Italy
Martin Scorsese is producing a documentary about Pope Francis's engagement with cinema. The film includes the Pope's last expansive interview on camera.
European armies are understaffed and underfunded, making it difficult to create a deterrent force in Ukraine. Many countries are not ready to provide soldiers.
April 30 is Walpurgis Night with pagan roots, Border Guard Day, International Noise Awareness Day, and other events. The memory of the Holy Apostle James is honored.
The government has simplified procedures for private oil and gas production enterprises. Ukraine will receive $70 million from the World Bank to purchase solar panels for generating facilities.
The Italian Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine needs a lasting peace, and Putin's promises of a ceasefire for three days are not enough. Zelenskyy is ready for a truce, now it is Russia's turn.
The Prime Minister stated that Russian attacks have led to the loss of almost 50% of gas production. To compensate for these losses, Ukraine is actively working on gas imports.
Latvian companies will supply 12,000 drones within the framework of the Drone Coalition. Support for the coalition to Ukraine in 2024 amounted to EUR 1.8 billion.
On April 29, Ukraine celebrates Football Day. The national team played at Euro 2024, in the League of Nations, and is preparing for the selection for the 2026 World Cup.
In a tense Ice Hockey World Championship match, Ukrainian hockey players defeated the Italian team with a score of 2:3. Peresunko scored the winning shootout.
In France, a man was killed while praying in a mosque. The suspect surrendered in Italy, France is preparing for extradition, various motives for the crime are being considered.
Zelenskyy informed Meloni about the consequences of the Russian strike on April 24, which killed 12 people. The leaders discussed increasing pressure on Russia and the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine.
The second meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, in Rome did not take place. The reason was the tight schedules of both leaders, although agreements had been reached earlier.
Donald Trump has completed his visit to Italy. It remains unclear whether another meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place after their conversation in the morning.
The FMBTech project with a budget of 19 million euros has officially started in the EU, bringing together 26 organizations from 13 countries to modernize tanks for modern combat conditions. The project aims to create maneuverable and intelligent tanks.
Ukraine may be represented at the funeral of the Pope by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the First Lady, if Zelenskyy does not have time. The President noted the importance of his presence in Kyiv.
During the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, there will be large-scale security measures. Three thousand law enforcement officers will patrol the streets, and drones and snipers will monitor from the air.
Today, Rome is hosting delegations from all over the world for the funeral of Pope Francis. More than 130 high-ranking officials are expected, including heads of state, members of royal families and government officials.
EU member states are in no hurry to use the European Commission's proposal to increase defense spending. Many fear the risks to debt sustainability and market reaction.
Kyiv has appealed to Italy and other partners to organize a summit on Ukraine. It should take place on the sidelines of the funeral of Pope Francis, with the participation of the USA, Italy, France, Great Britain and Germany.
Mircea Lucescu rejected an invitation to the legends match of "Zenit", dedicated to the centenary of the club. Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, despite the lifetime ban in Ukraine, plans to play for the St. Petersburg club.
Olga Sopit won a silver medal in the individual rapier fencing competition. This is the fourth medal of the European Youth Championship for the athlete.
Meghan Markle reported that her son Archie will soon lose a tooth, just like Prince Louis in a photo published by Kate. Megan was also accused of copying the style of Kate's children.
European diplomats condemned Russia's massive strike on Kyiv, which resulted in deaths. They expressed support for Ukraine and called for increased resistance to the aggressor.
The Italian Ministry of Culture will turn off the lights of the Colosseum on the evening of April 22, honoring the memory of the late Pope Francis. Also, the Mayor of Paris turned off the illumination of the Eiffel Tower.
The Ministry of Defense received a batch of equipment from the IT coalition, funded by Luxembourg and Iceland, worth almost 2 million euros. The delivery included access points, routers, charging stations and telephones.
The Italian association Codacons will file a complaint regarding the early closure of the Colosseum on Easter for the safety of the US Vice President. Media report that only his wife visited the monument, which outraged tourists.
Hungary can force the EU to lift sanctions against €210 billion of frozen Russian assets. This will remove the guarantee on loans to Ukraine and shift their coverage to EU and G7 taxpayers.
Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88. US Vice President JD Vance, the Prime Minister of Italy, and the President of France reacted to his death.
Great Britain called on Russia to commit to a full ceasefire, not just a one-day pause. Complete silence would allow for negotiations on a just and lasting peace, the British Foreign Office said.
The EU skeptically assessed Putin's statement about the "Easter truce". The European Union stated that Russia must prove its intentions to stop aggression with real actions, as words do not correspond to reality.