Unidentified drones were reported hovering over Volkel Air Base, a key NATO military installation in the Netherlands, prompting heightened security measures. The incident occurred between 19:00 and 21:00 local time on Friday, with Dutch military personnel deploying weapons in an attempt to intercept the drones. However, the devices reportedly departed and were never recovered, leaving authorities without concrete evidence of their origin. This event is part of a broader pattern of drone sightings across northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, which have disrupted air traffic and raised significant security concerns. While some European officials have suggested these incidents could be linked to “hybrid warfare” tactics by Russia, the Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement. In response, defense ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to establish a “drone wall” to enhance surveillance and countermeasures. The Netherlands, along with its NATO allies, continues to investigate the incidents, but the lack of evidence has complicated efforts to identify the perpetrators or their motives.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Spanish bishop accused of abuse in first known case for pontiff
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, Spain, who is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. This marks the first known instance of the new pontiff removing a bishop accused of such misconduct. The Vatican issued a brief statement confirming the acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation but did not elaborate on the reasons. Zornoza, 76, had submitted his resignation last year upon reaching the standard retirement age for bishops, but it was only accepted after recent reports of the investigation surfaced. Spanish newspaper El País revealed earlier this month that Zornoza is accused of abusing a former seminarian while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The alleged victim, in a letter to the Vatican, claimed Zornoza engaged in inappropriate behavior and manipulated him into seeking psychiatric treatment to ‘cure’ his homosexuality. The Diocese of Cádiz denied the allegations but acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the church tribunal in Madrid. Zornoza has temporarily suspended his duties to focus on his health, as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. This case is part of a broader reckoning within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced widespread criticism for decades of abuse and cover-ups. In 2023, an official probe suggested hundreds of thousands of victims could exist, prompting the church to launch a compensation plan for survivors.
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Britain’s Daily Mail publisher enters exclusive talks to buy Telegraph Media Group for $654 million
The publisher of Britain’s Daily Mail, Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), has initiated exclusive negotiations to acquire Telegraph Media Group in a landmark deal valued at approximately £500 million ($654 million). This potential acquisition would unite two prominent British news organizations, both historically aligned with the right-leaning Conservative Party. The talks aim to finalize the terms of the purchase from Redbird IMI, an Abu Dhabi-backed venture, which had previously sought to acquire the Telegraph but faced scrutiny over foreign ownership concerns. The proposed transaction has reignited debates about foreign influence in British media, prompting Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to pledge a thorough review to safeguard public interest and compliance with media merger legislation. DMGT Chairman Jonathan Harmsworth, also known as Lord Rothermere, expressed confidence in the deal, envisioning the Daily Telegraph as a global brand akin to the Daily Mail. The ownership battle for the Telegraph, a cornerstone of British media since 1855, began in 2023 when the Barclay family relinquished control amid disputes with lenders. In November 2023, RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments had agreed to acquire the Telegraph to settle the Barclays’ debts, sparking parliamentary debates about foreign state influence in national media. The previous Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, swiftly announced plans to review the deal, emphasizing the importance of preserving editorial independence and freedom of expression in British newspapers.
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European leaders scramble to respond to a US peace plan for Ukraine seen as favoring Russia
European leaders are scheduled to meet in South Africa on Saturday to discuss alternatives to a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The 28-point blueprint, perceived as favoring Moscow, has raised concerns in Kyiv and European capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed apprehension on Friday, stating that Ukraine faces a critical decision between defending its sovereignty and maintaining essential American support. European nations, viewing their own future as intertwined with Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression, have emphasized the importance of their involvement in any peace negotiations. The meeting, set to occur on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, was announced by top European Union officials, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa, following a call with Zelenskyy. Von der Leyen reiterated the principle of ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,’ underscoring the need for Kyiv’s active participation in any resolution. The U.S. plan, which includes provisions for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, reduce its military size, and abandon its NATO aspirations, aligns closely with Moscow’s demands while offering minimal security assurances to Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike on a fuel refinery in Russia’s Samara region resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, marking another instance of Kyiv’s long-range attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted 69 Ukrainian drones overnight, disrupting operations at several airports and causing power outages in Rylsk.
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No All Blacks without Donegal man who died at Passchendaele
In a poignant ceremony held at Dave Gallaher Park in Ramelton, County Donegal, the legacy of All Blacks legend Dave Gallaher was celebrated with a symbolic exchange of soil, marking his ‘homecoming.’ Gallaher, who left Ramelton at the age of five, became a pivotal figure in New Zealand rugby, captaining the historic 1905 All Blacks team, known as the Originals. This team achieved an extraordinary record, winning 34 of 35 matches during their tour of Great Britain, Ireland, France, and the USA, with their only loss to Wales. Gallaher’s life was tragically cut short during World War I at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. The ceremony, attended by former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, featured the exchange of sacred soil from New Zealand’s Eden Park and Irish soil from Ramelton, symbolizing the enduring connection between Gallaher’s birthplace and his adopted homeland. Fitzpatrick described Gallaher as the ‘original All Black,’ emphasizing the humility and legacy he instilled in the team. The event also included musical performances by a traditional Maori singing group, Te Waka Aumihi, and the recitation of a poem titled ‘Common Ground.’ Kevin Shields, one of the event organizers, highlighted Gallaher’s dual legacy as both a rugby icon and a war hero, noting that the ceremony honored his Irish roots and celebrated his global impact. Malcolm Stewart, a relative of Gallaher, expressed pride in their family’s connection to the legend, describing the soil exchange as a monumental day for the community. The event underscored the profound influence Gallaher had on New Zealand rugby and the enduring respect for his contributions to the sport and the nation.
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Ukraine allies to hold talks at G20 on White House peace plan
As the G20 summit convenes in South Africa, Ukraine’s allies are set to bolster a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the commitment of Ukraine’s ‘friends and partners’ to achieving a lasting peace. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history, as pressure mounts to accept a plan perceived as favorable to Moscow. The leaked draft includes contentious provisions such as ceding control of eastern regions, reducing Ukraine’s military size, and pledging not to join NATO. European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have expressed concerns over the plan’s bias towards Russia, stressing that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to accept the proposal, warning of further territorial losses if the plan is not adopted. The White House has defended the plan, asserting that Ukraine was involved in its drafting. Amid these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated openness to the proposal but reiterated Russia’s commitment to its military objectives. The summit will also address the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential reintegration of Russia into the global economy and the lifting of sanctions.
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Frustrations grow in Russia over cellphone internet outages that disrupt daily life
In 2025, Russians may look back on the year as a turning point when the government intensified its grip on internet access. Widespread cellphone internet shutdowns, ostensibly to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, have disrupted daily life across dozens of Russian regions for months. Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram face restrictions, while the government promotes MAX, a state-controlled app critics view as a potential surveillance tool. Despite broadband and Wi-Fi remaining unaffected, Russians report significant digital disruptions, from non-functional ATMs to blocked messaging apps and restricted SIM cards. Families with diabetic children struggle to monitor glucose levels remotely, while public transport payment systems fail during outages. Authorities defend these measures as necessary for security, but analysts question their effectiveness. Meanwhile, the government’s push for MAX, which lacks end-to-end encryption and shares user data with authorities, has been met with skepticism. As restrictions tighten, many Russians resort to VPNs, though these are routinely blocked. Experts warn that while a total internet shutdown is unlikely, further stifling of online freedoms is on the horizon.
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Our babies were taken after ‘biased’ parenting test – now we’re fighting to get them back
Keira, a 39-year-old Greenlandic mother, recounts the heart-wrenching moment her newborn daughter, Zammi, was taken from her arms just two hours after birth. ‘I started counting the minutes from the moment she was born,’ Keira recalls, her voice trembling. ‘When they took her, I sobbed uncontrollably, whispering ‘sorry’ to my baby. It felt like a part of my soul died.’ Keira’s story is not unique. She is one of many Greenlandic families living in Denmark who have had their children removed by social services following parental competency tests, known as FKUs. These tests, which include cognitive tasks, personality assessments, and interviews, have been criticized for being culturally biased and linguistically inappropriate, as they are conducted in Danish rather than Kalaallisut, the native language of most Greenlanders. In May 2023, the Danish government banned the use of FKUs on Greenlandic families after decades of criticism, but the tests continue to be used on other families. Despite the ban, only 10 cases involving FKUs have been reviewed, and no children have been returned to their families. Keira’s 2024 assessment concluded she lacked ‘sufficient parental competencies,’ a decision she disputes. She remains hopeful, keeping a cot and baby clothes ready for Zammi’s return. Meanwhile, other Greenlandic parents, like Johanne and Ulrik, whose son was adopted in 2020, face even steeper odds. The Danish government has stated it will not reopen adoption cases, leaving many families in limbo. The emotional toll on these parents is immense, as they fight to reclaim their children and preserve their cultural heritage.
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Zelensky warns Ukraine risks losing US support over White House peace plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a stark warning to the nation on Ukraine’s Dignity and Freedom Day, cautioning that Kyiv could lose crucial US support due to a contentious White House peace proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia. In a 10-minute address from Kyiv, Zelensky described the moment as ‘one of the most difficult in our history,’ emphasizing that Ukraine faces a ‘very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner.’ The leaked US plan, which includes ceding eastern territories, reducing Ukraine’s military, and pledging not to join NATO, has been criticized as favoring Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the plan as a potential ‘basis’ for peace but reiterated Moscow’s readiness to continue fighting. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, urged Zelensky to accept the plan, warning that Ukraine risks losing more territory if the conflict persists. Ukraine, heavily reliant on US military aid and intelligence, is under immense pressure to agree to the proposal. Zelensky assured the public that Kyiv would ‘calmly work with America and all partners’ to offer alternatives, while also securing reassurances of continued support from UK, French, and German leaders. The plan, which proposes freezing current battle lines and reintegrating Russia into the global economy, has sparked defiance among Ukrainians, with many viewing it as a continuation of the war rather than a path to peace.
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Serbian president denies involvement in alleged Bosnia ‘sniper tourism’
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vehemently denied allegations of his involvement in ‘sniper tourism’ during the siege of Sarajevo, labeling the claims as a ‘lie.’ The accusations stem from a complaint filed by Croatian journalist Domagoj Margetic with Italian prosecutors, who cited 1990s video footage and testimonies from Bosnian officials suggesting Vucic was a ‘war volunteer’ with Bosnian-Serb forces. Vucic, speaking at a UK-Western Balkans business conference in Belgrade, asserted that he had ‘never killed anyone, wounded anyone, or done anything similar,’ and clarified that images purportedly showing him with a sniper rifle actually depicted him carrying a camera tripod. He accused the journalist of attempting to portray him as a ‘monster’ and a ‘cold-blooded murderer.’ The siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from 1992 to 1996, claimed over 11,000 lives as the city was encircled by Serb forces and subjected to relentless shelling and sniper fire. Italian prosecutors recently launched an investigation into claims that wealthy foreigners paid to shoot at civilians during the siege, following a complaint by Italian writer Ezio Gavazzeni, who referenced the 2022 Slovenian documentary ‘Sarajevo Safari.’ Vucic’s spokesperson, Suzana Vasiljevic, dismissed the allegations as ‘malicious disinformation’ aimed at undermining Serbia’s institutional credibility. She emphasized that Vucic was working as a journalist and translator in Pale during the conflict, with no involvement in military activities. While similar allegations of ‘human hunters’ have surfaced over the years, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague has stated it lacks information on the matter, and Bosnia’s war crimes prosecutor has yet to issue any indictments. UK special forces veterans who served in Sarajevo have also dismissed the claims as an ‘urban myth.’