Ukrainian drones struck a warehouse in the region around St. Petersburg overnight from Thursday to Friday, causing a fire, according to Russian authorities and local media. According to the governor of the Leningrad region, at least fifty drones reached the area, while Russia claims to have shot down a total of 571 drones last night across fifteen regions and the Crimea.
A rape case has sparked outrage in France. A 16-year-old boy born in Morocco, who is alleged to be a drug dealer, is said to have attacked and raped an 80-year-old woman.
The platform is accused of allowing the sale of illegal, dangerous, or counterfeit products to European consumers without implementing the safeguards required by regulations.
Dutch singer Sophie Straat’s performance at the Ghent Festivities left a bitter aftertaste after the 31-year-old Amsterdam native began shouting discriminatory slogans. Many Belgians took issue with the remarks and filed complaints with Unia, the Belgian independent interfederal public institution that combats discrimination and promotes equality.
European Member States have reached an agreement on a 21st sanctions package against Russia, with which the European Union is once again ramping up pressure on Moscow. The most notable measure is the freezing of the price cap on Russian oil at $44.10 per barrel, meaning that Western shipping companies, insurers, and other market players may only participate in the trade if the selling price remains below that level.
Greece is on the verge of finalizing a deal to purchase an Israeli air defense system worth up to 3.5 billion euros. According to Reuters and other sources, the KYSEA Security Council will review the matter on Thursday, along with the purchase of several types of drones.
At the Benedictine Abbey of Notre-Dame de Bellaigue in the French department of Puy-de-Dôme, an internal conflict has escalated into a kidnapping that has turned the monastery upside down. The abbot, Father Placide, was held captive for two days in late June, and upon his return, according to French media, he showed signs of severe physical abuse.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a new nuclear agreement that is officially intended for civilian nuclear energy, but is causing concern in Washington and the Middle East. The agreement involves a 30-year partnership under which U.S. companies will provide technology, expertise, and infrastructure for the construction of Saudi nuclear power plants.
According to a BBC investigation, a Scottish police officer who took his own life in May turns out to have been a violent rapist for years, sexually assaulting women for at least fourteen years and, in some cases, attempting to kill them.
Belgian Princess Eléonore (18) will move to Utrecht this fall to begin her university studies. The youngest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will start the English-language bachelor’s program in Liberal Arts & Sciences at University College Utrecht in September.