25 September 2025
France
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and sentenced to five years in jail. The court has ordered that he begin his sentence within one month, unless his lawyers can convince the judges to delay while he appeals the decision. He was found guilty of allowing his associates to “act with the aim of obtaining financial support” from the Libyan regime of Moammar Gadhafi.
Denmark
Denmark’s government has said a “professional actor” is responsible for the drones flown over its airports this week. However, it did not place the blame on Russia, the most obvious suspect. The Russian embassy in Copenhagen called speculations of Russian involvement “absurd.”
There are reports that the mysterious drones flew over Danish airports again on Wednesday night. Denmark announced that it is considering invoking NATO’s Article 4 after four airports were targeted on Wednesday night.
Arctic
Russian authorities are becoming ever more reckless in their behaviour. Their shadow fleet is taking risks by transporting oil from Arctic depots to global markets. Some of these ships have already become stuck in ice and none of them are designed to sail in icy conditions.
DefenceReport published a lengthy report by Stewart Webb on the strategic importance of Russia’s Northern Sea Route and oil and gas exports in the Arctic. It can be found here.
Japan
A Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) has been observed near Japan for the first time, travelling through the La Perouse Strait. The La Perouse Strait separates Hokkaido from Russia’s Sakhalin Island.
India
India imposed a curfew in Ladakh after a protest turned violent. Four people were killed in demonstrations for sovereign statehood in Leh, the capital of the Himalayan region of Ladakh. In 2019, Ladakh lost its semi-autonomy when the BJP government split it from Jammu and Kashmir.
Latvia
Rheinmetall has announced plans to build an artillery ammunition factory in Latvia that will produce 155mm shells. The plant will be a joint venture between Rheinmetall and the Latvian State Defence Corporation, with Rheinmetall being the majority owner (51%). Reports did not indicate the production capacity of the factory.
North Korea
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un announced his intention to upgrade his country’s conventional military, declaring he would adopt a policy of “simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces” at the next major meeting of his Workers’ Party, expected early next year. Kim’s desire to upgrade his conventional forces is a response to lessons learned fighting Ukrainian troops and a determination that nuclear weapons alone cannot guarantee the continued existence of the regime.
Pakistan
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti responded during a press conference that Balochistani terrorists receive state patronage in Afghanistan. Bugti highlighted that terrorists who were recently killed by Pakistani authorities were from Afghanistan. This comes as Bugti has been questioned about why 4G internet and mobile services have been blocked in the region.
Social Media Wires
Reports that half of the gas stations in Crimea are no longer serving customers.
Footage has appeared online showing a Ukrainian USV strike on the oil terminal of the Tuapse oil refinery
Feature Photo: “152mm M1974 Tŏkch’ŏn – North Korea Victory Day, c. 2013” – Wikimedia Commons, 2025
The Wires Brief is a weekly breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates.