All Europe
First LookPutin's draft divides families, spurs vows of more protestsAs Russia escalates its military campaign against Ukraine, shock over the mobilization is reverberating across the country.
More troops, more annexations: Putin announces new Ukraine plansAfter Russia鈥檚 defeat in Kharkiv, the pressure was on Vladimir Putin to respond. Today he did, by announcing the escalation of the war in Ukraine through the mobilization of 300,000 Russian troops.
First LookPutin mobilizes new Russian troops, makes veiled nuclear threatUnder pressure from a Ukrainian counteroffensive, President Vladimir Putin is ordering a partial mobilization in Russia, calling as many as 300,000 men into military service. The move risks turning Russians against the war and Mr. Putin, experts say.
First LookU.S. hosts Armenia, Azerbaijan in peace talks amid cease-fireAs a fragile cease-fire holds, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Armenia's and Azerbaijan's foreign ministers on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. The meeting comes days after a U.S. congressional delegation visited Armenia.聽
First LookUkrainian regions plan votes to join Russia, alarming the WestSeparatists in four Ukrainian regions are planning referendums that would allow Russia to annex 15% of Ukraine. The votes could lead to a possible conflict with the West.
After queen, new king and prime minister seek to steady ship of stateBritain鈥檚 new monarch and new prime minister start their jobs in difficult circumstances; each will be called on to protect the country鈥檚 equilibrium.
Rout in Ukraine fuels debate in Russia: Ease up or double down?The rout of Russian forces in Kharkiv reignited debate in Moscow over what to do next. While critics of the war have found new voice, even louder are those calling for escalation in Ukraine.
New Wave filmmaker Godard lived France鈥檚 love-hate relationship with USFrench film director Jean-Luc Godard first found inspiration in American film, then rejected the U.S., epitomizing France鈥檚 ambiguous attitude toward the country.聽
First Look'Sweden first' party surges to success, furthers right-wing trendThe Sweden Democrats secured their election Wednesday in a vote that had been too close to call. The anti-immigration party is now the nation鈥檚 second-most popular political party, continuing a far-right political trend across Europe.聽
Britain鈥檚 immigrants: Mournful of the queen, but mindful of empireMany immigrant Britons have mixed feelings about the queen, revering her sense of duty, but increasingly aware of the monarchy鈥檚 role in colonialism.
First LookArmenia-Azerbaijan border conflict flares up, Russia intervenesFighting at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border on Tuesday killed nearly 100 troops across both sides. Control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has provoked conflict for decades,聽but recent fighting is the first since聽a 2020 peace deal between the countries.
First Look'They left very quietly': Russian forces abandon Ukrainian villageThe small village of Hrakove in Ukraine has only 30 people who have remained in the town compared to the 1,000 residents before Russian troops invaded. On Sept. 9, Russian forces withdrew from Hrakove after a successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces.
For Ukrainians rooting out Russians in south, patience paysFor the Ukrainian resistance preparing for months for the promised military advance on Russian forces in Kherson, maintaining a patient equilibrium has been key.
鈥榃hy do we have a queen?鈥� Complex reactions in the Commonwealth.The death of Queen Elizabeth II has been met with sorrow in the United Kingdom. But in the former colonies of the British Empire, it has stirred up memories of past injustices that dampen sympathy.
First LookEurope readies a plan to stay warm and check winter fuel costsWith cold months approaching, the EU has drafted a series of measures aimed at reducing gas and electricity prices and reducing energy consumption.聽Russia has said it will not reopen聽its main Nord Stream 1 pipeline to supply Europe with fuel this winter.
Ukraine鈥檚 homefront: People fill void left by overwhelmed governmentWar has forced millions in Ukraine from their homes, overtaxing the battle-focused government鈥檚 safety nets. To the rescue have come civilians who feel compelled to take responsibility for one another.
First LookAnti-immigration party opposes Swedish left in vote too close to callIn Sweden鈥檚 latest elections, the center-right opposition holds a razor-thin edge over the governing Social Democrats with more than 94% of the ballots counted. Its popularity was won on rising fears of crime in largely immigrant neighborhoods.
First LookHas the tide turned in Ukraine? Russians routed in northeast.In a speedy counteroffensive, Ukraine retook much of a key eastern region, reversing hard-won Russian gains. The sudden, striking success is causing recriminations in Moscow and prompting some observers to claim Ukraine has turned the war in its favor.聽
First Look'A constant through everything': Britain mourns Queen ElizabethAs Britain mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II scores of admirers are congregating at the palace gates to honor their longest-reigning monarch. Her son, King Charles III, will take the throne in a tumultuous time for the nation.聽
First Look鈥楻ussia will be free鈥�: Putin critic makes jail a soapbox for dissentA Russian dissident won鈥檛 let聽the Kremlin鈥檚 continuing crackdown聽on free expression shut him up, even as聽he faces up to 10 years in prison. Speaking from his jail cell, Ilya Yashin urges Russians to dissent and become part of a free world: 鈥淚t is only our responsibility.鈥�
