English

Gavin Blackburn

Europe News

Ceasefire in Ukraine possible within days, German Chancellor Merz says

Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by US mediators in Saudi Arabia in March, but so far Russia has refused to sign, instead presenting counter demands.

Europe News

Two men found guilty of criminal damage for felling Sycamore Gap tree

Prosecutors offered no evidence of a motive for the 2023 crime other than calling it senseless vandalism.

World News

US-backed group seeks to take over Gaza aid distribution, reports say

Aid workers have criticised the plans, saying the proposal can't meet the needs of Gaza's large population and would forcibly displace large numbers of Palestinians by forcing them to move nearer aid hubs.

Japan

Nagasaki invites 'all countries' to nuclear bombing memorial

The United States dropped its second atomic bomb on Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, three days after the first bombing of Hiroshima, together killing more than 210,000 people.

ADVERTISEMENT

Europe News

Who is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, elected Pope Leo XIV?

Prevost is the first US citizen to hold the position of head of the Roman Catholic Church and in the run-up to the conclave, was not considered a frontrunner to be elected pontiff.

Germany

German intelligence agency suspends AfD's 'extremist' designation

The far-right party filed a lawsuit against the extremism designation and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution says it will suspend the categorisation pending litigation.

Europe News

Ukraine's parliament unanimously ratifies minerals deal with the US

By giving Washington access to critical minerals and other natural resources, Kyiv hopes it can secure long-term US support for its fight against Russia's invasion.

Europe News

Greece and Egypt reaffirm plans for 1,000-km undersea power cable

The project, estimated to cost around €4 billion, is expected to become operational within five years under an ambitious timeline set by both governments.

Europe News

Merz visits France and Poland in first overseas trip as chancellor

Merz's trips come the day after his historic defeat in the first round of voting in the German parliament, the Bundestag.

Gaza

At least 59 people killed in Israeli air strikes across Gaza Strip

The new bloodshed comes days after Israel approved a plan to intensify military operations in the Palestinian enclave, which would include seizing Gaza and holding on to captured territories.

Europe News

Two Belgian teens found with ants given fine or prison by Kenya court

The teenagers were found with the ants, which authorities said were destined for European and Asian markets, in an emerging trend of trafficking lesser-known wildlife species.

Europe News

At least two killed in Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv

The attack came ahead of a planned unilateral 72-hours ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin to coincide with celebrations in Moscow marking Victory Day in World War II.

Europe News

Syria's Interim leader al-Sharaa visits Paris in first European trip

The visit comes amid renewed bloodshed, coming a week after clashes between forces loyal to al-Sharaa and fighters from the minority Druze community that left nearly 100 people dead.

Yemen

Trump says strikes on Yemen will stop, Oman confirms ceasefire

The Houthi rebels began targeting ships in the Red Sea they believed had links to Israel shortly after the war in Gaza started in October 2023, in strikes they said were in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Health news

UNAIDS to slash workforce by more than half as major funding dries up

UNAIDS had previously warned that unless support to its HIV efforts are restored soon, more than six million people could die in the next four years.

Europe News

Cardinals finish talks day before start of conclave to choose new pope

The 133 cardinal electors will begin the process of choosing the new pope when the conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon and they cast their first vote.

United Kingdom

UK and India agree 'landmark' trade deal after years of talks

The announcement on Tuesday comes three years after the countries entered into discussions about a free trade agreement.

Europe News

Europe's human rights watchdog urges Greece to end migrant 'pushbacks'

Athens has consistently denied the pushback allegations, maintaining that its border control measures comply with international law.

Myanmar

US sanctions Myanmar militia for 'facilitating cyber scams'

The KNA controls Shwe Kokko and some areas in Myawaddy, on the border with Thailand in the state of Kayin, also known as Karen state.

Europe News

Romania appoints caretaker PM following presidential race loss fallout

The interim post can be held for a maximum of 45 days, during which time the interim prime minister will have only limited executive powers.

ADVERTISEMENT