EU leaders rush to save Ukraine funding deal as Kiev's cash runs low
EU leaders are making urgent efforts to convince Belgium to accept the use of frozen Russian assets, as Ukraine is running out of funds and the situation threatens the bloc's credibility.
Belgium strongly opposes, warning of legal risks and retaliation from Moscow, while other countries warn that failure would undermine the future of Europe.
Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz are calling for an agreement that shares the risks equally, arguing that the current decision will determine Europe's position towards Russia.
Putin vows Russia will take Donbas by force if Ukrainian troops don't withdraw
Putin warned that Russia will take Donbas by force if Ukraine does not withdraw troops, calling part of the US-proposed peace plan "unacceptable."
He insisted that Moscow would not give up on its objectives, while meetings with American envoys proved difficult and uncompromising.
At the same time, Russian bombing continues and international peace efforts remain blocked by the Kremlin's unjustified demands.
Protests in Italy over sex education bill that would crack down on "gender ideology"
Giorgia Meloni's far-right government has approved a new sex education bill that limits teaching in schools and requires written consent from parents, justifying it with the fight against "gender ideology."
The opposition and activists say the law is regressive, undermines efforts to prevent violence against women and reinforces conservative narratives, while government ministers link sex education to political propaganda.
Despite political resistance and church influence, polls show that the majority of students and parents in Italy support sex education in schools.
Lithuanian court convicts ruling party leader of inciting hatred against Jews
A court in Vilnius, Lithuania, convicted politician Remigijus Zemaitaitis, leader of the populist Nemuno Ausra party that is part of the ruling coalition, of inciting hatred against Jews and minimizing Nazi crimes through his public statements.
The court said his language was degrading and exceeded the limits of freedom of expression, while Zemaitaitis denies guilt and says the decision is politicized.
The government's Social Democrats called anti-Semitism unacceptable, but stressed that the decision is not yet final.
