US President Donald Trump claimed an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is in effect, contrary to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s report of Russian attacks on energy sites. This follows a recent drone strike in Kyiv that killed one individual and injured five others.

Ceuta prominently featured in Spain’s National Day parade, despite no soldiers from the autonomous city participating due to ongoing tensions after a July migrant crisis. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will visit Ceuta on Tuesday following the parade, which showcased new military technology and saw Prime Minister Sánchez face public discontent.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez launched his election campaign for the 29 November election in Dos Hermanas, Seville, addressing over 5,000 supporters. With a focus on housing protests, he emphasised the need to regain voter trust following recent electoral losses, while opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also initiated his campaign in Madrid.

Concerns over school safety escalated in Poland following two violent attacks and alarming social media claims of a “bloody Friday.” In response, police announced increased patrols around schools and encouraged reporting of any credible threats to ensure the safety of students and staff.

France has suspended police use of stun grenades at high school protests after a 15-year-old lost a hand following an incident with a stun grenade. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the suspension will remain in place until investigations into alleged police misconduct are completed.

Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst highlighted ongoing plague cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, stating the laboratory connection makes the current incident more concerning. He also noted that COVID-19 has returned this winter in a milder form, differing from previous years.