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Kremlin Affirms Interest in Continuing Ukraine Peace Talks

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The Kremlin stated on Monday that continuing peace talks with Ukraine remains in Russia’s own interests, emphasizing a preference for a diplomatic settlement to end the fighting. Despite recent deadlocks over Russia’s demand for control of the remaining part of eastern Donbas, Moscow reiterated its commitment to negotiations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s approach to talks has not changed and that political and diplomatic solutions are the preferred method to resolve the conflict. He noted that Russia remains open to discussions while prioritizing its own national interests.

When asked about potential impacts of U.S. strikes on Iran, Peskov affirmed that Russia still values U.S. mediation but would rely primarily on its own judgment. The statement signals Moscow’s intention to continue dialogue while protecting its strategic objectives in the region.

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France Offers Support to Gulf States Amid Iran Strikes

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France has expressed readiness to assist Gulf countries targeted by Iranian retaliatory attacks, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said after a crisis meeting in Paris. Barrot emphasized that any support would be proportionate and aligned with international law’s collective self-defense principles, responding to requests from regional partners.

The French minister criticized the initial Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran as unilateral actions that should have been debated at the U.N. Security Council to gain legitimacy. He called for Iran to halt its attacks and accept political concessions to pave the way for peace in the region.

A drone strike on a French naval base in Abu Dhabi over the weekend caused limited damage, but no French casualties were reported. France’s statement highlights its commitment to regional security while advocating for diplomatic and multilateral approaches to conflict resolution.

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Italy Misses 2025 Deficit Target, Pressure on PM Meloni

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Italy’s 2025 budget deficit came in at 3.1% of GDP, slightly above the European Union’s 3% ceiling, according to ISTAT. While lower than 2024’s 3.4%, the miss casts doubt on Rome’s plan to exit the EU’s Excessive Deficit Procedure early, which could have eased spending constraints ahead of the 2027 elections.

The eurozone’s third-largest economy grew by 0.5% in 2025, matching the government’s revised forecasts, though growth remains below 1% for the fourth consecutive year despite EU recovery funds. The 2026 deficit is targeted at 2.8%, with the government hoping for modest improvement amid lingering fiscal challenges.

Italy’s public debt also exceeded expectations, rising to 137.1% of GDP from 134.7% in 2024, above the government’s 136.2% target. With debt levels remaining the second-highest in the eurozone after Greece, the Meloni administration faces mounting pressure to control spending while promoting economic growth.

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Travel Shares Plunge as US-Iran Conflict Disrupts Flights

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Global travel markets tumbled on Monday as escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran forced closures of key Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai and Doha, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. European travel giants such as TUI, Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and IAG saw shares drop between 7–9%, while U.S. airlines fell around 5% in pre-market trading. Analysts cited flight cancellations, rerouting costs, and rising fuel prices as major pressures, despite hedging strategies.

Asian carriers were also affected, with airlines including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Air China, and ANA Holdings suspending flights to the Middle East. Air India canceled routes to Europe, the U.S., and the Gulf, while Chinese airlines reported 26.5% of Middle East flights canceled for the week. Experts warned that disruptions could last for weeks, though broader schedule adjustments were still being monitored.

Passengers faced chaotic travel changes as Dubai and Doha airports, major international hubs, shut down. Travelers scrambled for alternatives, often with little guidance from airlines like Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia. The situation highlights the global ripple effect of geopolitical conflicts on aviation, travel demand, and logistics.

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EU Urges Restraint and Respect for International Law in Iran Conflict

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The European Union’s 27 member states have called for “maximum restraint” and full adherence to international law amid escalating hostilities involving Iran. In a statement issued after an emergency meeting of foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed the need to protect civilians and uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The appeal followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. forces and Gulf countries, which the EU described as inexcusable violations of sovereignty.

The bloc also voiced concern about the broader regional and economic fallout of the conflict, warning against escalation that could destabilize the Middle East and beyond. It highlighted the importance of keeping critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz open, citing risks to global energy supplies and supply chains. Disruptions to oil flows could have significant economic consequences for Europe, which is already grappling with geopolitical uncertainty.

The joint statement reflected differing views within the EU over the U.S.-Israeli military action. While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled caution against criticizing allies, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the strikes as contributing to global instability. Diplomats acknowledged that Europe has limited leverage over the unfolding crisis, despite the potential for serious regional and economic repercussions.

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EU Clarifies Social Fund Can Support Cross-Border Access to Safe Abortions

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The European Commission has clarified that member states may use the European Social Fund to provide free abortion services to women traveling from EU countries with restrictive laws. The announcement followed the “My Voice, My Choice” citizens’ initiative, which gathered over one million signatures urging the bloc to ensure equal access to safe and legal abortion care. While the Commission stopped short of proposing a new funding tool, it confirmed that existing resources could be reallocated to support women, particularly those in vulnerable situations, seeking procedures abroad.

The move comes as countries such as Poland and Malta maintain near-total abortion bans, and access remains limited in nations including Italy and Croatia. Supporters argue that women across the 27-member bloc should have equal healthcare rights regardless of national restrictions. Campaign coordinator Nika Kovac welcomed the clarification, calling it the first clear confirmation that EU funds can be used to guarantee safe abortion access across borders.

However, critics — including conservative lawmakers and far-right groups — say the decision interferes with national sovereignty over health policy and undermines traditional values. Opponents argue that using EU social funds for abortion-related services effectively bypasses domestic laws. The clarification reflects broader tensions within Europe, where abortion access has expanded in countries such as France and the UK, even as far-right parties opposing abortion gain political ground.

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Sweden Says Russian Drone Jammed Near French Carrier in Malmö

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Sweden’s armed forces have confirmed that a drone jammed near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Malmö was Russian. The drone was detected about seven nautical miles from the carrier and was seen taking off from a nearby Russian intelligence-gathering vessel in Swedish territorial waters. The Swedish Navy acted quickly to disrupt the drone using jamming technology, which interferes with its control signals. The Kremlin has dismissed the accusation as “absurd.”

The Charles de Gaulle, visiting Sweden for the first time, is set to participate in NATO exercises across the Baltic and Atlantic regions under the La Fayette 26 mission. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the incident as serious but not unexpected, suggesting it fit a broader pattern of Russian behavior. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called any confirmed Russian involvement a “ridiculous provocation,” while French military officials emphasized that the incident did not affect the carrier’s operations.

The episode comes amid months of reported drone sightings near military facilities across NATO member states, including Denmark and the Baltic countries. Sweden’s coast guard has also launched a separate investigation into a fuel spill in Malmö’s port, though authorities say it is unrelated to the carrier’s visit. The carrier strike group’s deployment signals France’s strengthened military engagement with northern European allies in response to growing tensions with Moscow.

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Voll Stars as Australia Clinches ODI Series in Healy’s Farewell

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Georgia Voll scored her second international century to help Australia women’s cricket team defeat India by five wickets in the second ODI, sealing the series with a game to spare. Voll’s 101 off 82 balls, supported by Phoebe Litchfield’s 80, powered Australia’s successful chase of 252 runs despite early setbacks with the loss of captain Alyssa Healy for six.

The Australian pair added 119 runs for the second wicket after Healy’s dismissal, breaking the backbone of India’s bowling attack. Voll later added 82 runs in 67 balls with Beth Mooney before being dismissed by Kashvee Gautam. Ash Gardner finished the innings, ensuring victory with 83 balls to spare. India had earlier posted 251-9, led by Harmanpreet Kaur’s 54 and a 78-run opening stand between Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana.

India’s innings suffered a mid-innings collapse, losing four wickets for 40 runs, while Australia’s bowlers, including Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, and Alana King, shared six wickets between them. The win marked a fitting farewell series for Healy, leaving the squad and fans celebrating Australia’s dominant performance in her final ODIs.

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Bedrooms for Sale Underscore Europe’s Deepening Housing Crisis

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A growing number of unconventional property deals across Europe are highlighting the severity of the region’s housing crisis, particularly for young buyers. In Spain, startup Habitacion.com is selling individual bedrooms in shared flats for up to 80,000 euros — roughly a third of the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Buyers are matched through compatibility tests and must rely on personal loans rather than traditional mortgages. The company sold 200 rooms last year and has a waiting list of 32,000, reflecting strong demand as property prices have far outpaced wage growth.

Elsewhere, similar creative solutions are emerging. In London, developer Fairview offers a “Buddy Up” scheme that helps friends jointly purchase homes and contributes toward legal fees. Banks in countries including Britain, France, Germany and Italy are also reviving low- or zero-deposit mortgages that largely disappeared after the 2008 financial crisis. While these loans come with higher costs and stricter income requirements, they offer an entry point for buyers struggling to save for down payments amid soaring rents.

Analysts say such measures underscore how traditional home ownership is increasingly out of reach for younger Europeans. Over the past decade, house prices in the European Union have risen significantly faster than incomes, squeezing affordability in major cities. Some renters are even turning to fractional property investments through firms like PropHero to help offset rent costs. Experts warn that these complex arrangements reflect worsening affordability, with prospective buyers forced to accept higher risks and legal complexities simply to secure a foothold in the property market.

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Two Killed, Dozens Injured as Tram Derails in Central Milan

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Two people were killed and about 40 others injured after a tram derailed in central Milan on Friday, local firefighters said. The accident occurred on Vittorio Veneto street near the city’s Central Station, when one of the newest trams in operation came off the tracks and crashed into a shop window.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, deploying 13 ambulances to assist the injured. Civil protection teams set up a temporary tent nearby to provide medical support, according to eyewitness accounts. Images from the site showed rescue workers attending to passengers and securing the damaged area.

Milan’s public transport operator, Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM), said it was “deeply shocked” by the incident and expressed sympathy for those affected. The company added it was cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the derailment.

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