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.

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.

German rescuers successfully transported a stranded humpback whale, nicknamed “Timmy,” into a specially designed barge on Tuesday, following weeks of efforts to save the mammal. The rescue aims to release Timmy into deeper waters of the North Sea, reflecting sustained public interest and concern.

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