Ukraine

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of addressing the crisis in the Middle East during his participation in the Special European Council taking place in Brussels from Wednesday to Thursday. 

Over the two-day summit, EU leaders discuss economy and competitiveness issues, Ukraine, Türkiye, the Middle East and Lebanon.

The Netherlands has delivered three more F-16 fighter jets to a training base in Romania. These aircraft will be utilized for training Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel, further enhancing their proficiency in operating advanced fighter jets.

China emphasized today the necessity for extensive groundwork before the Ukraine peace conference, slated to be held in Switzerland. This statement follows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's assertion that Beijing had committed to backing the summit, as per AFP reports.

The latest forecast, made 100 days before the Paris Olympics, predicts that the United States will once again lead the medals table, securing the top position for the fourth consecutive Summer Games.

Amidst political tensions in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has made a bold call for President Rumen Radev to take action and replace caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev. The leader of BSP, Kornelia Ninova, speaking on behalf of the party's parliamentary group, emphasized the need for decisive leadership in the face of the country's current challenges.

A devastating Russian missile attack shook the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least 10 residents. The assault, which occurred just after 09:00 a.m. local time, targeted a busy part of the city, causing three powerful explosions that struck a multi-story building.

Greece has plans to develop an air defense system akin to Israel's sophisticated Iron Dome, aimed at safeguarding the country against airborne threats, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias told Skai TV Wednesday.

Bansko, Bulgaria's premier mountain resort, experienced a surge in winter tourism, with more than 190,000 visitors flocking to its slopes during the season. The influx of tourists from Bulgaria, neighboring Balkan countries, various European nations, and even the United States has bolstered the region's tourism sector, marking significant progress in its post-pandemic recovery.

Amid the escalating violence in Ukraine's eastern front, recent developments indicate a significant deterioration in the situation, with the Ukrainian military openly acknowledging the challenges they face. The New York Times reports that despite substantial losses, enemy forces are intensifying their efforts, leveraging their manpower and ammunition advantage to gain tactical advantages.

Europeans' interest in the upcoming European Parliament election is significantly higher than before the last vote five years ago, according to an EU poll released on Wednesday, with poverty, health, jobs and defence seen as top campaign issues.