Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • Zelensky condemns deadly Russian drone strike on passenger train

    Zelensky condemns deadly Russian drone strike on passenger train

    In a severe escalation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, Russian drone strikes targeted a passenger train in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread condemnation from Ukrainian authorities. The assault occurred on Tuesday near Yazykove village, where at least one direct hit on a passenger carriage ignited a fierce blaze that consumed the compartment.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the attack as unequivocal terrorism, emphasizing that the train carried over 200 civilians with no military justification for the strike. Initial reports confirm at least four fatalities with an additional four individuals reported missing. Emergency services imagery reveals at least one carriage completely destroyed by fire following the impact.

    The targeted train was traveling from the western border town of Chop to Barvinkove via Kharkiv, a route frequently used by both civilians and military personnel traveling to and from leave. Regional prosecutors confirmed one drone struck a carriage directly while two additional drones detonated in proximity to the train.

    Simultaneously, southern Ukraine faced coordinated assaults as Odesa officials reported Russia launched over 50 drones targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. The overnight attack resulted in three confirmed fatalities and 25 injuries, with several floors of a residential building collapsing entirely and multiple structures sustaining significant damage.

    These attacks occur despite recent diplomatic developments, as Ukraine-Russia negotiations involving US mediators concluded what participants described as constructive talks in the United Arab Emirates. However, critical territorial disputes remain unresolved with additional meetings anticipated.

    Moscow’s intensified campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure has left millions without heating, electricity, or water during the harshest winter months. The full-scale invasion launched in February 2022 currently maintains Russian control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

  • Israeli diplomat pledges to investigate case of Italian officers held at gunpoint in West Bank

    Israeli diplomat pledges to investigate case of Italian officers held at gunpoint in West Bank

    A diplomatic confrontation has emerged between Italy and Israel following the detention of two Italian security officers by an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred Sunday near Ramallah when the Carabinieri officers—Italy’s specialized police force that occasionally participates in international peacekeeping missions—were stopped at gunpoint while conducting official duties in Palestinian territories.

    Israeli Ambassador to Italy Jonathan Peled expressed regret over the encounter during a Monday meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who summoned the diplomat to convey Rome’s ‘strong disappointment and formal protest.’ Peled committed to conducting appropriate investigations into the matter.

    The Israeli military provided a contrasting account, stating that the soldier acted according to established protocol for suspicious vehicles. Military officials noted the officers’ vehicle lacked diplomatic markings and was traveling on a road prohibited to civilian traffic. While acknowledging the soldier had raised his weapon, the military emphasized the officers were released immediately after identification.

    Italian media reports contradict this narrative, alleging the officers were forced to kneel for questioning despite traveling in an armored vehicle with diplomatic plates and carrying official passports. The incident has amplified Italy’s existing concerns regarding settler violence in the West Bank, which Rome had previously condemned.

    The broader context underscores ongoing tensions in the region, where approximately 500,000 Israeli settlers reside in territories captured during the 1967 Middle East war. Most international authorities consider these settlements illegal and obstructive to peace efforts, with Palestinians seeking the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip for a future state.

  • Spain plans to give half a million undocumented migrants legal status

    Spain plans to give half a million undocumented migrants legal status

    In a historic move that sets Spain apart from its European neighbors, the socialist-led coalition government has unveiled a sweeping migrant regularization program expected to grant legal status to approximately half a million undocumented immigrants. The initiative, announced by Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz, represents the first large-scale regularization effort in two decades.

    Under the program’s provisions, foreign nationals without criminal records who can demonstrate residence in Spain prior to December 31, 2025, for a minimum of five months will qualify for initial one-year residence permits, renewable upon expiration. The application window will open in April and remain accessible through June 2026.

    The decision comes amid staggering statistics from conservative think-tank Funcas, revealing an eight-fold surge in Spain’s undocumented migrant population—from 107,409 in 2017 to 837,938 in 2025. Primary countries of origin include Colombia, Peru, and Honduras, with significant migration flows from Latin American nations.

    Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration emphasizes the economic rationale behind the measure, characterizing immigrants as catalysts for ‘wealth, development and prosperity.’ Spain’s economy has notably outperformed major EU counterparts, projecting nearly 3% growth for 2025 alongside unemployment rates dipping below 10% for the first time since 2008—achievements partly attributed to migrant contributions to the social security system.

    The policy emerged through negotiations with far-left Podemos party, long-time advocates for migrant rights under the slogan ‘regularisation is rights.’ Former minister Irene Montero celebrated the move as a triumph against racism, though the government bypassed parliamentary procedures by implementing the measure via royal decree.

    Conservative opposition parties have voiced strong objections. People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo warned of potential strain on public services and increased migration pull factors, while far-right Vox spokeswoman Pepa Millán condemned the initiative as an attack on national identity, pledging to challenge it before the Supreme Court.

  • Neil Young’s gift to Greenland: Free access to his entire music catalog

    Neil Young’s gift to Greenland: Free access to his entire music catalog

    In a striking musical diplomacy move, legendary rock musician Neil Young has announced the provision of complimentary access to his complete discography for all residents of Greenland. The unexpected gesture, revealed Tuesday through the artist’s official blog, directly addresses the geopolitical tensions surrounding Denmark’s semi-autonomous territory, which has recently emerged as a focal point in U.S.-NATO relations.

    Young framed his offering as an antidote to political strain, explicitly stating: “I hope my music and music films will ease some of the unwarranted stress and threats you are experiencing from our unpopular and hopefully temporary government.” The Canadian-born artist emphasized his desire for Greenlanders to experience his work in highest-quality audio within their “beautiful Greenland home.”

    The initiative requires applicants to possess a Greenland-registered mobile phone for verification purposes. While initially structured as a one-year arrangement, Young indicated openness to potential renewal.

    This benevolent act stands in stark opposition to Young’s recent stance toward Amazon Music, where he withdrew his catalog in protest of founder Jeff Bezos’s support for President Donald Trump. Young previously articulated his position, noting: “The president’s international policies and his support of ICE make it impossible for me to ignore his actions.”

    The rock veteran maintains a complex history with streaming platforms, having previously removed his music from Spotify in objection to COVID-19 vaccine misinformation disseminated by podcaster Joe Rogan. Though that boycott eventually concluded, it represents just one chapter in Young’s longstanding critique of audio quality and ethical standards within digital music services. His catalog remains available on most major platforms including Apple Music, notwithstanding his periodic protests.

    Neither Amazon Music representatives nor Young’s management team provided immediate commentary regarding these latest developments.

  • French lawmaker recounts trauma in trial of ex-senator accused of drugging her with MDMA

    French lawmaker recounts trauma in trial of ex-senator accused of drugging her with MDMA

    PARIS — In a landmark courtroom confrontation that has captivated France, parliamentarian Sandrine Josso delivered gripping testimony against former Senator Joël Guerriau, who stands accused of intentionally drugging her with MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) with alleged sexual intentions. The case has ignited national discourse on drug-facilitated sexual violence in a country still reckoning with the aftermath of high-profile assault cases.

    Josso, a 50-year-old National Assembly representative, described to the Paris criminal court how what began as a celebratory gathering at Guerriau’s apartment in November 2023 rapidly descended into a harrowing ordeal. The two politicians, who had maintained a professional friendship for years, met to mark Guerriau’s reelection to the Senate.

    ‘I experienced profound physical disintegration almost immediately after consuming the champagne,’ Josso testified, detailing sudden heart palpitations and escalating disorientation. She observed Guerriau exhibiting unusual agitation, frequently adjusting the lighting in the room. Her suspicion crystallized when she witnessed him retrieving ‘a small bag’ while refreshing her drink in the kitchen.

    Despite overwhelming physiological distress—including tremors and extreme thirst—Josso employed what she described as ‘survival tactics’ to conceal her impairment until she could secure a taxi escape. ‘I contacted a colleague believing I might die,’ she recounted through tears, emphasizing the psychological trauma that continues to manifest through sleep disorders, panic attacks, and dental damage from severe bruxism.

    Forensic analysis confirmed Josso’s system contained MDMA concentrations far exceeding typical recreational thresholds.

    Prosecutors have sought a three-year prison sentence with one year suspended, characterizing Guerriau’s actions as premeditated and sexually motivated.

    The 68-year-old former senator admitted to administering the substance but maintained it was accidental, attributing the incident to depression-induced confusion and pharmacological ignorance. Guerriau claimed he had previously prepared the glass for personal use but inadvertently served it to his guest. ‘I lack adequate words to express my remorse—I am devastated,’ he told the court, denying any sexual intent or discussion during the evening.

    Investigators revealed Guerriau had conducted internet searches regarding drug-assisted rape approximately one month prior to the incident, though he asserted these inquiries related to his legislative responsibilities.

    The trial continues to unfold as a critical test case for France’s judicial approach to substance-facilitated sexual violence.

  • Watch: Huge landslide in Sicily after Storm Harry

    Watch: Huge landslide in Sicily after Storm Harry

    A catastrophic landslide has struck the eastern coastline of Sicily, prompting the emergency evacuation of over a thousand residents. The disaster occurred in the wake of Storm Harry, which unleashed torrential rains that destabilized the terrain in the Catania province.

    Dramatic footage captured the moment vast sections of earth and vegetation cascaded down hillsides, threatening residential areas and critical infrastructure. Italian civil protection authorities and emergency services executed a rapid response operation, relocating citizens to temporary shelters as a precautionary measure against further geological activity.

    Meteorological experts attribute the landslide’s severity to a combination of saturated soil conditions from prolonged precipitation and potentially vulnerable geological formations characteristic of the region. This event highlights growing concerns about extreme weather patterns and their impact on Mediterranean communities, particularly in areas with significant coastal development.

    The regional government has declared a state of emergency in affected municipalities, initiating damage assessment procedures and requesting federal support for reconstruction efforts. Geotechnical teams are currently evaluating slope stability across adjacent areas to determine additional evacuation needs.

  • In surprise move, Spain to grant legal status to thousands of immigrants lacking permission

    In surprise move, Spain to grant legal status to thousands of immigrants lacking permission

    In a landmark policy shift, Spain’s government has unveiled plans to grant legal residency and work rights to an estimated 500,000-800,000 undocumented immigrants currently living within its borders. The extraordinary measure, announced by Migration Minister Elma Saiz following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, represents a direct challenge to the increasingly restrictive immigration policies adopted by the United States and many European nations.

    The reform will be implemented through an expedited decree, bypassing parliamentary gridlock that had stalled similar legislation. To qualify, immigrants must have arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025, provide evidence of at least five months’ residence, and demonstrate a clean criminal record. Successful applicants will receive legal residency status for up to one year alongside official work authorization.

    Minister Saiz hailed the decision as “historic,” noting that the initiative primarily benefits Latin American and African migrants who form the backbone of Spain’s agricultural, tourism, and service sectors. Their contributions have become increasingly vital to the nation’s expanding economy, yet many have remained trapped in societal shadows without legal protections.

    The policy emerged from a last-minute political agreement between the ruling Socialist Party and the left-wing Podemos party, securing parliamentary support for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration. The move surprised observers but was immediately celebrated by migrant rights organizations and Catholic associations that had collected 700,000 signatures supporting similar measures.

    With applications expected to open by April, Spain solidifies its status as an outlier in global migration policy. While other nations tighten borders and asylum rules—often inspired by the Trump administration’s approach—Spain’s leadership continues to champion immigration’s economic benefits, having already welcomed millions of legal migrants from South America and Africa in recent years.

  • Ukrainians battle harsh winter after Russia targets energy infrastructure

    Ukrainians battle harsh winter after Russia targets energy infrastructure

    Millions of Ukrainian civilians are confronting a severe humanitarian crisis as a brutal winter sets in, following a sustained campaign of targeted strikes on the nation’s critical energy infrastructure. With thermometers consistently registering at approximately -15°C (5°F), the destruction of power generation and distribution facilities has precipitated widespread blackouts, depriving entire cities of essential heating and electricity.

    The strategic offensive against Ukraine’s energy grid has resulted in a catastrophic degradation of basic services. Urban centers, including the capital Kyiv, are experiencing rolling blackouts, compelling residents to seek refuge in emergency shelters and rely on communal heating points established by local authorities. The systematic nature of the attacks has hampered repair efforts, leaving utility crews struggling to restore even minimal functionality against the backdrop of ongoing security threats.

    This energy warfare has profound implications beyond immediate discomfort. The disruption affects vital medical services, water supply systems, and telecommunications, creating a cascading effect on public health and safety. International aid organizations are ramping up efforts to deliver generators, warm clothing, and essential supplies, yet the scale of the need vastly outstrips the current response. The situation exemplifies a new dimension of modern conflict, where civilian comfort and survival are directly targeted to apply strategic pressure during winter months.

  • Sweden aims to lower age of criminal responsibility to 13 as gangs recruit children

    Sweden aims to lower age of criminal responsibility to 13 as gangs recruit children

    The Swedish government is advancing controversial legislation to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for severe offenses, responding to what Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer characterizes as an ’emergency situation’ with criminal networks exploiting minors. The proposed measure specifically targets grave crimes including murder, attempted murder, aggravated bombings, serious weapons offenses, and aggravated rape, with potential prison sentences for convicted offenders.

    This initiative follows alarming data from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention showing a doubling in offenses linked to suspects under 15 over the past decade. The center-right government, elected in 2022 on an anti-crime platform, had previously considered lowering the age to 14 based on a 2023 inquiry before opting for the more drastic reduction to 13.

    Despite government assertions that the measure addresses ‘cynical exploitation’ of children by gangs, the proposal faces substantial opposition from law enforcement, judicial, and child welfare authorities. Critics including police, prison officials, and prosecutors warn the change might inadvertently draw even younger children into criminality. The prison and probation service expressed concerns about detention facilities being ill-equipped for juvenile offenders and potential violations of children’s rights.

    The legislation has sparked heated debate about appropriate responses to youth criminality. Opponents like local authority head Fredrik Hjulström argue the proposal lacks factual foundation and represents political maneuvering ahead of September’s general election, advocating for care-based approaches instead of punishment. Lawyer Johan Eriksson concurred that while intervention is necessary, lowering the age threshold might produce counterproductive outcomes.

    The bill now proceeds to Sweden’s Council on Legislation for review before parliamentary consideration, with potential implementation as early as summer 2024 if approved.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards

    ‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards

    LONDON — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts unveiled its nominations for the 2026 awards season, positioning Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged action thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ as the frontrunner with an impressive 14 nominations. The film received recognition across major categories, including five acting nods for its ensemble cast.

    Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused vampire epic ‘Sinners’ followed closely with 13 nominations, while Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean family tragedy ‘Hamnet’ and Josh Safdie’s ping-pong odyssey ‘Marty Supreme’ each secured 11 nominations. The Norwegian family drama ‘Sentimental Value’ rounded out the Best Film category alongside these contenders.

    In the competitive Best Leading Actor category, Robert Aramayo garnered recognition for his portrayal of a man with Tourette’s syndrome in ‘I Swear,’ competing against Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’), Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’), Ethan Hawke (‘Blue Moon’), Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’), and Jesse Plemons (‘Bugonia’).

    The Leading Actress race features favorite Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’) against Rose Byrne (‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’), Kate Hudson (‘Song Sung Blue’), Chase Infiniti (‘One Battle After Another’), Renate Reinsve (‘Sentimental Value’), and Emma Stone (‘Bugonia’).

    Notably, The Associated Press received a nomination in the Best Documentary category for Mstyslav Chernov’s harrowing Ukraine war portrait ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka,’ co-produced by AP and PBS Frontline.

    The awards ceremony, scheduled for February 22 in London with actor Alan Cumming hosting, traditionally serves as a significant indicator for Hollywood’s Academy Awards on March 15. This year presents an unusual sequence with Oscar nominations announced first, where ‘Sinners’ set a record with 16 nominations followed by ‘One Battle After Another’ with 13.

    The British academy demonstrated its distinctive perspective by recognizing several performers overlooked by the Oscars, including supporting actor nominees Paul Mescal (‘Hamnet’) and Odessa A’zion (‘Marty Supreme’). The BAFTAs maintain their British focus through a separate category for Best British Film, with nominees including ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island,’ ‘Pillion,’ ‘I Swear,’ and ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.’

    Voting procedures involve 8,500 U.K. industry professionals selecting most winners, while the Rising Star Award remains determined by public vote from a shortlist featuring Infiniti, Aramayo, ‘Sinners’ star Miles Caton, and British actors Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling.

    The nominations reflect ongoing diversity initiatives implemented after 2020, when no women were nominated for Best Director for the seventh consecutive year and all 20 acting nominees were white. Currently, Zhao stands as the sole female nominee in the Best Director category alongside Anderson, Safdie, Coogler, Yorgos Lanthimos (‘Bugonia’), and Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’). Across all categories including documentaries and shorts, 25% of directing nominees are women.