Colorful Pride March Returns to Madrid

Hundreds of thousands of people waved rainbow flags and danced to music at Madrid’s Pride march Saturday as the event returned following two years of COVID-enforced restrictions. Across Europe, in Romania, an estimated 15,000 took to the streets of Bucharest to demand equal rights for gender and sexual minorities, under the heavy supervision of police. …

Italy Relocates Migrants After Lampedusa Center Overwhelmed

The Italian navy Saturday began relocating the first 600 migrants from the Sicilian island of Lampedusa after its refugee identification center became overwhelmed with new arrivals and photos circulated of filthy conditions. July has seen a sustained uptick in daily migrant arrivals in Italy compared to recent years, according to Interior Ministry statistics. Overall, migrant …

Russia Intensifies Attacks in South and East Ukraine  

Ukraine reported heavy Russian missile and rocket strikes in the east and south on Saturday. A missile strike on the northeastern city of Kharkiv wounded three civilians, its governor said, though Russia’s main attacks appeared focused on the eastern industrial region of Donbas.    Ukrainian officials reported strikes in both Luhansk and Donetsk, while Britain’s …

UN Aid to Millions of Syrians in Jeopardy

Humanitarian assistance for more than 4 million Syrians living in opposition-held areas appeared in jeopardy Friday, after Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have extended the mission for another year. “This was a life-or-death vote for the Syrian people, and Russia chose the latter,” U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. The authorization for …

Germany Lawmakers Approve NATO Expansion

Lawmakers in Germany voted overwhelmingly Friday to approve Finland’s and Sweden’s membership in NATO, with Poland’s lower house moving the ratification forward as well. NATO allies meeting in Madrid last week signed the accession protocols for the two countries to join the alliance. The move must now be ratified by the governments of all member …

Europe Offers Mixed Adieu to Outgoing British PM Johnson

The European Union has had a bumpy ride with Britain’s outgoing prime minister, Boris Johnson. The EU and Britain see eye to eye in supporting Ukraine militarily and politically against Russia’s invasion — with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking Johnson as a “true friend” of the country.       Russian politicians are celebrating Johnson’s departure. …

Swiss Court Acquits Two Former Soccer Power Brokers of Fraud

A Swiss court acquitted former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing legend and former head of UEFA Michel Platini of corruption charges Friday, ending a seven-year investigation. Both were accused of fraud over an alleged 2011 payment of $2 million from Blatter to Platini for consulting fees. The Swiss judge Friday said the payment …

Photo of Boy Becomes Symbol of Russian Aggression in Ukraine

A photo of 6-year-old Vlad standing near the grave of his mother in the yard of his house in Bucha, Ukraine, shocked the world. Bucha witnessed some of the ghastliest scenes of Russian aggression. Vlad’s mother, Marina Naumetz, died when the family was forced to shelter in the basement during the Russian occupation. Maxim Moskalkov …

Boris Johnson Resigns: Is British Military Aid for Ukraine at Risk?

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been one of the West’s most ardent supporters of Ukraine in its war with Russia. So will his resignation, announced Thursday, prompt a change of policy from Britain? Close bond Johnson was among the first Western leaders to visit Kyiv following the Russian invasion, marching through the streets of …

59 on Trial in 2018 Italy Bridge Collapse That Killed 43 

A trial opened Thursday in the 2018 collapse of a bridge in Genoa, Italy, with 59 individuals charged in the deaths of 43 people. The Morandi Bridge was crowded with travelers during the height of Italy’s summer holiday season when it collapsed during a rainstorm on August 14, 2018, sending cars plunging 45 meters (148 …

With Print Media Pushed Out, Azerbaijanis Turn to Online News  

With Azerbaijan’s print media curtailed by years of economic and political pressure, online news outlets are filling the gap. Media analysts in Azerbaijan say the country’s print media have almost disappeared, but that the country is seeing a growth in online media. The decline of newspapers is the biggest loss Azerbaijani media has faced in …

Ukraine Expects British War Support to Continue After Johnson Resignation

Ukraine said it expected continued strong support from Britain for Kyiv’s fight against Russia’s invasion, even after a new prime minister is picked to replace Boris Johnson, who resigned Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Johnson for his support of Kyiv’s war effort as the two leaders spoke by phone.  “We all heard this news …

After Boris Johnson Quits, How Will a New UK PM Be Chosen?

Boris Johnson announced his resignation on Thursday, triggering a search for a new British leader. Below is how the process to find Johnson’s successor will work: Candidates putting themselves forward for the leadership, and there could be many, must be nominated by other Conservative lawmakers. How many nominations they require will be set out by …

Running of Bulls Returns to Pamplona after Two-Year Break

Spain’s famous “running of the bulls” resumed Thursday in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in 2020.  Officially known as the San Fermin festival, Pamplona’s running of the bulls is one of Europe’s most celebrated events. It features specially bred fighting bulls, guided by six …

Brittney Griner Pleads Guilty in Russian Drug Trial

An American basketball player held in Russia since February for possession of cannabis oil pleaded guilty in a Russian court Thursday.   “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Brittney Griner, 31, said, speaking English, which was then translated into Russian for the …

Australia Urges China to Push Russia to End Ukraine War

In a major policy address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore Wednesday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said major countries with “influence” on Russia should use it to end the war in Ukraine. Describing the invasion as “unprovoked,” “illegal,” “immoral” and “inhumane,” Wong urged China, which has not condemned the invasion, to …

British Conservative Leaders Who Were Toppled by Their Party 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the latest Conservative leader to feel his party’s wrath following a string of resignations from his scandal-plagued government. Here are three leaders previously ousted by their fellow Tories: Margaret Thatcher Britain’s longest-serving prime minister of the 20th century tearfully stepped down in November 1990 after a Cabinet revolt. She …

TIMELINE: The Rise and Fall of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson 

Boris Johnson lasted just three years as British prime minister. Weakened by scandals, he refused for months to resign but on Thursday was poised to quit, forced by his own colleagues. July 2019: triumphant victory After Theresa May’s resignation, Brexit figurehead Johnson is elected head of the Conservative party in July 2019 after a landslide …

Zelenskyy: Western Artillery Effective Against Russians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that artillery his forces have received from Western allies has “started working powerfully” and his helping to disrupt the efforts of Russia’s military. “Its accuracy is exactly as needed,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. “Our defenders inflict very noticeable strikes on depots and other spots that are …