World

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been denounced by world leaders and prompted diplomatic and financial sanctions. But what do ordinary Russians think? President Vladimir Putin never misses an opportunity to refer to patriotism and national unity in a bid to justify his acts of aggression. A large majority of Russians adhere to this patriotism, some by joining Unarmia, a movement created by the Russian ministry of defence. Yet others have serious doubts about whether the invasion of Ukraine is in the best interests of the country they love.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veronika Zepkalo and Maria Kolesnikova received the 2022 Charlemagne Prize. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the Belarusian activists were the "bravest women in Europe."

The first family will meet with community and religious leaders, as well as those who lost their loved ones to the violence that left 21 people — including 19 children — dead at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

The 13-2 vote in favor of the resolution was not enough to secure its adoption as Beijing and Moscow have veto-rights. The US said the rejection means Pyongyang "will feel free to take further escalatory actions."

Police in the US town of Uvalde, Texas are facing questions over why it took an hour to neutralise the gunman who murdered 19 small children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. The tragedy comes amid increasing calls for greater gun control measures. Among the demands of campaigners are a ban on assault weapon sales, as well as universal background checks and so-called red flag laws. Pastor Mike McBride, director of the LIVE FREE gun violence prevention campaign with the Faith in Action network, joined us on Perspective to tell us more.

We take a look at discussions in the papers over when and how the war in Ukraine will finally end. We also look at some scathing cartoons over inaction on gun control in the US. We then find out about the latest art scandal to hit France, which is worthy of a crime novel, according to French daily Libération. Finally, we discuss the latest in sex news: from amnesia-inducing sex to sexual wellness retreats that are becoming increasingly popular.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed unblocking the border at the meeting with the EU's Charles Michel in Brussels.

Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis granted an interview to FRANCE 24 from the capital Nicosia. The northern third of the Republic of Cyprus has been under Turkish domination since 1974. Anastasiadis said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine uses the "exact same arguments that Turkey used to invade Cyprus". Asked about tensions with Turkey over hydrocarbons, he expressed hope that Ankara will not "will not attempt to do anything that will cause conflagration and risk peace in the region".

A picture on social media is being shared as alleged proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his security and wears a bulletproof vest. Also, some users, including politicians, are claiming that Russian soldiers burned Ukrainian history books. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

The local paper in Uvalde, Texas publishes its first issue since the shooting that killed 19 children and their teachers: an all-black front page with the date of the massacre. Despite the shooting, US gun lobby the NRA is going forward with its annual convention in Texas this weekend. We also look at reactions in the British papers to the long-awaited Sue Gray report on lockdown parties at Downing Street. Plus, we find out new information on how Covid-19 can change our sense of smell.

From juggling multiple tasks at once, to working long hours and feeling guilty during their leisure time — excessive and "compulsive" work behavior is found throughout Germany's workforce, a new study has found.

The Council of the Baltic Sea States, a regional grouping on Russia's doorstep, has come together to condemn the invasion of Ukraine — and present Germany with a new test of leadership.