Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

SIPRI: Record arms spending, again Global military spending hit a record high in 2025. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warns the trend is likely to continue — and carries additional risks. Russia, North Korea agree 'long-term' military cooperation Russia's defense minister and the chairman of the State Duma are both visiting North Korea. One helped inaugurate a memorial to North Korean soldiers killed fighting Ukraine, the other hashed out a new defense deal. Germany news: Söder calls for compulsory military service The Bavarian state premier has criticized the government's voluntary plan. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the shooting in Washington. 40 years after Chernobyl: Pripyat today After the catastrophic accident in the nearby nuclear reactor, the city of Pripyat had to be completely evacuated. Some 50,000 people left their homes forever. DW visited the town with a former resident 40 years later. Zelenskyy ready to hold Ukraine-Russia talks in Azerbaijan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is ready to hold talks with Russia in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed several people across Ukraine. Ukraine: Zelenskyy visits Saudi Arabia, Putin weighs G20 attendance Russian President Putin "may or not may not" attend the G20 in Miami in December, says the Kremlin. Meanwhile, after securing an EU loan, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy continued his diplomatic offensive in Saudi Arabia. What is Europe's plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz? France and the UK are leading efforts to establish a multinational mission to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Questions remain about the scope of the operation and whether it can bring lasting stability. UK: Health data volunteered by 500,000 people to Biobank charity listed for sale on Alibaba in China The British government is investigating how health data volunteered to a charity for research purposes wound up for sale via three vendors on the Alibaba e-commerce site in China. One listing had 500,000 people's data. Unpacking the 2026 Venice Biennale controversies and highlights Following the return of Russia to the Biennale, the EU said it will carry out its threat to cut its funding from the international art show. A book lover's dream holiday in Scotland As UNESCO celebrates World Book Day on April 23, we visit a Scottish coastal town that was saved by books.