European Leaders Meet in Paris Over Ukraine War, But Fail to Reach Agreement
On Monday, European leaders convened in Paris for an emergency meeting organized by French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the war in Ukraine. The aim was to ensure Europe’s inclusion in the future peace talks, especially after US President Donald Trump’s push to engage only Russia in the discussions. However, the meeting yielded no concrete results, leaving Europe at risk of being excluded from future negotiations. The key issue of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine also remained unresolved, with leaders split on the matter. While Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the idea, others like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed it. The only consensus was to continue military support for Ukraine, though no immediate decisions were made. Meanwhile, talks between the US and Russia are already underway in Riyadh, without European or Ukrainian representatives present.
Elly Schlein Demands Clarity from Giorgia Meloni on Her Stance
Elly Schlein, Secretary of the Democratic Party (PD), has called on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to clarify where she stands on the current political situation, urging her to choose between supporting Europe or aligning with US President Donald Trump. Schlein stressed that Meloni cannot continue to play both sides, as recent events demand a decisive position. Schlein criticized Trump for consistently undermining Europe, and she emphasized the importance of a united European response. She also highlighted the need for a common European defense policy, warning against an arms race and stressing the importance of not compromising social spending. Schlein concluded that Meloni must stop delaying her response and decide which side she is on, as Trump’s actions threaten European unity.
Russian Hacker Group NoName057(16) Attacks Italian Sites in Retaliation for Mattarella’s Comments
The Russian hacker group NoName057(16) launched cyberattacks on several Italian websites in retaliation for President Sergio Mattarella’s critical remarks about Russia. On February 5, Mattarella had compared Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the conquests of Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s. The attack targeted various sites, including sections of Intesa Sanpaolo, Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports, and local water companies. Although the National Cybersecurity Agency reported no major disruptions, the attack involved a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) technique to overload the systems. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marina Zakharova also condemned Mattarella’s statements, warning that they would have consequences. While the cyberattack has not been officially linked to the Russian government, many European observers believe that Russia has increased cyberattacks and sabotage against European countries in recent years.
Father Under Investigation After 9-Month-Old Daughter Killed by Family Pitbull in Acerra
A 25-year-old father is under investigation for manslaughter and neglect following the tragic death of his 9-month-old daughter, who was mauled by the family’s pitbull in Acerra, near Naples. The incident occurred overnight between Saturday and Sunday, while the father, the only one at home, reportedly slept through the attack. He later found his daughter with severe head, face, and limb injuries and rushed her to the hospital, initially claiming she had been attacked by a stray dog. The mother, who is under 30, was at work at the time. Authorities are conducting toxicology tests on the father and will perform an autopsy on the child’s body. Neighbors revealed that the pitbull had previously killed another dog months earlier, and the dog is now in custody. The pitbull was also found to be without a mandatory microchip.
Traffic Chaos and Safety Concerns Amid Etna Eruption
The ongoing eruption of Mount Etna has attracted hundreds of onlookers, including tourists, hikers, and photographers, to witness the spectacular lava flow on the southwestern slopes of the volcano. However, on Sunday, the influx of visitors caused severe traffic congestion at Piano Vetore, a prime viewing spot, blocking emergency vehicles and creating a dangerous situation. Regional civil protection director Salvatore Cocina reported that around 1,000 people had gathered to observe the lava, which had advanced to an altitude of 1,900 meters. The eruption, which began on February 8 and intensified over the week, saw lava flow about four kilometers from the crater. Local authorities have warned against further visits, with some municipalities banning access to the lava for safety reasons. Several rescues were conducted over the weekend, including one involving a woman who had a panic attack. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and while ash fell on nearby towns, no significant damage occurred.
