All Europe
First LookWhy Meloni's win in Italy not sitting well with former PM BerlusconiLong-simmering tensions among allies Giorgia Meloni and Silvio Berlusconi have turned nasty in public in recent days. Ms. Meloni says she's determined to form a government with her allies and won't be deterred by posturing.
First LookTruss in turmoil: UK PM reverses economic plan, boots Treasury chiefPrime Minister Liz Truss has appointed a new Treasury chief and scrapped a key part of her Cabinet’s bold economic plan. Her previously proposed corporation tax cut sparked weeks of political and financial turmoil.
First LookNATO, wary eye on Russia, continues with planned nuclear exerciseAmid tensions over Russia’s war on Ukraine, NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group met ahead of a planned nuclear exercise next week. The military alliance is keeping a close eye on Russia’s movements, but has so far seen no change in its nuclear posture.
First Look'I'm with women': Iranians abroad join protests against governmentAs anti-government protests in Iran enter a fourth week, Iranians living abroad are uniting in support of what many hope will be a turning point for their home country. Many agree these protests directly challenge the fundamentals of the Islamic Republic.
Kremlin pushes patriotism in class. Teachers and parents push back.When the Russian Ministry of Education rolled out classroom discussions of current events, some parents and teachers pushed back. They worry the state is trying to impose its values on students.
First LookRussia targets Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities in retaliatory strikesRussia launched deadly strikes against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said they were retaliation for what he called Kyiv’s “terrorist” actions.
Sans mustard? France gets creative amid shortage.The French are doggedly seeking mustard anywhere they can get it as grain shortages crimp production. But the surge in demand is also opening up opportunities for mustard innovation.
Putin’s nuclear threat: Now the West takes it seriouslyUkraine’s Western allies are taking Vladimir Putin’s veiled nuclear threats seriously, and seeking to deter him without risking Armageddon.
First LookRecent shipwrecks highlight continued mishandling of migrant crisisDespite a decrease in migrants crossing the Mediterranean, the sinking of two boats off of Greece highlight the persistent dangers of migrant and refugee passages. E.U. member states continue to pass blame as the death toll mounts.
Ukraine: In bid to create ‘Russian World,’ education was weaponizedTo 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 valuesNorthern 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 NATOIn 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 worldThe 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 UkraineArmed 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 measuresEuropean 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 futureKing 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 SnowdenEx-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.
