Europe

Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst highlighted ongoing plague cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, stating the laboratory connection makes the current incident more concerning. He also noted that COVID-19 has returned this winter in a milder form, differing from previous years.

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is under investigation by Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly obtaining classified information, including state secrets, from a former employee of the Federal Intelligence Service. Accusations involve espionage and the continued receipt of confidential documents after his tenure.

Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, shifting focus to international affairs, including defence and trade. His departure will necessitate a by-election, following his leadership of the Labour party and a landslide victory in 2024.

US defence contractor Covenant plans to produce medium-range missiles near Leipzig, targeting up to 1,000 units annually from 2027. The missiles, expected to exceed 1,500 kilometres in range, are part of Germany’s strategy to enhance its long-range strike capabilities with cost-effective armament solutions.

More than 200 people in Ukraine’s Bucha district were evacuated after a Russian drone strike ignited a significant fire at a warehouse, injuring at least six and causing fatalities. Emergency teams are on-site, while a pre-trial investigation into potential negligence regarding storage conditions has been launched.

A Russian drone strike on a shopping centre in Zaporizhzhia injured four people and ignited a significant fire, with damage spanning 2,000 square metres. This attack forms part of an intensified Russian offensive across Ukraine, which includes strikes in Kyiv and Kherson, prompting evacuation warnings for residents.

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