Independent European news, selected, rewritten and voiced for EUR RADIO.
1. Ukraine reports Starlink disruptions
Ukraine’s military operations were disrupted overnight as Elon Musk’s Starlink imposed restrictions on internet terminals. An adviser to the Ukrainian president stated that there was no prior warning given about the limitations affecting their satellite communications.
2. Russian strikes hit Kyiv
Overnight missile and drone strikes by Russia targeted a key energy facility and a residential building in the outskirts of Kyiv. At least three people were killed and 21 injured, with around 600,000 residents across Ukraine left without electricity due to the attacks on critical infrastructure.
3. Israel returns artefacts to Greece
In a significant cultural gesture, Israel has returned 22 ancient artefacts to Greece during a ceremony at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni expressed gratitude for the return of items that were illegally removed from the country.
4. Turkish police halt opposition TV broadcasts
Turkish police have raided the headquarters of Halk TV, a pro-opposition television channel, effectively halting its live broadcasts. Employees were barred from entering the building in Istanbul, and reports indicate that a new manager has been appointed amid a police investigation into financial crimes.
5. Japan journalist arrested in Russia
Russian authorities have detained a Japanese journalist, Yuki Imai, on charges of espionage, alleging he gathered sensitive information on Moscow’s defense capabilities. The arrest occurred in Sakhalin, just a day before Imai was scheduled to leave Russia, amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
6. The EU’s cyber unit is ramping up its defenses against high-risk cyberattacks by incorporating artificial intelligence. Officials from DG DIGIT emphasize the need for swift containment measures, stating that merely detecting an attack is insufficient without rapid response capabilities.
7. Andy Burnham is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street this Wednesday, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine amid concerns over a controversial diesel deal between the US and Russia. The meeting aims to strengthen ties and address ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine.
8. Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent a 90-minute lung operation to remove a cancerous growth, according to the Vatican. Following the surgery, the Pope is reported to have recovered well, with further tests pending to assess if the cancer has spread.
A merchant ship has sunk following drone attacks on two vessels off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, according to Prime Minister Rumen Radev. He has suggested that Russia may be responsible for the strikes and has summoned the Russian ambassador for discussions. One of the vessels sank approximately 17 nautical miles east of Krapets, with reports indicating that one crew member is missing.
In Germany, Nuremberg airport has halted all flight operations due to an aviation emergency. The airport announced the suspension on its website, although further details regarding the nature of the emergency have not been disclosed. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight statuses.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 9 to 11 degrees with patchy rain possible. In London, 12 to 19 degrees with overcast. In Paris, 13 to 21 degrees with sunny. In Brussels, 10 to 19 degrees with sunny. In Berlin, 11 to 16 degrees with overcast. In Stockholm, 7 to 11 degrees with patchy rain possible. In Madrid, 20 to 27 degrees with sunny.