Europe

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced four-star General Oleksandr Syrskyi with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as commander-in-chief amid protests following the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. This leadership change aims to restructure military command and respond to internal criticism.

Spain’s national football team celebrated their World Cup victory with an open-top bus parade through Madrid, drawing over one million supporters. Celebrations featured jubilant fans chanting and displaying mobile phones, as players raised the trophy, marking Spain’s return home after 16 years since their last win.

A brutal heatwave will persist across Europe this weekend, with record temperatures recorded in the UK, France, and Germany. As Paris bans alcohol in public and postpones the Pride March, emergency services respond to increased callouts amid extreme conditions, with temperatures peaking at 39°C in the French capital.

The Sweden Democrats (SD), previously a far-right pariah, have emerged as a key political player, now the nation’s second-largest party. Following shifts in alliances post-2018 elections, SD’s influence on immigration and criminal justice policies has been increasingly normalised within the government, reflecting a significant political transformation.

At least 58 states and territories are affected by anti-personnel mines, according to UN rights chief Volker Türk. The report highlights significant civilian casualties, with approximately 90% of victims in 2024 being civilians, primarily in Myanmar, Syria, and Afghanistan. Recommitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty is urged.

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