Belén Martínez Carbonell’s departure has intensified fears that the EU’s diplomatic arm is losing influence as geopolitical crises intensify.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated he doesn't know what it will take to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace with Ukraine. Rutte noted Putin's refusal to engage despite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's willingness, highlighting recent Russian attacks and Putin's high casualty tolerance.
Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's Omsk oil refinery, its largest, damaging a primary oil processing unit. The strike, confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence and the refinery's governor, marks the farthest drone penetration into Russian territory since the war began.
FIFA controversially suspended US star Folarin Balogun's red card ban, allowing him to play against Belgium, following a personal phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, drawing strong criticism from UEFA and Belgian officials.
Nigel Farage is under intense scrutiny over two rows concerning financial help. An investigation into a £5 million donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne could lead to a by-election, while fresh accusations involve undeclared gifts from another crypto entrepreneur, George Cottrell. Political rivals are seizing on the allegations, though Farage maintains his innocence and has vowed to consider legal action.
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have destroyed multiple villages near the western border with Chad, displacing thousands, according to survivors and the UN. The RSF, at war with the Sudanese army since April 2023, faces UN accusations of massacres targeting ethnic groups like the Zaghawa. Children are also severely affected, with hundreds killed or injured.
Italian ministers attempt to manage the diplomatic fallout after Donald Trump shared a meme mocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. They emphasize the importance of transatlantic relations over individual remarks.
