Eurotopics.net

For a long time, the Ukrainian counter-offensive launched on 4 June didn't seem to be making much progress. Now the Ukrainian forces say they have broken through the first of two Russian lines of defence near Zaporizhzhia - just a few days after reporting the recapture of the nearby village of Robotyne. Is this a major turning point in the war? Commentators are divided.

The Nobel Foundation in Stockholm has come under fire: unlike last year, the ambassadors from Russia, Belarus and Iran were to be invited to the awards ceremony in December. This prompted several high-ranking Swedish politicians to threaten to boycott the ceremony, whereupon the committee withdrew its invitations. Commentators are also incensed.

In London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which previously applied only to the city centre, has been extended to cover the entire city. Owners of vehicles that do not meet the emission standards must now pay a daily fee of approximately 14.50 euros for using their vehicle within the zone. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party, pushed through the expansion despite protests. Commentators express doubts about the measure.

Popular Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the conservative winner of Spain's general election in July, has until 26 September to secure enough votes to form a government. However, the Socialists under acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have refused his offer of a government pact on core issues in exchange for their supporting a PP minority government. Sánchez is negotiating with separatist regional parties in the hope of being able to continue his leftist government.