Aug 7, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC

German authorities and NATO are investigating after a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The security breach forced a temporary suspension of overnight operations at the hub, which serves as a vital transit point for military equipment bound for Ukraine, resulting in several flight diversions. Police deployed a bomb disposal unit to disarm the unmanned aerial vehicle.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that existing anti-drone defenses were bypassed, labeling the event a "hybrid attack scenario" and a "new dimension of threat." Investigators are examining potential foreign state involvement, with suspicions directed toward Russia. The incident follows additional reports of unidentified aerial objects in the area, including a potential mid-air collision involving a DHL cargo aircraft.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Ziarul de Gardă

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte delivered an extended defense of his administration's pandemic response during a parliamentary inquiry hearing, rejecting accusations of misconduct while launching counter-accusations against political opponents.

Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader defended the national strategy implemented during the health crisis and invited commissioners to examine his record thoroughly, stating, "Scavate pure, da me nessun illecito." Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro transaction involving mask supplier JC Electronics, demanding a full investigation into potential fraud.

Conte reiterated his criticism of the parliamentary panel, characterising the inquiry as a political "plotone di esecuzione" orchestrated by the governing coalition. The hearing featured sharp exchanges between Conte and majority lawmakers over emergency decrees and procurement decisions made during the crisis.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

German authorities are investigating an explosive-laden drone discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, situated near Ukrainian transport aircraft carrying military supplies. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt noted that a state actor was likely behind the incident, which investigators are treating as a potential hybrid attack aimed at causing an explosion. Terrorism experts cited Russia as the primary suspect.

Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that Ukrainian forces launched at least 184 drones toward the Russian capital and its surrounding region on Tuesday. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted the majority of the incoming drones, with 18 shot down as they approached the city. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted logistics hubs and infrastructure within Russian territory in recent weeks.

Sources: Aftenposten, Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter, TV2 Norge, VG (Verdens Gang)

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that 14,540 fires or fire starts have been recorded across the country this season, resulting in 402 arrests. Meanwhile, emergency services continue to battle blazes across Southern Europe. In France's Aude department, a new wildfire burned over 100 hectares near Montséret under adverse weather conditions, forcing officials to instruct residents in neighboring Saint-André-de-Roquelongue to shelter in place. In Gironde, evacuated residents began returning to inspect heavily damaged properties.

In Greece, firefighters entered their fifth day combating blazes west of Athens. Although fire officials reported that overall conditions had "markedly improved," local authorities in Megara noted afternoon rekindlings that required renewed aerial water-bombing across damaged pine forests and agricultural land.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info

Central and Southern Europe are experiencing severe heatwaves, resulting in record-breaking temperatures and widespread health warnings.

In Italy, authorities extended maximum health risk alerts to all 27 major cities as the country faces its fourth heatwave of the season. Temperatures near 40°C have prompted health officials to advise residents to stay indoors during peak daylight hours.

Simultaneously, Central European nations recorded historically high temperatures. Austria surpassed its previous national heat record after levels exceeded 40.8°C near Vienna, while neighbouring Slovakia reported readings reaching 41.4°C in southern areas. Extreme conditions have also affected Hungary and France. Meteorologists warn that the prolonged period of elevated temperatures is expected to persist across the region over the coming week.

Sources: 8 Sidor, Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter