Europe

Russia resumed drone strikes on Kyiv following a three-day halt coinciding with US envoy visits. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported attacks in Boryspil and Fastiv districts, while air raid alerts prompted residents to seek shelter. Peace discussions between US envoys and both Russian and Ukrainian leaders continue.

Staff at the Eiffel Tower walked out on Monday, leading to the closure of the landmark. The protest arose after female employees were reportedly relocated out of view during a visit by a Hindu delegation, prompting strong condemnation and calls for an investigation from officials and unions alike.

A senior Swedish diplomat, charged with unauthorised possession of classified documents, allegedly jeopardised national security by taking sensitive information to his residence. Prosecutors stated that while the diplomat accessed the data through his official duties, he acted without intent to harm Sweden’s interests.

Thousands of students marched in Prague on Wednesday in protest against the Czech government’s plan to overhaul public media funding, which would eliminate access fees and make state funding the sole source. Critics warn this could jeopardise media independence and lead to significant budget cuts and layoffs.

A second French soldier, Corporal Anicet Girardin, has died from wounds sustained during a Hezbollah ambush on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed. This follows the death of Staff Sergeant Florian Montorio in the same attack, marking a significant escalation for French forces in the region.

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his involvement in the disappearance of $1 billion from the country’s banking system in 2014. The court also ordered the seizure of approximately $60 million from his accounts. Plahotniuc denies the charges and plans to appeal.

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