15:40 Russian Belgorod reports deaths from drone attacks

Drone strikes reportedly claim lives in Belgorod, Russia at 15:40

In the global arena, several significant developments have taken place over the past few days.

US President Donald Trump has expressed his expectation for the release of numerous political prisoners in Belarus. The political situation in the Eastern European country continues to be a matter of international concern.

In a different part of Europe, the government in Budapest remains adamantly opposed to Ukraine's EU accession. This stance has added to the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Hungary.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called upon the domestic industry to focus on building new engines for carrier rockets. This move could potentially boost Russia's space programme, but it remains to be seen how this will impact international relations.

Ukraine's military intelligence service has reported that Ukrainian special forces have successfully taken out a Russian radar system in the Black Sea. This action is seen as a significant blow to Russia's defence capabilities in the region.

Canada's Prime Minister has announced new sanctions against Russia, aiming to pressure President Putin to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These punitive measures are part of a wider international effort to bring peace to the region.

Russia's military intelligence estimates that Russia can produce up to 2700 Geran-2 kamikaze drones per month. This revelation has raised concerns about the escalating arms race and the potential for increased hostilities.

Since the beginning of President Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine reports a total of 1,087,180 soldiers killed or wounded on the Moscow side. This staggering figure underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on both sides.

Ukraine reports 960 losses of Russian forces in the past 24 hours. These losses are a testament to the resilience of Ukraine's defence forces and the ongoing struggle for control of the territory.

Markus Söder, the CSU chairman, has rejected German military deployments in Ukraine and suggested a discussion on how to handle Ukrainian refugees. His comments reflect the divided opinions within Germany regarding the country's role in the ongoing crisis.

Up to 200,000 jobs could be created if Germany were to increase its defence spending from 2 to 3 percent of its gross domestic product on a debt-financed basis. This proposal has sparked debates about the balance between economic growth and military spending.

The Ukrainian military has announced that it has rescued four of its soldiers from Russian-occupied territory. This successful operation is a ray of hope in the midst of the ongoing conflict.

The CEO of the energy company RWE, Markus Krebber, has made cautious comments on a possible startup of the Nord Stream pipelines. The future of these pipelines remains uncertain due to political and environmental concerns.

Labor market expert Enzo Weber expects a long-lasting upswing in the German defense industry. His prediction suggests that the ongoing international conflicts could lead to increased demand for defense products.

Potentially, up to 26 Western countries have indicated a willingness to provide troops to support peace protection in Ukraine. This international coalition could help secure Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace agreement and deter further aggression.

In the past day, Ukraine reports the destruction of two Russian tanks, 39 artillery systems, one anti-aircraft system, 256 drones used in combat, and 119 tanks and other vehicles. These reports indicate the intensity of the conflict and the ongoing efforts to gain control of the territory.

Lastly, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy with sharp words. This exchange of harsh words underscores the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Hungary.

These developments highlight the complex and evolving international landscape, with conflicts, negotiations, and economic implications shaping the course of global affairs.