Eurotopics.net

Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting in the Russian border region of Kursk since Tuesday. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimates that Ukrainian forces have managed to overcome two Russian defensive lines and at least one military base. Drone footage shows that Western tanks are being used. Europe's press discusses the reasons for the offensive and the reactions from the Kremlin so far.

Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who has been living in exile for years, defied an arrest warrant and made a brief appearance in Barcelona on Thursday after the election of the socialist, pro-union politician Salvador Illa to president of Catalonia, who had received the support of the moderate separatists. Puigdemont called on pro-independence forces to continue fighting for their cause. It remains unclear how Puigdemont evaded arrest despite a large police presence.

Martina Šimkovičová, Slovakia's culture minister and a member of the nationalist SNS party, has caused outrage with her decision to sack the directors of several important state cultural institutions. Not long ago she played a key role in the controversial reform of the country's public broadcasters. The national press strongly condemns her actions.