Macron's viral slap was over texts with Iranian actress, book claims
A French political journalist says the viral airport incident had nothing to do with a joke – and everything to do with jealousy.
Europe
NATO member sabotaged Russian ship carrying nuclear technology to North Korea
The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank off the coast of Spain in 2024, in an incident that raised suspicions of sabotage. A CNN investigation reveals that the vessel was carrying nuclear submarine engines, apparently for Kim Jong Un’s regime in North Korea.
Did Ukraine's drone wall stop the Russian army?
Analysts say the war in Ukraine may be approaching a turning point, as Kyiv seizes the initiative on the front. Russia is suffering enormous losses, losing territory and taking severe hits to logistical arteries deep behind the lines
Could one of Europe's veteran leaders be on her way out?
After calling snap elections in in Denmark, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has failed to form a government, with the King tasking right-wing leader Troels Lund Poulsen with the Job. Poulsen could replace Frederiksen, who has previously compared pressure on Israel to pressure on Russia and attacked Netanyahu.
6 Hantavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship headed for Europe
The World Health Organization has confirmed that six people were infected with hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean. The ship is making its way to a port in Tenerife, where a special evacuation team will be waiting. At the same time, authorities in Rome have placed passengers under monitoring amid concerns they may have come into contact with a victim of the virus.
Report: Spain in talks to buy Turkish fighter jet
Madrid is holding talks on acquiring the KAAN fighter jet, which is still in development, according to El Español. The move comes after Spain decided to pull back from buying the US-made F-35 amid tensions with Washington. The Spanish Air Force recently signed a deal to buy Turkish training jets worth around €3.1 billion.
Belgium indicts Jewish circumcisers, triggering diplomatic firestorm
Prosecutors charge three Antwerp mohalim for performing circumcisions without medical credentials, drawing fierce condemnation from Israel's foreign minister and the US ambassador, who warns Belgium will be seen as antisemitic until the case is resolved.
Report: Kremlin steps up security as Putin 'fears assassinations and coups'
A European intelligence report revealed by CNN has exposed the level of anxiety at the top of the Russian government. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reduced his public appearances, moved to underground bunkers and imposed strict restrictions on his inner circle. At the center of the concerns is the fear that former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, a longtime confidant, is planning a coup.
Zelenskyy threatens Israel with sanctions over ship carrying looted Ukrainian grain
In an unusually direct statement, Ukraine's president threatened sanctions against Israeli individuals and companies involved in unloading or trading the cargo.
Germany holds its breath as rescue of stranded humpback whale 'Timmy' underway
As wars rage and energy crises loom, a distressed humpback whale trapped in Wismar Bay has captured the entire country's attention – and the man who helped free "Free Willy's" orca has been called in to help.