Russia has been waging a full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine since 2022 and so far all attempts at negotiations have failed to end the conflict. Ukraine is currently stepping up its attacks on targets in Russia, and the Russian economy is showing growing signs of weakness. Commentators discuss whether this might be an auspicious moment for Europe to take the initiative in negotiations.

Attempts to form a new government in Romania have failed after the parliament rejected Adrian Veștea, the candidate nominated by President Nicușor Dan for the post of Prime Minister. The previous Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, was ousted at the end of May following a vote of no confidence put forward by the PSD – until then part of the coalition government – together the far-right AUR.

Ten years ago the British voted to leave the EU. In the meantime the UK has had no less than six prime ministers, and is about to appoint its seventh. Europe's press takes stock and reflects on how the EU and the UK have changed.

Another heatwave is cooking swaths of Europe. France experienced its hottest night in decades on Monday, and Tuesday looks set to break the record for the hottest day. In Spain, temperatures are set to rise above 40 degrees in some places over the coming days, and the nights won't be much cooler. Germany and Switzerland are also sweltering. Commentators discuss how to adapt to the new weather norm.

The UK is facing its sixth change of leader in a decade. When Keir Starmer became Prime Minister two years ago, he was seen as a beacon of hope who would bring credibility and stability to British politics and implement numerous reforms. Commentators say that his decision to step down is not entirely due to his personal shortcomings.

The impact of Ukrainian strikes on supply lines leading to the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula is becoming increasingly apparent. Fuel sales have been suspended at times, and road traffic across the Kerch Bridge, as well as ferry services, have been temporarily halted. Tourist numbers are also plummeting. What are the ramifications?

Before setting off to play in the World Cup, Norway's football team posed for a photo dressed as Vikings. Fans quickly embraced the symbolism and now make a rowing movement in unison while shouting 'Ro!' (row) in the stadiums, as if they were on a Viking ship. After their victory over Senegal on Monday, the Norwegian team also celebrated by performing the Viking row, led by top striker Erling Haaland. Reactions to this spectacle in Scandinavia's press are mixed.

Keir Starmer has announced that he is stepping down as British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party. He will remain in office until his successor has been chosen. Starmer has been under growing pressure for months, which intensified when his Labour rival Andy Burnham was elected to a parliamentary seat in a by-election last week – thus fulfilling a key prerequisite for taking up government posts. Can Burnham bring stability for his party and the country?

Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the country's highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle. The move was prompted by Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the nationalist Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which in Poland is primarily associated with atrocities committed against the Polish civilian population during WWII. The order was awarded to Zelensky in 2023 by Nawrocki's predecessor, Andrzej Duda.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was long regarded as a bridge-builder between the US and the EU, but this changed after Italy refused to allow the US to use its military bases in the war against Iran and US President Donald Trump criticised the Pope, creating a rift between the two leaders. Trump has now claimed that Meloni "begged" him for a joint photo at the G7 summit last week, and that he agreed out of "pity". Meloni has accused the US President of lying.

Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Moscow on Thursday. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the attack, writing on Telegram that it was "a just response to the constant Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and towns". The oil refinery is one of the largest facilities in Russia and covers a significant proportion of the capital's fuel demands.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham of the Labour Party, has won the by-election for a seat in parliament representing the Makerfield constituency. As an MP in London, he can now challenge the embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a leadership election. If successful, he would become the new head of government.