All Europe
- First LookIn Germany, divided opinions on Pope Benedict's legacy
A decade after his resignation, deep divisions are apparent in the German church between traditionalists in Benedict’s mold and relative liberals.
- First LookFrance affirms support of Ukraine, continues negotiation efforts
France has pledged further military support for Ukraine while efforts continue with Moscow to reach an eventual negotiated end to Russia’s invasion.
- UK’s National Health Service is beloved. And now, it’s fraying.
The British people rely upon the National Health Service like no other institution. With the NHS “on the brink of collapse,” the country is fretting over the future of its long-trusted safety net.
- Human reindeer bring Christmas to front-line kids in Ukraine
St. Nicholas’ Reindeer, a Ukrainian charity, invites kids near the front lines to ask Santa Claus for a present, then finds a donor who will buy it.
- As Russian oil flow ends, a German refinery town rethinks its future
East Germans who have felt overlooked by Berlin see it happening again as sanctions against Russia threaten their livelihoods. In one town, they’re trying to use dialogue to take back control of their future.
- Kherson survived Russian occupation. Now winter tests liberation.
Kherson residents erupted in joy when Ukrainian soldiers freed them from Russia. But heavy artillery fire and shortages are testing their patience.
- Russia has its troops. But does it have the economy to supply them?
The invasion of Ukraine is transforming Russia’s economy, as war costs mount. But while Western sanctions are hampering it, Russian industry is still delivering the materiel needed.
- Freed, but still fearful, Kherson residents weigh evacuation
Though Ukrainian troops freed Kherson, Russian shelling and the lack of water and electricity are prompting thousands of citizens to evacuate the city.
- In Ukraine, families scramble for news of their POWs
Nobody has an accurate idea of how many POWs have been captured in the Ukraine war, nor can families easily find out about their loved ones.
- First LookInfluence peddling: EU Parliament scandal triggers ethics review
The European Union’s top official has called for the creation of an independent ethics body following accusations of gifts being exchanged for political favors. Allegations have led to the dismissal of European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili of Greece.
- First LookBakhmut in 'ruins' as Russia works to make gains in eastern Ukraine
Ukraine’s military reported dozens of airstrikes and rocket attacks across the country between Friday and Saturday, with the most active fighting in the Bakhmut district.
- ‘Protecting our democracy’: German police foil alleged coup plot
German police say they have foiled a right-wing coup plot involving QAnon followers and neo-Nazis. Some had military training.
- In Russia, critiquing the Ukraine war could land you in prison
The Kremlin’s crackdown on dissent has gone from being focused on particular targets to broadly criminalizing any criticism of the government or its war – and it is casting a pall over Russian society.
- Protecting kids in Ukraine: Three tales of courage and care
War has shredded Ukraine’s network of state-run boarding schools, leaving thousands of youngsters without support in the face of mortal danger.
- First LookRussia ramps up attack on Ukraine infrastructure with missile barrage
Ukraine intercepted a new wave of Russian missile attacks, which left some cities without power and water. Explosions were reported in several parts of the country south of Kyiv, including Cherkasy, Kryvyi Rih, and the Black Sea port of Odesa.
- The ExplainerNATO strikes balance between protecting Ukraine – and itself
The United States and NATO have scrambled to help Ukraine defend itself, but some question whether that is leaving member countries vulnerable on defense.
- First LookAuthorities on alert as explosive parcels investigated in Spain
Spanish authorities are on high alert after a number of packages containing explosives were sent to high government offices and foreign embassies. Though no one has been severely injured, the Spanish High Court is investigating the act as terrorism.
- Europe debates: Should we ban Russians for actions of their government?
The EU is wrestling with a dilemma: to allow Russians continued access to Europe, letting them escape consequences of Putin’s war, or to cut them off, and risk losing them as potential allies in Russia.
- Will a young, far-right leader mobilize apathetic French youth voters?
Far-right parties carry baggage of the past when racism was more openly expressed. A youthful new leader in France hopes to shed that history – and bring young people back to the polls.
- First Look‘We still believe’: Makeshift centers provide food, warmth in Ukraine
Ukraine has rolled out makeshift centers offering a refuge from power outages and food shortages. The centers, named “Points of Invincibility,” have helped over 67,000 during a time when Russian airstrikes have deprived many Ukrainians of basic necessities.