Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a significant one-day visit to Spain on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, where he took the opportunity to view Pablo Picasso’s iconic anti-war masterpiece, ‘Guernica.’ The painting, renowned for its harrowing depiction of the 1937 bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, stands as a timeless symbol of the atrocities of war and civilian suffering. Zelenskyy’s visit to the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, where the painting is housed, carried profound symbolism, drawing parallels between the devastation of Guernica and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Accompanied by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelenskyy’s gesture underscored the shared historical and contemporary struggles against aggression and tyranny. The Ukrainian leader had previously referenced ‘Guernica’ in a poignant address to Spain’s parliament in April 2022, likening the plight of Ukrainians under Russian bombardment to the horrors depicted in Picasso’s work. Zelenskyy’s European tour, including his stop in Spain, highlights Kyiv’s efforts to maintain international solidarity and support as Ukraine continues to resist Russian invasion. The visit also comes amid domestic challenges, including a corruption scandal that threatens to divert attention from the war effort. ‘Guernica,’ which was banned from Spain during the Franco dictatorship and returned in 1981 as a symbol of democratic resilience, remains a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for freedom and justice.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Bodies of missing mum and child found in freezers in Austria
In a chilling discovery, the bodies of a 34-year-old Syrian woman and her 10-year-old daughter were found concealed inside freezers in an apartment in Innsbruck, western Austria. The remains, hidden behind a drywall partition, were uncovered on Friday, months after the pair had been reported missing. The case has led to the arrest of two brothers, aged 55 and 53, who are now under investigation for murder. The older brother, a colleague of the victim, initially claimed an accident had occurred but denied any involvement in the killings. Authorities, however, have expressed strong suspicions of premeditated murder. The victims’ disappearance was first flagged by the woman’s cousin in Germany in July 2024. Initial investigations revealed that the woman’s bank card had been used abroad, and her mobile phone was found at her residence. Witnesses reported hearing distressing noises from the apartment on the day of their disappearance. Further scrutiny uncovered messages sent from the woman’s phone, including a resignation letter and communications with the older brother. A significant sum of money was also transferred to him. Police revealed that a storage unit had been rented before the disappearance, and a freezer was later removed and replaced, suggesting a calculated effort to conceal the crime. The brothers, currently in pre-trial detention, have made partial admissions but deny intent to kill. Austrian officials have condemned the act as a brutal femicide, highlighting the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in society.
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Irish teacher Enoch Burke returns to prison after ‘fanatical campaign’
Enoch Burke, an Irish teacher embroiled in a prolonged legal battle over transgender rights, has been sent back to prison by the High Court in Dublin. Justice Cregan, presiding over the case, condemned Burke and his family for orchestrating a “deliberate, sustained, and concerted attack” on the authority of the civil courts and the rule of law. The judge highlighted Burke’s persistent refusal to comply with a court order barring him from trespassing at Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath, labeling his actions as a “fanatical campaign.”
Burke’s legal troubles began in 2022 when he was suspended from the school for refusing to address a transitioning student by their new name and preferred pronouns. The school subsequently obtained an injunction to prevent Burke from entering the premises, which he has repeatedly violated. Despite accumulating fines totaling €225,000, of which only €40,000 has been paid, Burke has continued to defy the court order.
Justice Cregan emphasized that Burke’s imprisonment and fines were not a result of his views on transgender issues, which he is entitled to hold, but rather his blatant disregard for court directives. The judge expressed concern over the disruption Burke’s actions have caused to the school community, stating that his behavior has created a crisis among students, teachers, and the school’s management board.
In a separate incident in August 2025, members of the Burke family confronted Mervyn Storey, chair of the Education Authority, at a church in County Antrim over gender identity issues. Justice Cregan clarified that the case was not about transgenderism but about Burke’s contempt for court orders. The judge ruled that Burke’s deliberate and persistent defiance warranted imprisonment and indicated that further rulings on related issues would be issued next week.
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Zelensky to meet Trump envoy in Turkey in bid to ‘intensify’ peace talks
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to participate in high-level discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday. The meeting aims to accelerate peace negotiations as Ukraine seeks to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky emphasized that ‘bringing the war to a close with all our might is Ukraine’s top priority,’ while also highlighting efforts to resume prisoner exchanges. Turkey, which has maintained diplomatic ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, has previously facilitated talks between the two nations. However, no Russian representatives will attend the Ankara meeting, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov noted that while there are ‘no concrete plans’ for President Vladimir Putin to engage with either Erdogan or Witkoff, Putin remains ‘open to a conversation.’ The Ankara meeting marks Zelensky’s fourth stop in a whirlwind diplomatic tour, following visits to Athens, Paris, and Madrid, where he secured energy deals, fighter jet agreements, and arms manufacturing collaborations, respectively. These efforts are part of Zelensky’s broader strategy to bolster European support for Ukraine as Russian forces intensify their offensive, particularly around the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk. Domestically, Zelensky faces mounting challenges, including corruption investigations involving his inner circle and the resignation of two ministers. The scandal threatens to undermine Ukraine’s credibility as EU leaders prepare to decide on unblocking a €140 billion loan tied to frozen Russian assets. Meanwhile, the fundamental disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv persist, with Russia demanding Ukraine renounce NATO ambitions and withdraw from contested regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Zelensky has consistently rejected these terms, arguing that such concessions would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks. Despite earlier diplomatic efforts, including a meeting between Witkoff and Putin in April, progress toward a ceasefire has stalled. Recent behind-the-scenes talks between US and Russian officials, including a reported meeting in Washington between Witkoff and Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev, suggest ongoing, albeit discreet, engagement.
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Two Ukrainians working for Russia behind rail sabotage, Polish PM says
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has identified two Ukrainian citizens, allegedly working for Russian intelligence, as the perpetrators behind two recent acts of sabotage on Poland’s rail network. The incidents, which occurred near the villages of Mika and Pulawy, involved the detonation of a military-grade C4 explosive and damage to railway infrastructure, respectively. Tusk described these acts as ‘unprecedented sabotage’ aimed at causing rail catastrophes and sowing panic in Polish society. The suspects, one residing in Belarus and the other in eastern Ukraine, had crossed into Poland from Belarus and later returned there. Tusk emphasized that Russia’s motivation was not only to disrupt railway operations but also to stir anti-Ukrainian sentiment among Poland’s large Ukrainian refugee population. Poland, a NATO and EU member, has been a critical transit route for aid to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. In response to the incidents, Tusk announced plans to raise the alert level on certain railway lines and highlighted that 55 individuals have been detained since last year for suspected involvement in sabotage activities. Russia has yet to comment on the allegations.
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Germany’s Kessler twins, who became dance stars in the 50s and 60s, die at 89
BERLIN (AP) — Alice and Ellen Kessler, the celebrated twin dancers and singers who rose to fame in the 1950s and shared the stage with legends like Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Belafonte, have died at the age of 89. German police confirmed their passing on Tuesday, describing it as a “joint suicide.” The twins resided in Grünwald, an affluent suburb of Munich, where they shared a home. Their deaths were initially reported by German newspaper Bild and news agency dpa on Monday, though no sources were cited at the time. Born in Germany, the Kessler twins began their artistic journey at a young age, joining the Leipzig Opera children’s ballet. In 1952, at the age of 16, their family fled to West Germany, where they performed in a revue theater in Düsseldorf. Their big break came in 1955 when they were discovered by the director of the Lido cabaret theater in Paris, launching their international career. Throughout the 1960s, the twins toured globally, relocated to Rome, and collaborated with entertainment icons. Notably, they declined an offer to appear alongside Elvis Presley in the 1964 film “Viva Las Vegas,” fearing they would be typecast in American musical films. Even in their later years, the twins remained active in the arts, performing in a musical at the age of 80. Alice once reflected on their enduring partnership, stating, “Together you’re stronger.” When asked about their success, she emphasized the importance of discipline, gratitude, humility, and togetherness, concluding, “Until death.”
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Derry flight and Newry theatre get a share of €50m Dublin funding
The Irish government has announced a significant €50 million investment as part of its Shared Island initiative, aimed at enhancing cross-border connectivity and economic development. Spearheaded by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the initiative includes a €2 million allocation to relaunch flights between Dublin and Londonderry in 2026, marking a strategic move to strengthen regional ties. The flight service, funded under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), will initially operate for two years before being reviewed. This follows the discontinuation of a similar service in 2011. Additionally, the government has committed €5.9 million to improve cross-border emergency services, focusing on flood response and technical rescue operations. Other notable projects include €14 million for a Shared Island Media initiative, €6 million for the Shared Home Place programme, and €14.5 million for arts projects, including the development of Newry Theatre. The initiative also allocates €6.4 million for a cross-border pilot programme to combat Bovine TB, in collaboration with Northern Ireland. Martin emphasized the initiative’s goal of fostering greater connectivity and cooperation across the island, while Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris highlighted the unique perspectives immigrant communities bring to shaping a shared future.
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Russian lawmakers approve tax hike bill to boost economy as the war with Ukraine nears 4 years
In a significant move to address economic challenges exacerbated by its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russian lawmakers have approved a series of tax increases aimed at boosting state revenue. On Tuesday, the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, passed the second reading of a bill that will raise the value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 22%. This adjustment is projected to generate an additional 1 trillion rubles (approximately $12.3 billion) for the national budget. Additionally, the legislation lowers the annual sales revenue threshold for businesses required to collect VAT from 60 million rubles (about $739,000) to 10 million rubles (around $123,000). This measure, to be phased in by 2028, aims to curb tax evasion by preventing firms from splitting operations but is expected to burden many small businesses previously exempt from VAT. The tax hikes are part of a broader fiscal strategy by the Kremlin to revive Russia’s sluggish economy, which has been strained by high inflation and interest rates. Other proposed measures include eliminating preferential rates on car recycling fees, targeting high-end imported vehicles, and increasing taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and technology products like smartphones and laptops. These changes come as Russia’s economy, after two years of military-driven growth, contracted in early 2025 and is forecast to grow by only 1% this year. The government’s 2026 draft budget, also approved on Tuesday, allocates 12.93 trillion rubles ($159 billion) for military spending, reflecting the ongoing prioritization of defense amid the protracted war. The bills now await final approval by the State Duma, the upper house, and President Vladimir Putin’s signature to become law.
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Croatians commemorate the siege of Vukovar, a national symbol of the war of independence
VUKOVAR, Croatia — On Tuesday, Croatia solemnly observed the anniversary of the fall of Vukovar, a pivotal event during the 1991-95 war when the Serb-led Yugoslav army devastated the town, turning it into a symbol of resilience and national solidarity. Senior officials joined thousands of citizens, many waving national flags and banners, in a silent march through the eastern town. Participants lit candles and laid flowers, continuing an annual tradition since the war’s end that underscores the event’s profound significance for the nation. The conflict erupted after Croatia declared independence from the Serb-dominated Yugoslav federation, sparking a rebellion by minority Serbs who seized large portions of Croatian territory. Vukovar endured an 87-day siege, during which relentless shelling reduced it to ruins. Hundreds perished after the town’s fall in November 1991, with their bodies buried in a mass grave at a nearby pig farm. The war concluded in 1995 after Croatia reclaimed most of the territories held by Serb rebels, prompting tens of thousands of Serbs to flee. Croatia, now a NATO member and EU state since 2013, continues to view Vukovar as a martyr in its struggle against what it terms ‘Serb aggression.’ Ethnic tensions persist both within Croatia and with neighboring Serbia, exacerbated by recent disruptions of Serb cultural events in Zagreb and Split. An ethnic Serb organization canceled an exhibition in Vukovar ahead of the commemoration, citing safety concerns.
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Venice’s newest marvel is a wild, acrobatic dolphin. His refusal to leave puts him in danger
Venice has become the temporary home of an acrobatic wild dolphin named Mimmo, who has captivated both locals and tourists with his playful antics. However, his prolonged stay in the bustling St. Mark’s Basin has raised concerns among marine experts. Mimmo’s refusal to leave the area, despite efforts to guide him to open waters, has exposed him to significant dangers, including injuries from boat propellers. On Saturday, multiple agencies attempted to relocate Mimmo using low-intensity acoustic devices, but the dolphin returned within an hour, highlighting the challenges of his situation. Veterinarian Guido Pietroluongo from the University of Padua’s emergency response team for stranded marine mammals emphasized the risks posed by the heavy boat traffic in the area. Mimmo’s arrival in the Venetian lagoon on July 23 is believed to have been driven by his pursuit of fish. While his superficial wounds are expected to heal, experts worry about his continued safety. Authorities are urging the public to avoid feeding or interacting with Mimmo, as such actions are illegal and could further stress the animal. Despite the risks, Mimmo’s presence has brought a rare and enchanting spectacle to Venice, though his long-term well-being remains a pressing concern.