France
Iran fired about 300 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles toward Israel, which intercepted about 99% of them, in response to an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting G7 leaders to condemn Iran's actions and warn of the risk of uncontrolled regional escalation.
Iran launched a massive attack on Israel, using about 300 drones and missiles. This provoked strong condemnation from the EU and European countries.
Israel is prepared for a direct attack from Iran and will respond decisively by deploying its defense systems and remaining calm, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address to the nation.
The Czech Republic has found more than 1 million artillery shells in third countries that could be purchased for Ukraine, with the number now exceeding 1 million units of 155-caliber ammunition, Czech President Petr Pavel said.
According to the deputy head of the Presidential Administration, Ukraine is currently negotiating with about 10 countries to sign security agreements, with some agreements expected to be signed within a month.
The administration of US President Joe Biden is growing increasingly frustrated with delays in funding aid to Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.
The Cannes Film Festival has announced its competition program, which includes a film by russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov and a special screening of Sergei Loznitsa's film about the russian invasion of Ukraine.
russia summoned the french ambassador over "unacceptable" comments by french foreign Minister stéphane sejourne that Paris is no longer interested in negotiations with moscow.
Ukrainian pilots are in the final stages of training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark and the United States, practicing strikes on small targets and improving their skills for real combat missions in Ukraine.
France is preparing its naval forces for war against an enemy that wants to destroy it, shifting its focus from previous missions such as intercepting drug traffickers and illegal fishing.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has signed a memorandum with the French federation InfraNum to receive a grant of €756,000 to restore internet and communications in frontline communities in Ukraine affected by the Russian invasion.
Fake news about the sale of Odesa and Mykolaiv regions to France and the UK was debunked by the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation as Russian propaganda aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian government and sowing uncertainty.
France plans to significantly cut public services, such as medical transportation and subsidies, to reduce its budget deficit of 5. 5% of GDP.
NATO's ability to rapidly deploy up to 500,000 troops to its eastern borders in response to Russian aggression depends on overcoming obstacles such as bureaucracy and fragile rail infrastructure, especially in Germany.
The Vatican has issued a 20-page declaration condemning such moral violations as euthanasia, gender theory, surrogacy, abortion, mutilation, torture, human trafficking and other acts that degrade human dignity.
More than 2,200 troops and 135 ships, aircraft and vehicles from 12 NATO and partner countries take part in the Sea Shield 24 naval exercise in Romania.
As of February 2024, 4. 2 million Ukrainians, accounting for 98% of all recipients, have been granted temporary protection in the EU since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Greece can transfer 32 F-16C/D Block 30 fighters to Ukraine, which have been modernized and have about 60% of their operational life left. In addition, Greece has 24 Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2s in its fleet, which, with the consent of France, could also be transferred to Kyiv.
The French and British foreign ministers warn that Ukraine's defeat would mean the West's defeat and call on other countries to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.
More than 2,200 military personnel from 12 NATO and partner countries will take part in Exercise Sea Shield 24, which will take place in Romania from April 8-21 and will include maritime and riverine operations in the Black Sea region.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crossetto said that a tough and critical channel of communication with Russia must remain open to achieve a just peace and stop Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Russian authorities are stepping up information operations to push Ukraine to negotiate and make the West fear an escalation in Russia's war against Ukraine.
At a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed increased military support for Ukraine from allies, including air defense, ammunition and training, but stressed the need for more and stronger assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invasion.
French President Emmanuel Macron "has no doubt" that Russia will target the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, recognizing the external risks to the security of the Games.
According to British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, NATO members must urgently increase their defense spending beyond the 2% of GDP target to strengthen defense in the current "pre-war world.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis does not intend to withdraw his candidacy for NATO Secretary General, despite the strong support of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
In 2023, guests spent 678. 6 million nights in short-term rentals in the EU booked through online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, Expedia Group, or TripAdvisor, an increase of 13.8% compared to 2022.
Finland does not plan to send troops to Ukraine, but supports Ukraine through military aid packages, including air defense systems and ammunition, and supports Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.
Ukraine signed a 10-year agreement on security cooperation and long-term support with Finland, which contains powerful provisions on sanctions, compensation and bringing the aggressor to justice, and Finland announced an aid package of €188 million, bringing its total military support to almost €2 billion.
In 2023, more than 7,000 departure orders were issued to Russian citizens, 34% more than in 2022, with Germany expelling the most Russians - 2,000.