Axios

An unusually intense early-season heat wave is bringing scorching temperatures to Western and Central Europe, with highs near or above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40°C) recorded in parts of Spain and France over the weekend.

Why it matters: The World Meteorological Organization warned Friday that this heat wave is a preview of the future, as heat waves are starting earlier in the year and are becoming more frequent and severe as a result of human-caused climate change.

Massive flooding from heavy rainfall killed at least 18 people in northern India and Bangladesh and millions of others have lost their homes, officials said on Saturday, according to AP.

The big picture: At least nine people were killed and 2 million lost their homes in India’s Assam state from flooding, while lightning in parts of Bangladesh killed at least nine more people.

Russian state media released footage Friday of two U.S. military veterans who went missing while fighting in Ukraine.

Why it matters: The video confirms that both are alive but also raises concerns about their future in Russian captivity. Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh are believed to be the first U.S. citizens detained by Russian forces since they invaded Ukraine, per AP.

President Biden said Friday that the U.S. does not know where at least three missing Americans are in Ukraine, and stressed that other Americans should not travel to the country during Russia's ongoing, unprovoked invasion.

Driving the news: The Department of State confirmed Thursday that at least three Americans who traveled to Ukraine to assist the country's military effort against Russia have gone missing.

Americans aren't the only ones unhappy with how things are going. Consumer sentiment around the globe hasn't been this bad since 2009, when the world was mired in a historic recession.

Why it matters: Rising prices are pressuring household budgets and pushing down consumer confidence in a slew of nations, a sign that households may tighten their belts and spending will dry up.

The British government on Friday approved an extradition order to hand over WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to American authorities.

Why it matters: The decision brings the decadelong legal fight over Assange's extradition closer to an end — but WikiLeaks said it would appeal and has 14 days to do so.

The European Union's executive arm on Friday recommended Ukraine for candidate status a day after key European leaders endorsed the plan on a visit to Kyiv, AP reports.

Why it matters: The recommendation is the first step in what could be a long process for Ukraine to join the bloc. Moving forward with the accession process requires a unanimous vote of the 27 member states, per AP.

One in three senators is urging the Pentagon not to downgrade the post of the official in charge of security coordination with Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: This comes after Axios contributing correspondent Barak Ravid first reported that the Pentagon is considering downgrading the post of the official from the rank of three-star general to that of a colonel to reduce the number of generals and admirals in accordance with the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.

Evidence from Mariupol indicates "serious" and "gross violations" of international humanitarian and humans rights laws occurred during the battle for the city and the remaining residents now face a "dire" situation, a top UN official warned Thursday.

Driving the news: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva residents have limited access to basic utilities and services including medical care and "risks of infectious disease, including cholera are being reported" in the Russian-occupied port city.

A third American who traveled to Ukraine during Russia's military invasion appears to have gone missing, the State Department confirms.

The big picture: The families of Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, and Alexander Drueke, 39, said Wednesday that the two U.S. veterans from Alabama had gone missing in Ukraine. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a briefing Thursday that there were "reports of one additional American whose whereabouts are unknown."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview with Politico Thursday that he raises LGBTQ+ rights in meetings with Saudi officials "invariably, in every conversation," but stood by President Biden's planned July visit to Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters: The kingdom has criminalized same-sex sexual activity, which can carry the death penalty, and sets a range of severe restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.