Ukraine is the world’s largest arms importer, SIPRI

According to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine is currently the state with the largest arms imports in the world. Ukraine’s imports of heavy weapons in the period 2020-2024 increased almost a hundred times compared to the period 2015-2019, IPN reportes.

These studies refer to the volume of arms transfers, not the financial value. And given that this volume can fluctuate significantly from year to year, the researchers compare five-year periods, in this case the period 2015-2019.

Ukraine accounts for 8.8% of the world’s total imports of heavy weapons. Since the outbreak of full-scale war in February 2022, at least 35 countries have contributed to Ukraine’s arms, with the United States accounting for 45%, followed by Germany (12%) and Poland (11%).

Studies have shown that arms imports to Europe increased by 155% between 2015 and 2019 and between 2020 and 2024.

“The new data on arms transfers clearly reflect the rearmament that is taking place among European states in response to the threat from Russian Federation”, said Mathew George, director of the SIPRI program.

Meanwhile, during the same period, India ranked second with 8.3% of arms imports, followed by Qatar with 6.8%, Saudi Arabia with 6.8% and Pakistan with 4.6%.

It should be noted that US President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine. This decision was taken after a failed discussion in the Oval Office between the White House leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Foto: Alexander Cook /US Air Force/Staff Sgt



UEFA has expressed reservations about FIFA’s plan to create a commercial company that would manage the commercial rights of major competitions, including the World Cup. The organization believes that the initiative requires more clarity in terms of governance and transparency, reports IPN.

In a press release, UEFA stated that it is analyzing the proposal and that it must be examined by the national federations as well. The European body mentioned that the project raises questions about the management of the new structure and the distribution of financial benefits.

The reaction comes after FIFA announced its intention to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a subsidiary that would manage commercial activities and the organization of major competitions, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

FIFA intends to attract approximately 4.2 billion dollars by selling a minority stake of up to 20% to private investors. According to the organization, the funds will be used for the development of football, and FIFA will retain control over governance, competitions, and sporting decisions.

According to the British press, UEFA is expected to discuss the project with its 55 member federations at the end of this week, to establish a common position. Reservations about the initiative have also been expressed by the English Football Federation, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, which have called for consultations and a transparent decision-making process.

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Ukraine is the world’s largest arms importer, SIPRI

According to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine is currently the state with the largest arms imports in the world. Ukraine’s imports of heavy weapons in the period 2020-2024 increased almost a hundred times compared to the period 2015-2019, IPN reportes.

These studies refer to the volume of arms transfers, not the financial value. And given that this volume can fluctuate significantly from year to year, the researchers compare five-year periods, in this case the period 2015-2019.

Ukraine accounts for 8.8% of the world’s total imports of heavy weapons. Since the outbreak of full-scale war in February 2022, at least 35 countries have contributed to Ukraine’s arms, with the United States accounting for 45%, followed by Germany (12%) and Poland (11%).

Studies have shown that arms imports to Europe increased by 155% between 2015 and 2019 and between 2020 and 2024.

“The new data on arms transfers clearly reflect the rearmament that is taking place among European states in response to the threat from Russian Federation”, said Mathew George, director of the SIPRI program.

Meanwhile, during the same period, India ranked second with 8.3% of arms imports, followed by Qatar with 6.8%, Saudi Arabia with 6.8% and Pakistan with 4.6%.

It should be noted that US President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine. This decision was taken after a failed discussion in the Oval Office between the White House leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Foto: Alexander Cook /US Air Force/Staff Sgt


A significant vegetation fire has broken out on the Greek island of Paros, one of the well-known tourist destinations in the Aegean Sea. According to euronews.ro, quoted by IPN, several localities have been evacuated, and firefighters are intervening on multiple fronts to limit the spread of the flames, as the strong wind complicates operations.

The fire broke out on Tuesday near the town of Kambi, in an area with low vegetation and waste. The Civil Protection Service of Greece has issued alerts through the 112 system for the residents of Agios Charalambos, Kambi, Bougados, Aneratzia, and Kamari, who were urged to move towards the coastal town of Aliki.

The intervention is carried out both on the ground and from the air, with the help of airplanes and helicopters. Additional firefighters and equipment have been brought from the neighboring islands of Naxos and Syros. The authorities have not reported any casualties or material damage, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Greece maintains a high level of alert for fires in several regions, due to high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds.

In the meantime, wildfires continue in Spain and France, amidst a new heatwave. In France, 16 departments are under an orange heatwave alert, with temperatures forecasted to reach up to +41 degrees Celsius. In Gironde, authorities warn of the risk of rekindling hotspots due to the dry wind.

In Spain, the fire in Burgohondo, considered the largest in the country’s history, has destroyed over 43 thousand hectares of forest. Although thousands of evacuated people have returned to their localities, authorities warn that the situation remains unstable due to high temperatures.

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1 IANUARIE, 2025
1 IANUARIE, 2025