The former president opened up the Soviet Union but failed to prevent its collapse in 1991.

The BBC's Steve Rosenberg recalls his meetings with the late Mikhail Gorbachev over the past 20 years.

Ice in the Swiss Alps provides water for rivers, crops and the cooling of nuclear power stations.

Teachers tell the BBC they are being pressured to teach according to Russia's version of history.

Military experts tell the BBC the battle for the southern region could go on for months.

Portugal's Marta Temido was criticised for closing some natal units, forcing risky transfers for women.

European countries dismiss claims the pipeline needs repairs, saying the move is linked to Ukraine.

Ukraine says the US-made Himars missile system is changing the course of the war against Russia.

Recent fighting near Zaporizhzhia power plant has increased fears of a nuclear accident.

Ukrainian forces are trying to push back Russian troops in the south.

Vladimir Putin recently pledged to increase Russia's armed forces personnel by 137,000.

Calls mount for an EU-wide cap on the price of gas and for it not to dictate the price of electricity.

A number of countries criticise Russia as it blocks a joint UN declaration on nuclear security.

Spain's olive oil industry is in danger after being hit by chronic water shortages.

Scientists suspect a pollutant caused high salt levels, encouraging algae to flourish, suffocating fish.

Giorgia Meloni aims to be Italy's first female PM and vehemently rejects any link to fascism.

Record numbers of migrants are still coming to the UK, despite government plans to send them to Rwanda.

Manizha, who represented Russia at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, has opposed the war in Ukraine.

The hospital where Mikhail Gorbachev died said he had been suffering from a long and serious illness.

The war in Ukraine has ravaged some schools in the country, with more than 280 totally destroyed.

The demonstrators are calling for more environmentally friendly transport options.

The extreme heat this summer has exacerbated the many hazards, leading to a sudden spike in deaths in Hungary.

Riga, the capital city of Latvia, has dismantled a World War Two monument in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.