Europe

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised that Europe “must be the first to provide for its own conventional defence” during D-Day commemorations in Normandy. He urged allies, particularly France, to demonstrate commitment to strengthening their defences amid a backdrop of reducing US troop presence in Europe.

A court in Mali has sentenced a French embassy official to 20 years in prison on charges of espionage and undermining state security. The official, detained since August 2025, faces a €5,400 fine and a ban on entering Mali, escalating tensions between the military-led government and France.

The Democratic Rally has won Cyprus’s parliamentary election, securing 27.2% of the vote and 17 seats. Following closely, the left-wing AKEL obtained 23.9% for 16 seats, while the far-right ELAM achieved third place with 10.9%, capturing eight seats amid rising anti-establishment sentiment.

Russia conducted extensive missile strikes on Kyiv overnight, resulting in at least four deaths and 56 injuries, according to local officials. The assault, which involved nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles, targeted various districts and damaged residential buildings and schools, prompting declarations of a continued threat in the capital.

Specialist LKA units in Berlin’s Pankow district discovered 59 unexploded Second World War shells during a routine walk. The find underscores ongoing risks associated with remnants of wartime ordnance in urban areas. Authorities are assessing the situation for safety and proper disposal protocols.

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