All Europe
- Ukraine: In bid to create ‘Russian World,’ education was weaponized
To sway hearts and minds, what better place to start than schools? In liberated Ukrainian territory is evidence that schools were a focal point of Moscow’s efforts to build “Russian World.”
- Remaking the draft: Northern Europe infuses conscription with values
Northern European nations are reestablishing conscription in the shadow of a belligerent Russia. But they are balancing the needs of the military with the sensibilities and values of modern society.
- When war came, it was time to go. Stories on the Kupiansk bridge.
For residents of one long-occupied area of eastern Ukraine, the dramatic shift in the war’s front lines meant it was time to flee their homes. A bombed-out bridge was their path to safety.
- First LookAs Putin issues illegal annexation, Ukraine moves to join NATO
In a fiery speech, President Vladimir Putin illegally annexed four regions of Ukraine on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a formal request for NATO membership in response.
- In Ukraine’s restored grain trade, relief for farmers – and the world
The Ukraine grain deal reached last summer helped lower world food prices. Eager to bring their crop to market, Ukrainian farmers remain mindful of the nation’s role as a global breadbasket.
- Is war in Ukraine costing Russia control of its own backyard?
Russia was able to impose a certain peace among the post-Soviet states for three decades through diplomacy and intimidation. But its invasion of Ukraine may have shattered that stability.
- First LookKremlin unmoved: Russia prepares to annex occupied Ukraine
Armed Russian troops collected ballots during five days of voting in Kremlin-organized referendums in Ukraine that asked if the occupied areas should become part of Russia. Western countries say the move is an attempt to justify Russia’s invasion.
- First LookMystery attack on gas pipelines prompts EU safety measures
European officials are vowing to defend their energy infrastructure after apparent sabotage caused leaks in two natural gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Authorities and energy companies are hurrying to protect pipelines against any further attacks.
- Planned English town reveals Charles’ recipe for an ideal future
King Charles III has put his controversial opinions on architecture and planning into practice by founding an experimental town, now home to 3,800.
- First LookRussian online propaganda? Meta says yes, shuts down network.
Facebook’s parent company Meta disabled what it described as the largest, most complex Russian propaganda network since the Ukraine invasion began. The network created websites filled with pro-Russian disinformation and spread them throughout Europe.
- First Look‘Rather curious timing’: Russia grants citizenship to Edward Snowden
Ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who fled to Russia in 2013 to escape prosecution in the U.S. for leaking national security information, has been granted Russian citizenship. The U.S. State Department still wants Mr. Snowden to face trial.
- They are Black. They are Italians. And they are changing their country.
It’s not easy for Black Italians to grow up feeling Italian when significant portions of Italy treat them as outsiders. But legally, artistically, and socially, Black Italians are staking their claim to Italy.
- First LookPound falls to all-time low as UK announces sweeping tax cuts
The pound is plunging to new lows against the dollar after Britain's new Conservative government announced sweeping tax cuts.
- First LookAs Russian men flee military call-up, Europe split on letting them in
German officials have voiced a desire to help the men and called for a European-wide solution. But Latvia says those fleeing now can’t be considered conscientious objectors since they did not act when Russia invaded Ukraine.
- Why is Italy swerving far right? Many feel they have no choice.
Italians have seen a variety of governments come and go over recent decades, but with few results that they want. Now they look set to elect a new leader, despite her fascist ties: Giorgia Meloni.
- First LookPutin's draft divides families, spurs vows of more protests
As Russia escalates its military campaign against Ukraine, shock over the mobilization is reverberating across the country.
- More troops, more annexations: Putin announces new Ukraine plans
After Russia’s defeat in Kharkiv, the pressure was on Vladimir Putin to respond. Today he did, by announcing the escalation of the war in Ukraine through the mobilization of 300,000 Russian troops.
- First LookPutin mobilizes new Russian troops, makes veiled nuclear threat
Under pressure from a Ukrainian counteroffensive, President Vladimir Putin is ordering a partial mobilization in Russia, calling as many as 300,000 men into military service. The move risks turning Russians against the war and Mr. Putin, experts say.
- First LookU.S. hosts Armenia, Azerbaijan in peace talks amid cease-fire
As a fragile cease-fire holds, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Armenia's and Azerbaijan's foreign ministers on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. The meeting comes days after a U.S. congressional delegation visited Armenia.
- First LookUkrainian regions plan votes to join Russia, alarming the West
Separatists in four Ukrainian regions are planning referendums that would allow Russia to annex 15% of Ukraine. The votes could lead to a possible conflict with the West.