All Europe
Russian attacks on grain exports challenge Ukraine, and the worldRussia has launched near-nightly attacks on Ukrainian export facilities since it withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, reviving concerns for worsening global food security.
Britons favor ‘controlled openness’ over closed door as immigration soarsU.K. immigration rates are at record levels, but, unlike the government, the public now seems unconcerned with an issue that once stirred angry passion.
First LookWildfires in Greece engulf island of Rhodes as tourists seek safetyFor the seventh straight day, Greece continues to battle devastating wildfires that are forcing widespread evacuations and damaging property. Firefighters are battling flames throughout the affected regions.
Odesa’s reply to Russian missiles: Unity, volunteerism, resolveA Russian bombing campaign launched with Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal has targeted Odesa’s port and grain silos. But it has also targeted the city’s culture and heart. Odesans are unbowed.
First LookSpain’s vote: Far-right Vox stumbles, political power struggle loomsIn Spain’s recent election, there’s political deadlock: the far-right Vox party was foiled in its attempt to seize power. While the conservative Popular Party emerged victorious, it fell short of ousting Prime Minister Sánchez as polling data had predicted.
In Ukraine, summer camps provide kids a ‘childhood during war’Children are both remarkably resilient and vulnerable. However hard a society may try to shelter its children, a war such as Ukraine’s invades lives. For kids who have experienced loss, these summer camps are a corrective.
First LookQuran desecration in Sweden sparks global protest waveProtests erupted in Muslim-majority nations like Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran over Quran desecration in Sweden. After storming Sweden’s Baghdad embassy, protestors demonstrated peacefully, but the evacuated Swedish staff were relocated to Stockholm.
Why Russia’s grain deal snub isn’t just about attack on Kerch BridgeRussia’s withdrawal from a deal allowing Ukrainian grain to get to global markets isn’t simply a matter of spite. The agreement helped Kyiv and grain buyers, but not Russia, Moscow says.
First LookCluster bombs: Putin warns retaliation for US-armed UkraineAfter the United States delivered cluster bombs to support Ukraine’s counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid intensifying fighting, threatened retaliation if Ukraine uses them. The bombs have been condemned for their threat to civilians.
First LookFor Ukrainian women left behind, painting is a form of therapyFor some Ukrainian women who have lost their partners in the war, painting has offered a therapeutic way to cope with grief. The project, called “Alive. True Stories of Love,” honors those who have died, in addition to providing comfort to their partners.
In birthplace of the beach holiday, where are the tourists?Despite being the original spots for beach getaways, England’s seaside towns can’t compete with today’s foreign tour packages. That is spurring them to rethink their approach to tourism.
First LookFrance celebrates Bastille Day, with extra police presenceFrance is celebrating its national holiday Friday with a grand Bastille Day parade in Paris. President Macron is also deploying 130,000 police around the country to prevent a new outbreak of unrest following last month's killing of 17-year-old Nahel.
NATO summit puts Ukraine’s ambitions on hold, but G7 offers hopeThe competing interests at this week’s NATO summit in Lithuania seemed to play out without diplomatic cover or subtlety. The biggest challenge is simply framed: How could the West support Ukraine without overcommitting?
First LookNATO welcomes Sweden, but Ukraine's frustration growsUkrainian President Zelenskyy expressed impatience at the absence of a clear timeline for Ukraine’s entry to NATO. The tension was eased by Turkey withdrawing objections to Sweden’s accession, a decision praised by President Joe Biden.
Now playing at Odesa’s opera house: Renewal and hopeHow relevant is opera? In the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa, what has been dismissed as elitist elsewhere has emerged as a pillar of community strength and support.
First LookPutin met with Prigozhin days after rebellion, Kremlin saysDays after a short-lived rebellion by a private army, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Kremlin said. Mr. Prigozhin’s fate and whereabouts are currently uncertain.
First LookUnity is key, say experts anticipating debates at NATO summitIn advance of NATO's annual summit this week, disagreements between key leaders are evident at a time some say an outward show of solidarity is vital.
The Houses of Parliament is falling down. What is to be done?British legislators cannot agree on how to go about renovating the Houses of Parliament, which is in a dire state of disrepair. Can they avoid disaster?
First LookCan France ignore race? Police say yes, human rights activists say no.The death of French teenager Nahel last week sent France into another wave of protests and riots. Protesters and the United Nations have referred to the incident as a case of racism, calling the country’s legal disregard for race into question.
In French protests, a demand for dignityIn France, protests and rioting exploded after a Franco-Algerian teen was killed by police. Monday saw signs of calm after six days of violence.
