Hungary's decision to block a €90bn EU loan for Ukraine has provoked sharp criticism from fellow European leaders and exposed deep divisions ahead of next month's Hungarian elections.After a tense summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán refused to lift his veto, posting on X: "No oil = no money." He linked his move to a dispute over a damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline that...

A crippled Russian tanker loaded with liquefied natural gas and heavy fuel is drifting without a crew in the central Mediterranean, raising urgent alarm over the risk of a major ecological incident.Italian authorities, who joined eight other EU governments in urging the European Commission to act, say the vessel presents a severe and immediate danger after sustaining serious damage near Maltese...

Ukraine faces a growing risk of depleted missile supplies as the conflict in the Middle East draws down Western stockpiles and manufacturing capacity, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned during talks in London.He argued that an extended confrontation involving the US, Israel and Iran diverts military resources and attention away from Kyiv, while also driving up energy prices that harm Ukraine's...

Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides said the island's two British military bases are a legacy of colonial rule and called for an open review of their status once the Middle East crisis eases.He made the remarks as he arrived in Brussels for an EU leaders' summit, signalling that talks with London will be on the agenda in due course.Under the 1960 treaty that granted Cyprus independence, the UK...

When Finland prepares for national emergencies, supermarkets are part of the plan.Companies like S Group and Kesko have detailed contingency programs to keep food moving if the country faces military aggression, a widespread cyberattack, or other major disruptions.Finland’s approach builds on a long-standing Nordic practice of integrating civilian and military readiness. Since 2022, after...

A Warsaw judge has ruled that Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin may be handed over to Ukraine to face criminal charges, a decision his team says it will challenge in appeal.Judge Dariusz Łubowski's finding does not end the case — Poland's justice minister must make the final call on extradition if the ruling stands.Butyagin, a senior researcher at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg,...

Jerry Leach, a 32-year-old country musician, has died after being trapped beneath a vehicle outside his New Jersey home.According to authorities, Leach was found on March 10 pinned under the rear tire of the car.Police and nearby residents attempted to lift the vehicle to free him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Leach's band announced his death on Instagram, sharing photos and a...

Labour has been plunged into fresh internal conflict after senior figures clashed over a proposed overhaul of settlement rules for migrants.Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner publicly attacked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans, arguing it would be unfair to change the conditions for people who have already built lives in Britain.More than 100 Labour MPs have privately warned Mahmood that...

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned that Moscow does not appear ready to pursue genuine negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, describing the conflict as unpredictable and hazardous.She made the remarks in Strasbourg as EU lawmakers met to discuss the crisis.Von der Leyen argued that any meaningful settlement will require strong security arrangements to deter future...

The government has announced a rise in the national minimum pay that will take effect from April, with adults aged over 21 set to receive an extra 50p an hour, lifting the rate to £12.71.Chancellor Rachel Reeves said around 2.7 million workers will benefit from the increases.Younger workers will also see larger percentage gains. Pay for 18 to 20-year-olds will increase by 85p to £10.85 an...