Restaurants and bars in France reopen as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Today marked the reopening of restaurants and bars in France after more than two months of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. In Lyon, known for its culinary scene, locals were eager to return to their favorite spots, such as Mos Pub and Chabert et Fils. Establishments like Casabea restaurant welcomed customers back with strict hygiene measures in place, including mandatory face masks indoors, hand sanitizing, and maintaining a one-meter distance between tables. Some restaurants have introduced QR codes for menu access to minimize contact. Despite the reopening, the historic quarter of Lyon remained relatively quiet, with fewer tourists and locals venturing out.

The last of Mariupol: 'the constant bombings affect their mental state'

Local authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine report the evacuation of severely wounded soldiers from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol in exchange for Russian prisoners. The Russian government confirmed the agreement, but Ukrainian authorities have not yet done so. The Azovstal plant symbolizes Ukraine's efforts to maintain control over Mariupol, with thousands seeking refuge there. Families of remaining soldiers have appealed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping for help in negotiating their release. Satellite images reveal a fourth mass grave near Mariupol, and a significant evacuation of civilians occurred over the weekend.

Ukraine troop withdrawal sparks hopes for revived peace process

The Ukrainian Army began withdrawing troops from the town of Zolote in the Luhansk region on Tuesday night, with Russian-backed separatists also complying, sparking hopes for a revived peace process.

Living with the threat of landmines in eastern Ukraine

The article reports on the severe threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where over 1,900 people have been killed or injured since the conflict began. Civilians, including children, are at high risk while engaging in everyday activities. The HALO Trust, Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, and Danish Demining Group are the main organizations involved in demining efforts, which are costly and time-consuming. The article highlights the challenges faced by deminers, the financial support from various countries, and the importance of educating the local population on the risks of mines. It also touches on the psychological impact on the community and the economic aspects of demining jobs.

Life in a cab: our journalist spent 9 days trucking across Europe to uncover the human price of road transportation

The article details the experience of a journalist who spent nine days traveling across Europe with a truck driver named Ruslan to understand the realities of the road transportation industry. The journey begins in Warsaw, Poland, in harsh winter conditions, and covers various European countries, highlighting the challenges faced by truck drivers, including long hours, the need for self-sufficiency, safety concerns, and the impact of regulations on their work and rest cycles. The journalist observes the loading and unloading processes, the drivers' camaraderie, and the human price of ensuring that supermarkets remain stocked. The trip is part of a research project enabled by Reporters in the Field, a program by the Robert Bosch Foundation in collaboration with the media NGO n-ost.

Living on the Contact Line: The Struggle of Hranitne's Residents Amidst War

The article focuses on the dire situation in Hranitne, a village in eastern Ukraine, where the war has left deep scars. Vasylyna Nikolaeva, a local official, shares heart-wrenching stories of loss, including a family whose daughter was killed by a missile and whose grave was later destroyed by artillery. Despite a ceasefire agreement, the conflict continues, with civilian casualties still occurring. The village, with a population of around 3000, struggles with damaged infrastructure, unaffordable heating, and the threat of ecological disaster due to decaying coal mines. Natalia Shapovalova from Carnegie Europe highlights the ongoing crisis and daily fighting affecting the villagers. Efforts are being made to restore social institutions and maintain community spirit through local festivals and events, providing some respite for the war-weary residents.

From the front line: rebuilding shattered lives in eastern Ukraine

Communities in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region are demonstrating resilience amid conflict, with initiatives like yoga classes for pensioners and sheep shearing for tourists. Euronews' Nataliia Liubchenkova reports on the local efforts to rebuild and maintain a sense of normalcy, from social activities for the elderly to tourism in villages near the front line. Despite the lack of state support and the ongoing impact of shelling, individuals like Natalia Bondarenko and Andriy Taraman are leading community projects that offer hope and a path to recovery. The International Committee of the Red Cross is one of the few international organizations providing aid in the area.