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German Prosecutors to Close Usmanov Probe After €10 Million Settlement

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German prosecutors have agreed to end investigations into billionaire Alisher Usmanov over alleged foreign trade law violations after he consented to pay €10 million, according to statements from prosecutors and his legal team on Tuesday. Usmanov, a Russian-Uzbek businessman and founder of USM Holdings, has instructed that the full amount be paid, clearing the way for the case to be closed once the payment is received.

The probe focused on suspected payments of €1.5 million for security services at two properties in the Bavarian lakeside town of Rottach-Egern between April and September 2022, as well as allegations that Usmanov failed to declare luxury items such as jewellery, artwork and wine under EU sanctions regulations. Usmanov has denied any wrongdoing, with his lawyers stating that he neither owned nor controlled the properties involved and had no connection to the companies linked to the payments.

Munich prosecutors said that after payment, the case cannot be reopened based on the same allegations, with €8.5 million going to Bavaria’s treasury and €1.5 million allocated to prisoner welfare. Usmanov, who is subject to EU and U.S. sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, agreed to the settlement to save time and resources, his lawyers said, stressing that the payment does not constitute a fine or admission of guilt.

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Eurostar halts Channel Tunnel services after power supply failure

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Eurostar on Tuesday suspended all cross-Channel train services to and from London after a power supply issue occurred in the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France. The high-speed rail operator said services were halted until further notice and warned passengers to expect severe delays, according to a company statement.

A Eurostar spokesperson said there was no clarity yet on when operations would resume and declined to estimate how many passengers had been affected. The disruption comes during the busy winter travel season, impacting one of Europe’s most heavily used international rail routes.

Eurostar services from London connect major destinations including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Disneyland Paris. Tunnel operator Getlink had not issued an immediate comment on the incident at the time of reporting.

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Finland’s RMC to build icebreakers for US Coast Guard amid Arctic security push

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Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has signed an agreement to build two icebreaker ships for the United States Coast Guard, with delivery scheduled for 2028. The deal comes as the US looks to strengthen its national security presence in the Arctic, where strategic competition has been intensifying. The vessels will be built at Finnish shipyards, known globally for their expertise in ice-capable ships.

These icebreakers are the first to be developed under a memorandum of understanding signed in October by US President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Under the agreement, Finland will construct four medium-sized Arctic Security Cutters, while the US plans to build up to seven additional vessels domestically, using Finnish technology and know-how. While RMC did not disclose the value of the two-ship contract, US officials estimate the total cost of procuring 11 icebreakers at around $6.1 billion.

RMC CEO Mika Nieminen described the deal as a historic milestone, highlighting the company’s ability to deliver vessels quickly and cost-effectively. The move addresses a growing capability gap, as the US Coast Guard currently operates just two polar icebreakers compared to Russia’s fleet of around 40. Finnish officials welcomed the agreement, calling it a major boost for Finland’s maritime industry and a recognition of the country’s leadership in icebreaker construction.

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Swedish Pharmacy Staff Trial ‘Friendship Hour’ to Tackle Loneliness

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Staff at Swedish pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat are taking part in a pilot “friendcare” scheme, giving employees paid time off to connect with friends and strengthen social bonds. Participants, like pharmacy worker Yasmine Lindberg, are granted 15 minutes a week or an hour a month during working hours to meet, call, or message friends. Volunteers also receive 1,000 kronor annually to spend on friendship-based activities and online training on recognising and addressing loneliness.

The initiative is part of Sweden’s broader effort to address a growing loneliness concern. Health Minister Jakob Forssmed and other officials are encouraging businesses to play an active role, noting that loneliness poses significant public health risks and economic costs. Around 14% of Swedes report feeling lonely some or all of the time, with structural factors like single-person households, cold winters, and a culture of valuing personal space contributing to social isolation.

Apotek Hjärtat CEO Monica Magnusson says early results from self-assessment surveys show participants reporting higher life satisfaction. The company is collaborating with other Nordic firms through the ‘Together against involuntary loneliness’ network to share strategies and best practices. Psychologists highlight that while these programs help lower the threshold for social interaction, deeper societal issues like income inequality, urban design, and digital habits also need attention for lasting solutions.

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George and Amal Clooney Granted French Citizenship to Protect Family Privacy

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Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twin children, Alexander and Ella, have been granted French citizenship, according to official government documents. The move comes after Clooney expressed concerns about raising his children amid the pressures and scrutiny of Hollywood. The family, who also hold U.S., British, and Lebanese ties, primarily reside on a farm in France, while maintaining homes in England and Kentucky.

Clooney has openly discussed his desire to provide his children with a more normal upbringing, away from the constant attention of paparazzi and Hollywood fame. “I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood. France – they kind of don’t give a sh*t about fame,” he told the New York Times, emphasizing that the country offers a safer and more private environment for his family. He has also previously written to media outlets requesting that his children’s faces not be published.

France’s strict privacy laws make it illegal to photograph individuals in private spaces or share personal information such as home addresses. Celebrities in France are further protected, as photographers can face legal action if they capture images outside official appearances, a system that Clooney and other public figures have welcomed as a safeguard for their personal lives.

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Zelensky Accuses Russia of Blocking Peace Ahead of Talks With Trump in Florida

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a revised U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending nearly four years of war with Russia. The talks come amid intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv, which Zelensky said prove that Moscow “doesn’t want peace.” The leaders will meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, where security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial issues are expected to dominate discussions.

The meeting follows a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv over the weekend that killed at least two people, injured dozens and damaged energy infrastructure, leaving large parts of the capital without heating. Zelensky said the bombardment was Russia’s response to diplomatic efforts, while Moscow accused Ukraine of delaying a peaceful resolution. Russia currently controls most of the eastern Donbas region, a key sticking point in negotiations.

Zelensky has expressed optimism about the updated 20-point peace plan, calling it a “foundational document” that is close to completion, though Trump cautioned that no deal would proceed without his approval. European and Nato leaders have reiterated support for Kyiv, with Zelensky urging “strong positions” to push talks forward. Despite diplomatic momentum, continued fighting on both sides underscores the fragility of any potential agreement.

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Bulgaria Introduces Euro Coins Featuring National Icons

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Bulgaria has unveiled its new euro coins, showcasing key symbols of its cultural and historical heritage. The designs feature motifs already familiar from the lev, Bulgaria’s currency since 1881, named after an archaic word meaning “lion.” The coins will circulate starting Thursday, marking the country’s official adoption of the euro.

The one, two, five, 10, 20, and 50-cent coins depict the Madara Rider, an ancient rock relief from the early eighth century near Madara village. The relief shows a knight triumphing over a lion and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, reflecting Bulgaria’s early statehood and artistic legacy.

The one-euro coin honors Bulgaria’s patron saint, John of Rila, founder of the Rila Monastery, while the two-euro coin features Paisius of Hilandar, an 18th-century monk whose writings were pivotal in Bulgaria’s national revival. The edge of the two-euro coin carries the inscription “God protect Bulgaria,” highlighting the country’s spiritual and historical pride.

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Brigitte Bardot, French Cinema Icon, Dies at 91

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French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, known as “BB,” has passed away at the age of 91. Rising to fame in the 1950s, Bardot became a global symbol of beauty and sexual liberation through iconic films like And God Created Woman. She acted in nearly 50 films before retiring in 1973 to dedicate herself to animal welfare, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to her as “a legend of the century,” highlighting her cinematic achievements and lifelong dedication to animal causes.

Bardot’s career spanned dramatic, comedic, and romantic roles, with standout performances in Contempt, The Truth, and Viva Maria!. Beyond cinema, she influenced global fashion trends, popularizing the Bardot neckline and her signature blonde tousled hair and winged eyeliner. Her personal life included four marriages and one son, Nicolas, who tragically passed away in September. Despite her international fame, Bardot retired early, stating she would devote her wisdom and experience to protecting animals rather than continuing her acting career.

Later in life, Bardot’s reputation became controversial due to remarks about Islam, LGBTQ+ communities, and the #MeToo movement, leading to multiple fines for inciting racial hatred. Nonetheless, her impact on film, fashion, and animal welfare remains enduring, marking her as one of the most influential figures of 20th-century French culture.

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Nine Arrested in Italy for Allegedly Raising Millions for Hamas

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Italian authorities have arrested nine people accused of raising around €7 million over more than two years, allegedly funneling the funds to Hamas. The money, reportedly collected under the guise of humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, was instead sent to the militant group through a “complex fundraising system,” according to a police statement. More than €8 million in assets were seized as part of the investigation.

The operation was carried out jointly by Italy’s counter-terror and financial police. The probe, which began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel, identified suspicious financial transactions linked to the suspects. Investigators said the fundraising network was headquartered in Genoa with branches in Milan, and that over 71% of donations intended for Gaza civilians were diverted to Hamas’s military wing and support for families of suicide bombers or detained terrorists.

Among the arrested is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who denied close ties to Hamas but acknowledged supporting the Palestinian cause. Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi praised the police effort while emphasizing the presumption of innocence at this stage of the investigation. Hannoun maintained that his support is for the “legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people” and not for terrorist activities.

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Kosovo’s Kurti Pledges Quick Government Formation After Election Victory

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Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has vowed to quickly form a new government after his Vetevendosje Party secured nearly half of the votes in Sunday’s snap parliamentary election. The victory could end a year-long political deadlock that stalled parliament and delayed crucial international funding. Kurti emphasized the need for swift action to certify results, constitute parliament, and move forward without delay.

Kurti’s party received 49.3% of votes with 99% counted, while the main opposition parties, the Democratic Party and the Democratic League, garnered 21% and 13.6% respectively. Analysts note that Kurti may need support from smaller Albanian or minority parties to form a stable government, as conditional votes and those from the diaspora have yet to be tallied. Supporters celebrated in Pristina, waving party flags and lighting fireworks despite sub-zero temperatures.

The prolonged political impasse threatens key EU and World Bank loans totaling €1 billion, as well as the election of a new president in April. Kurti’s government faces criticism over his handling of relations with Western allies and Kosovo’s ethnically divided north. To appeal to voters, he has promised increased public sector salaries, capital investment of €1 billion annually, and a new anti-organised crime prosecution unit, aiming to address poverty and instability in the Balkan country.

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