MS Risk Limited

22 Dec Spike in cross-border smuggling networks between Belarus, Poland and Lithuania

Posted at 20:45h in Uncategorized

Key Judgements Large-scale increases in low-cost aerial smuggling methods over the Polish, Belarusian and Lithuanian border area, centred around commercially available drones and weather balloons, highlight he ‘hybrid’ nature of threats in the area. Recent balloon incursions have caused widespread disruption and temporary closures...

22 Sep Parliamentary Elections in Moldova 2025: Between Europe and Russia

Posted at 23:17h in Uncategorized

Summary On 28 September 2025, the Republic of Moldova will elect a new parliament. The vote is considered decisive for the country's geopolitical direction. It could either confirm the pro-European course with the goal of EU integration by 2028 or initiate a return to neutrality and...

29 Aug Ukraine–Russia Peace Negotiations: Status and Outlook

Posted at 23:07h in Uncategorized

Context Since mid-July, Washington under President Donald Trump has been pursuing new diplomatic initiatives to achieve a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. An announced ultimatum to Russia threatening harsh punitive tariffs was replaced by a summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska on 15 August. A subsequent...

06 Aug Anti migrant unrest in southern Spain town, “Torre Pacheo” turned violent

Posted at 23:39h in Uncategorized

Key Judgments 2 days of heavy clashes between the Spanish and North African populations caused by an assault on a pensioner in the town of Torre Pacheo Linked to the messaging of far-right political party, Vox and anti-immigrant sentiment in Spain Likely to impact the...

28 Jul Shifting Ground: NATO’s Eastern Border Strategy and the Return of Landmines

Posted at 19:49h in Uncategorized

In June and July 2025, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania formally announced their withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines. The so-called Ottawa Treaty prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. The exit reflects the evolving threat landscape along NATO’s northeastern flank...

25 Jul 5 days of race riots in Northern Ireland

Posted at 20:03h in Uncategorized

Key Judgements 5 days of violent race riots in the Ballymena area of Northern Ireland after the attempted rape of a teenage girl 32 police officers were injured, and several houses were burned or damaged Additional police officers and resources were requested from Great...

19 Jun Operation Spiderweb: An Assessment

Posted at 22:05h in Uncategorized

Summary On 1 June 2025, Ukrainian forces conducted a coordinated FPV-drone strike against five Russian air bases located deep within the country. The targets included strategic long-range bombers - notably the nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 - as well as A-50 early warning aircraft. The operation demonstrates...

18 Jun Arson attack on property linked to UK Prime Minister

Posted at 22:37h in Uncategorized

Key Judgements Alleged arson attacks occurred at properties connected to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Three men were arrested and have been charged with counts of arson and conspiracy to endanger life. Counter Terrorism police are investigating the cause and motivations of the three...

28 May Europe’s Eastern Flank: Presidential Elections in Poland and Romania

Posted at 23:10h in Uncategorized

Summary Presidential elections were held in Poland and Romania on 18 May. In Romania, the independent, pro-European candidate Nicușor Dan, mayor of Bucharest, won the runoff election by a narrow margin against the right-wing populist George Simion. Both were considered anti-establishment. In Poland, the liberal...

12 May Two days of shock in Spain as power system experiences a national blackout

Posted at 21:52h in Uncategorized

Key Takeaways Electrical power in Spain was interrupted for 10 hours At least 30 people died due to indirect effects No clear cause yet but many possible solutions ENTSO-e will establish an export panel to investigate and publish a report on the event Timeline On...