Europe

Pope Leo XIV, recovering from lung cancer surgery, called Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine. The Vatican highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with approximately 2,000 civilians needing safe evacuation and aid. Putin acknowledged the Pope’s humanitarian efforts and expressed gratitude for his involvement.

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A Norwegian teenager, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for planning an assassination in the UK, lured by a €25,000 contract. Arrested in March 2025, police uncovered firearms in his hotel room, linked to the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish criminal gang.

A minibus collided with a shuttle train at the Eurotunnel site in northern France on Thursday, injuring 19 individuals, all men, who were heavy goods vehicle drivers. The vehicle did not overturn, and none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. A judicial investigation is underway.

Israel has confirmed that Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila are in the country for imminent interrogation, amid accusations of ties to Hamas. Both men will receive consular visits, while Spain’s foreign minister labels the detention as illegal, demanding accountability for potential mistreatment.

Russian drone attacks targeted Ukrainian cities overnight, hitting civilian infrastructure and residential areas in Kharkiv, with injuries reported. In Kherson, a public transport bus was struck, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted many drones, but some breached defences.

An arson attack on a Skopje synagogue on 12 April has been linked to the Islamic State, North Macedonia’s intelligence service reported. Seven arrests followed, including charges against two men for terrorism-related offences. The local Jewish community noted only minor damages occurred.

The UK government has raised the terrorism threat level to severe following a stabbing of two Jewish men in north London, labelled an act of terrorism. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned rising antisemitism, pledging enhanced security for affected communities amid growing fears following recent attacks.

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