Ukraine-Russia War: Russia again faced heavy losses as Ukraine reported another day of strikes and drone activity, while Ukrainian attacks hit deep inside Russia including renewed pressure on St. Petersburg after Putin rejected Zelensky’s push for direct talks. Middle East Ceasefire Strain: Iran and the US traded missile-and-drone blows in the Gulf, with Bahrain and Kuwait denouncing attacks and warning the fragile ceasefire is unraveling. Russia-Ukraine Frontline: A Russian drone strike on Zaporizhzhia killed two corporate workers and damaged industrial infrastructure, as Ukraine said Russia launched hundreds of unmanned assets overnight. US Politics & Courts: Trump’s lawyers sought to block the BBC from accessing his financial records in a $10bn defamation fight, while a judge struck down parts of his immigration restrictions for migrants from 39 countries. Europe Investment: The EBRD and EU expanded InvestEU guarantees by €478.4mn to back higher-risk green, infrastructure and digital projects across the region. Africa Health Tech: Starlink delivered 150 internet kits to DR Congo’s Ebola response, aiming to keep medical teams connected in remote outbreak zones. Other Global Notes: Fitch upgraded South Africa’s sovereign credit rating for the first time in 21 years; Putin praised India’s growth and independent foreign policy; Xi is set to visit North Korea.