Europe scrambles for a say on Ukraine's future

Hello. As Ukraine finds itself shut out of upcoming talks between the US and Russia about the war in the country, European leaders are hosting their own summit to discuss security on the continent. Europe editor Katya Adler examines what's at stake. We're also covering the Trump administration's efforts to cut the US federal workforce, and explain what you need to know about the German elections this week. And finally, we meet a Hong Kong theme park's latest attraction - twin panda cubs.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Paris summit on Ukraine to counter US snub

Part of the Paris meeting will focus on the question of sending troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire. Credit: Getty Images

The US special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg had said Kyiv would be involved in this week's talks in Saudi Arabia between the US and Russia aimed at ending three years of war in Eastern Europe. Yet a senior Ukrainian government source has told the BBC that Kyiv has not been invited. European leaders have also not been asked to join. They are due to meet instead today in Paris at a summit hastily arranged by French President Emmanuel Macron, as fears grow the continent is being locked out of negotiations. The challenge for Europe, writes Katya Adler, is to put political differences and domestic economic concerns aside and present a united front on security spending and on Ukraine's future, including potentially sending troops there.

Trump's firing drive heads to top court

US President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fire the head of an independent ethics agency that protects whistleblower federal employees. Hampton Dellinger sued the Trump administration after he was fired by email this month. Efforts to reduce and reshape the 2.3 million-strong civilian federal workforce have been led by the department of government efficiency, headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The government is trying to rehire National Nuclear Security Administration workers who were dismissed last week.

WORLD HEADLINES

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

What's at stake in the German elections

Friedrich Merz (L) is favourite to become the next chancellor but every German government has to form a coalition. Credit: EPA-EFE

German voters decide on Sunday who will run their next government, with Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democrats favourite to become the biggest party in power. The election is taking place against a backdrop of a series of deadly attacks that have heightened pressure on the mainstream parties to reform immigration and asylum rules.

And finally...

Hundreds of visitors waited in line at Hong Kong's Ocean Park to see the theme park's latest attraction: twin panda cubs. The fluffy pair have, for now, been nicknamed Elder Sister and Little Brother, but Hong Kong's residents have been taking part in a competition to name the duo. Meet the playful bears.