Independent European news, selected, rewritten and voiced for EUR RADIO.
1. Endangered orangutans released back into the wild after Borneo fires
Eight orangutans have been released into the wild in Borneo after being rescued from devastating wildfires. The group, consisting of three mothers, their daughters, and two adult males, was freed in a reserve on Friday. Indonesian wildlife authorities had previously rescued 46 of these critically endangered apes.
2. EU’s Kallas urges US to align with bloc on Russia sanctions
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for the United States to synchronize its sanctions against Russia with those of the EU. Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Kallas emphasized that unified pressure from both Washington and European partners could help end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
3. Deloitte helped in falsifying documents to evade tax on Abramovich’s wealth
Evidence has emerged suggesting that Deloitte assisted in falsifying financial documents to help Roman Abramovich evade taxes. An email from September 2005 indicated that the firm advised on necessary changes to account balances and income records, enabling Abramovich’s company to avoid tax liabilities.
4. NATO top commander to warn Russia over alliance’s ability to counter attack
NATO’s top military commander is set to issue a warning to Russia regarding the alliance’s capability to respond to any potential attacks. US General Alexus Grynkewich will present his “theory of victory” at a security conference in Warsaw, amid rising concerns over Russia’s alleged sabotage efforts against Ukraine’s allies.
5. Trump faces growing backlash over plans to import diesel from Russia
US President Donald Trump is encountering increasing criticism over his plans to import diesel from Russia amid the ongoing Iran war’s impact on global energy prices. On Friday, Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the immediate release of 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the global market.
6. Polish authorities have detained a man suspected of planning an assassination of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. This follows credible threats that prompted security services to hold an urgent meeting to address the situation.
7. In Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been struck for the second time in two days, leading to a fire in one of the passenger halls. The military has reported that the projectile caused significant damage, raising concerns about security in the region.
8. Tensions escalated in Brussels as police clashed with protesters during an anti-austerity rally. Demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to government spending cuts, leading to confrontations with law enforcement as they attempted to disperse the crowd.
Ukraine has launched a strike on a data centre belonging to a major Russian tech giant, marking the third such attack in recent weeks. The Ukrainian government has stated that these operations are aimed at disrupting revenue streams that support Russia’s military efforts. This escalation comes as both nations intensify their assaults on critical infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its fifth year.
In a separate development, Russian forces have targeted multiple power plants in Ukraine just hours after US President Donald Trump announced an ‘energy ceasefire’ between the two nations. A drone strike on a power facility in Kyiv resulted in significant power outages, followed by further attacks on energy infrastructure in Kharkiv. The timing of these strikes raises questions about the viability of any ceasefire agreements in the region.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 7 to 13 degrees with sunny. In London, 13 to 17 degrees with overcast. In Paris, 11 to 16 degrees with overcast. In Brussels, 7 to 19 degrees with sunny. In Berlin, 7 to 14 degrees with sunny. In Stockholm, 7 to 10 degrees with patchy rain possible. In Madrid, 18 to 26 degrees with sunny.