The death toll has risen to eight from Russia’s attack on a crowded restaurant in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, Ukraine’s emergency services said on Wednesday, adding that 56 people were injured. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble of the destroyed building, emergency officials added. A FRANCE 24 journalist who was in the restaurant when the strike hit was not injured. Read our liveblog for the latest developments in the war in Ukraine. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).

The EU will take the next crucial step on Wednesday towards launching a digital version of the euro, a controversial project that has come under attack from the public, politicians and banks before it even exists.

While the right to asylum is enshrined in both European and international law, asylum seekers and refugees are confronted with a host of administrative and social challenges, with the recurring shipwrecks in the Mediterranean serving as a grim testament to these obstacles. In reaction, ordinary citizens have stepped up to extend their support, endeavoring to make asylum seekers and refugees feel more welcome. The Refugee Food Festival stands as a prime example of such initiatives. Participants Guillaume Schwoob and Haitham Karajay joined us for a discussion on Perspective.

President Putin and Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin have both made public statements about a suspected mutiny with Putin issuing ultimatum to mercenaries

Why are millions of Muslims arriving in Saudi Arabia this week? Here’s what you need to know about Hajj, Islam’s sacred pilgrimage.

Yevgheny Prigozhin has broken his silence. The Wagner boss has just released an 11-minute audio recording for the first time since Saturday’s failed coup. He says he didn’t want to overthrow Russia’s leadership, but instead wanted to hold those responsible for failures in Ukraine accountable. Officials in Russia are calling for unity two days after a failed coup attempt. Authorities desperate to showcase a sence of normality. In a video, President Vladimir Putin addressed a youth forum. And earlier today footage of the Russian defence minister was released, but the video has no sound and it’s unclear when it was shot. FRANCE 24’s International Affairs Commentator, Douglas Herbert, tells us more.