All Europe
‘Protecting our democracy’: German police foil alleged coup plotGerman 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 prisonThe 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 careWar 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 barrageUkraine 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 itselfThe 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 SpainSpanish 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 UkraineUkraine 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.
First LookIs Russia 'weaponizing' winter? Europe scrambles to keep Ukraine warm.As Russia zeroes in on Ukraine's power grid, European countries are doing what they can to keep the lights and heat on in Ukraine through the cold winter months.
A Kazakh Gorbachev? Why some expect change from new leader.Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan is set to redefine its foreign relations. While Astana cannot sever its ties with Moscow, it now has an opportunity to engage more broadly with the world.
First LookPoland, NATO find no evidence of intentional Russian missile attackPreliminary Polish findings attribute Tuesday’s missile, which killed two in a Poland farming village, to Ukrainian air defense systems. The NATO military alliance echoed the findings that cited no sign of intentional Russian engagement.
First Look'Crisis situation': Russian missile strike crosses border to PolandAs darkness fell Tuesday, a Russian missile barrage on the Ukrainian power grid also hit Poland and cut electricity to much of Moldova. It marks the first time in the war that Russian weapons have come down on a NATO country.
Even as shells fall, Ukraine’s deminers work to make the land safeEven when the fighting is over in Ukraine, danger still lurks in the form of unexploded ordnance. Ukrainian deminers work to make explosives safe.
First LookIn liberated Kherson, no water and no power – but finally hopeRussia's parting gifts were the destruction of infrastructure and the seeding of booby traps. Yet hope and happiness are back in liberated Kherson.
First LookKherson retreat: Russia reports troop withdrawal, Ukraine waryThe Russian Defense Ministry reported forces were retreating from Kherson Thursday, in what would represent a consequential setback in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has neither confirmed or denied the withdrawal.
Farming fog for water? Canary Islands tap a new reservoir.A lack of usable water is becoming a problem in areas where it wasn’t before, due to climate change. But in the Canary Islands, locals are finding that fog can make up for shortfalls on farms.
First LookMigrant ships are denied in Italian ports. Who is responsible?Italy’s new far-right government is blocking humanitarian ships from accessing ports, saying it is not responsible for taking on rescued migrants. Experts say coastal nations are required to provide a place of safety for migrants to disembark.
How can British Conservatives get on the same page with the public?New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may have brought a calm back to No. 10, but the ruling Conservatives remain out of touch with much of the British public. How do they get back in sync?
First LookNo dirty bombs: UN aims to defuse Russia's claims against UkraineAt the request of Kyiv, U.N. experts are investigating Russia’s allegations that Ukraine has placed two “dirty bombs.” These accusations have been made after battlefield setbacks for Russia, and Western nations reject the claim as “transparently false.”
