No Comment
Russia: Huge flames and smoke rise over St Petersburg after drone strikes
Huge plumes of black smoke billowed over St Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, on Sunday, 18 October, as a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack sparked fires at industrial and logistics facilities. Russian officials said 126 drones had been intercepted in the surrounding region.
ADVERTISEMENT
Europe News
Ukrainian forces strike St Petersburg and Leningrad region
It comes as Zelenskyy said Russian forces had targeted Ukraine's energy sector in strikes on four regions on Saturday night. He said attacks on residential buildings had also left two people dead and 12 others reportedly injured.
Europe News
Romania says seven people missing after fire on tanker in Black Sea
The incidents have renewed scrutiny of Europe's ability to protect shipping and critical infrastructure in the Black Sea, more than a year after the EU launched a strategy to strengthen security in the region. Romania's president warns that "there will surely be a reaction."
Russia
Russia funnels nearly half its budget into war as social funds shrink
Russia’s 2027 draft budget allocates a record share to defence and security, as regions quietly divert funds for foster children and orphans to war payments and “coffin money” for soldiers’ families is cut by up to 95% in some areas.
