Russian strikes kill dozens in Ukraine

Hello. Today my colleagues in Kyiv bring us the latest on the wave of Russian strikes that have killed 36 people across Ukraine - including two adults in the capital's largest children's hospital. In Paris, Andrew Harding tells us what's next for France after its shocking election results. I'm also sharing an investigation on astonishing scams targeting the Chinese diaspora - don't miss it.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What's next for France

Supporters of the left-wing New Popular Front gathered on Place de la République in Paris to celebrate the alliance's victory. Credit: Reuters

Elections results have left France without an outright majority in its parliament, with a left-wing alliance standing as the biggest bloc. French President Emmanuel Macron has asked his prime minister, Gabriel Attal, to remain in post "for the time being to ensure the country's stability".

Who could be the next prime minister coming from the left?

The New Popular Front was quick to unite around a common platform ahead of the elections. But it contains deep political rifts. The coalition is also home to some divisive figures, like the far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, who could quickly trigger the coalition’s collapse over the factionalism that has often marked the left of French politics. Some wonder if the Green Party leader, Marine Tondelier, might be a good fit. Her relatively low profile could be an asset in a political landscape scarred by years of deeply personal, and sometimes vitriolic, feuding.

Could deadlock in parliament enable Mr Macron to strengthen his position?

Even his allies seem skeptical, convinced he is now trapped in a “stranglehold” between the extremes he once promised to banish from French political life.“Today, the President of the Republic will maintain a small margin of manoeuvre to act. But he will no longer be the political programmatic driving force in the country. From this point of view, after seven years, Macronism is dead,” Gilles Legendre, a disillusioned former MP told the BBC.

What next for the National Rally?

it will no doubt recover quickly from the shock of Sunday night’s results, which prompted sombre silence at the party’s headquarters. Months, or even years, of turmoil could then give the party a chance to portray itself as a stable and modernising force, thwarted by left-wing extremists and old elites. That in turn could, potentially, give the RN a good chance of increasing its vote share in any subsequent election.

THE BIG PICTURE

Scammed by the fake Chinese police

Helen Young was targeted by scammers who posed as Chinese police officers

An elaborate scam targeting the Chinese diaspora involves con men posing as Chinese police officers, telling their victims they are wanted for a crime and extorting "bail money" they say will prevent their extradition. Targets often hand over huge sums to people calling them from fake police stations.

And finally... in France

Cyclist Julien Bernard has been fined for kissing his wife during a Tour de France time trial. The athlete was made to pay 200 Swiss francs ($223; £174), but he took it in good spirit. Writing on social media, Bernard apologised for "having damaged the image of sport" but said he was willing to pay the fine "every day and relive this moment".