BBC News Europe

Russia scales back Moscow Victory Day parade, blaming Ukraine threat

Russia has announced that its annual Victory Day parade commemorating Soviet victory in World War Two will be significantly reduced, with no military vehicles or cadets participating. Moscow attributes the scaled-back event to security threats from Ukraine. The May 9th celebration is traditionally one of Russia's most important patriotic events.

Why it matters: The diminished parade suggests Russia's concerns about domestic security vulnerabilities and potentially limited military resources amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. This represents a notable symbolic retreat for a regime that typically uses the Victory Day celebration to project strength and military prowess.

Russian paramilitary carried out air strikes in Mali as rebels advanced, footage shows

Video evidence reveals that Russian Africa Corps conducted air strikes in Mali last weekend during a withdrawal from a key northern base. The attacks occurred as rebel forces advanced in the region, marking a significant military engagement by Russian paramilitary forces in West Africa.

Why it matters: This highlights Russia's continued military involvement in Africa through paramilitary operations, even as its forces face setbacks. The incident underscores the complex security situation in Mali and Russia's strategic interests in the Sahel region.

France and UK advise citizens to leave Mali after rebel attacks

The UK has issued similar advice, telling citizens who stay, that they do so at their own risk.

Why it matters: The travel warnings reflect deteriorating security conditions in Mali and highlight broader instability in the Sahel region. The advisories signal growing concerns about the safety of Western nationals in the West African nation.

Can Griezmann end his Atletico love story in style?

Antoine Griezmann's long love affair with Atletico Madrid is drawing to a close, but can the Frenchman bid farewell by securing the Champions League?

Kim Jong Un praises troops who 'self-blasted' to avoid capture by Ukraine

It confirms suspicions that North Korean soldiers are being told to detonate their grenades to kill themselves.

A record-breaking semi-final - the antidote to modern football?

A scintillating semi-final first leg between Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich left many to wonder if this was the antidote to modern football.

Watch: Elderly woman rescued by robot from Ukraine's frontline

The Ukrainian army spotted the woman using a drone and sent the machine to her rescue as she was trying to leave her war-torn village.

Ex-TV showgirl's pardon at centre of widening Italian scandal

Nicole Minetti was convicted of facilitating prostitution in connection with the notorious "bunga bunga" parties at Silvio Berlusconi's villa.

Suspected gunman aged 89 held in Greece after five wounded

Five people were left with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Greece's state broadcaster ERT.

France murder victim identified after 20 years and suspect arrested

Hakima Boukerouis is the fifth woman to be identified through an international police campaign.

Third Ukrainian strike hits Russian oil refinery and prompts evacuations

Residents near a burning refinery in Tuapse are told to leave, and the Kremlin accuses Kyiv of destabilising global energy markets.

Swarm of 10,000 bees settles on bike outside Louvre in Paris

The swarm gathers underneath the saddle of a bike locked to the railings of a metro station.

Ukraine accuses Israel of receiving shipments of grain 'stolen' by Russia

Israel's foreign minister says it has received no evidence to support the claim that a vessel carrying grain from occupied Ukraine has reached Haifa.