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Italy’s Meloni Criticises U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday strongly criticised the U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran, calling them part of a dangerous global trend of unilateral interventions “outside the scope of international law.” Speaking to parliament, Meloni highlighted growing instability in the international system and compared the Middle East conflict to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warning that such interventions could have wider destabilising effects on global security.

Meloni emphasised that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, citing the potential collapse of the international non-proliferation framework and the dramatic security risks it would pose to Italy and Europe. While most European nations have largely refrained from criticising the U.S. and Israel directly, Meloni’s remarks signal a firmer stance by Rome amid ongoing air strikes that have disrupted around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

To protect strategic interests and Italian citizens in the region, Meloni noted that Italy is providing air-defense assets to Gulf allies affected by Iranian strikes. She stressed that the deployment also safeguards approximately 2,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the Gulf, reflecting Rome’s dual concern for regional security and the safety of its nationals abroad.

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Zelensky Deploys Ukrainian Drone Teams to Middle East

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent military and intelligence teams to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to assist in defending against Iranian drones, following U.S. and Israeli air attacks. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s extensive experience in countering attack drones, built over four years of defending against Russian strikes, and emphasized the importance of sharing this expertise to protect Gulf countries, Europe, and American allies.

Ukraine is offering both its interceptor drones and technical know-how, using mass-produced, cost-effective systems to neutralize incoming threats more efficiently than traditional expensive missiles. The initiative also involves key officials, including Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, to finalize agreements with Gulf nations. Zelensky stressed that this cooperation comes with expectations that partners continue supporting Ukraine’s own air defense, including providing advanced systems like Patriot missiles.

The deployment of Ukrainian drone teams also serves diplomatic and strategic goals, strengthening ties with Gulf allies while generating potential revenue from drone sales. Zelensky expressed pride that multiple countries are now seeking Ukraine’s help, marking a reversal in roles where Kyiv’s expertise is now highly valued internationally, even as domestic needs for air defense remain urgent amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

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Pope Urges Prayers for Civilians in Iran War, Shows Solidarity with Lebanon

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Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of civilians, including children, in the ongoing Iran war and called on pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square to pray for peace across the Middle East. Highlighting the humanitarian toll, he emphasized the need to end violence that could escalate further, appealing repeatedly for calm and reconciliation.

The pontiff also extended his condolences to Lebanon, currently facing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah. He lamented the death of Rev. Pierre El Rahi, a priest who was killed while assisting injured parishioners, calling him a “true shepherd.” Pope Leo reiterated his closeness to the Lebanese people, noting the country is undergoing a “great trial” amid regional conflict.

Pope Leo’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, including a reported strike on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, during the initial U.S. and Israeli attacks, which Iranian officials claim killed 150 students. While details are still under investigation, the pontiff’s call for prayers and solidarity underscores the Vatican’s humanitarian concern and ongoing engagement with affected communities.

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Six Killed After Bus Fire in Swiss Town of Kerzers

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At least six people have died and several others were injured after a bus caught fire in the centre of Kerzers (Chiètres) in Fribourg Canton, western Switzerland, police said. The incident occurred around 18:25 local time on Tuesday, about 20km from the capital Bern. Emergency services rushed to the scene as the vehicle was engulfed in flames, leaving it completely burned out.

Authorities confirmed that at least three people were taken to hospital and reports indicated that a rescuer was also injured during the response. Videos shared by local media showed the bus ablaze with a thick column of smoke rising above the town. The bus had reportedly been travelling from Düdingen, a municipality located about 17km south of Kerzers.

Police said the cause of the fire is still unknown and an investigation is underway, including whether the blaze may have been deliberately started. Reports suggested a person may have doused themselves with gasoline, but officials said they could not immediately confirm this information. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims and their families.

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Large Evacuation in Dresden After Discovery of Unexploded WWII Bomb

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Authorities in Dresden, Germany, are evacuating large parts of the city centre after a 250kg unexploded British World War Two bomb was discovered near the site of the Carola Bridge, which collapsed into the Elbe River in 2024. Officials say around 18,000 residents, tourists and commuters will be affected as emergency teams prepare to defuse the device. Authorities have cordoned off much of the historic old town as a precaution.

The evacuation zone includes several of the city’s major landmarks, such as the Frauenkirche, the Dresden Residenzschloss, and the Semperoper. Police headquarters, Saxony’s state parliament, government ministries, retirement homes, daycare centres and other institutions are also within the restricted area. Emergency accommodation has been arranged at the Dresden Exhibition Centre, with additional buses and trams operating to assist people leaving the zone.

The discovery highlights the lasting impact of the Bombing of Dresden in World War II, when British and US forces dropped nearly 4,000 tons of bombs on the city in February 1945, killing about 25,000 people and devastating its historic centre. The attack remains one of the most debated Allied operations of the war, and unexploded bombs from that period are still occasionally found during construction and demolition work.

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UN Probe: Russia’s Deportation of Ukrainian Children a Crime Against Humanity

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A United Nations investigation has concluded that the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities since the 2022 invasion amounts to crimes against humanity. The report, prepared by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, states that children have been specifically targeted, causing severe and lasting harm to their lives and future. The findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva later this week.

The inquiry examined 1,205 cases involving children from five Ukrainian regions and found that around 80% of them have not yet returned home. Ukrainian officials estimate that more than 19,500 children have been illegally deported or forcibly displaced to Russia and Belarus, actions they say violate the Geneva Conventions.

The report says the deportations followed a widespread and systematic pattern across Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. It also cited research indicating that Russia expanded forced re-education programs for deported children. Russia denies the allegations, stating that the children were voluntarily evacuated from war zones for their safety.

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Volkswagen to Cut 50,000 Jobs Amid Profit Drop

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Volkswagen announced plans to cut 50,000 jobs across Germany by 2030, as post-tax profits fell by 44% in 2025, marking their lowest level since 2016. CEO Oliver Blume said the reductions will impact the entire group, including Audi and Porsche, and follow earlier agreements with unions to cut over 35,000 jobs in a socially responsible manner.

The company cited challenges including US import tariffs, declining demand in China, high restructuring costs from the shift to electric vehicles, and rising competition from Chinese carmakers entering Europe. Net profits fell from €12.4 billion to €6.9 billion, and Volkswagen projects a core profit margin of 4% to 5.5% for 2026, potentially lower than the current 4.6%.

Finance chief Arno Antlitz emphasized the need for rigorous cost reductions to maintain profitability in the long run. The company expects the job cuts and efficiency measures to save around €15 billion while navigating a fundamentally changed automotive market.

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EU Leader: Russia Gains from Middle East War

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EU Council President Antonio Costa warned that Russia has emerged as the primary beneficiary of the ongoing Middle East conflict, profiting from soaring energy prices and reduced international attention on its war in Ukraine. Speaking to EU ambassadors in Brussels, Costa said Russia gains new resources to finance its operations in Ukraine while the diversion of military capabilities weakens support for Kyiv.

Costa emphasized the broader risks of the conflict, noting that the Middle East war diverts focus from Ukraine and threatens regional stability. He urged international actors to return to the negotiating table to prevent further escalation and protect human rights.

Highlighting the need to uphold global norms, Costa stressed that freedom and human rights cannot be achieved through military action alone. He called for the EU to defend the rules-based international order and avoid paths that endanger Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

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Croatia Reintroduces Conscription as Hundreds of Teenagers Begin Military Training

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Hundreds of teenagers in Croatia have begun compulsory military service after the government reinstated conscription for the first time since it was abolished in 2008. Around 800 recruits reported to army barracks across the country, where they received their equipment and accommodation assignments before starting two months of training. Officials said more than half of the recruits volunteered for the programme, while about 10% of them are women, who are not required to serve under the new policy.

According to the Armed Forces of Croatia, the training programme will combine traditional military drills with modern defence skills such as drone operation, cyberwarfare basics and counter-drone protection. Chief of the General Staff Tihomir Kundid said recruits would be gradually introduced to military discipline to avoid excessive stress. The government also confirmed that only a small number of people have registered as conscientious objectors, who will instead complete four months of civilian service with lower financial allowances.

Officials say the decision to restore conscription reflects growing security concerns in Europe following the war in Ukraine. Defence Minister Ivan Anusic noted that the region’s security environment has changed significantly in recent years, prompting Croatia to strengthen its defence readiness. The move also reflects a broader trend across Europe, with several NATO member states reintroducing or maintaining mandatory military service amid rising geopolitical tensions.

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Europe’s Retail Sector Faces Fresh Pressure as Energy Prices Surge

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Europe’s retail industry is bracing for renewed pressure as rising energy prices linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran threaten to push operating costs higher. Retail stocks, including Zara owner Inditex and Britain’s Marks & Spencer, fell as investors warned that higher fuel and gas prices could hurt an already fragile sector. The industry has barely recovered from the inflation shock caused by soaring energy costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while consumer demand across the euro zone and the UK remains weak.

Retailers are particularly vulnerable because energy costs directly affect supply chains and store operations. Transport expenses, which account for about 5% to 10% of a retailer’s operating costs, are expected to rise as fuel prices climb. Supermarkets and shopping centres also face higher electricity expenses for refrigeration, heating, air conditioning and lighting. At the same time, rising oil prices are pushing fertiliser costs higher, adding further pressure on food producers and ultimately driving up prices across the supply chain.

Analysts warn that the sector may struggle to pass on higher costs to consumers because household spending power has already been weakened by years of inflation. Clothing retailers could be especially exposed, as fashion spending is often the first to be cut when essential costs rise. With Europe’s retail and consumer goods sector already among the most financially distressed industries, industry groups are calling on governments to limit additional inflationary pressures and protect consumers from further cost increases.

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