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1. Russian Central Bank sues EU for immobilizing €210 billion in assets
The Russian Central Bank has initiated legal action against the European Union, challenging the bloc’s decision to freeze €210 billion in sovereign assets. This move was part of the EU’s strategy to enhance its negotiating power in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
2. Live updates: Israel strikes Iran, Lebanon as war spreads through Middle East
Israel has escalated its military operations, conducting strikes in both Iran and Lebanon as hostilities continue to intensify. President Donald Trump indicated that the military campaign could last four to five weeks, but noted that it has the potential to extend even longer.
3. Melania Trump becomes the first first lady to chair the UN Security Council meeting
In a historic first, Melania Trump chaired a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, marking the first time a first lady has taken on this role. She emphasized that achieving sustained peace is crucial for global stability.
4. Madrid bars US from using Spanish bases to attack Iran
Spain’s Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, announced that the U.S. is no longer permitted to use Spanish military bases for operations against Iran. She stated that any missions from these bases must adhere to international law, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to legal frameworks in military actions.
5. Hungary’s Orbán leverages oil price shock from Iran war in his election campaign
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is capitalizing on the oil price shock stemming from the conflict in Iran as he campaigns for re-election. While he maintains a close relationship with Donald Trump, Orbán’s rhetoric is primarily focused on domestic issues rather than U.S. foreign policy.
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6. A lost painting by Rembrandt, created in 1633, has been rediscovered after 65 years. The artwork had vanished following its sale in 1961, sparking interest among art historians and collectors alike.
7. India and Canada are taking significant steps to reset their diplomatic ties with a landmark nuclear energy deal. This agreement includes a commitment to supply India with uranium, announced during a meeting between Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.
8. A new report warns that the world’s money launderers are increasingly shifting to cryptocurrency. In the U.S., scrutiny of the industry has intensified, particularly following the disbandment of a Department of Justice unit focused on crypto-related fraud, while in the UK, political parties are beginning to embrace crypto donations.
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France is increasing the number of its nuclear warheads in response to growing global threats, according to President Emmanuel Macron. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures amid an uncertain world situation, marking a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy.
In a related development, Greece has dispatched warships and fighter jets to defend Cyprus following a recent drone strike. The strike targeted Akrotiri, a key military base on the southern tip of Cyprus, which has historically been used for operations in various conflict zones. The situation remains tense as Greece bolsters its military presence in the region.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, -2 to 2 degrees with light freezing rain. In London, 7 to 12 degrees with overcast a slightly cool ambiance awaits london on today. In Paris, 8 to 17 degrees with sunny mild temperatures are expected in paris. In Brussels, 7 to 16 degrees with sunny a slightly cool ambiance awaits brussels on today. In Berlin, 4 to 15 degrees with sunny a slightly cool ambiance awaits berlin on today. In Stockholm, 1 to 8 degrees with patchy rain possible. In Madrid, 9 to 19 degrees with patchy rain possible mild temperatures are expected in madrid.
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