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Jordan Bardella, leader of Frances National Rally party, opposes sending French troops to Ukraine, suggesting a UN-managed demilitarized zone instead. His stance, shared by many French citizens, could impact Frances security promises to Ukraine post-Macron. Meanwhile, European leaders, including Macron, made progress on a peace agreement involving a European-led multinational force for Ukraine, supported by the US. Bardellas comments focused on ground troops, not mentioning other potential deployments. He expressed a positive view of US efforts in the situation.

Lithuanian authorities have arrested twenty-one individuals suspected of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus using weather balloons, causing airspace disruptions and raising security concerns. The group, allegedly part of a highly organized criminal network, faces charges including participation in a criminal organization and illegal smuggling. The operation involved over one hundred and forty officers and led to the seizure of various items, including cigarettes, communication jammers, firearms, and luxury cars.

Russian authorities have designated Deutsche Welle, a German public broadcaster, as an undesirable organization, effectively banning it from operating within Russia. This move follows lawmaker Vasily Piskaryovs criticism of Deutsche Welles academy program, which he claims trains disinformation specialists. The broadcaster, funded by German taxpayers and providing content in thirty-two languages, has faced restrictions before, with Russia closing its Moscow office in early 2022. This latest designation is part of Russias broader crackdown on critics, journalists, and activists since the invasion of Ukraine, with over two hundred seventy-five entities now on the undesirable organizations list.

Romes New Subway Stations: A Journey Through Time - Romes latest subway stations, including one beneath the Colosseum, showcase ancient history with displays of artifacts and ruins. The Metro C line, under construction for two decades, features extensive archaeological digs and preserves historical finds. Another station, Porta Metronia, houses a military barracks and a home with well-preserved frescoes. The line will run beneath significant cultural heritage sites and is expected to carry up to eight hundred thousand passengers daily.

Britain Launches Review into Foreign Financial Interference in Politics: A former European Parliament member, Nathan Gill, is sentenced for accepting Russian bribes. The UK launches an independent review led by Philip Rycroft to examine political financing laws, party regulations, and protections against illegal money, including cryptocurrency donations. The review will not investigate claims of foreign interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum. The report is expected by the end of March.

Tragic Accident in Slovenia: American Man Dies in Julian Alps; Authorities Believe He Fell from Climbing Path

Slovakias Prime Minister, Robert Fico, receives a special invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the U.S., aiming to sign a significant nuclear power agreement. The deal involves Westinghouse building a new reactor in western Slovakia, estimated at €13-15 billion, marking the largest investment in Slovakias history. The visit coincides with U.S. independence anniversary and FIFA World Cup. The agreement follows Trumps National Security Strategy, which suggested supporting European patriotic parties aligning with his ideology.

Britain launches investigation into foreign influence on democracy, following conviction of Welsh politician Nathan Gill for accepting bribes from Russia. The review, led by Phillip Rycroft, aims to address and remove stain on democratic process. It will test existing financial safeguards and investigate role of cryptocurrencies in illicit money flows.

The European Parliament has decided to maintain the immunity of Socialist lawmaker Elisabetta Gualmini in the Qatargate corruption scandal, making it harder for Belgian authorities to investigate her. Meanwhile, the immunity of Alessandra Moretti was lifted. Both lawmakers are Italian Socialists accused of receiving illicit payments to influence European Parliament decisions. The vote saw center-right and liberal groups supporting the Socialists, while Gualmini and Moretti deny any wrongdoing.