Displaying items by tag: Europe

Following Ukraine’s audacious deep strikes on Russian strategic bomber bases, Moscow is facing mounting internal pressure to retaliate. While the Kremlin remains publicly silent pending investigation, media figures and bloggers have erupted with calls for harsh responses, including nuclear retaliation. Though such threats are not new in Russian rhetoric, the recent attacks - possibly disrupting Russia’s nuclear response capabilities - may challenge the limits of Moscow’s stated nuclear doctrine. An actual nuclear strike remains unlikely due to the immense diplomatic fallout it would trigger, particularly with key partners like China and India. A more probable reaction will take the form of intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. As Ukraine’s Western allies ease restrictions on weapons use, the Kremlin may feel compelled to escalate, risking unpredictable consequences in an already volatile war. Meanwhile, the two sides have failed to make progress in ceasefire talks in Istanbul: see

The centuries-old Swiss village of Blatten has been devastated by a catastrophic glacier collapse. Prior concerns about the stability of the Birch Glacier had prompted authorities to evacuate all 300 residents and livestock. Days later, over nine million cubic metres of ice and rock cascaded down, obliterating homes, landmarks, and even the village church. The collapse, which registered on national seismic monitors, left Blatten buried in debris and triggered flood concerns by blocking the River Lonza. Experts described the destruction as ‘unprecedented’. Due to global warming, the rapid thaw of permafrost, long considered the glue of the Alps, is destabilising entire mountainsides. Although the timely evacuation saved lives (only one man is missing), the complete loss of the village has raised new alarms about the pace and impact of climate change on vulnerable mountain communities.

Authorities in Cologne have safely defused three large American World War 2 bombs after evacuating over 20,000 people in what officials described as the city’s largest operation since the war. Discovered in a shipyard, the bombs triggered the evacuation of a densely populated 10,000 sq m area, including homes, shops, schools, a hospital, a major train station, and cultural sites. Bomb disposal efforts could only begin once every resident was accounted for, with police warning that refusal to leave would lead to forced removal and fines. Ambulances transported intensive care patients, while couples scheduled to marry at city hall were relocated. The city ground to a halt: roads were closed, public transit was suspended, and normally lively streets went silent. While WWII bomb discoveries are not uncommon in Germany, the size and impact of this operation were exceptional. Authorities praised residents cooperation and reminded the public to remain calm and prepared, underscoring the lingering dangers of past conflicts.

In Rodynske, Ukraine, devastation and fear hang in the air after a Russian glide bomb destroyed the town’s administrative centre and residential blocks. Russian attacks have surged, with Rodynske now facing direct strikes and drone assaults. Journalists encountered deadly surveillance and attack drones, evidence of Russian advances. Russia’s increasing use of fibre optic drones - immune to electronic jamming - gives it a tactical edge, making troop movements perilous. Ukrainian forces are racing to develop similar technology. Soldiers have described the extreme mental and physical toll, with deployments now stretching to months due to constant drone threats. Front lines are no longer clearly defined; infiltrations occur with motorcycles and quad bikes, creating fragmented, shifting battle zones. Civilians, returning to destroyed homes, bear witness to worsening conditions. With diplomatic efforts stalled, this evolving conflict grows more deadly by the day. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, on a visit to Germany (where chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised more financial and military help), has warned that 50,000 Russian troops are massing on Ukraine’s eastern border, preparing for a massive new offensive. See

Joel Le Scouarnec, once a respected surgeon, has been sentenced to twenty years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing 299 patients, mostly children, between 1989 and 2014. The judge said he took into account the fact that he targeted sedated and vulnerable victims. Although sentenced to the maximum term, Le Scouarnec has already served seven years and may be eligible for parole by 2030. Victims and their advocates expressed anger over the perceived inadequacy of the sentence. One survivor noted the lifelong trauma endured by victims while Le Scouarnec might eventually regain his freedom. The 74-year-old, already serving a 15-year sentence from 2020 for prior assaults, did not appeal the new ruling. His handwritten diaries documented the abuse in detail, aiding police in identifying victims - many of whom were unaware they had been assaulted. In court, Le Scouarnec acknowledged his crimes and expressed remorse, though survivors have questioned the justice system’s ability to match the gravity of such heinous acts.

Donald Trump has paused a proposed 50% tariff on EU goods, extending the negotiation deadline to 9 July after a phone call with EC president Ursula von der Leyen. She requested more time to reach a deal, which Trump agreed to, calling the EU ‘willing to negotiate’. While both sides seek a resolution, the USA remains firm on maintaining a 10% base tariff, rejecting the EU’s recent offer to eliminate industrial tariffs and boost cooperation in AI and energy. Trump’s stance stems from concerns over the EU’s significant trade surplus and regulatory barriers. Meanwhile, the EU has approved retaliatory tariffs worth billions, set to begin on 14 July if talks fail. The escalating tensions risk sparking a costly trade war, which the IMF warns could shrink GDP on both sides. EU and US officials are set to meet next month in Paris to seek resolution. In preparation for these, the EU has requested firms to give details of their dealings with US companies: see

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has acknowledged delays in weapons deliveries to Armenia due to the strain of the war in Ukraine. Armenia, a long-time Russian ally, has historically depended on Russian arms amid its bitter decades-long conflict with Azerbaijan. However, as Moscow struggles to meet military commitments, Armenia is increasingly turning to Western partners like France and India for defense support. Lavrov said that these shifts were worrying, especially given France’s strong opposition to Russia's actions in Ukraine. But Armenia has expressed deepening frustration with Moscow, particularly after Russian peacekeepers failed to prevent the mass exodus of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh during Azerbaijan’s swift military campaign in September 2023. As Armenia rethinks its security alliances, the region remains volatile, with historical wounds and unresolved tensions continuing to shape its strategic decisions.

Nicusor Dan, the liberal and pro-European mayor of Bucharest, has defeated far-right nationalist George Simion in Romania’s presidential run-off, securing 54% of the vote. His victory followed months of political upheaval, including a contested earlier election annulled over alleged Russian interference. Despite Simion’s strong support from Romanians abroad and his alignment with banned candidate Calin Georgescu, Dan prevailed with broad domestic backing. Supporters praised his anti-corruption platform, EU alignment, and commitment to Ukraine. Jubilant crowds celebrated in Bucharest after results confirmed his win. Many voters viewed him as a stabilising force in contrast to Simion’s nationalist, anti-EU rhetoric. International leaders, including those from Moldova and Ukraine, welcomed Dan’s win as a reaffirmation of Romania’s European path. Nonetheless, Simion’s strong showing reveals significant dissatisfaction, especially among Romanians abroad, signalling ongoing political tensions that Dan must now work to heal.

Peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine took a cautious step forward as Russian delegates arrived in Istanbul on 15 May for proposed negotiations. Volodymyr Zelensky had invited Vladimir Putin to meet in person, but Putin declined, appointing aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead Russia’s delegation. The absence of top Russian officials, including foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, cast doubt on Moscow’s seriousness. Ukraine, emphasising the need for high-level talks, questioned the format and substance of the meeting. Zelensky said he would decide Ukraine’s response after seeing Russia’s true intentions. Ukraine and its allies had urged an unconditional ceasefire from 12 May, a proposal Moscow ignored. Donald Trump, who at one stage expressed interest in attending, will not participate, though Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and NATO secretary Mark Rutte could do so. The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding whether the talks will lead to meaningful de-escalation or remain another missed opportunity.

The EU General Court has ruled that the European Commission failed to justify its refusal to release text messages between Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla regarding Covid-19 vaccine contracts. The case, brought by the New York Times, has been described as a landmark in institutional transparency. The EC had argued that texts are too ephemeral for official documentation, but the court rejected this, stating that all communication must be treated as potentially subject to public access. Critics, including the EU Ombudsman, had said that the secrecy risked favouring private interests over public welfare. Previous attempts to obtain vaccine contract details had also been met with redactions and resistance. Reacting to the decision, one commentator said, '(It is) everyone’s win as this judgment is set to lead greater accountability of EU leaders' actions’.