Daniel Haygarth

Romania scrambled F-16s to destroy a suspected Russian marine drone carrying explosives near the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea, which is expected to become a major European gas facility. The developments came amid intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling the strikes exceptionally cynical and urging greater international support. Ukraine also reported that Russia had suffered nearly 1.5 million military casualties, while Moscow claimed to have struck two ammunition-carrying vessels in Chornomorsk; the claim could not be independently verified. Ukraine’s drone campaign is contributing to fuel shortages and rationing across Russia, while Patriot interceptor shortages are leaving gaps in Ukraine’s ability to defend against ballistic missiles. UN and Ukrainian officials discussed humanitarian assistance and preparations for vulnerable communities ahead of winter.

More than 770 US service members have reportedly been killed or injured since the Iran war began, including 757 injured and 18 killed in newly updated Pentagon data. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Donald Trump’s threatened economic sanctions, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US would outline further measures and suggested maximum economic pressure might avoid a major military escalation. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted despite Trump’s claim that it has reopened, intensifying concerns over energy markets. Yemen’s Houthis reported drone attacks on Saudi targets, Oman called for regional peace to secure the waterway, and the European Union said it had no immediate gas-supply emergency despite lower storage levels than the previous year. Trump’s approval rating also fell to 33 percent in a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Andy Burnham prepares to outline a major devolution plan aimed at shifting economic and political power away from London, including a proposed No10 North based in Manchester. His decision not to take media questions has drawn criticism from some politicians and journalists while receiving support from others. The speech is expected to detail plans addressing youth unemployment, education reform, economic restructuring and a long-term 10-year political mission that may require a new electoral mandate. Additional updates include internal Labour speculation about cabinet roles and new government proposals on asylum appeals led by home secretary Shabana Mahmood.