Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

Bulgaria: Pro-Russian Radev leading after parliamentary vote, exit polls show Exit polls put Rumen Radev's new, left-leaning, pro-Russian party far ahead following Bulgaria's eighth election in five years. Radev, a former fighter pilot, stepped down as Bulgaria's president in January. Life in Donbas: 'If we give up, there will be nothing left' The Russian army is advancing on the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, with the aim of occupying the entire Donbas region. Yet people continue to live and fight in the area, as DW's Hanna Sokolova-Stekh found out. French billionaire defiant as authors quit top publisher Vincent Bollore has vowed to find new authors for publisher Grasset after 170 left, alleging political interference. French President Macron has weighed in on the affair, which has shaken France's cultural scene. Austria: Police find rat poison in recalled baby food jar The Germany-based HiPP had recalled the jars, suggesting they were tampered with. The contaminated jars were also found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Europe looks to secure shipping in Strait of Hormuz A coalition of nonbelligerent states led by France and the UK has said it is ready to lead an international mission to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. But that won't be deployed before the Iran war is over. Rutte dismisses speculation about US leaving NATO NATO chief Mark Rutte said he understands Donald Trump's frustration with NATO. He also called on Europe to boost its defense industry. Italy's Meloni breaks with Trump over war in Iran, pope The war in Iran and a spat between two of the world's most influential Americans has forced Giorgia Meloni to choose sides, potentially pushing the Italian prime minister to align herself with Europe's center-right. Cyprus: Global politics felt at Candidates chess tournaments The FIDE Candidates tournaments are two of the most important events in the chess calendar. This year, they took place in Cyprus. But tension relating to Russia and the war in the Middle East was never too far away. Will Bulgaria's election change the country's course? Bulgarians will vote in their eighth parliamentary election in five years on April 19. Former President Rumen Radev is projected to win. Radev, who has a record of pro-Russian stances, is pledging to fight corruption. Several killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine, many more injured A 12-year-old was among those killed as Russian missile and drone attacks hit Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro.