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.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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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.
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Huge fire in the Croatian capital destroys landmark tower
A devastating fire engulfed the iconic Vjesnik Tower in the heart of Zagreb, Croatia, reducing the historic skyscraper to ruins. The blaze, which erupted near the top of the 16-story building late Monday night, rapidly descended, thwarting the efforts of approximately 100 firefighters to contain it. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as the building was largely unoccupied at the time of the incident. By midday Tuesday, the flames appeared to be extinguished, though the structure continued to smolder, with debris reportedly falling due to the intensity of the fire. Croatian media suggested that the fire may have spread through ventilation shafts. Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomasevic expressed his dismay at the extensive damage, stating, ‘From what I saw on site and inside the building, the damage is unfortunately total.’ He remained optimistic, however, about the potential for restoration, emphasizing the building’s significance in the city’s landscape. The Vjesnik Tower, once home to a prominent newspaper of the same name, had been vacant for over a decade, leaving its future uncertain until this tragic event.
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EU to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft cloud businesses need extra scrutiny
European Union regulators are intensifying their examination of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, contemplating whether these cloud computing giants should be classified as ‘gatekeepers’ under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA, a comprehensive regulatory framework, aims to curb the market dominance of major tech companies by imposing strict operational guidelines and penalties for non-compliance. Gatekeepers are subject to additional obligations, and the EU has already designated other segments of Amazon and Microsoft, such as Amazon Marketplace and LinkedIn, under this classification. However, applying the gatekeeper label to cloud services presents unique challenges, as it is partly based on user numbers, which are less straightforward to measure in the cloud computing sector. The European Commission is investigating whether AWS and Azure serve as critical intermediaries between businesses and consumers, despite not meeting the traditional thresholds. Market research indicates that these providers hold significant market power, influencing both business and consumer landscapes. The recent AWS outage, which disrupted internet services for hours, underscored the critical reliance of digital services, including artificial intelligence, on cloud computing platforms. AWS has expressed confidence that the European Commission will recognize the dynamic and competitive nature of the cloud sector, emphasizing the risks of stifling innovation and increasing costs for European companies. Microsoft has also highlighted the innovative and competitive environment of Europe’s cloud industry, pledging to cooperate with the Commission’s inquiry.
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‘Another feather in his cap’ as parrot named after ‘hat-trick hero’
In a heartwarming tribute to Republic of Ireland footballer Troy Parrott, Dublin Zoo has officially named a male citron-crested cockatoo after the national hero. The 23-year-old striker secured Ireland’s place in the World Cup play-offs with a stunning hat-trick and a 96th-minute winning goal against Hungary on Sunday, sparking nationwide celebrations. The previously unnamed parrot, a critically endangered species, has now been christened Troy in honor of Parrott’s historic achievement. Zookeeper Diana Farrell described the moment as ‘beautiful and joyous,’ emphasizing the zoo’s desire to celebrate ‘Ireland’s hat-trick hero.’ While fans had called for a statue, Farrell humorously noted that naming the parrot was ‘another feather in his cap.’ The newly named Troy, described as ‘chirpy, cheerful, and inquisitive,’ is one of only two citron-crested cockatoos at the zoo. He shares his enclosure with a female named Katie, after Irish footballer Katie McCabe. The zoo hopes the pair will breed as part of the European Zoo Breeding Programme to help conserve the critically endangered species. Farrell expressed optimism that the naming would attract more visitors to the zoo, raising awareness about the plight of these rare parrots. She also hopes the real Troy Parrott will visit his namesake, adding that many zookeepers are avid football fans. The tribute has already garnered significant attention, with Dublin Airport even temporarily renaming itself ‘Troy Parrott Airport’ on social media.
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Further arrests after fire at asylum accommodation
In a significant development in the investigation of a fire at a building housing international protection applicants in Drogheda, County Louth, two additional men have been apprehended. The incident, which occurred on 31 October, necessitated the rescue of five individuals, including four children. Earlier, Gardaí (Irish police) had arrested and charged two men in their 20s with arson-related offenses. The latest arrests include a man in his 20s detained in Dublin on Monday and a man in his 40s taken into custody in Drogheda on Tuesday morning. Both individuals are currently held at a Garda station in County Louth. Authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward as the investigation continues.