Stefania

Russia has initiated a criminal case against Italian journalists who reported on the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region. Stefania Battistini and cameraman Simone Traini, both working for Rai TV, are the subjects of the investigation. In response, Italian authorities have recalled the journalists to Milan, citing security concerns.

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra, which won the Eurovision this year, has auctioned its trophy for a $900,000 donation to a foundation that helps the Ukrainian army.

The trophy, a large crystal microphone with the song contest's logo, was put up for auction on Facebook.

The bidding ended Saturday night and was won by WhiteBIT, a Ukrainian bitcoin company.

Kitsch, glitz and geopolitics -- the Eurovision Song Contest is back in two weeks' time, with Russia excluded and conflict-ravaged Ukraine the hot favourite to take the crown.