Germany opposes direct talks with Russia due to Putin's "maximalist demands"
The German government has again expressed its opposition to the reopening of diplomatic dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
While France and Italy are calling for the resumption of dialogue with Moscow, Berlin insists that pressure and sanctions must be strengthened as long as Russia refuses an unconditional ceasefire.
Meanwhile, as the political debate continues, Brussels is preparing a new package of economic sanctions against Russia, which is expected to be presented in the coming days and approved by the fourth anniversary of the invasion, on February 24.
Son of Norwegian princess arrested on new charges ahead of rape trial
The son of the Norwegian princess, Marius Borg Hoiby, has been arrested on new charges just days before the start of his trial, where he faces 38 criminal offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic violence against a former partner and illegally filming several women without their knowledge and consent.
The arrest comes at a time of great tension for the Norwegian royal family, as his mother, Princess Mette-Marit, continues to face questions over her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The developments have shocked public opinion in Norway and reopened the debate over the monarchy's credibility.
Few sick and wounded Palestinians allowed to pass through Rafah border crossing
A small number of sick and injured Palestinians have begun crossing into Egypt for medical treatment, after Israel allowed a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing.
Security checks have caused delays, allowing only a few patients to pass, while thousands more are still waiting.
The reopening of Rafah is seen as a key step in the US-brokered ceasefire, but life in Gaza still remains precarious.
Boy swims four hours in rough seas to save mother, brother and sister in Western Australia
A 13-year-old boy has saved his mother, brother and sister by swimming for four hours in rough seas to raise the alarm after the boat they were on was pushed far from shore by the wind.
A volunteer marine rescue vessel headed to their location and all three were successfully rescued.
Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Commander Paul Bresland said the family was about 14km offshore and had been drifting at sea for hours before they were found.
