In a stunning act of audacity, the Louvre Museum in Paris has become the site of a high-profile jewel theft. BBC correspondent Hugh Schofield is currently stationed outside the iconic museum, describing the incident as “extraordinary, daring, and brazen.” The robbery, which unfolded with remarkable boldness, has left authorities and the public alike in shock. Details of the stolen items and the methods employed by the thieves remain under investigation. The Louvre, renowned for its vast collection of art and historical artifacts, is now at the center of a security crisis. This event raises significant concerns about the safety of priceless treasures housed in one of the world’s most visited museums.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Zelensky ready to join Trump-Putin talks after ‘frank’ White House meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to participate in a proposed summit involving US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, provided he receives an invitation. The announcement of the planned talks, aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, was made by Trump and Putin on Thursday, with Budapest as the potential venue in the coming weeks. Zelensky, in comments released on Monday, indicated his readiness to engage in a three-way dialogue or shuttle diplomacy format, emphasizing his commitment to a just peace rather than a hasty resolution.
However, recent reports suggest that Zelensky’s meeting with Trump at the White House last Friday was far from cordial, with accounts of a heated exchange. The US reportedly urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s terms to end the conflict, a stance Zelensky firmly opposes. During his first press briefing since the talks, Zelensky described the meeting as frank but highlighted significant disagreements between the two sides. He criticized Hungary as the location for the Trump-Putin talks, questioning Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ability to contribute positively to Ukraine’s interests.
Trump, when asked about Zelensky’s involvement in the Budapest meeting, stated his intention to make the talks ‘comfortable for everybody,’ suggesting a possible separation of discussions. Zelensky had hoped to secure US Tomahawk missiles during the talks but left empty-handed as Trump remained non-committal. Media reports on Monday revealed that the atmosphere during the US-Ukraine leaders’ meeting was more acrimonious than previously understood, with Trump allegedly warning Zelensky that Putin would ‘destroy’ Ukraine if it did not agree to Russia’s terms.
Trump’s shifting stance on the war has added complexity to the situation. Last month, he suggested that Ukraine could ‘win all of Ukraine back in its original form,’ a departure from his earlier position that Ukraine might need to cede territory. Trump has also been pressuring NATO nations, China, and India to halt purchases of Russian oil to increase economic pressure on Moscow. Despite threats of tougher sanctions, he has not followed through on these measures.
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has seen ups and downs, with a notable improvement since a contentious Oval Office meeting in February. During his re-election campaign, Trump claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within days but has since acknowledged the conflict’s complexity, describing it as one of the most challenging issues he has faced since returning to office.
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‘It’s like a scene from a film’ – Paris tourists surprised at Louvre jewel theft
In an audacious act reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, the Louvre Museum in Paris was thrust into chaos on Sunday as robbers executed a daring daylight theft of priceless imperial jewels. The iconic museum, a beacon of art and history, has since remained shuttered, leaving tourists and locals alike in disbelief. Witnesses described the scene as surreal, with one visitor remarking, ‘It’s like something out of a movie.’ Authorities are now scrambling to piece together the details of the heist, which has raised serious concerns about security at one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions. The stolen artifacts, steeped in historical significance, are yet to be recovered, casting a shadow over the museum’s reputation and prompting calls for heightened protective measures.
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Zelenskyy says his meeting with Trump was ‘positive’ though he didn’t get the Tomahawk missiles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has characterized his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as “positive,” despite failing to secure the delivery of Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine. The meeting, which took place last week, was reportedly tense, with Trump reportedly reneging on the possibility of sending long-range missiles to Ukraine following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy suggested that Trump is avoiding escalation with Russia until their next meeting. Ukraine is seeking to purchase 25 Patriot air defense systems from American firms, using frozen Russian assets and international assistance, though Zelenskyy acknowledged that procurement will take time due to production delays. He also discussed expediting the process with Trump, potentially leveraging European partners. Zelenskyy noted that Trump reiterated Putin’s unchanged demand for Ukraine to cede the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Despite this, Zelenskyy described Trump’s overall message as positive, emphasizing the U.S. president’s desire to end the war. Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin in Hungary, a country unsupportive of Ukraine, is seen as a potential step toward peace, though Zelenskyy expressed reservations about Budapest as a venue. He also criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for obstructing Ukraine’s interests. Zelenskyy remained skeptical of Putin’s territorial swap proposal but acknowledged that all parties have moved closer to a possible resolution. Additionally, he highlighted U.S. interest in bilateral energy projects with Ukraine, including an LNG terminal in Odesa and initiatives in nuclear energy and oil.
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Louvre heist creates ‘terrible image’ of France, justice minister says
A daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris has exposed significant security vulnerabilities, leaving French authorities scrambling to recover priceless stolen artifacts. On Sunday morning, four masked thieves executed a meticulously planned heist, using a truck-mounted mechanical lift to access the museum’s Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony overlooking the River Seine. Armed with power tools, the perpetrators cut through glass panes, threatened guards, and smashed display cases to steal eight invaluable jewelry pieces, including a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife, Empress Marie Louise. The entire operation lasted just seven minutes, during which alarms blared, and museum staff evacuated visitors. Despite immediate intervention by security forces, the thieves escaped on scooters, leaving behind a charred vehicle they attempted to set ablaze. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the incident, stating that the breach has tarnished France’s international image. Experts warn that the stolen items, including crowns and diadems adorned with thousands of diamonds, are at risk of being dismantled, melted down, or smuggled out of the country. Chris Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International, emphasized the urgency of apprehending the thieves within the next 24 to 48 hours to prevent the irreversible loss of these cultural treasures. The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, now faces scrutiny over its security protocols as authorities race against time to recover the stolen artifacts.
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‘An embarrassment’: BBC reports at the scene of Louvre robbery
In a stunning turn of events, the Louvre Museum, one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, was compelled to close its doors following an audacious robbery. The incident, described as ‘an embarrassment’ by the BBC, involved the theft of priceless jewels, leaving authorities and art enthusiasts in shock. The heist, which unfolded under the cover of night, has raised serious questions about the museum’s security measures. While details of the stolen artifacts remain undisclosed, the loss is believed to be monumental, both in terms of monetary value and cultural significance. The Louvre, home to iconic masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, has long been a symbol of artistic heritage. This breach not only tarnishes its reputation but also underscores the vulnerabilities faced by even the most fortified institutions. Investigations are underway, with international law enforcement agencies collaborating to recover the stolen treasures and apprehend the perpetrators.
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Chancellor says Brexit deal caused long-term damage to economy
In a significant address to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the enduring economic repercussions of the 2020 Brexit deal. Speaking at a high-profile international economic committee, Reeves highlighted the UK’s productivity challenges, which she attributed to the manner of the country’s departure from the European Union. She referenced the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) estimate of a 4% long-term economic decline compared to remaining in the EU, underscoring the UK’s commitment to forging stronger trade relationships to mitigate these effects. This marks a notable shift in the Labour Party’s stance, which had previously been cautious in discussing Brexit’s economic downsides. However, recent developments indicate a more assertive approach, with ministers increasingly vocal about the issue. The Chancellor’s remarks at the IMF, attended by global finance leaders from the G7, China, India, the EU, and European Central Banks, signal a significant change in domestic policy emphasis. This is expected to play a pivotal role in the government’s arguments leading up to the Budget announcement on November 26, where new measures, likely including tax increases, will be necessitated by a downgrade in long-term UK productivity. The OBR is anticipated to provide a detailed explanation for this downgrade in its upcoming forecast, with Brexit expected to be a key factor. Economists have pointed to reduced investment and underperformance in goods trade post-referendum, though some note resilience in services trade and new global trade opportunities. The issue remains sensitive as the government finalizes negotiating positions for a Brexit ‘reset,’ including reducing post-Brexit checks on food and farm trade and supporting UK manufacturers in accessing Europe’s growing defense budgets. European ministers have called for ambitious talks to alleviate the impact of global trade wars. Reeves, who announced £40bn in annual tax rises in her first Budget last November, now faces the prospect of further public finance adjustments. The Conservatives have proposed significant public spending cuts if they win the next election, creating a clear policy divide.
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UK military to get powers to shoot down drones near bases
The United Kingdom is set to grant its military personnel enhanced powers to shoot down drones that pose a threat to military installations. Defence Secretary John Healey will announce the initiative in a speech on Monday, emphasizing the need for quicker and more decisive responses to aerial threats. This move follows a series of mysterious drone sightings at four British airbases utilized by US forces last year, as well as numerous disruptions across European airspace in recent months. While the new authority initially applies solely to military sites, there is potential for its extension to civilian locations, including airports. The proposed ‘kinetic option,’ first reported by the Daily Telegraph, will empower British troops and Ministry of Defence (MoD) police to neutralize drones endangering UK military bases. Current protocols require soldiers to divert drones or disrupt their GPS signals using counter-drone equipment, with shooting down drones permitted only in extreme cases. RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford all reported drone incursions in November 2023, prompting the deployment of 60 RAF personnel to assist the US Air Force in its investigation. The strategic importance of these airbases was underscored by the recent deployment of F-22A fighter jets to RAF Lakenheath following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. The UK’s decision aligns with broader European efforts to address drone threats. Earlier this month, EU leaders convened in Denmark to discuss a multi-layered ‘drone wall’ aimed at detecting, tracking, and destroying Russian drones. Recent incidents, including 20 Russian drones crossing into Poland in September and Russian MiG-31 jets entering Estonian airspace, have heightened concerns. Drone sightings have also forced temporary closures of airports in Germany, Denmark, and Norway. While Russia has denied involvement in these incursions, the UK’s new measures reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding national security.
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Tel Aviv derby called off by police after ‘riots’
The highly anticipated Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abruptly canceled by police due to violent riots that erupted before the scheduled kick-off. The chaotic scenes at Bloomfield Stadium left 12 civilians and three police officers injured, with nine individuals arrested and 16 detained for questioning. Authorities cited ‘public disorder and violent riots’ as the primary reason for the cancellation, highlighting the use of smoke grenades, pyrotechnic devices, and significant damage to infrastructure. Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the decision, accusing the police of treating the event as a ‘war’ rather than a sporting occasion and alleging that most injuries resulted from ‘brutal police violence.’ The club condemned all acts of violence but vowed to challenge lawbreakers, even if they were law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, safety concerns have extended beyond Israel, with Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group recommending that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans be barred from attending an upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6. The UK government is working to overturn the ban, exploring additional measures to ensure the fixture proceeds safely. West Midlands Police supported the ban, classifying the match as ‘high risk’ due to past incidents, including violent clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in Amsterdam in November 2024. The cancellation and ongoing tensions reflect broader unrest linked to the war in Gaza, which has spilled over into various sporting events globally.
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Stolen treasures, a crown in the gutter – and serious questions for Louvre security
In a brazen act of theft that has shaken the art world, the Louvre Museum in Paris fell victim to a meticulously planned heist targeting the French crown jewels. The robbery, which occurred in the Apollo Gallery on Sunday morning, is being described as the most audacious since the infamous disappearance of the Mona Lisa in 1911. The gang, described by France’s new Interior Minister Laurent Nunez as highly professional, executed the theft in just seven minutes, leaving authorities grappling with serious questions about the security of French cultural treasures. The thieves used a truck equipped with an elevating platform to access the first floor, where they cut through a window to enter the gallery. Once inside, they targeted two display cases containing remnants of the French crown jewels, including diadems, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Among the stolen items was the Empress Eugénie Brooch, a priceless artifact from the 19th century. The gang’s swift and calculated operation highlights the growing sophistication of criminal groups targeting museums. Despite the alarms sounding correctly and the prompt response of museum staff, the thieves managed to escape with their loot. The incident has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of French museums, particularly in light of recent thefts of gold and porcelain from other institutions. Authorities are now racing against time to recover the stolen jewels, which are at risk of being dismantled and sold on the black market. The Louvre, home to thousands of globally renowned artworks, has historically maintained tight security, making this heist all the more alarming. The investigation is ongoing, but the likelihood of recovering the jewels intact remains uncertain.