The Kremlin declared Thursday that Russia will retaliate for a string of Ukrainian attacks–most notably a deadly explosion targeting a passenger train in Bryansk–at a time of its own choosing, firmly rejecting Ukraine’s offer of a summit and ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled Ukraine’s leadership a “terrorist regime” and vowed that the response will be decisive.

Residents were reeling Wednesday from the collapse of two bridges in Russian regions bordering Ukraine that killed seven people after authorities said they were “caused by explosions” in “acts of terrorism.”

A disturbing surge in antisemitic attacks has swept across France in recent days, triggering alarm among Jewish communities and prompting renewed calls for urgent government action.

Europe is on the front lines of a growing water crisis, as climate change accelerates drought conditions and threatens water security for millions across the continent. With over 50% of European and Mediterranean territory experiencing drought in mid-May — the highest level since monitoring began in 2012 — experts warn that the situation demands urgent, coordinated action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump on Wednesday that Moscow will retaliate for Ukraine’s surprise drone strike deep inside Russian territory, while also offering to assist U.S. efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table over its nuclear ambitions.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected a revised U.S. proposal to limit and eventually end uranium enrichment in the country, declaring it a direct affront to Iran’s sovereignty and independence. The rejection throws U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations into renewed crisis, as the Trump administration considers its next move.

President Donald Trump’s trade team sent letters to foreign nations facing reciprocal tariffs seeking their best trade offers by Wednesday as the administration looks to make deals.

The United States will drastically scale back its military presence in Syria, consolidating forces into a single base, part of a sweeping policy overhaul declared by newly appointed U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack.

Iran is rebuilding its air defense systems around key nuclear sites amid fears of potential Israeli or U.S. strikes, according to the Financial Times. Satellite imagery and intelligence reports show Tehran has moved missile launchers, including Russian-made S-300s, to protect uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow.

The biggest evacuation in the German city of Cologne since the Second World War is underway after the discovery of three unexploded bombs dropped by Allied forces 80 years ago.

The Netherlands’ government collapsed Tuesday after Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof resigned following the decision by the leader of the anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV), Geert Wilders, to quit the coalition over a dispute about asylum and immigration.

Ukraine launched a major underwater strike on the Crimean Bridge early Tuesday, severely damaging the only direct land link between Russia and the occupied peninsula and severing a crucial supply route for Moscow’s war effort.

Liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has emerged victorious in South Korea’s snap presidential election, winning a projected 51.7% of the national vote according to a joint exit poll conducted by KBS, MBC, and SBS. His conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, trailed with 39.3%, following months of national upheaval after the ouster of former president Yoon Suk Yeol.

Millions of South Koreans cast their ballots Tuesday in a snap presidential election sparked by the dramatic impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who now faces rebellion charges after a brief martial law declaration in December. The election comes at a time of deep national division — but also on the heels of decades of explosive spiritual growth among South Korean Christians, who are praying for revival amid political uncertainty.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted once again this week, spewing lava fountains and ash plumes into the Sicilian sky. The dramatic display of fire and smoke lit up the night near the eastern coastal city of Catania, temporarily closing local airports and prompting civil protection alerts, though no immediate injuries or fatalities were reported.