Italy buys rare Caravaggio painting for €30 million, calling it ‘a work of exceptional importance’

On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Italy‘s Culture Ministry has announced a landmark acquisition, purchasing a rare Caravaggio portrait for €30 million (£25.9 million). This represents one of the state’s most significant investments in a […]

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Ukraine retakes territory as Russia’s buffer zone strategy falters, official says – POLITICO

The ISW assessed that Moscow may now need to abandon or substantially revise its planned operations in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, or both. At the same time, Russia is still pressuring Ukraine elsewhere. Asked Tuesday about increased Russian activity near the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, Zelenskyy told reporters via a WhatsApp chat that Moscow still […]

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EU threatens to pull funding for famed Venice art festival over Russian return – POLITICO

The commissioners warned that if Russia is allowed to participate, they “will examine further action, including the suspension or termination of an ongoing EU grant to the Biennale Foundation,” which organizes the event. Italy’s Ministry of Culture said it opposed the festival’s decision, which was celebrated by Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Kremlin’s special representative for international […]

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