Global Pulse

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  • Taoiseach names Stakeknife in Irish parliament

    Taoiseach names Stakeknife in Irish parliament

    In a landmark parliamentary address, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has officially identified Freddie Scappaticci as the British Army agent known as ‘Stakeknife,’ breaking years of official silence surrounding one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles. The revelation came during a Dáil Éireann debate concerning the findings of the £47.5 million Operation Kenova investigation.

    Martin asserted that Scappaticci’s identity was ‘clear to everybody here,’ directly challenging the UK government’s continued reluctance to formally name the agent. The Taoiseach revealed that Scappaticci, a west Belfast native who died in 2023, operated as Britain’s highest-ranking informant within the Provisional IRA from the late 1970s through the 1990s. According to Martin, the British Army maintained a dedicated 24-hour intelligence phone line specifically for his communications.

    The Kenova report, published last year but unable to officially identify Stakeknife due to government restrictions, detailed Scappaticci’s alleged involvement in 14 murders and 15 abductions carried out ‘for and with’ the Provisional IRA. Martin condemned these actions as crimes against the republican community that ‘no amount of aggressive revisionist history’ could erase.

    In a dramatic exchange, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald offered a broad apology ‘for all the lives lost during the conflict and for the hurt and loss endured, without exception.’ While expressing sorrow for all victims, McDonald simultaneously accused British state collusion as ‘not an aberration but [a] defining feature of British state policy during the conflict.’

    The Sinn Féin leader called for a full public inquiry into British state activities in Ireland and condemned the UK’s Legacy Act as designed to ‘close down truth’ rather than deliver it. She characterized the legislation as granting ‘impunity’ to British state actors.

    A UK Government spokesperson responded that ongoing litigation prevents an official response to Operation Kenova’s naming request, with the Secretary of State committed to updating Parliament when possible. The disclosure has reignited tensions over accountability for Troubles-era crimes and exposed continuing divisions in the reconciliation process.

  • Bernini and the pope who promoted him celebrated as Vatican marks 400 years of St. Peter’s Basilica

    Bernini and the pope who promoted him celebrated as Vatican marks 400 years of St. Peter’s Basilica

    ROME — A groundbreaking exhibition at Palazzo Barberini is illuminating one of art history’s most consequential partnerships: the dynamic relationship between Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his powerful patron Pope Urban VIII that fundamentally reshaped Rome’s artistic landscape.

    “Bernini and the Barberini,” opening this Thursday, meticulously examines the two-decade collaboration between the artistic prodigy and the pontiff who reigned from 1623-1644. The exhibition positions Urban VIII as the visionary who recognized Bernini’s extraordinary talent early in his career, ultimately empowering him to transform Rome into the undisputed center of Christian artistic achievement.

    The timing of this exhibition coincides with Vatican initiatives commemorating the 400th anniversary of Urban’s consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica in 1626. While the basilica’s construction spanned a century, Urban commissioned Bernini to create its most iconic interior elements, including the magnificent bronze baldacchino canopy over St. Peter’s tomb, recently restored for the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year.

    Even before ascending to the papacy, Cardinal Maffeo Barberini identified exceptional talent in the young Bernini that surpassed even that of his father Pietro, under whom he trained. According to co-curator Andrea Bacchi, Urban immediately recognized that Bernini “could become the Michelangelo of his century” upon assuming the papacy, commissioning numerous works that would define Baroque art.

    Co-curator Maurizia Cicconi notes that their collaboration served dual purposes: advancing artistic excellence while reinforcing the Catholic Church’s primacy during a period of significant challenge to its authority. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli characterized the relationship as Urban VIII “governing through culture” by leveraging the skills of exceptional artists, with Bernini emerging as his favored “lost son” entrusted with monumental projects.

    The exhibition deliberately focuses exclusively on the Urban-Bernini years, excluding the artist’s later masterpieces such as Piazza Navona’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and St. Peter’s Square colonnade, commissioned by subsequent popes. Instead, it traces the origins of Bernini’s papal commissions through rare sculptures, sketches, busts, and paintings gathered from international museums and private collections, including a Vatican-loaned model of Bernini’s bronze casing for St. Peter’s throne.

    The presentation also addresses Urban’s complicated legacy, including his refusal to pardon Galileo Galilei and the controversial removal of bronze from the Pantheon for cannon production—actions that prompted contemporary criticism that “what the barbarians did not do, the Barberini did.” Despite these controversies, the exhibition credits Urban with identifying and nurturing Bernini’s genius, which would forever alter Rome’s architectural and artistic identity.

    The show runs through June 14 at Palazzo Barberini, following the venue’s successful 2025 Caravaggio exhibition.

  • Ukrainian slider wears helmet despite IOC ban

    Ukrainian slider wears helmet despite IOC ban

    Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has vowed to continue wearing his commemorative helmet during competition at the Winter Olympics despite the International Olympic Committee’s prohibition of the tribute piece. The helmet features images of Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia’s ongoing invasion of his homeland.

    The 25-year-old athlete, who made history as Ukraine’s first Olympic skeleton competitor, wore the helmet during Wednesday’s training sessions after being formally notified of its prohibition. The IOC maintains the helmet violates Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political, religious, or racial propaganda in Olympic venues. Instead, officials have suggested Heraskevych wear a black armband to honor the deceased.

    ‘These athletes deserve to be on the track,’ Heraskevych stated emotionally during a press conference. ‘Some of them were my friends, and many were part of the Olympic family. With this helmet, we keep their memories alive.’ Among those memorialized are teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov.

    The IOC has refrained from confirming whether disciplinary action would follow Heraskevych’s continued use of the helmet. Spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized the committee’s desire to resolve the matter ‘on a human level’ rather than through public confrontation. ‘We really want him to compete,’ Adams stated. ‘We want all athletes to have their moment.’

    Heraskevych challenged the IOC’s consistency in enforcement, citing American figure skater Maxim Naumov’s recent display of a photograph honoring his parents, who died in a Washington DC plane crash. Naumov faced no sanctions for his emotional tribute while awaiting scores during his routine. ‘We have the same rules,’ Heraskevych argued. ‘They showed photos when they were waiting for the scores… I don’t see any difference.’

    This isn’t Heraskevych’s first political statement at the Olympics—during the 2022 Beijing Games, he displayed a ‘No War in Ukraine’ sign days before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked the athlete for ‘reminding the world of the price of our struggle.’

    The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the IOC’s commitment to political neutrality and athletes’ growing demands to express human rights concerns. The men’s skeleton competition continues through Friday, with Heraskevych determined to keep his fallen compatriots symbolically present on the track.

  • Swiss bar owners face questions from victims’ lawyers over fire disaster

    Swiss bar owners face questions from victims’ lawyers over fire disaster

    The proprietors of a Swiss alpine bar where a catastrophic fire claimed 41 lives faced intense scrutiny during court hearings this week, as victims’ families demanded accountability for one of Switzerland’s deadliest peacetime disasters. Jacques Moretti, owner of Le Constellation bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, was questioned by legal representatives of victims’ families Wednesday in Sion, while his wife Jessica is scheduled to undergo similar questioning Thursday. The couple arrived at the courthouse silently, accompanied by legal counsel, for what their lawyer Yaël Hayat characterized as “moments of truth” in the investigation. Both Morettis remain under formal criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence, though neither is currently detained. Preliminary findings indicate the January 1st tragedy began when sparkling candles in champagne bottles ignited acoustic foam panels on the ceiling—a known fire hazard that employees had previously attempted to secure using snooker cues weeks before the incident. Further investigations revealed the establishment hadn’t undergone proper fire safety inspections since 2019, with local authorities admitting they hadn’t closed any venues for fire code violations until after this catastrophe. The disaster was exacerbated by a locked service door that trapped patrons inside as flames rapidly spread through the packed New Year’s celebration. Most victims were teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 39, and an 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries a month later, bringing the final death toll to 41 with 115 injured. Outside the courtroom, grieving mother Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur perished in the fire, told Swiss television: “What’s important is that the whole truth comes out. There must be no more lies. I want everyone to take responsibility.” The proceedings continue as Switzerland reevaluates its fire safety enforcement practices in entertainment venues.

  • NATO launches Arctic Sentry military effort as it seeks to move on from Greenland dispute

    NATO launches Arctic Sentry military effort as it seeks to move on from Greenland dispute

    BRUSSELS — NATO has officially initiated a new strategic military operation named ‘Arctic Sentry’ designed to enhance security coordination in the High North region. This development occurs just one month after former U.S. President Donald Trump created diplomatic friction within the alliance through his controversial remarks regarding the potential annexation of Greenland.

    The Arctic Sentry framework will initially serve as an umbrella designation for existing national military exercises conducted by member states in the Arctic region. This includes Denmark’s ‘Arctic Endurance’ maneuvers—which previously provoked Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on participating allies—and Norway’s ‘Cold Response’ drills. Notably, the program does not entail permanent or extended troop deployments under NATO command in the region.

    Coordinated through NATO’s U.S. headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, this series of military activities aims to counter expanding Russian and Chinese influence in the strategically vital High North, which encompasses Greenland. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, emphasized that ‘Arctic Sentry demonstrates the alliance’s dedication to protecting member states and preserving stability in one of the globe’s most strategically crucial and environmentally demanding regions.’

    In support of this initiative, the United Kingdom has declared its intention to double British troop presence in Norway over the next three years, increasing from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel. Some forces will participate in the previously scheduled ‘Exercise Lion Protector’ this September.

    While specific operational details remain limited, NATO plans to incorporate additional activities into Arctic Sentry following comprehensive security assessments and as national military exercises conclude. Both France and Germany have committed to participation though troop contribution numbers remain unspecified.

    Although Arctic security has maintained a position on NATO’s agenda in recent years—with seven allied nations bordering the region alongside Russia—the urgency for action intensified following Trump’s acquisition attempts targeting Greenland. The prospect of the alliance’s most powerful member threatening to annex territory from Denmark, a fellow NATO ally, has profoundly unsettled other member states.

    European allies now anticipate that Arctic Sentry, combined with ongoing diplomatic discussions between the Trump administration, Denmark, and Greenland, will enable NATO to redirect focus toward Europe’s paramount security concern: Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

  • Portugal’s interior minister steps down in response to growing criticism over storm response

    Portugal’s interior minister steps down in response to growing criticism over storm response

    MADRID (AP) — Portugal’s Interior Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral has tendered her resignation following mounting criticism over her administration’s handling of a devastating series of winter storms that have claimed at least seven lives across the nation.

    The presidential office announced late Tuesday that Amaral reached her decision after determining she “no longer maintained the requisite personal and political credentials to continue in her ministerial capacity.” President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s administration confirmed the departure, noting that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro would assume temporary oversight of the interior portfolio.

    Portugal, an EU member state with approximately 10.7 million inhabitants, has endured catastrophic weather conditions throughout the winter season. Successive storms have unleashed widespread flooding, triggered dangerous landslides, caused extensive power disruptions, and inflicted severe damage to critical infrastructure nationwide.

    Amaral, who previously practiced law, faced particular scrutiny for her department’s perceived inadequate response to Storm Kristin in late January. The severe weather event resulted in six fatalities according to domestic media assessments. Another life was lost last week when Storm Leonardo battered both Portugal and neighboring Spain.

    This ministerial resignation marks the first cabinet-level departure since Montenegro’s center-right coalition government assumed power in May of the previous year.

  • Russia says it will stick to New START’s nuclear arms limits as long as US does

    Russia says it will stick to New START’s nuclear arms limits as long as US does

    MOSCOW — In a significant development regarding nuclear arms control, Russia has declared it will continue honoring the expired New START treaty limitations provided the United States demonstrates equivalent compliance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced this position Wednesday during an address to the lower house of parliament, marking a crucial moment in post-treaty nuclear diplomacy.

    The New START agreement, which formally expired on February 5, had represented the final bilateral nuclear arms control pact between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. Its expiration created the first situation in over fifty years without active constraints on Russian and American atomic arsenals, raising global concerns about a potential uncontrolled arms race.

    Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s moratorium on exceeding treaty limits would remain effective “as long as the U.S. doesn’t exceed these limits.” He stated that Moscow would adopt “a responsible and balanced approach based on analysis of U.S. military policies,” indicating that Russian compliance would be directly contingent on American actions.

    The foreign minister expressed cautious optimism about Washington’s intentions, noting that “we have reason to believe that the United States is in no hurry to abandon these limits and that they will be observed for the foreseeable future.” He pledged that Russia would “closely monitor how things are actually unfolding” and remain prepared to “work actively on a new agreement” if American cooperation materializes.

    This development follows recent diplomatic engagements in Abu Dhabi, where Russian and U.S. negotiators discussed nuclear arms control alongside Ukraine peace talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that both parties recognized “the need to start talks on the issue as soon as possible,” though he dismissed speculation about any informal agreements to extend the treaty.

    The original New START treaty, signed in 2010 by Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, had established strict limits of 1,550 deployed warheads and 700 delivery systems for each nation. The agreement included comprehensive verification mechanisms through on-site inspections, though these were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously suspended Moscow’s participation in the treaty in February 2023, citing NATO’s hostile stance toward Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, while simultaneously emphasizing that Russia would continue respecting the pact’s numerical limits.

  • Samu ‘devastated’ to miss out on World Cup with Spain because of serious knee injury

    Samu ‘devastated’ to miss out on World Cup with Spain because of serious knee injury

    In a devastating blow to Spain’s World Cup aspirations, rising football star Samu Aghehowa has been ruled out of competition after sustaining a severe knee injury during Porto’s league match against Sporting Lisbon. The 21-year-old forward tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Monday’s 1-1 draw, abruptly ending his hopes of representing Spain in the upcoming global tournament.

    The young athlete expressed profound shock and disappointment through an emotional Instagram statement, describing the incident as “the unluckiest day” of his professional career. “I suffered a serious injury. I still can’t believe it. I’m devastated, speechless,” Aghehowa shared with his followers. He acknowledged facing several months of rehabilitation but maintained an optimistic outlook, emphasizing his trust in “God’s plan” and determination to return stronger.

    Aghehowa’s absence creates a significant void in Spain’s offensive lineup. The promising talent had rapidly ascended to international prominence, making his senior team debut earlier this year and subsequently contributing to Spain’s gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His combination of technical skill and scoring ability had made him a likely candidate for Spain’s World Cup roster.

    Porto FC confirmed the diagnosis and will begin immediate treatment protocols for their injured player. The club faces its own challenges with the loss of the young forward during a critical period in both domestic and European competitions. Medical experts typically estimate recovery periods of 6-9 months for ACL injuries, which would extend well beyond the World Cup timeframe.

    The Spanish football federation issued a statement expressing support for Aghehowa while acknowledging the disappointment of losing such a promising talent ahead of the global competition. Team officials must now reconsider their strategic options and potential replacements for the tournament.

  • Meet France’s controversial ice dance Olympic champions

    Meet France’s controversial ice dance Olympic champions

    In a stunning display of athletic artistry, French ice dancers Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry ascended to the pinnacle of their sport by capturing the gold medal at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday evening. Their victory culminated an ice dance competition of exceptional caliber, showcasing a podium of world-class talent.

    The newly-crowned champions outperformed American spouses and three-time world champions Evan Bates and Madison Chock, who secured silver, while Canadian duo Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier earned bronze. Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry demonstrated supremacy across both competition segments—posting the highest scores in the rhythm dance and free dance—despite having partnered merely last November.

    Their championship performance featured a technically impeccable rhythm dance set to Madonna’s ‘Vogue,’ followed by an emotionally resonant free dance choreographed to the soundtrack of ‘The Whale.’ The French pair edged out their American rivals by a razor-thin margin of 0.46 points, a differential largely attributable to superior technical execution in their step sequence.

    The victory marks Cizeron’s second consecutive Olympic gold, having previously triumphed at Beijing 2022 with former partner Gabriella Papadakis. Since joining forces with Fournier Beaudry, the pair has dominated international competition, claiming victory in five of six major events including the 2026 European Championships.

    Their rapid competitive success, however, unfolds against a backdrop of significant off-ice drama. Cizeron’s partnership with Papadakis—his childhood skating companion with whom he won five world titles—dissolved amid considerable acrimony. Papadakis’s recent memoir alleged an ‘unbalanced’ relationship characterized by controlling behavior, claims which Cizeron has vehemently denied as a ‘smear campaign’ and is challenging through legal channels.

    Fournier Beaudry’s path to Olympic glory proved equally complex. Previously partnered with Canadian skater Nikolaj Sorensen—also her romantic partner—she transitioned to representing France after Sorensen received a six-year suspension following a sexual assault allegation from 2012. Sorensen maintains his innocence, while Fournier Beaudry’s public support of him has drawn criticism from the anonymous complainant.

    Through accelerated citizenship proceedings, Fournier Beaudry obtained French nationality in November 2025, enabling the new partnership to compete. When questioned about her Canadian roots during post-event interviews, she acknowledged the foundational support from Canadian training institutions while embracing her new competitive identity.

    Reflecting on their tumultuous journey to Olympic gold, Cizeron emphasized their shared resilience: ‘We created a protective bubble, supporting each other through the distractions. Our mutual love for the sport and for each other sustained our focus. These moments of triumph are precious—we won’t allow them to be diminished.’

  • Biathlete apologises to ex-girlfriend and team-mate

    Biathlete apologises to ex-girlfriend and team-mate

    Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid finds himself at the center of an Olympic controversy that has shifted attention from athletic achievement to personal scandal. The athlete’s emotional confession of infidelity during live television coverage following his bronze medal win in the men’s 20km event has sparked intense media scrutiny.

    During what should have been a celebratory moment for Norwegian biathlon, Laegreid tearfully described the past week as ‘the worst of his life’ after his girlfriend ended their relationship due to his unfaithfulness. The timing of his revelation proved particularly unfortunate as it occurred alongside compatriot Johan-Olav Botn’s golden moment—a victory Botn dedicated to their late teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who passed away in December.

    The situation escalated when Laegreid’s former partner contributed anonymously to Norwegian newspaper VG, expressing her frustration at being thrust into the media spotlight against her will. ‘It’s hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world,’ she stated, confirming they had been in contact regarding his public apology.

    Laegreid subsequently issued a formal statement through Norway’s state broadcaster NRK, expressing regret for diverting attention from Botn’s achievement and apologizing to his ex-girlfriend for her unwanted media exposure. ‘I deeply regret bringing up this personal story on what was a day of celebration for Norwegian biathlon,’ the athlete acknowledged, adding that he would not be addressing further questions on the matter.

    The controversy has drawn criticism from within the sporting community, with five-time biathlon gold medalist Johannes Thingnes Boe describing Laegreid’s actions as ‘completely wrong’ in comments to NRK.