European Sources

AN urgent hunt has been launched for a British teenager who was last seen at an airport in Poland. Ania Czopinski, 18, has been missing for more than a week. kppkrakow/ FacebookAnia Czopinski was last seen on airport CCTV[/caption] kppkrakow/ FacebookThe 18-year-old has been missing for more than a week[/caption] She was last known to be at the Krakow John Paul II International Airport in Balice at around 11pm on November 11. CCTV footage showed the teen walking through the airport lobby pulling a suitcase and carrying hand luggage. She was wearing a pair of grey jeans with ripped knees, a black jacket, and black trainers. Ania, a UK national, does not have any identification documents or a mobile phone, police say. She is understood to be of Polish origin but has never been to Poland before and does not speak the language. Police have now issued a desperate appeal for information. District Police Headquarters in Krakow said: “An 18-year-old British citizen has gone missing. “Missing Ania was last seen on 11th November this year at around 11pm at the Krakow-Balice Airport. “People who have any information about the missing person are asked to contact the Police Department in Zabierzow. “Thank you for your help.” Cops also released a description of Ania, saying she is 160-170cm tall, is of lean build and has dark blonde hair. The Sun has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.

GERMANY’S World War Three preparation plans have been revealed in a 1,000-page secret document dubbed “Operation Deutschland”. It comes after Nordic citizens were told to prepare for war and handed chilling survival guides on Monday as tensions between Russia and Ukraine boil over. APGerman Bundeswehr soldiers at the Training Range in Pabrade, Lithuania in May[/caption] APGerman soldiers take part in the Lithuanian-German division-level international military exercise[/caption] GettyRescuer and policemen stand amid rubble near collapsed wall of residential building after missile attack in Ukraine in January[/caption] Germany is ramping up its national security as fears loom that Vladimir Putin‘s bloody war in Ukraine may develop into a worldwide inferno. In recent weeks North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Mad Vlad and on Tuesday embattled Kyiv unleashed its first long-range missile into Russia. Fears of war spilling over the national borders has now been sparked, with Germany taking after the Nordic countries in ramping up precautionary measures. German armed forces have begun implementing “Operation Deutschland”, which has been agreed amongst politicians and contains a chilling 1,000-page strategy plan. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine, the top-secret papers reveal specific buildings and infrastructure facilities that need specific protection in an emergency for military reasons. The report also contains plans on how Germany would proceed in the event of some kind of threat to defence or even tensions beforehand – potentially alluding to Russia’s war against Ukraine. A first meeting has even taken place in the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce where specific companies were addressed directly after the report revealed the vulnerable professions in the face of war. Attendees were advised on striving for self-sufficiency through installing their own diesel generator or even a wind turbine. Guidance regarding truck driving was given by Lieutenant Colonel Jörn Plischke, who said that “for every 100 employees”, at least five additional truck drivers should be trained “that you don’t need”. He chillingly explained: “70 per cent of all trucks on Germany’s roads are driven by Eastern Europeans. “If there is a war there, where will these people be?” Managing director of the Chamber of Commerce Malte Heyne eerily warned: “We must raise awareness of how important a well-prepared and resilient economy is for Germany’s civil and military defense.” Plans have been built in Germany across the year, with its Defense Ministry confirming in July that emergency plans to move “hundreds of thousands” of Nato troops in the event of a war with Russia. This was in response to media reports that preparations were intensifying alongside the West’s heightening tensions with Mad Vlad. It was also suggested that Berlin was preparing to move 200,000 vehicles as well as the 800,000 Nato troops across its territory if the situation with Russia turned to all-out war. At the time, Bundeswehr Homeland Defence Command in Berlin confirmed that the secret Operation Deutchland continues to be worked at. A spokesperson told Newsweek: “[OPLAN DEU] is continually being worked on under the responsibility of the Bundeswehr Homeland Defence Command and is constantly updated.” News of the plan comes after millions of pamphlets landed in Swedish homes eerily titled: “If Crisis or War Comes,” on Monday, while other nations issue their own chilling advice to fearful citizens. Stockholm has warned of what they call the worsening security situation – otherwise known as Russia’s bloody invasion of Ukraine – and urged Swedes to prepare for conflict. Meanwhile neighbouring Finland have published its own chilling advice online to prepare “for incidents and crises”. AFPSweden’s Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin presents the new version of the preparedness booklet ‘If Crisis or War Comes’[/caption] The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB)Nordic citizens received pamphlets and guides as tensions spiral with Russia[/caption] AFPSoldiers from the Swedish Armed Forces in Stockholm[/caption] Norwegians also received a pamphlet urging residents to know how to manage on their own for a week in the event of extreme weather – or war. Sweden and Finland recently gave up neutrality to join Nato after witnessing the atrocities Putin has unleashed in Ukraine since 2022. Norway was a founding member of the Western defensive alliance on the other hand. Nuclear fears have spilled over after Russia was forced to admit that it was struck by Ukraine with American ATACMS missiles overnight. Just days after the US approved Ukrainian use of its far-reaching rockets – Kyiv’s forces used them to blitz a military depot storing ammunition and anti-aircraft missiles. It was the first time ever that embattled Kyiv was able to unleash the ballistic rockets on Russian soil – as the world today marks 1,000 days of Putin’s bloody and illegal war. Reports surfaced on Tuesday morning about the missile strike – with a Ukrainian defence source telling RBC that they had indeed used ATACMS rockets. The Russian defence ministry later confirmed the hit – saying missiles supplied by the US were used to target the ammo arsenal in Bryasnk. Fragments of one of the damaged rockets landed on the “technical territory” of the military facility and sparked a fire, Russia had to begrudgingly concede. Top brass claimed they successfully shot down five and damaged one more. APRussian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with New People party’s leader Alexey Nechaev in Moscow on Tuesday[/caption] AFPPolish soldiers stand in front of their tanks during a visit of Latvia’s President and the NATO Secretary General[/caption] AFPFrench soldiers from the 93rd mountain artillery regiment operate the Camion Equipe d’un Systeme d’Artillerie[/caption]

THIS is the moment a huge Ukrainian car bomb killed one of Vladimir Putin’s top commanders in a fiery inferno. The graphic video showed how the Russian naval commander Captain Valery Trankovsky was blown up, according to the country’s Federal Security Service. East2WestA top Russian naval commander was killed in a car bombing in occupied Sevastopol[/caption] East2WestRussian authorities accused Ukraine of planting the bomb[/caption] East2WestCaptain Valery Trankovsky, 47, was killed[/caption] Trankovsky , 47, was killed after his black Chevrolet Cruze drove over a road bump in occupied naval port Sevastopol in Crimea. The commander was pulled out of the blazing car but he died. Trankovsky’s legs had blasted off in the explosion and he died from “combined injuries and profuse blood loss.” The commander has been the highest-ranking naval officer to be killed on the edge of Russia since the invasion started. Trankovsky was the chief of staff of Vladimir Putin’s 41st brigade of missile ships and boats of the Black Sea Fleet. The marine leader was previously accused by Ukraine of ordering naval missile strikes against civilians. Two suspects have been arrested in connection to the 47-year-old’s death, on 13 November. Vitaly Kulchitsky, 47, has been accused of planting the device on the vehicle. His female accomplice, who was not named, was accused of spying on the car. The duo were also charged with working for the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The pair were also recorded by the Russian Federal Security Service as they appeared to admit their involvement in the plot. A man, whose face was blurred, said he was originally from Lviv, Ukraine, but held a Russian passport. He said: “My task was to liquidate a high-ranking serviceman in the city of Sevastopol.” The detainee also said he planted the bomb under the car the night before and added that he had been recruited by the SBU. An arrested woman claimed she was enlisted to the SBU while she was on holiday in the region. She added: “When I arrived in Sevastopol on holiday, the [SBU] controller sent me a photo and the number of the car. “I only watched it, what time it appeared, and what time it left.” A Russian Federal Security Service’s source said Trankovsky was a “legitimate” target. The Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, issued a warning to those involved in Trankovsky’s death. He said: “Non-humans, who dared to do this, await an obvious finale.” EDGE OF WAR The war between the two nations has intensified as Putin confirmed Russia was struck by long-range missiles fired by Ukraine. This has been the first time Ukraine has used these weapons after Joe Biden lifted his ban on them for Volodymyr Zelenksy’s troops. Kyiv used them to blitz a military depot storing ammunition and anti-aircraft missiles. East2WestGraphic images showed the aftermath of the car bomb[/caption] East2WestTrankovsky was previously accused by Ukraine of ordering naval missile strikes against civilians[/caption]

YOU could have a high IQ if you can spot the hidden frog in under nine seconds. Players could even have 20/20 vision if they can figure out this tricky optical illusion in time. Jagran JoshYou will need to spot the frog in this image in less than nine seconds[/caption] Everyone will be able to spot the trees in this image of a forest. Players will also be able to easily spot the branches and grass on the floor. At first, it might seem there is not much else in this image but you will have to look closer. Somewhere in this green and brown woodland there is a tiny frog. This illusion is even more difficult as the frog is slightly camouflaged into its surroundings. Here is a clue if you need one. Focus on the left side of the image and you might see the animal there. If you were not able to spot the animal in time do not worry as the answer is down below. Optical illusions are a great way to test and improve mental skills. Illusions and brain teasers can force people to look past clear and obvious images. These can help to stimulate several parts of the brain at the same time. Tasks like this can also provide people with a productive way to have fun and relax. Why not try another animal themed illusion to test your brain. You could have 20/20 vision if you can spot the hidden creature in this photo. Deer Hunting GuideCan you spot the hidden animal?[/caption] You will have just seven seconds to do this. Here is a clue for people running out of time. Ignore the water and look at the trees. You might be able to spot the camouflaged creature there. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. Try a different type of illusion by seeing if you can spot the differences in these two images in 11 seconds. Everybody can see the holidaying animals enjoying their day in the sunshine, but only those with a high IQ can spot all seven differences in time. Gergely Dudás - DudolfCan you find the seven differences?[/caption] This image shows a group of cartoon animals enjoying a day at the beach. Here is a hint if you can’t find all of the differences. Focus on the food on the sand as you might spot some things there. The answers to all of the optical illusions are below. Jagran JoshThe hidden frog has been circled[/caption] Deer Hunting GuideWere you able to spot the animal in time?[/caption] Gergely Dudás - DudolfThe seven differences have been highlighted above[/caption]

UKRAINE could turn the war around in just six weeks with the help of US long-range missiles, military analysts have told The Sun. Today marks 1,000 days of Vlad’s gruelling war in Ukraine that has left more than a million soldiers and civilians dead or wounded. ReutersRussian tyrant Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine 1,000 days ago[/caption] GettyA decimated building in Myrnohrad, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine after a Russian strike[/caption] EPAUkrainian troops from the 57th Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces training in the Kharkiv region[/caption] Putin’s forces invaded their neighbouring nation in February 2022 as part of the deluded tyrant’s plan to rebuild the Soviet Union amid his paranoid fears over Nato. Almost three years later, Kyiv’s battle-weary troops are fighting to the death on multiple fronts. They have faced several setbacks in the grinding conflict as Russia has made slow but incremental gains over Ukrainian territory. But the green light from the US that now allows Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles could be a game changer, experts said. With a range of 190 miles, the US-supplied missiles will allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territory – with the aim of cutting off Putin’s war machine. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon told The Sun how Ukraine could turn the war around in six weeks when provided with unwavering support from key allies in the West. The former British army officer said Washington’s decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS – and the prospect of Britain’s Storm Shadow missiles joining the war effort – is a “significant development”. He explained: “The fact that the Russians have been so vehement in their verbal attacks against the use of Nato missiles shows that this is a significant step. “It could allow Ukraine to gain a good position in [the next] six weeks which will be important for Zelensky if Trump forces a ceasefire after getting back in office. “The best way to get peace is to get the Russians on the backfoot.” Ukraine will likely want to gain maximum leverage over Russia before Donald Trump – who could force a ceasefire deal – returns to the Oval Office on January 20. And ATACMS could allow them to do exactly that. Dr Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, told The Sun: “Ukraine needs to be in a situation at that negotiating table where it’s got the maximum leverage. “Kyiv could then barter away bits of its territory for bits of Russia’s territory, and the aim here is clearly to ensure that Ukraine’s got more things to bargain with at that table. “And that’s really what this is about.” Colonel de Bretton-Gordon explained how Zelensky could use the West’s long-range missiles to turn the tide in his favour after 1,000 days of war. Unconfirmed reports say Ukraine launched its first strike on Russian territory using the missiles overnight on Monday. Russians are now targets everywhere and that’s going to make a big difference to how the next stage of this war is going to be fought in the Kursk region Dr Alan Mendoza He said: “What we know is that ATCAMS are precise and very capable missiles that the Russians seem unable to intercept and shoot down. “When it comes to air defence capabilities we know that Russian forces at the front, in places like Kursk, are not very well protected. “This is because Putin has moved a lot of these air defence systems to protect his own palaces and towns and cities in Russia. “Over the next few weeks, they must get all they need. “And if there are any Storm Shadow missiles left on the shelves in the UK, I hope they’re on their way to Ukraine at this very moment.” Ukraine has still not been authorised to strike Russia with British Storm Shadow missiles – but it could follow suit after America’s decision. British efforts have yet to convince Joe Biden to give the go-ahead for our donated weaponry which requires US tech for guidance. And German chancellor Olaf Scholz is now under increasing pressure to follow suit and allow Taurus missiles to join Ukraine’s war offensive. But a furious Putin today warned that he would respond to Western missiles being fired into Russia with nukes in a dangerous escalation of the war. While this is a major development his latest nuclear sabre rattling, it could be another in a long line of threats that have proven to be empty for the last 1,000 days. Kursk is one of the most pivotal battlegrounds in the current Russia-Ukraine war scenario, Colonel de Bretton-Gordon said. The fact that the Russians have been so vehement in their verbal attacks against the use of Nato missiles shows that this is a significant step Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon More than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to join Putin’s army – which has faced massive losses in the last three years – in the frontline region. And if Kyiv can hold Kursk for long enough – at least until Trump gets back to the White House – Ukraine could have an upper hand at the negotiation table in case of a proposed ceasefire deal. Colonel de Bretton-Gordon said: “Kursk is an absolute dagger to the heart of Putin. “What is happening in Kursk at the moment is critically important with the Russians massing about 50,000 troops, including 10,000 North Koreans for a counter-attack. “It shows that Putin is almost throwing all his cards on the table to regain Kursk, which is a vital Russian ground. “Whoever holds Kursk at Christmas holds vital ground – and could make a huge difference. “But with Storm Shadows and ATACMS, Ukraine is in a much better position to hold it and perhaps make grounds elsewhere.” AlamyUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will aim to strike strategic targets deep inside Russia[/caption] Zelensky, pictured with Joe Biden, has been given permission to use American missiles to strike Russia Russian forces have been slowly pushing Ukraine’s army backwards in the eastern Donetsk region. And Putin’s troops unleashed a devastating air attack on civilian areas in Ukraine over the weekend. With the new use of US long-range missiles, Dr Mendoza said Ukraine would try to obliterate the Russian war machine by targeting transport infrastructure and military bases. He said: “The Russians are now targets everywhere. “That’s going to make a big difference to how the next stage of this war is going to be fought in the Kursk region. “We’re talking about knocking out transport infrastructure and targeting forces far away from the front line. “We’re looking at bases being hit and air power being nullified by the ability to strike the kind of places where the planes are taking off from. “There’s a whole set of things that directly impact Russia’s ability to supply the front line. “These are not simply in terms of men, but it might also be in terms of material and supplies, and all the other things. “You need to keep an army going as well as trying to make a dent in Russia’s fighting capabilities.” While it is not clear how deep Ukraine will be allowed to attack using the ATACMS missiles, it’s likely Zelensky will aim for strategic targets with the weapons. This includes Crimea – one of the most strategic and relatively safe locations that the Russians have been using to obliterate Ukraine. The region is also home to key military infrastructure, including six air bases, command-and-control centres, and an arms depot. Colonel de Bretton-Gordon said: “Ukraine will try and take out the command and control nodes in regions where they are struggling. “The airfields in Crimea are also fully in range now that have been supporting Russian attack on Ukraine. “We may even see the Ukrainians try and drop the Kerch Bridge – although militarily that is not a significant target, politically it would be. “The key thing is to get on the front foot, and I’m sure that is exactly what Zelensky and his team would be planning. “They’ve shown to be very canny and very able people at fighting, and [ATACMS] is a key part of the armoury they’ve been asking for. “Now see them use it to great effect.” Putin’s quivering puppets have long warned the West the use of the missiles by Ukraine would be seen by the Kremlin as a declaration of war. The Kremlin’s spokesman made clear Moscow was watching closely after Biden’s decision – warning it would add “fuel to the fire” of the war and escalate tensions even higher. GettyFlames rise following Russian bombs in Myrnohrad[/caption] ReutersA fireman works to put out a fire caused by a Russian attack on Ukraine[/caption] Putin said the use of Nato missiles will be a ‘declaration of war’ Putin puppet Dmitry Peskov referred to Vlad’s earlier statements in St Petersburg when he indicated such a move could trigger a world war. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned leaders in the West that they “are dragging not just their countries but the entire Europe into large-scale escalation with drastic consequences”. And a seething Putin has now approved a plan to allow a nuclear response to US missiles being fired into Russia. Russia has issued countless similar threats in the past – invoking fears of possible nuclear escalation in the West. While it marks a major development, experts have repeatedly called Putin a paper tiger with “hollow” nuclear threats that are only meant to bully the West. Colonel de Bretton-Gordon said: “Since day one Putin and his close aides have been threatening a nuclear strike if we escalate it, and today is the 1,000th day of this conflict, and it hasn’t happened. “It should embolden our leaders, who must now realise that Putin’s threats are completely hollow. “With the Russian boxer on the ropes, now is the time that we enable the Ukrainians to absolutely put in the killer punch and be in a really good position for the expected ceasefire.” Since day one Putin and his close aides have been threatening a nuclear strike if we escalate it, and today is the 1,000th day of this conflict, and it hasn’t happened Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon Security and politics expert Anthony Glees said Putin has mastered the arts of playing around with words – and has been holding the West for a fool. He told The Sun: “Putin has held us for fools for far too long and used words and threats to slice by slice take him nearer to where he wants. “[When Ukraine uses ATACMS] there will be threats from Moscow, but if Putin decides to up the ante, I think we should say to him, even at this late stage, ‘Okay, bring it on. We’re ready for it. We’ve got two months so bring it on’. “He’s not going to use nuclear weapons because that will destroy his own people.” Dr Mendoza added: “They’ve got a war to fight. They’re not interested in starting new fronts in that war.” Experts have repeatedly warned that a Russian victory would spark chaos in Europe. They now hope greenlighting US long-range missiles could make a difference to the grinding war. Looking ahead, Colonel de Bretton-Gordon doesn’t foresee the war lasting another 1,000 days. He said the Russians are facing losses of up to 2,000 troops a day in Kursk and the Donbas – with Putin “clinging on”. He said: “These are First World War attrition figures, and I think everybody knows, particularly Putin, that he just can’t sustain them. “I do not see another 1,000 days of fighting. The Russians do not have enough troops, and I don’t think the West doesn’t have enough resources to keep it going. “Next year will be absolutely pivotal.” APA Russian rocket launcher firing towards Ukrainian positions[/caption] AFPA Ukrainian soldier fires a self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions in the Donetsk region[/caption] AFPA heavily damaged residential building in Kyiv[/caption]