EUROPE

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The United Kingdom economy's recovery from recession was stronger than previously thought in the first quarter, official data showed Friday, partly lifting embattled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before next week's election.

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In a move that has raised global concerns, reports emerged on June 22, 2024, indicating that Russia may be considering a reduction in the decision-making time required for the use of nuclear weapons. This potential policy shift comes amid heightened tensions with NATO and ongoing geopolitical strife, particularly surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and broader security dynamics in Eastern Europe.

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In a significant development, international legal authorities have issued war crimes arrest warrants for two of Russia's highest-ranking military officials, Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov. The charges against them stem from their alleged involvement in orchestrating attacks on civilian targets during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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In the wake of a dramatic mutiny, Russia has effectively dismantled and replaced the Wagner Group, a paramilitary force that once shocked the world. Led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group crossed into the Russian city of Rostov from Ukraine on June 23, 2023, seizing the city almost unopposed. Their subsequent charge toward Moscow met little resistance, but it abruptly ended after Prigozhin called off the advance. Just two months later, tragedy struck when Prigozhin's plane crashed, killing him and several other senior Wagner members, leaving the group's future uncertain.

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The US has been blamed by the Russian government US for a Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol in occupied Crimea on Sunday, which officials say killed four people - including two children. Around 150 more were injured in the attack as missile debris fell on a beach nearby.

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The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies have agreed on a plan to provide $50 billion in loans for Ukraine, using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow's 2022 invasion of its neighbor. This political agreement was the focal point of the opening day at the G7 summit held in southern Italy, attended for the second year by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

A once-lost masterpiece by Italian Renaissance artist Titian, which was famously found in a plastic bag at a London bus stop, is set to fetch up to $32 million at an auction this July. Titled "The Rest on the Flight into Egypt," this painting has a storied history, marked by thefts, recoveries, and transfers across Europe.