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- Russia claims to have thwarted Ukrainian plot involving explosive insoles for soldiers
- Hungarian opposition leader condemns alleged intelligence operation against Tisza Party
- British tourist drowns in Colombia as search for missing man ends tragically
- EU finalises trade agreement with Australia amid concerns over agriculture quotas
- Trump hints at ‘significant gift’ from Iranian delegation amid military tensions
- Fake article links Hungarian opposition leader to Trump insult amid Russian disinformation campaign
- Russia launches major drone attack on western Ukraine, killing six civilians
- LaGuardia Crash: Controller Urged Fire Engine to Halt Before Deadly Collision
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Russia claims to have thwarted Ukrainian plot involving explosive insoles for soldiers
2:00 am
Get you up to speed: Russia claims to have thwarted Ukrainian plot involving explosive insoles for soldiers
Russia’s FSB claims to have impounded hundreds of booby-trapped boot insoles intended for Vladimir Putin’s soldiers. A foreign national born in 1994 has been detained for allegedly smuggling these explosives into Russia from Poland, organised by Ukrainian intelligence agencies.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has claimed that a foreign national from Tajikistan was detained for smuggling explosives into the country, allegedly organised by Ukrainian intelligence agencies. According to the FSB, the explosives were hidden in heated boot insoles, designed to detonate and cause severe injuries to soldiers during combat.
The FSB has detained a foreign national born in 1994, from Tajikistan, for involvement in smuggling explosives from Poland to Russia, allegedly organised by Ukrainian intelligence agencies. This situation follows ongoing missile and drone strikes from Russia against Ukraine, with NATO responding by scrambling warplanes in Romania.
How Putin’s troops were targeted with boobytrapped boots rigged with explosives | News World
Russia has impounded hundreds of booby-trapped boot insoles intended for Vladimir Putin’s foot soldiers, the country’s spy agency has claimed.
The ‘heated’ insoles, intended for use in cold weather, were rigged with enough explosives to blow off a victim’s limbs, the FSB has alleged.
Russian counterintelligence has blamed Ukrainian secret services for the ploy, which would have injured more than 500 soldiers.
The FSB said: ‘A foreign national born in 1994 has been detained in Russia. He was involved in the smuggling of weapons to Russia from Poland through Belarus, organised by Ukrainian intelligence agencies.’
The explosives in each pair of insoles weighed 1.5 grams and would have detonated when the insoles were connected to a power source.
‘They are designed to sever a part of a serviceman’s limb when they are used during combat missions,’ the FSB added, saying the soles were sent as part of ‘humanitarian aid’.
Each sole contained 1.5grams of explosive powder (Picture: E2W)
The man the FSB has detained is from Tajikistan, the agency said, and was acting as a courier for the explosives.
It comes as earlier today, Vladimir Putin staged massive new strikes on Ukraine, forcing NATO to scramble warplanes in two allied countries.
Russia hit back with missiles and drone strikes on civilians after suffering critical damage to its energy supplies and exports.
Putin’s largest port, Primorsk, is still in flames today after a strike by Ukraine yesterday, disabling a key export port on the Baltic Sea.
Earlier, two F-16 supersonic multirole fourth-generation fighters were scrambled in the fellow NATO state Romania as Russian drones attacked Ukraine on the bank of the River Danube.
Russia unleashed at least 34 missiles, with 25 downed by air defences. A total of 426 drones attacked Ukraine, with 365 shot down or disrupted.
The explosives were inside of the soldiers’ insoles (Picture: E2W)
Back home in Russia, Putin is continuing his crackdown on those who speak out against him.
This weekend, a pro-Kremlin lawyer and propagandist who suddenly turned on Vladimir Putin was admitted to a psychiatric clinic.
TV pundit Ilya Remeslo, 42, was previously a staunch Putin supporter and endorser of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
But earlier this week, he posted a series of messages on the messaging website Telegram, describing him as a ‘war criminal, liar, and thief’, and forecast a coup would topple him this year.
Hours later, Remeslo was reportedly admitted to a psychiatric facility in St Petersburg. Friends have said they have been unable to reach him at the Skvortsov-Stepanov City Psychiatric Hospital in the city of St. Petersburg.
He was reportedly sent to a ward for patients suffering from ‘delusions, thought disorders, and incoherent speech’.
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Hungarian opposition leader condemns alleged intelligence operation against Tisza Party
1:00 am
Hungarian opposition leader condemns alleged intelligence operation against Tisza Party
Covert Operation
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has condemned a covert intelligence operation against his Tisza Party, involving interrogations of IT specialists and system breaches.
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has condemned a covert intelligence operation against his Tisza Party, involving interrogations of IT specialists and system breaches.
Election Context
As polling day approaches, analysts are closely monitoring the impact of these allegations on voter sentiment toward Magyar’s Tisza Party and Fidesz.
As polling day approaches, analysts are closely monitoring the impact of these allegations on voter sentiment toward Magyar’s Tisza Party and Fidesz.
Election date
Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for 12 April 2026, where the Tisza Party is currently leading in opinion polls against Viktor Orbán‘s Fidesz party.
Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for 12 April 2026, where the Tisza Party is currently leading in opinion polls against Viktor Orbán‘s Fidesz party.
Briefing summary
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar condemned what he described as a covert intelligence operation targeting his Tisza Party, involving interrogations of IT specialists and attempted system breaches.
Hungary’s parliamentary elections are set for 12 April, with Magyar’s Tisza Party currently leading in opinion surveys ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party.
No evidence of illegal activity was found during the investigation by Hungary’s Constitution Protection Office, initiated following an anonymous tip regarding the IT specialists linked to the party.
Hungary’s Péter Magyar accuses secret services of targeting his party ahead of April elections
Published on
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has condemned what he called a covert intelligence operation against his Tisza Party, after investigative reports revealed that state authorities interrogated two IT specialists linked to the party and tried to breach its systems.
Hungary will go to the polls on 12 April for parliamentary elections in which Magyar’s party is leading in opinion surveys, ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party.
According to Hungarian investigative outlet Direct36, authorities opened an investigation in 2025 against two IT specialists who were responsible for the party’s servers and networks, following an anonymous tip alleging they possessed child sexual abuse material.
Computers, discs and servers were confiscated, but no evidence of illegal files was found. The report states that Hungary’s internal intelligence agency, the Constitution Protection Office, directed the investigation.
Direct36 further reported that the investigation started shortly after one of the IT specialists refused an approach from an unidentified individual who had asked him to breach the party’s IT infrastructure and carry out hacking attacks ahead of the elections.
Magyar condemned the allegations and vowed to launch investigations if his party wins the elections.
“The Hungarian secret services, on the orders of Viktor Orbán and his family, targeted Tisza as it was preparing for a change of government. This case — which I am calling Orbán-gate — is reminiscent of the worst abuses of the communist era and is more serious than the Watergate scandal that brought down President Nixon,” Magyar wrote in a social media post.
He added that the allegations went beyond “all acceptable limits” and described the episode as an attempted coup against a free Hungary.
“Under a Tisza government, both the political figures who commissioned these actions and the heads of the secret services will be held to account before the Hungarian judiciary,” Magyar said.
The Hungarian government has not responded to the allegations.
British tourist drowns in Colombia as search for missing man ends tragically
11:00 pm
Get you up to speed: British tourist drowns in Colombia as search for missing man ends tragically
James Winkles was pronounced dead after his body was found washed up on El Laguito Beach in Cartagena, Colombia. He reportedly went missing after entering the water in adverse weather conditions while celebrating his wedding with friends.
James Winkles’s body was discovered on El Laguito Beach in Cartagena, Colombia, after he went missing while swimming in adverse weather conditions, with an ongoing investigation into his death, as confirmed by local authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated, “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Colombia.”
The investigation into James Winkles’ death is ongoing, with his body taken to a nearby morgue to determine the circumstances of his suspected drowning. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed they are supporting the family of the British national who has died in Colombia.
Newlywed British man dies after drowning on dream holiday with his wife and friends | News World
James Winkles was pronounced dead after his body washed up on shore (Picture: Jam Press)
A newlywed Brit has drowned on his dream holiday to a coastal resort in Colombia.
James Winkles, who came from the Isle of Wight, was visiting the coastal resort with a group of friends, including his newlywed wife.
His body was found washed up on El Laguito Beach in Cartagena, Colombia, on Sunday morning.
James had been in the city, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, for 12 days, according to local media.
He was reportedly staying at a luxury hotel in the El Laguito area to celebrate his wedding with friends.
The 30-year-old went missing the night before after allegedly entering the water in adverse weather and sea conditions.
An investigation into his death is ongoing (Picture: Jam Press)
The emergency services arrived on the scene and confirmed he was dead.
His body was taken to a nearby morgue to establish the circumstances leading up to his suspected drowning.
The investigation into the British tourist’s death is ongoing.
James, who worked for a family-run car dealership in Ryde, was the second person to drown off the coast of El Laguito Beach so far this year.
On February 7, chef Samuel Peñates Cortina, 21, was swept away while swimming in the sea with his girlfriend.
His body was found three days later on a beach on the island of Tierra Bomba.
The authorities have urged swimmers to exercise caution when entering the water.
The couple had been celebrating their wedding (Picture: Jam Press)
They said to avoid entering the sea if the wind is strong and waves exceed 1.9 metres in height, waiting a while after eating, and to avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed yesterday: ‘We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Colombia.’
Last August, a British man on holiday in Benidorm died after drowning in a late evening swim.
The 31-year-old was found lifeless after struggling to make it back to land, police confirmed.
He had jumped into the water at Benidorm’s Levante Beach with at least two other British friends, who returned unharmed.
Bystanders tried unsuccessfully to rescue the drowning tourist before the coastguard also failed to locate him in the water.
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EU finalises trade agreement with Australia amid concerns over agriculture quotas
10:00 pm
EU finalises trade agreement with Australia amid concerns over agriculture quotas
Trade Agreement Details
The EU-Australia agreement establishes quotas for sensitive products like beef, sheep meat, sugar, and rice, amid concerns about existing Mercosur allocations.
The EU-Australia agreement establishes quotas for sensitive products like beef, sheep meat, sugar, and rice, amid concerns about existing Mercosur allocations.
Political Pushback
Italian lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the EU-Australia trade deal, particularly regarding protections for “Prosecco” and other regional food names.
Italian lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the EU-Australia trade deal, particularly regarding protections for “Prosecco” and other regional food names.
Status update
Currently, the EU-Australia agreement is pending ratification, facing scrutiny from member states and MEPs due to concerns over sensitive product imports.
Currently, the EU-Australia agreement is pending ratification, facing scrutiny from member states and MEPs due to concerns over sensitive product imports.
Briefing summary
The EU-Australia trade agreement establishes product quotas, including 30,600 tonnes of beef and 35,000 tonnes of sugar annually. Copa-Cogeca raised concerns about the overall import levels affecting EU markets.
The agreement includes a safeguard mechanism for market disruptions, allowing temporary measures to be imposed within the first seven years. EU member states must approve the deal, facing initial pushback from lawmakers.
Controversy surrounds the protection of geographical indications, with some EU GIs allowing continued Australian use of names like “Prosecco.” This has sparked outrage among Italian lawmakers, who decried potential threats to regional food identities.
EU-Australia trade deal draws ire of farmers and lawmakers
Published on
The EU-Australia agreement sets quotas for sensitive products including beef (30,600 tonnes a year phased in over 10 years), sheep meat (25,000 tonnes a year over seven years), sugar (35,000 tonnes) and rice (8,500 tonnes phased in over five years).
But Copa-Cogeca warned that these figures add to quotas already allocated to Mercosur countries — Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay — including 99,000 tonnes for beef and existing sugar quotas with Brazil and Paraguay.
The Commission included a safeguard mechanism allowing the EU and Australia to impose temporary measures within the first seven years if a sudden increase in imports leads to major market disruption in either partner’s market.
Some MEPs already voiced concern
Before ratification, the deal must run the gauntlet of EU member states and MEPs, who have already challenged the legality of the Mercosur deal before the EU court of Justice, delaying its ratification.
Some lawmakers have already come out against the Australia deal.
“A rude awakening this morning on learning that, once again, Ursula von der Leyen went it alone in the trade deal with Australia,” Belgian farmer and liberal MEP Benoît Cassart said, adding: “We’re set to face additional imports in sensitive sectors such as beef and sugar, even though we already raised concerns about this situation in the case of Mercosur.”
There were also concerns about the safeguarding of protected regional food names.
The EU protects “Geographical Indications” (GIs) for food and drink products linked to their place of origin.
Under the deal, 165 EU agri-food GIs and 231 EU spirit drink GIs are protected.
However, for cheeses such as the Greek “Feta” and French “Gruyère,” Australian producers who have used these names in good faith and continuously for at least five years prior to the agreement will be allowed to keep using them.
These products will be “put at risk”, Cassart said.
Meanwhile, Italy’s “Prosecco” wine triggered strong reactions from Italian lawmakers.
According to an EU official, under the agreement, Australian producers can continue using “Prosecco” to designate a grey grape variety in Australia, provided it is used as a variety name and tied to Australian geographical indications. This rule applies solely within Australia, which has also agreed to halt exports of such wines after 10 years.
But Italian Five Star MEP Carolina Morace argued that “with this decision, the European Commission is legalizing ‘Italian sounding,’ that is, the imitation of our agri-food excellence around the world.”
“As a Venetian, I can only reject this latest attack on our traditions, which weakens rather than strengthens Italy’s wine sector.”
Trump hints at ‘significant gift’ from Iranian delegation amid military tensions
9:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Trump hints at ‘significant gift’ from Iranian delegation amid military tensions
The US Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new chief of the Department of Homeland Security on March 24, 2026. Donald Trump indicated that a peace delegation from Iran presented him with a gift, which he described as ‘oil- and gas-related.’
Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated, “No negotiations have been held with the US,” denying any discussions amid escalating military tensions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks” to end the conflict, subject to agreement from both the US and Iran.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that his country is prepared to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks” to end the Iran war, contingent upon agreement from both the US and Iran. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense, with ongoing missile launches from Iran and a rising toll from the conflict.
Donald Trump thanks Iran for ‘very big present’ but he won’t say what it is | News World
Washington, DC, on March 24, 2026. The US Senate on Monday confirmed Mullin as the new chief of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency reeling from a partial government shutdown as it works to enforce President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images)” decoding=”sync”/>
Donald Trump has thanked Iranian negotiators for hearing him out
(Picture: AFP)
Donald Trump has hinted at a mystery gift presented to him by an Iranian peace delegation as he threatens to send even more troops to the Middle East.
Around 3,000 troops from ‘The All American’, Fort Bragg-based brigade are said to be ready to be mobilised as the US President pushes Tehran to capitulate and end the war.
Asked if he trusts the Iranians, Trump said he doesn’t trust anybody but alluded to receiving a ‘gift’ that he said suggested ‘we’re dealing with the right people.’
‘They gave us a present, and the present arrived today,’ Trump said speaking at the White House on Tuesday.
‘It was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money. And I’m not going to tell you what that present is, but it was a very significant prize.’
Pressed for more detail, Trump said it was ‘oil- and gas-related’ but went no further.
Fire and fury at the Iranian Ministry of Defence’s electronics industries building in Tehran following a strike on Monday (Picture: AFP)
‘It was a very nice thing they did. But what it showed me is that we’re dealing with the right people.’
Trump told reporters Iran wants ‘to make a deal,’ and he claimed his team held talks with an Iranian leader.
He did not say who that was, but said the US has not talked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, whose whereabouts are still unknown after a strike that killed his family triggered the war.
Since then, more than 2,000 people have been killed, the global economy has gone haywire, sending oil prices surging with missile strikes erupting all over the Middle East.
Iran has denied talks had been held. ‘No negotiations have been held with the US,’ Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf posted on X, adding that ‘fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.”
Trump threatened over the weekend to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants unless the country releases its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of all traded oil passed before the war, within 48 hours.
Thai ship Mayuree Naree burns after an Iranian USV strike in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11 (Pictures: EPN/Newscom / Avalon)
Iran has insisted that ‘safe passage’ in the Strait of Hormuz is possible for non-enemies. Vessels with ties to China, India and Pakistan are among those that have already passed through.
Trump’s approval rating fell in recent days to its lowest point since he returned to the White House in response to his handling of the Iran war.
Americans’ views on Trump soured significantly with regard to his stewardship over the cost of living, as gasoline prices surgedand his promise to avoid ‘stupid wars’. The survey found 35% of Americans approve of the US strikes on Iran.
Iran can only muster 10 missiles a day
Israeli army spokesman Effie Defrin said in a televised statement that Iran fired dozens of missiles on Israel in the war’s first and second days but this number ‘dropped quickly’.
He attributed that to Israel’s continued strikes on military headquarters, launch sites and missile production sites across Iran.
Although the volume of missiles has decreased, Iran has kept up and indeed increased the pace of its launches, sending millions of Israelis into shelters multiple times a day, with failed interceptions causing deaths and injuries.
Now, Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif says his country is ready to ‘facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks’ to end the Iran war.
‘Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,’ Sharif wrote on X.
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Fake article links Hungarian opposition leader to Trump insult amid Russian disinformation campaign
8:00 pm
Fake article links Hungarian opposition leader to Trump insult amid Russian disinformation campaign
Disinformation Campaign
Research links a fabricated article claiming Hungary’s opposition leader Péter Magyar insulted Donald Trump to Storm-1516, a Russian disinformation operation ahead of Hungary’s elections.
Research links a fabricated article claiming Hungary’s opposition leader Péter Magyar insulted Donald Trump to Storm-1516, a Russian disinformation operation ahead of Hungary’s elections.
Official Response
Germany’s Foreign Minister condemned Russian disinformation tactics, asserting the need for robust measures against campaigns like Storm-1516 aimed at undermining democratic processes.
Germany’s Foreign Minister condemned Russian disinformation tactics, asserting the need for robust measures against campaigns like Storm-1516 aimed at undermining democratic processes.
Upcoming election
Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for 12 April, where Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party will face off against current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for 12 April, where Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party will face off against current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Briefing summary
A false article claiming Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar insulted Donald Trump is circulating, attributed to Storm-1516, a Russian disinformation campaign. The fabricated claims include derogatory remarks about Trump and intentions to reverse agreements with the US.
The video spreading these claims has gained traction on social media, with researchers linking it to Storm-1516’s pattern of activity during election cycles. This initiative has targeted various election campaigns, including the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary.
In previous instances, Storm-1516 has been involved in disseminating misleading information during Germany’s elections. Meanwhile, Magyar has accused Hungary’s secret service of interfering with his campaign ahead of the elections on 12 April.
Pro-Kremlin disinformation network takes aim at Hungary’s elections
A fake EU News-style article and website claiming that Hungary’s opposition leader Péter Magyar insulted Donald Trump is circulating online as part of a wider campaign researchers have linked to Storm-1516, a Russian disinformation operation.
Among other false claims, the article says Magyar called Trump a “senile grandpa” and promised to undo “key agreements” made with the US, should Magyar win parliamentary elections in Hungary scheduled on 12 April.
The article’s contents are fabricated and the website it appeared on have no connection to EU News.
A video report that repeats the claim using EU News’ branding is also circulating on social media. The Cube, EU News’ fact-checking team, found examples of this clip circulating since Monday evening, some with thousands of views.
Researchers at Antibot for Navalny, a collective that tracks Russian bot networks online, told The Cube that the post was part of Storm-1516, a prolific Russian disinformation campaign that spreads claims online that further the interests of the Russian government.
The group are typically active during election campaigns, having spread false claims about Democratic Party candidates in the 2024 US presidential election and during Germany’s February 2025 elections.
In December, Germany’s Foreign Minister summoned the country’s Russian ambassador over allegations of repeated Russian hybrid attempts in Germany including allegations that Storm 1516 actively spread disinformation during the country’s general elections.
At the time, the campaign focused on Chancellor candidate for the Greens, Robert Habeck, and current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections will see Magyar’s Tisza Party pitted against current Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Magyar has accused Hungary’s secret service of targeting his party’s campaign systems just weeks before the election date in a hostile election campaign in which polls suggest his party is ahead.
Orbán, meanwhile, has become embroiled in scandal in Brussels after a Washington Post investigation revealed Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regularly leaked sensitive information from high-level European Union meetings to Moscow.
Orbán has maintained close ties to the Kremlin despite the resistance of other European leaders and has utilised Hungary’s veto power to block key decisions on European aid to Ukraine.
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