King Charles and Prince William congratulated the England football team on reaching the Euros final, urging them to avoid penalties drama. A tragic triple murder in Hertfordshire involving the family of BBC Five Live commentator John Hunt is under investigation, with suspect Kyle Clifford at large. England fans celebrated a dramatic win against the Netherlands, securing a place in the final against Spain. Violet Affleck, daughter of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, advocates for mask mandates in medical facilities. Labour's planning reforms to build houses on the green belt face opposition from homeowners. Prince William marks one year of his Homewards project to end homelessness.

Russia launched a new wave of missile strikes on Ukraine, targeting power facilities and causing significant damage to the country's energy infrastructure. The attacks, part of a strategy to demoralize the Ukrainian population and weaponize winter, have led to widespread blackouts and water shortages. Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, remain defiant, urging citizens to conserve energy and continue resisting Russian aggression. The Kremlin faces setbacks in the war, with Russian-installed authorities in Kherson ordering evacuations ahead of Ukrainian advances. The situation has led to increased hardships for Ukrainian civilians, but the nation remains resolute in its fight for victory.

Russian soldiers who refuse to fight in Ukraine are being detained in harsh conditions, including 'torture pits,' according to reports from soldiers' families and independent media. The article highlights the struggles of these soldiers, many from poorer regions and ethnic minorities, who face intimidation and poor treatment. The Kremlin's difficulties in maintaining troop levels and morale are exacerbated by these refusals, with experts suggesting that Russia's military strategy is unsustainable. The situation has led to increased use of social media by families to locate missing soldiers, reminiscent of past opposition movements against Russian wars.

The article discusses the opening of the NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau, Moldova, which has caused a divide in Moldovan society. The office, which was supposed to open in 2015 but was delayed, is seen by some as a positive step towards strengthening Moldova's partnership with NATO, while others, particularly pro-Russian parties, view it as a threat to Moldova's neutrality and security. The presence of Russian troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria is highlighted as a real security concern. Moldova's constitutionally neutral status is debated in the context of its growing ties with NATO. The article also touches on the implications of Moldova's NATO partnership for its relations with the European Union, suggesting that it does not conflict with EU interests in the region.

The article by Kate Baklitskaya discusses the rise of far-right groups in Ukraine, highlighting a recent march in Kiev by 2,000 supporters of the ultra-nationalist movement National Corps. The movement, which originated from the Azov regiment, is gaining traction due to Ukraine's economic hardships, corruption, and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Despite their increased activity, far-right parties like Svoboda have low voter support. Freedom House has identified these groups as a threat to Ukrainian democracy, and there are concerns about the state's response to nationalist-linked violence, such as the attack on a Roma camp in Lviv. The article suggests that the far-right's show of force undermines state legitimacy and democratic institutions, and calls for effective measures to combat extremism in Ukraine.

Ruslan Mishanin, an air traffic controller from Odesa, Ukraine, recounts the heart-wrenching moment he bid farewell to his family as they fled to safety in Western Europe. His daughter Daria's tearful goodbye moved UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, highlighting the human cost of the war. Ruslan's family now resides in Germany, facing challenges of integration and separation. Despite the hardships, Ruslan remains grateful for the support from Britain and other European allies. He hopes for peace and a reunion with his family in Ukraine.

Moldova has banned Russian news and political broadcasts, which has been met with public disapproval. The ban, enforced on February 12, targets 'media propaganda' and is officially justified by Russia's non-ratification of the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. Moldovan citizens, particularly Russian speakers and those with family in Russia, plan to circumvent the ban by accessing news online. The Democratic Party (PDM) initiated the ban, which has been criticized as political point scoring rather than a genuine effort to combat propaganda. Moldovan President Igor Dodon opposed the ban, but the constitutional court ruled his signature was unnecessary, and Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu signed the bill. Moscow plans to appeal to the Council of Europe. Political analysts suggest the ban is undemocratic and ineffective, with PDM leader Vladimir Plahotniuc possibly using it to gain political advantage ahead of elections.

Ukrainian men, including a construction worker named Serhiy, are avoiding conscription efforts as military officials serve call-up papers in public places like beaches and churches. Ukraine's military faced criticism for a short-lived policy restricting men's movement, which President Zelensky revoked due to public discontent. With over 20,000 casualties a month, concerns are rising about the recruitment tactics and the understatement of losses. Despite Ukraine's resilience against Russia's invasion, there is alarm over the lack of well-trained and equipped troops to sustain the defense and counter-attacks on the extensive front line.

Russian forces are reportedly detaining Ukrainian civilians in captured areas, raising concerns they are being used as human shields, a violation of international law. Accounts from fleeing families and officials describe men being held captive while women and children are forced to leave, with some being used to protect military equipment. Human rights groups and local authorities report numerous instances of civilians being taken hostage, reflecting tactics seen in previous Russian conflicts.

The Ukrainian Army is on high alert for a potential Russian invasion, particularly in the border city of Avdiyvka, which has been in conflict for eight years. Ukrainian forces, including the 25th Airborne Brigade, express readiness and confidence in their ability to repel any attack, citing improved military capabilities and high morale. Despite Moscow's denials of invasion plans, the threat is perceived as real by Ukrainian troops stationed near the front lines.