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Ukraine war: Europe split clouds Macron talks with Scholz in Berlin

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French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are meeting in Berlin amid tensions over Europe’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Macron emphasized that Europe’s security, including France’s, is on the line in Ukraine, warning that a Russian victory would be detrimental to Europe. However, Scholz has been more cautious, rejecting the deployment of Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles.

Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of arms, exacerbated by the delay in a $60 billion US military aid package due to Republican opposition in Congress. Despite being the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine, Germany faces pressure to do more. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also attending the meeting, urged their three countries to rally European support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for tangible assistance over mere rhetoric.

Differences between Paris and Berlin have widened, with Scholz insisting that deploying long-range missiles would require German troops in Ukraine, a stance Macron disagreed with. Macron, while acknowledging the possibility, stressed France’s commitment to peace and warned of Russia’s expansionist ambitions beyond Ukraine.

Ahead of the meeting, Scholz assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of their commitment to organizing support for Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for armored vehicles, artillery, and air defense.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted Ukraine’s dire need for ammunition, attributing recent Russian advances to this shortage. He urged NATO allies to provide necessary support. A Czech-led initiative to procure weapons from outside Europe has secured funding for 300,000 shells, with deliveries expected by June.

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Brighton & Hove Albion fans stabbed before Europa match in Rome

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Two Brighton & Hove Albion fans were attacked in Rome ahead of their Europa League match against Roma. The pair sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds during the incident, which involved a group of up to seven individuals. The attack occurred while they were walking back from a bar, with one fan describing the assailants as wearing balaclavas and all dressed in black.

The victims were promptly taken to different hospitals for treatment. One fan mentioned that his injured friend might miss the game due to the severity of the wound. Sussex Police’s liaison officer for the club confirmed that both fans were okay and urged supporters to adhere to safety advice provided by the club.

While it’s unclear whether the attackers were affiliated with Roma supporters, Brighton & Hove Albion issued a warning to fans regarding street crime in Rome. They advised supporters to use the free shuttle service provided for transportation to and from the Stadio Olimpico to ensure their safety during the event.

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Russia-Ukraine war: Putin tells Russia his war objectives are unchanged

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his first major news conference since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, stated that peace with Ukraine would only happen when Russia achieves its objectives.

He combined the event with his annual “direct line” phone-in and discussed the “special military operation in Ukraine,” emphasizing Russian sovereignty and a strong economy despite the war. Putin listed the objectives as “denazification, demilitarization, and its neutral status” for Ukraine. He revealed that Russia has 617,000 troops in Ukraine, with additional voluntary recruits, and mentioned losses without providing specific numbers.

Putin addressed Ukraine’s recent military success near the Dnipro River, attributing it to a last-ditch attempt to reach Crimea. He suggested Russian forces withdrew to wooded areas to protect soldiers and claimed Ukraine’s motives were politically driven to seek more military funding from the West. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that if Putin succeeds in Ukraine, further aggression might follow.

Putin asserted that Russian forces have the upper hand on the front line in Ukraine, despite economic sanctions and political isolation. He expressed confidence in Russia’s ability to “move forward” despite these challenges.

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Hospital Alerted to ‘Psychotic’ Suspect in Rotterdam Shootings

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Dutch prosecutors had prior knowledge of the gunman responsible for a deadly shooting spree in Rotterdam and had issued a warning to the hospital where he eventually carried out one of the attacks, according to an email correspondence that has come to light.

Fouad L, a 32-year-old individual, had displayed signs of “psychotic behavior,” as detailed in the email sent by the Dutch public prosecution service to the teaching hospital where he was a student. The message outlined concerns about his conduct, including an incident where he was found “half-naked in the garden on a pile of leaves.” Prosecutors even suggested that his behavior might influence the hospital’s decision on granting him a medical diploma.

The suspected gunman himself posted this email on a web forum, expressing frustration over what he perceived as teachers “sabotaging” his progress. In his online communication, he described himself as an alcoholic and claimed that he had been dismissed from his medical studies because he was unable to complete his degree.

The investigation into animal cruelty, for which he had previously been convicted, led prosecutors to discover disturbing images on his phone, including depictions of people being stabbed and right-wing extremist content.

The shooting spree began when Fouad L allegedly shot a woman, aged 39, and her 14-year-old daughter at their home in central Rotterdam before setting fire to the building. While reports suggest that the woman had reported the gunman to authorities before, this detail has not been officially confirmed by the police.

He then proceeded to the Erasmus Medical Center, where he killed a 43-year-old male lecturer and ignited a fire that caused significant damage to the hospital. A massive police operation, including an elite police unit and helicopters, led to his arrest outside the hospital.

The city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands as a whole have been left shocked by these violent events, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressing condolences to the victims and their families while Rotterdam’s mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, described the incident as a “pitch-black day” for the city.

Fouad L is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing.

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Berlin Police on the Hunt for Suspected Roaming Lion

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German authorities are conducting a search for a suspected wild lioness that has been reportedly sighted in the south-western outskirts of Berlin. The animal was first spotted chasing a boar, leading to alerts from several witnesses, including a police officer. A video on Twitter, believed to be authentic by the police, showed the lioness in a forest in Kleinmachnow. Residents have been advised to remain indoors until the animal is located.

The origin of the lioness remains unknown, as local zoos, animal sanctuaries, and circuses have confirmed that no lions have escaped from their facilities. Police have extended the warning area to the south of Berlin, covering Kleinmachnow, Teltow, and Stahnsdorf. Helicopters, veterinarians, and hunters with tranquilizer guns are involved in the search, with authorities aiming to capture the animal humanely. The lioness is suspected to be resting in a wooded area at present.

While some are skeptical about the presence of a lioness, the search continues as a precautionary measure. Residents have been urged to keep their pets indoors and avoid the forest, seeking immediate shelter if they spot the elusive animal. In case of an encounter, authorities advise individuals to remain calm, stand still, and move towards a safe area such as a car or building.

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