Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

Ukraine war: German parts make their way into Russian drones Hundreds of thousands of German parts have been found in drones used by Russia to attack Ukraine, despite sanctions. The Russian military apparently values German components highly. Belgium seizes suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker Belgium's Defense Ministry said its forces boarded an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia's illicit shadow fleet on Sunday. The ship, reportedly sailing under false flag, has been diverted to a Belgian port. Iceland mulls joining the EU amid strained US relations Iceland is a close partner of the EU but not a full member. That could change if Icelanders vote to join the bloc. As ties with the US deteriorate, the government could bring forward a referendum on the issue. Turkey's Ramadan directive reignites secularism debate A new directive encourages Ramadan-themed events and mosque visits in Turkish schools. Critics warn it pressures students and challenges secular principles, while the government says participation is voluntary. Albania: Femicide cases expose gaps in protection system Between 2021 and 2023, 24 cases of femicide were recorded in Albania. While institutional measures to protect women have been stepped up, experts say a faster and more coordinated response is needed. Ukraine updates: Kyiv reports Russian barrage ahead of talks President Zelenskyy reported widespread overnight strikes, the next round of Geneva talks passed without incident. Meanwhile Kenya arrested a man suspected of tricking people into going to Russia to fight. Beyond oil and gas: Russia's nuclear leverage explained Russian oil and gas face sanctions, but nuclear energy is another story. DW shows how far Russia's influence extends, and why countries continue to turn to it for nuclear energy. France pushes back against MAGA political meddling A French magistrate recently went public about how US envoys had tried to interfere in French national politics. Experts say it is clear that France is a target of disinformation strategies. Hungary's Orban accuses Kyiv of plotting energy disruption Viktor Orban has escalated a dispute with Ukraine, accusing it of planning to disrupt his country's energy system. But the EU says neither Hungary nor Slovakia is at risk of oil shortages. Nickolay Mladenov: the Bulgarian leading the Board of Peace As director-general of Donald Trump's Board of Peace and High Representative for Gaza, Bulgarian Nickolay Mladenov faces a massive challenge. Who is the man tasked with implementing the US-brokered peace plan for Gaza?