Europe
Ukraine / Russia: five hundred prisoners exchanged
On 5 March, Ukraine and Russia exchanged two hundred prisoners of war, with a further exchange of three hundred the next day. The swap, agreed during talks in Geneva in February, marks one…
EU: von der Leyen affirms commitment to international law
Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to international law after her remarks on 9 March about a changing global order sparked controversy. She had said that Europe could ‘no…
Hungary / Ukraine: heated accusations ahead of election
Tensions have risen between Hungary and Ukraine ahead of Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election on 12 April. Viktor Orbán has accused Ukraine of attempting to influence the vote and even preparing hostile actions against…
Social media: growing disruption caused by deepfake videos
Security experts are warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in online disinformation campaigns after a British academic discovered a deepfake video using his likeness. Professor Alan Read of King’s College London…
European bank chief urges Europe to strengthen its ‘strategic autonomy’
Looking on at the conflict in the Middle East, the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño, has urged Europe to strengthen its ‘strategic autonomy’ more quickly. She warned that conflict…
EU: tensions flare as Hungary vetoes aid to Ukraine
Tensions flared in Brussels as Hungary vetoed both an emergency EU loan for Ukraine and a new sanctions package against Russia. Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of disrupting oil transit through the…
Russia: soldiers describe severe brutality and allege executions
Four Russian soldiers have described severe brutality within their own ranks during the war in Ukraine, including alleged executions of troops who refused orders. In a BBC documentary, two men said they witnessed…
Ukraine: ceasefire negotiations make no substantial progress
After two days, negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the USA ended without a ceasefire agreement, highlighting how far apart both sides remain. Discussions addressed military monitoring and possible prisoner exchanges, yet the central…
EU leaders face difficult decision on Russian steel
Across Europe, leaders face a difficult decision over Russian steel imports. Although finished steel was banned after the invasion of Ukraine, semi-finished steel continues to enter the EU because several countries rely on…
Southern Baptists bring timeless message to Winter Olympics
Southern Baptists are seizing a remarkable evangelistic opportunity as the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan / Cortina. International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries serving across Italy have partnered with hundreds of American volunteers…
