Thunderstorms with downpours hit eastern Croatia on Thursday. Donald Trump intends to demand that NATO countries increase defense spending to three percent of GDP. In turn, Finnish MP Timo Vornanen is suspected of threatening two people with a gun and firing a shot into the ground in the center of Helsinki. Five things worth knowing on Saturday, May 4.
1. “Apocalyptic scenes” in Croatia
Thunderstorms with downpours hit eastern Croatia on Thursday. According to local media, water quickly filled the streets of Slavonski Brod, carrying away cars. The storm also brought heavy hail.
The authorities of the city located in Slavonia reported that water flooded 30 basements, and the streets and sidewalks were blocked by trees fallen by strong winds. Flooding of streets and underground passages cut off some parts of the city. Damage removal operations began immediately after the storm.
READ ALSO: Cars flowed down the streets and the city was covered with hail
2. “The Times”: Trump inspired by Duda
Former US President Donald Trump, after a possible election victory, intends to demand that NATO countries increase defense spending to three percent of GDP as a price for the US' continued commitment to defend Europe, the British “The Times” reported on Friday.
In this way, Trump was supposed to pick up on President Andrzej Duda's initiative to increase the defense spending threshold from two to three percent. GDP, which he released just before his March visit to the White House. According to Trump's team, Duda's idea was also one of the main topics of conversation between both politicians during the Polish president's recent visit to New York.
Former US President Donald TrumpMark Peterson/PAP/EPA
3. Russian forces entered the base where US troops are located
Russian soldiers entered Air Base 101, located near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger's capital, Niamey. US troops are also stationed there, Reuters reported, citing an anonymous, high-ranking US defense official.
As the agency's source noted, Russian soldiers use a separate hangar and do not mix with American military personnel. – This is not the best situation, but it is manageable in the short term – said an American official quoted by Reuters.
4. An MP suspected of firing a gun in front of a restaurant in the country's capital
55-year-old Timo Vornanen is suspected of threatening two people with a gun and firing a shot into the ground, the Finnish Press Agency reported. The incident took place last week on Friday morning in the center of Helsinki. The investigation into this case is being conducted by the police, who have not yet confirmed the identity of the suspect in official statements.
– We are in no way able to justify his action – said club chairman Jani Makela. – It would be surprising if I still trusted a man who, while under the influence, carries a gun in a public place and shoots it, added the leader of the Finns party, Deputy Prime Minister Riikka Purra.
5. The Latvian army is digging anti-tank ditches along the border with Russia
Latvian public broadcaster LSM reported that the Latvian army has started digging anti-tank ditches as a first line of defense along the border with Russia.
The first line is being built near the Terehova border crossing in the Ludza commune, approximately one kilometer from the Russian border. The 20-kilometer section is scheduled to be completed within four months. The length of the Latvian-Russian border exceeds 283 km.
Main photo source: Mark Peterson/PAP/EPA