Europe

Russian forces conducted hundreds of strikes across Ukraine overnight, impacting 15 locations with drone attacks, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Additionally, the bodies of 528 Ukrainian soldiers were returned following a recent prisoner of war exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia’s lawmakers have passed a law authorising the Kremlin to deploy troops abroad to “protect Russian citizens,” effectively granting President Vladimir Putin the power to invade foreign countries. The legislation aims to address perceived injustices faced by Russian citizens abroad, exacerbating concerns over Russia’s military intentions.

Poland and Lithuania say they’re bracing for provocations from Moscow and Minsk. The NATO nations are ramping up border security, following the arrival of thousands of Wagner mercenaries in neighbouring Belarus, after an aborted mutiny in Russia in June. Last week, two Belarusian helicopters flew briefly into Polish airspace, in what was viewed as a provocation. FRANCE 24’s Magdalena Chodownik, Gulliver Cragg and Elena Volochine sent this report.

Authorities in Spain and Portugal are warning that the risk of wildfires remains extremely high, as residents brace for further scorching temperatures this week. Thousands of hecters of land were destroyed in central Portugal over the weekend, while water-bomber planes were deployed to battle a large blaze threatening homes in southern Spain. FRANCE 24’s Carys Garland gives us more details.

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