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.

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 Russian drone struck the Security Service of Ukraine’s headquarters in central Kyiv on Friday, targeting the agency’s head office, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attack occurred during a period of heightened drone activity over the city, with emergency services dispatched to the scene.

A hazardous materials alert at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) was triggered on Thursday evening after a woman reported carrying toxic substances in her handbag. Terminal 1 was evacuated, flight operations paused, and emergency teams are currently analysing the unknown substance amid safety concerns.

Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, shifting focus to international affairs, including defence and trade. His departure will necessitate a by-election, following his leadership of the Labour party and a landslide victory in 2024.

US defence contractor Covenant plans to produce medium-range missiles near Leipzig, targeting up to 1,000 units annually from 2027. The missiles, expected to exceed 1,500 kilometres in range, are part of Germany’s strategy to enhance its long-range strike capabilities with cost-effective armament solutions.

From our sponsors
Advertisement
Advertisement