International News

1. Ukraine counter-offensive actions have begun, Zelensky says

   Ukraine's president refused to say which stage the counter-offensive against Russian forces was in.

2. Annecy stabbings suspect held over attempted murders

   Four children and two adults were attacked in a park in France's Alpine region on Thursday.

3. Dragos Tigau: Romania recalls Kenya ambassador over racist monkey slur

   Dragos Tigau made a racist comment at a meeting in April but has only now been disciplined.

4. Ukraine dam: The friends who escaped Russian occupation in Kherson floods

   Maryna and Valentyna found themselves trapped on the Dnipro River when Russia invaded last year.

5. Pope Francis: Pontiff to miss weekly Sunday blessing after operation

   Doctors say the Pope is recovering from abdominal surgery, but will remain in hospital for another week.

6. France knife attack: 'Backpack hero' praised for facing attacker

   Catholic pilgrim Henri said he simply followed his instincts when confronting the Annecy attacker.

7. Cryptoqueen: Adviser to missing fugitive disappears

   Frank Schneider, a former spy, faces a maximum of 40 years in prison for his role in a crypto scam.

8. Eurozone in recession as rising prices hit spending

   Revised data shows the eurozone's economy contracted at the end of last year and the start of 2023.

9. Ukraine war: Russia says ammonia pipeline blast may end grain deal

   Moscow blames Ukraine for damage to the key Togliatti-Odesa pipeline on Monday, which Kyiv denies.