Le Monde

• The intertwined stories of Putin and Stalin's refugees in a literary circle near Paris

  In the Paris suburb of Vanves, a small literary circle keeps alive the memory of the great Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva, in the apartment where she lived before her doomed return to Stalin's Russia. Today's Russian dissidents see in her verses a reflection of their own inner turmoil.

• Gulf monarchies divided amid threats of new US strikes on Iran

  During a visit to the Gulf countries, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot spoke to the divided allies, who seek to acheive greater autonomy over their own defense while avoiding upsetting Washington.

• Mexican governor accused by US of drug trafficking temporarily steps down

  A member of Mexico's ruling Morena party, Ruben Rocha Moya had led the state of Sinaloa since 2021. Along with nine other Mexican officials, he stands accused of having ties to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel.

• Trump's withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany marks turning point in relations between the two countries

  The news came as a shock in Germany, where around 40,000 Americans are stationed: a strategic and symbolic military presence that has held since the postwar era. The withdrawn troops are due to leave in the next six to 12 months.

• Trump reignites trade war with Europe amid tensions over Iran

  The US president announced that car and truck imports will be subject to a 25% tariff, up from 15%, starting from the week of Monday, May 4.