50 ($20.50; £15) entry fee for non-residents, effective next spring, aimed at curbing the numbers and preserving the village’s charm. This measure is rare but deemed necessary by local authorities, including Marieke Verweij, director of the village’s museum, who highlights the strain on the community. ‘Visitors often intrude into private gardens and homes, leaving residents with no privacy,’ she explains. The fee will grant access to the museum and windmills, which currently require separate payments. The museum houses a painting by Claude Monet, while the windmills showcase their 17th-century industrial uses. However, local businesses fear the fee will deter budget-conscious tourists, threatening their livelihoods. Sterre Schaap, co-owner of a gift shop, warns, ‘Families may spend €100 on entry and parking, leaving little for shopping.’ Despite concerns, some tourists, like Elisia from Albania, support the fee, believing it will protect the village’s charm. The council plans to reinvest the revenue in infrastructure and windmill maintenance, addressing the village’s growing needs.