Jakub Krupa

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed deputy presidential office head Iryna Mudra without giving a reason, shortly after NABU and SAPO announced an alleged money-laundering network involving a senior presidential official and others. Parliament approved Zelenskyy’s nominees for foreign and defence ministers despite controversy over the dismissal of popular former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who called for wartime presidential elections. The live coverage also reports a Ukraine-Russia prisoner exchange involving 103 people on each side, Russian attacks on Ukraine and fuel restrictions in Moscow linked to refinery disruptions and seasonal demand. A Ukrainian diver was arrested in Croatia over the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and is expected to face extradition proceedings in Germany, while Estonia investigated possible Russian involvement in an arson attack on a defence contractor.

A bus carrying 57 Polish pilgrims and two drivers overturned on Hungary’s M3 motorway near Mezőkeresztes while returning from Međugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twelve people died, 10 were seriously injured and 37 sustained minor injuries. The driver survived and was taken into custody after early reports suggested he may have fallen asleep. Polish prosecutors will lead the investigation, while Poland’s infrastructure authorities announced enhanced checks on buses and drivers’ working hours.

A major wildfire near Lokva Rogoznica and Omiš on Croatia’s coast killed one person, injured 42 and forced about 1,200 people, including tourists, to evacuate; seven remained in life-threatening condition. Wildfires also affected England, France and Germany as extreme heat and exceptionally dry conditions heightened fire risks across Europe. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Britain a “tinderbox,” pledged a summit on fire-service resources and supported military assistance, while the government temporarily banned disposable-barbecue sales. France reported 474 arrests linked to suspected wildfire-starting since July, and the EU’s Copernicus service warned of very extreme conditions across central and eastern Europe. Mount Etna’s ash also caused continued flight disruption and the closure of Sicily’s Catania airport.

The UK recorded a provisional 38.1C in London’s Kew Gardens, making 13 August the hottest day of 2026 and the country’s fifth-hottest day on record. Extreme heat affected much of Europe, with temperatures above 40C in parts of France and other countries and more than 135 million Europeans expected to experience temperatures of at least 35C. In Greece, gale-force winds drove wildfires across the Chalkidiki peninsula and elsewhere, forcing more than 250 tourists and residents to evacuate the resort village of Siviri by boat; firefighters and aircraft battled the flames, and one firefighter was injured. Wildfires also threatened homes in England’s West Midlands. Officials and experts warned that drought, prolonged heat and climate change are increasing the risks, while UK temperatures were expected to remain unusually high through the weekend before easing.

Lech Poznan’s Europa League second leg against KÍ Klaksvík was postponed from Thursday to Friday after heavy fog repeatedly disrupted the Polish champions’ two-day journey to the Faroe Islands. Their flight was cancelled on Wednesday, diverted to Bergen on Thursday and eventually reached Vágar shortly before the original kickoff window. UEFA rescheduled the match for 7pm local time on Friday. KÍ generally advise visiting teams to arrive early and use Atlantic Airways, while Lech had travelled by private charter; the ordeal drew widespread attention from fans and mockery from domestic rivals Legia Warsaw.

Former European Court of Human Rights and Hungarian Supreme Court judge András Baka was elected president by 140 votes to six, replacing Orbán-aligned Tamás Sulyok. Backed by Péter Magyar’s governing Tisza Party, Baka framed his presidency as a break with two decades of political division, calling for institutional accountability, restraint, constitutional reform and stronger ties with Europe while warning against revenge. The live blog also reported that 4.41 million people displaced from Ukraine held temporary protection in the EU at the end of June, rising hotel prices and wildfire concerns ahead of a total solar eclipse, EU-UK discussions on security cooperation, migration tensions involving Spain and Morocco and Latvia and Belarus, and a jellyfish-related shutdown at France’s Gravelines nuclear plant.

Ukraine’s military confirmed it struck the Taneco oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, as part of efforts to increase pressure on Moscow. Russian authorities reported that the wider drone attack killed 13 people and wounded 75, including seven Uzbek citizens, and opened a criminal investigation. Ukraine says Russia is rapidly developing its Rassvet satellite network to rival Starlink, which has supported Ukrainian battlefield communications. The live updates also covered Estonia’s governing coalition losing its parliamentary majority, Germany expanding its anti-drone police unit, and European heatwaves, drought, wildfires and dangerously low water levels on the Vistula, Rhine and Danube.

Ceuta president Juan Jesús Vivas told European lawmakers that 3,000 to 5,000 of the roughly 80,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco during last week’s crisis remain in the Spanish enclave, while about 100 people reportedly died. He described the situation as a humanitarian and public-order emergency and called for the immediate expulsion of irregular arrivals. EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner said the episode had shaken European politics but argued that Spain’s response and swift returns preserved the Schengen area’s integrity, while urging the EU to use its leverage with Morocco and improve cooperation on returns and border control. The live coverage also reports Ukraine’s plans to develop domestic ballistic and anti-ballistic systems, warnings in Lithuania about potential Russian false-flag operations, and energy-saving measures in Romania and Hungary as heatwaves, drought and low Danube water levels strain electricity supplies. German media additionally reported that a Ukrainian aircraft near Leipzig airport was carrying military ammunition, though authorities had not confirmed the claim.

German prosecutors, including counter-extremism and terrorism units, are investigating a drone found near Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport carrying an explosive device. Media reports said the device contained highly explosive substances, possibly PETN and semtex, but its detonator failed; a separate unidentified object struck a DHL aircraft, causing minor damage. German federal and Saxony authorities called the incident serious and convened an emergency meeting, while NATO said it was monitoring the investigation. Ukrainian officials and German opposition politicians raised the possibility of Russian involvement, which Moscow denied. The incident comes amid deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian appeals for more air-defence systems, and an extreme heatwave affecting central and eastern Europe.

Spain said that approximately 70,000 of the estimated 72,000 migrants who crossed into Ceuta had returned to Morocco, with authorities processing the status of the remaining people. Interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the Schengen area had not been compromised because Ceuta remains subject to full checks for travel onward to mainland Spain and the EU. EU ministers praised Spain’s response while discussing stronger external-border measures, return hubs and asylum-policy reforms; Denmark called for firmer controls, Italy promoted processing centres abroad, and an EU official criticized Spain’s plan to regularise more than 1.2 million undocumented migrants. Spain rejected claims that it had advance warning of the crossing, while the EU investigated possible involvement by smugglers, human traffickers or Russian disinformation networks. The live coverage also reported at least 75 deaths in the crisis, progress against wildfires near Athens, record temperatures in Austria and elsewhere, and severe drought disrupting river transport and threatening Hungary’s nuclear power supply.

Extreme heat and drought caused exceptionally low Danube water levels, disrupting shipping, hydropower and nuclear cooling across Romania, Hungary and Serbia. Romania used 180 kilograms of explosives to remove a submerged rock and redirect water toward the Cernavodă nuclear plant, although further shutdowns remained possible; Dacia and Ford also suspended production amid an energy shortage. Hungary’s Paks plant faced further restrictions, while Serbia reported sharply reduced hydropower output. Greece battled deadly wildfires near Athens, and France began returning evacuees after its largest recorded wildfire. Separately, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen backed Spain’s handling of irregular entries into Ceuta while calling for stronger EU external borders and closer cooperation with Morocco.

As many as 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta within 24 hours, overwhelming the territory and leaving at least 57 people dead. Spain said most migrants had returned to Morocco and stressed that Ceuta does not provide onward free movement into mainland Spain or the Schengen area. Italy nevertheless announced a temporary suspension of Schengen free-movement arrangements with Spain by air and sea, with targeted checks on non-EU nationals, citing national security and irregular migration. The move triggered debate over its legal basis and political symbolism, while several European governments called for tougher Spanish border and asylum controls. Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez rejected suspension calls, and EU officials emphasized solidarity, cooperation with Morocco and protection of the Union’s external borders.

At least 57 people died, many by drowning or in a crush, after as many as 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta within 24 hours. Spain deployed police and soldiers, established a reception and processing centre, and said more than 48,300 people had returned to Morocco. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed human-trafficking networks and called the influx a violation of Spain's territorial integrity. The crisis prompted emergency EU discussions, criticism from Italy, Sweden and Finland, and warnings over Schengen controls, although the European Commission said Ceuta and Melilla are subject to special rules that prevent onward movement. Morocco denied deliberately facilitating the crossing, while humanitarian groups and local officials described chaotic conditions for migrants, including unaccompanied children.

A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile crashed in an uninhabited area of Poland after crossing Polish and NATO airspace, creating a crater but causing no casualties. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland had no reason to believe it was the intended target, while NATO pledged to take all necessary measures to defend its territory and Poland investigated whether the incident was accidental or deliberate. European leaders condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and called for stronger support, particularly air defenses. The live coverage also reports severe, record-breaking wildfires across Spain, France and Greece, a large attempted migrant crossing into Ceuta, post-Brexit travel problems affecting an elderly Polish couple, and several other European news developments.

France and Spain made cautious progress against major wildfires, but authorities warned that an approaching heatwave and stronger winds could reignite fires, creating three particularly difficult days in Spain. A blaze near Madrid was technically stabilised and some evacuation orders were lifted, while fires continued in other Spanish regions and near Lanton in France. Wildfires also affected Greece, Turkey and other parts of Europe, with two firefighters killed in Crete. Smoke caused very poor or extremely poor air quality across areas of Spain and France, while drought and extreme heat disrupted Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant and led England to declare widespread drought. EU officials stressed that cross-border solidarity was helping firefighting efforts, but experts said prevention, forest management, early-warning systems and landscape maintenance must receive much greater attention as climate change intensifies wildfire risks.

Wildfires in southwestern France and parts of Spain continued to threaten communities as a new heatwave increased fire danger and complicated firefighting. Nearly 4,000 people were evacuated from tourist sites near Bordeaux, while Spain lifted evacuation orders in 13 municipalities but left tens of thousands displaced. Thousands of firefighters, aircraft and international resources were deployed, with authorities reporting gradual progress alongside dangerous flare-ups. The fires caused deaths, destroyed homes and farmland, and damaged vineyards, while health experts warned that smoke and the psychological, physical and economic consequences of major fires can persist for years. UN climate chief Simon Stiell and Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez linked the disasters to worsening climate change and urged faster emissions reductions, adaptation and emergency planning.

Wildfires in France and Spain have burned vast areas, forced hundreds of thousands of evacuations and caused major economic disruption, particularly around Bordeaux’s wine and tourism region. The Gironde fire remains dangerous despite being stabilised, while Spain has recorded more than 170,000 hectares of affected forest since the start of 2026. Authorities face worsening conditions as another prolonged heatwave brings temperatures near or above 40°C, with extreme fire danger expected to hinder firefighting. EU officials warn that the wildfire season could continue into early November and may set new records. Experts attribute the fires’ exceptional speed and intensity to hot, dry and windy conditions amplified by climate change, including the formation of fire-generated thunderstorms that can produce their own winds and lightning.

Wildfires in south-western France forced the total evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, with residents leaving by road and hundreds of boats as fires affected more than 10,000 hectares. Spain declared a national emergency after fires near Madrid and Ávila threatened to merge, prompting mass evacuations and EU assistance; officials and scientists linked the severity of the fires to extreme heat, dry vegetation and the climate emergency, while the far-right Vox party rejected that explanation. The live coverage also reported deadly Russian strikes in Ukraine, a Romanian F-16 shooting down a drone, a split in Poland’s Law and Justice party, and a cabinet reshuffle by Germany’s Friedrich Merz.

Poland’s main opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), has fractured after leader Jarosław Kaczyński required MPs to sign a loyalty pledge barring cooperation with other political groups. Former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki and about 40 MPs, three MEPs and a senator refused to sign, saying they had sought to preserve party unity and broaden its appeal to younger centre-right voters and entrepreneurs. The split follows growing tensions over PiS’s shift toward nationalist politics and its competition with the libertarian-right Confederation and far-right Confederation of the Polish Crown. Morawiecki has not confirmed whether the breakaway group will form a new party, but the division could cost PiS its status as parliament’s largest party and further fragment the right ahead of the October 2027 election.

Mykhailo Fedorov rejected offers of alternative posts in Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government, arguing that only the defence ministry gives him the authority to tackle procurement corruption, transform the army and direct asymmetric operations. His dismissal has triggered rare wartime protests and growing pressure on Zelenskyy to reinstate him. The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, targeting banks, financial institutions, crypto platforms, oil and the Russian military-industrial complex, while granting Greece an exemption to transport Russian LNG to third countries. Ukraine welcomed the measures and urged tighter enforcement. Ireland’s Micheál Martin visited Kyiv but faced questions over the Rusal-owned Aughinish Alumina refinery and its alleged links to Russian military supply chains. The live updates also covered escalating Russian attacks, threats to Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor, stalled US-Russia peace efforts, severe drought and wildfires across Europe, a blocked Pride march in Romania, and an €890m EU fine against Google for breaches of digital competition rules.

Ukraine’s newly appointed armed-forces commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, says troops have been instructed to intensify counteroffensive operations, conduct actions behind Russian lines and expand military technology and capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reshuffle has won broad support for Drapatyi, a respected moderniser, although it comes amid tensions over wartime leadership and personnel shortages. Zelenskyy also discussed air-defence supplies and defence cooperation with senior US and NATO officials. EU ambassadors resumed negotiations on a 21st sanctions package against Russia, while the bloc expanded maritime efforts to verify vessels suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet. The live coverage also reports political upheaval in Hungary, controversy over press freedom in Turkey, record heat-related excess deaths in France, wildfires in southern Europe and other European developments.

Video footage reportedly shows Moroccan-born businessman Abderrahim Fakir repeatedly calling for help while two Italian police officers sit on him during an attempted arrest. Fakir died on Sunday, according to Italian media reports, prompting protests in Bologna and clashes between demonstrators and police.

Hungarian prosecutors searched offices and servers linked to Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party as part of an investigation into alleged misappropriation and other crimes involving the National Culture Fund. Fidesz accused the government of Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party of trying to eliminate the opposition, while prosecutors declined to provide further details and Magyar called for information about the case and seized material. The live coverage also reports Marine Le Pen’s condemnation of the raid, civilian-casualty increases in Russia’s war against Ukraine, worsening shortages and disruption in Russian-occupied Crimea, restrictions on shipping in the Sea of Azov, and a rare Russian live-fire exercise near the UK. It additionally examines Andy Burnham’s EU reset agenda and the international challenges facing his new government.

Andy Burnham became UK prime minister and announced a cabinet aimed at delivering a claimed political “circuit breaker” and a 10-year national plan. John Healey was appointed chancellor, Ed Miliband foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper health secretary and Wes Streeting defence secretary. Angela Rayner returned as housing secretary, while Shabana Mahmood, Pat McFadden and Lisa Nandy retained their posts. Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Darren Jones, Steve Reed, Peter Kyle and several other ministers left government. Burnham promised immediate action on rough sleeping and the cost of living, including possible cuts to energy bills and bus fares, while critics questioned whether his pledges had a credible delivery plan. His first diplomatic call was with Emmanuel Macron, covering Ukraine, Middle East de-escalation, energy and defence cooperation.

Russian strikes killed at least three people and injured three at an infrastructure facility in Odesa, while Ukraine launched hundreds of drones at Moscow, injuring at least 10. The attacks followed one of Russia’s largest recent assaults on Kyiv and came amid a Ukrainian political crisis over President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov and reported pressure on army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, whose leadership denied reports of his removal. Andy Burnham became Britain’s prime minister and pledged continued support for Ukraine. Other developments included Lithuania warning of possible Russian escalation toward the Baltic states and Poland, Hungary investigating state support for BYD, the EU fining AliExpress €550m over illegal goods, and a major fire destroying about 100 homes near Drammen, Norway.

Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Zalgiris must relocate their home leg of a Champions League qualifier after their stadium was booked for a Pitbull concert. Attempts to swap match dates failed due to national holidays and other scheduled European fixtures in the Faroe Islands. The club is expected to play in a smaller venue in Jonava, prompting frustration from team staff and concerns from football officials, while club leadership stressed the financial importance of hosting major concerts.

Thousands protested in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov amid a reported breakdown in relations with army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The domestic crisis overshadowed Keir Starmer’s final visit to Ukraine as UK prime minister, although both leaders stressed the durability of UK-Ukraine relations and Starmer pledged continued British support. Ukraine’s parliament confirmed energy executive Sergii Koretskyi as prime minister. The live coverage also reported allegations linking Ukrainian intelligence officers to an attempted assassination in Monaco, the EU’s failure to agree a new sanctions package against Russia, Poland’s prosecution of a Ukrainian national accused of working for Russian intelligence, controversial electoral reform in Italy, a Franco-Moroccan electricity interconnection plan, unsafe tourist rentals in earthquake-prone Bucharest, and a new Italian programme to help young people leave mafia families.

Russia warned that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine after a peace agreement would be considered legitimate military targets, rejecting plans by the pro-Ukraine coalition of the willing. The warning came as the EU and Ukraine agreed a defence-industrial partnership involving drones and future anti-ballistic missile cooperation, while EU ministers continued negotiations over additional sanctions on Russia. Ursula von der Leyen received Ukraine’s first Order of Europe in Kyiv, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy endorsed Naftogaz chief Sergii Koretsky as the next prime minister. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended associate EU membership for Ukraine and the western Balkans, opposed foreign interference in German elections, and ruled out cooperation with the far-right AfD. Lithuania and Latvia also warned of possible Russian sabotage or attacks against critical infrastructure on NATO’s eastern flank. Hungary’s former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó announced a move to Chinese carmaker BYD, drawing criticism from Hungary’s new prime minister and government opponents.

France deployed 70,000 security personnel for Bastille Day events and the France–Spain World Cup semifinal amid heightened concerns about disorder, extreme heat and wildfires. Emmanuel Macron presided over his final Bastille Day parade, joined by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders, while Ukrainian troops and members of the Coalition of the Willing participated. Wildfires near Fontainebleau scorched about 1,300 hectares, prompted more than 1,000 evacuations and led many municipalities to cancel fireworks. The live coverage also reported political developments across Europe, including Yulia Svyrydenko’s resignation as Ukraine’s prime minister, Mindaugas Sinkevičius’s path to becoming Lithuania’s prime minister, and David Sánchez’s conviction for administrative misconduct. Albania’s anti-resort protests also received attention after Dua Lipa voiced support for demonstrators.

Polish-Ukrainian relations have deteriorated over Ukraine’s decision to honour figures associated with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, one branch of which killed about 100,000 Poles in the 1943 Volhynia massacre. Polish President Karol Nawrocki has condemned Ukraine’s stance, revoked a state award from Volodymyr Zelenskyy and threatened to obstruct Ukraine’s EU accession, while Donald Tusk’s government has adopted a tougher position ahead of elections. Kyiv argues that the UPA is primarily remembered for resisting Soviet rule and rejects Polish attempts to dictate its national heroes. The dispute compounds existing resentment over refugees, trade blockades and treatment at the border. Although both countries remain united by opposition to Russia, historians and diplomats warn that political exploitation of historical memory is rapidly eroding the goodwill built since Russia’s 2022 invasion and could leave the relationship based only on pragmatic mutual interests.

Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv killed at least 17 people and injured dozens, with wide damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged stronger air‑defence support and accelerated EU accession talks, while EU foreign policy officials called for further sanctions on Russia. Germany alleged Ukrainian state involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage, potentially straining relations with Kyiv. A report from defence analysts found extensive Russian drone surveillance of European nuclear sites. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined major economic reforms aimed at countering the rise of the far-right. The Kremlin warned it would intensify pressure on Kyiv as attacks continued across Ukraine.

Ireland assumed the EU Council presidency with Micheál Martin pledging full commitment to advancing budget negotiations, Ukraine support and accession talks. Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the EU to keep its promises on opening additional accession clusters and tightening pressure on Russia, receiving strong applause during the Dublin ceremony. António Costa praised Ireland’s ability to steer complex negotiations. Elsewhere, authorities confirmed five deaths after an apartment fire in Antwerp, with national leaders preparing to visit the site. Images and remarks throughout the event highlighted the symbolic launch of Ireland’s six‑month term leading EU policy discussions.

Five adults were killed and others injured in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in Stade, Germany, with two suspects detained and no clear motive yet identified. Police secured the area and warned against spreading unverified information. Concurrently, a severe heatwave affected central and eastern Europe, with temperatures reaching 35–40C and scientists emphasizing that worsening heat extremes are driven by climate change and increasingly likely compared with past decades.

Record-breaking temperatures above 40C spread across central and eastern Europe, with Germany, Poland, Hungary and Czechia all surpassing previous national highs. Authorities reported widespread heat-related disruptions including wildfires, evacuations, transport warnings and emergency health responses. France began counting heat-linked deaths, with more than 1,000 additional fatalities recorded in late June and further increases expected. Governments issued public safety alerts while storms in parts of France and Belgium caused injuries, power outages and one death. The events renewed calls for improved preparedness for extreme heat linked to the climate crisis.

Ukraine’s president will not attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk following a dispute with Poland over naming a military unit after the UPA, which is associated in Poland with wartime massacres of Poles. Polish president Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy’s state honor, prompting Ukraine’s leadership to return their own awards in solidarity. Donald Tusk urged de-escalation, warning of strategic risks, while the EU cautioned that worsening relations would benefit Russia. The conference will proceed under Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko’s leadership.

A Polish anti-corruption activist, Monika Silva Koniuszek, was found dead in her Ecuadorian home, with a postmortem revealing fatal head trauma and strangulation despite government suggestions of suicide. Colleagues say she had investigated the Noboa family business and alleged cocaine trafficking linked to its banana containers, while also reporting land-trafficking and corruption in Santa Elena province. Friends report she faced sustained threats and judicial harassment, and had recently submitted a dossier to the US embassy. Polish authorities have requested involvement in the investigation, and the Polish embassy called for an independent and transparent inquiry, as local communities memorialized her and demanded accountability.