Adam Withnall

Russian strikes damaged Odesa’s 34,000-seat Chornomorets Stadium, injuring a woman and threatening a scheduled Ukrainian Premier League match. Russian attacks in the Kyiv region killed three people, including a child, while Ukraine continued long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure, including Wildberries logistics hubs and oil refineries. Ukraine says it is accelerating development of ballistic missiles and a European air-defence system. Russia’s Supreme Court is considering barring Yabloko, the country’s only openly anti-war parliamentary opposition party, from September elections. President Volodymyr Zelensky also visited Serbia for talks with Aleksandar Vučić.

Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz was “sort of open” under US control but remained vulnerable to Iranian attacks or mines, while Iran and Oman reportedly approached a deal that could give Tehran a role in overseeing ships entering the Gulf. Trump described negotiations with Iran positively and predicted the war would end soon, while threatening severe attacks if no agreement was reached. He also denied reports of US munitions shortages, acknowledging tighter supplies of some weapons as the administration seeks $21 billion to replenish stocks. Reports indicated shortages of missile interceptors and internal disputes involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Polling found that Americans largely expect the war to destabilize the Middle East and worsen gas prices, while oil prices fell modestly on hopes of diplomatic progress.

Russia launched its largest ballistic missile attack on Kyiv since the full‑scale invasion, firing around four dozen missiles along with 125 drones, killing at least one person and injuring more than a dozen. Ukrainian officials reported widespread fires and damage across multiple districts, with air defences intercepting a portion of the projectiles. Kyiv urged stronger international support as Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil depots and targeted tankers used in the war effort. Russia said its strikes targeted Ukrainian military production facilities, while repeated attacks have intensified pressure on Ukraine’s air defence shortages.

Ukrainian drone strikes on two Wildberries warehouses in Russia killed eight people and injured around 60, with additional drone debris triggering a fire at an oil depot near Moscow. Zelensky said Ukraine’s Security Service destroyed a Russian Tu-95 bomber deep inside Russian territory. Protests erupted in Ukraine after the dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose supporters credited him with improving battlefield technology and logistics. Additional updates included ongoing drone warfare developments, normal operations at the CPC terminal after a tanker attack, and analysis of shifting public sentiment inside Russia as economic strain grows.

Guidance is offered for making reliable pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, stressing the value of following a proper recipe, using a good-quality pan, applying only a small amount of butter, accepting early flipping mistakes and using a mathematical formula developed by Professor Frank Smith to optimise flipping technique.

A deadly high-rise fire in Hong Kong has intensified scrutiny on the city’s continued use of bamboo scaffolding, which may have accelerated the spread of the blaze across Wang Fuk Court’s residential towers. With dozens dead and many elderly residents trapped, officials face criticism over longstanding safety concerns surrounding bamboo construction structures. Previous warnings highlighted the material’s combustibility and its role in industrial accidents, and the government has already begun shifting toward metal scaffolding for public projects. Mounting pressure from residents and directives from Chinese leadership are expected to hasten a complete phaseout of bamboo scaffolding to prevent similar disasters.

Japan’s ruling LDP-led coalition lost its parliamentary majority, securing only 215 seats amid fallout from a corruption scandal and declining public trust. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces internal vulnerability as prominent coalition figures, including Komeito leader Keiichi Ishii, lost their seats. The Constitutional Democratic Party made substantial gains with 148 seats, but opposition parties remain too ideologically fragmented to form a unified government. Ishiba may seek support from smaller parties such as the Democratic Party for the People or the Japan Innovation Party, though both have ruled out a formal coalition. Low voter turnout reflected widespread apathy and dissatisfaction with available political options.

Japan faces an unusually unpredictable election as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, damaged by a slush fund scandal and economic stagnation, risks losing its majority. Prime minister Shigeru Ishiba seeks to reinforce his mandate amid internal party divisions and rising national security concerns, though polls suggest major losses for the coalition with Komeito. Opposition parties are unlikely to form a government due to major policy divides, while voter disillusionment and low turnout remain central challenges. The rise of fringe parties such as the far-right Sanseito and a potential leadership challenge from conservative rival Sanae Takaichi add further instability. Heightened security follows past political violence, and Japan’s political outlook is influenced by the upcoming US election, with expectations of renewed pressure under a potential Trump presidency.

China’s release of a 12‑point plan to end the war in Ukraine is portrayed as contradictory and largely symbolic, given its close ties to Russia and its refusal to condemn the invasion. Ukraine has rejected any peace terms that accept occupied territories, while analysts doubt Russia would accept China as a mediator. Beijing’s abstention from a UN vote calling for Russia’s withdrawal underscores the ambiguity of its position. The initiative is framed as an attempt to present Xi Jinping as a global peace broker despite China’s ongoing assertiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan, which continues strengthening its military ties with the United States.

India escalates criticism of the BBC following a documentary questioning Narendra Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, framing the broadcaster’s work as political interference ahead of the 2024 election. The UK government maintains the BBC’s editorial independence while avoiding criticism of Indian tax raids on its offices. Officials outline the broadcaster’s funding structure and governance to counter claims of political control, stressing the importance of UK‑India relations and the BBC’s independent role.

India monitors Taliban advances in Afghanistan with increasing concern as weakening Western influence heightens regional instability and opens space for rivals such as China. Russia and Central Asian states also face heightened security risks as Tajikistan mobilises reservists amid fears of spillover violence. India’s foreign minister travels to Moscow for talks as both countries assess the implications of a potential Taliban-led government in Kabul and the shifting strategic landscape.

The Liberal Democrats captured the long‑held Conservative seat of Chesham and Amersham, with Sarah Green winning 56.7 percent of the vote and an 8,028 majority. Party leader Ed Davey cast the result as evidence of Conservative vulnerability in southern England. The by‑election followed the death of former MP Cheryl Gillan. Green used her victory speech to criticize the government’s handling of the pandemic, economic support and climate policy. Conservative candidate Peter Fleet acknowledged voter dissatisfaction and the need to rebuild trust.

India summoned the UK’s ambassador to protest a parliamentary debate in London that criticised the handling of ongoing farmer demonstrations near Delhi. Indian officials condemned the debate as interference in domestic politics, while the Indian High Commission in the UK called it one-sided and based on unsubstantiated claims. British MPs expressed concerns over police actions, internet shutdowns and the arrests of journalists, while some Conservative MPs warned against broad judgments about India’s democracy. UK ministers said concerns would be raised diplomatically. The protests stem from disputed agricultural reforms, with farmers fearing exploitation by corporations and loss of guaranteed prices, while the Indian government argues the laws modernise the sector.

A nun in Myitkyina knelt before heavily armed police, pleading with them not to shoot protesters opposing Myanmar’s military coup and offering her own life instead. Despite receiving assurances from officers, gunfire later erupted, killing at least two people and injuring others. Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng, who operates a medical clinic, described scenes of severe violence and treating victims amid teargas. The incident reflects escalating brutality in the military’s crackdown, which has resulted in more than 60 deaths and over 1,800 detentions since the 1 February coup.

Joe Biden returned to the White House after spending Presidents’ Day weekend with family at Camp David, where social media posts showed him playing Mario Kart with his granddaughter Naomi. The family gifted him an aviator jacket and Camp David cap, and he is set to face upcoming pressures on border policy and preparations for a G7 discussion on global vaccine distribution.

A deadly Himalayan flash flood in India underscores how climate change is destabilizing glacier systems, with warming ice making sudden, destructive releases of energy more likely. Expert input highlights accelerating glacier retreat and rising ice temperatures, while hydropower construction continues in fragile regions. The event illustrates the growing urgency of understanding individual and collective contributions to the climate crisis amid expectations of more frequent extreme incidents.

Myanmar’s military charged Aung San Suu Kyi with minor offences after seizing power and arresting political leaders, prompting widespread global condemnation. The UN and G7 urged a return to civilian rule, while China blocked a UN Security Council statement. Mass protests emerged as healthcare workers and citizens launched a civil disobedience movement. Military leader Min Aung Hlaing pledged to investigate alleged election fraud and continue COVID-19 policies, though the armed forces maintained firm control over the country.

Myanmar’s military detained Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders, declared a year-long state of emergency and claimed voter fraud to justify the takeover. The National League for Democracy rejected the coup and urged public resistance, while international governments and rights organisations condemned the military’s actions and called for the release of detainees. Reports from Yangon described public fear, panic buying and concerns about potential violence as communications and services were disrupted.

Indian authorities face national and international scrutiny following the alleged gang-rape and death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, with criticism mounting over police handling, forced cremation, and suppression of protests. The UN expressed concern about violence against women, prompting the Indian government to dismiss its comments as unwarranted. The Supreme Court labeled the case shocking and agreed to oversee the investigation. Uttar Pradesh officials issued charges against protesters and alleged an international conspiracy, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accusing opposition leaders of attempting to incite unrest.

Kyrgyzstan annulled its parliamentary election results after mass protests escalated into the storming and partial burning of the parliamentary and government headquarters in Bishkek, leaving one dead and hundreds injured. Demonstrators alleged widespread vote rigging benefiting pro-government parties. Protesters seized multiple government buildings and freed former president Almazbek Atambayev, while opposition groups announced plans to install an interim government. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov condemned the unrest as an attempted power grab but suggested new elections were possible. International monitors said fundamental rights were largely respected but noted credible concerns over vote-buying.

A widening federal drug probe triggered by the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput has focused primarily on women in Bollywood, prompting criticism of gender bias and political manipulation. High-profile actresses have been questioned while no major male stars have been pursued, raising concerns from journalists and commentators. Analysts suggest the investigation provides a convenient distraction for the ruling BJP ahead of elections in Bihar amid economic struggles and the COVID-19 crisis. The Narcotics Control Bureau continues its inquiry, seizing devices and making arrests, while critics warn that the crackdown appears selectively targeted and politically motivated.

Donald Trump was transferred to Walter Reed medical center after developing mild Covid-19 symptoms and began treatment that included an experimental antibody therapy. The White House said no transfer of presidential power was planned, and Joe Biden continued campaigning after testing negative. Conspiracy theories proliferated on social media as platforms moved to curb misinformation. Supporters voiced mixed reactions to the diagnosis while concerns grew over contingency planning and the broader impact on the presidential race.