
Israel built two military bases in Iraq before war on Iran: New York Times
Israel built two military bases in Iraq ahead of the Iran war, report says.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to select a negotiator for potential peace talks with Russia. This suggestion comes amid ongoing discussions about the conflict's resolution.
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In other news, the hantavirus-hit cruiseship MV Hondius has just arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, where it will be disinfected and its crew members will go into quarantine.

The cruise ship MV Hondius, which was affected by a hantavirus outbreak, arrives for disinfection at the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Photograph: Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested last night that the time has come for Europe to pick its preferred negotiator for eventual peace talks with Russia.

European Council president António Costa and Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy attend the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images
After talking with the European Council president, António Costa, Zelenskyy said they agreed that “Europe must be involved in the negotiations,” and to “have a strong voice and presence in this process.”
“It is worth determining who will represent Europe specifically,” he said.
Easier said than done.
While the EU has no shortage of presidents – of the European Commission, of the European Council, of the European Parliament, to name a few – it for any tricky talks with Moscow.
Zelenskyy suggested that Europe should choose its preferred negotiator for future peace talks with Russia.
The MV Hondius arrived in Rotterdam for disinfection and crew quarantine due to a hantavirus outbreak on board.
Zelenskyy made the suggestion during a statement last night, indicating the urgency for Europe to take action.

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Vladimir Putin’s cheeky suggestion of pro-Russian former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder was quickly shot down for his links with Moscow, but Europeans will have to reflect on who could represent its interests if and when the talks actually progress to that stage.
Meanwhile, Ukraine launched retaliatory strikes against Russia over the weekend, killing at least four, as it hit a number of strategic locations, including in Moscow.
“Our responses to Russia’s prolongation of the war and attacks on our cities and communities are entirely justified,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the strikes on Moscow showed Kyiv was “clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war.”
But overnight Russia attacked again with over 500 drones and 20 missiles, with Zelenskyy urging Europe to do “everything possible to ensure reliable protection against this.”
I will keep an eye on this today.
Elsewhere, I will look at the US envoy Jeff Landry’s controversial visit to Greenland, bring you an update on the government formation talks in Latvia, and monitor several high-profile meetings of leaders across Europe, including new Bulgaria’s PM Ruman Radev’s visit to Germany.
It’s Monday, 18 May 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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