Ukrainian forces have recaptured significant territory in the Donbas region through 'Operation Vivaldi', though the advance faces complications from US policy regarding Starlink satellite communications. This progress comes as Western military assistance remains a critical, albeit often politicised, factor in the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a special envoy for global finance and Harriet Harman as an adviser on tackling violence against women and girls. These appointments follow significant election losses for the Labour party, with some MPs questioning Starmer's leadership and calling for his departure.
Stuart Prior, a newly elected Reform UK councillor for Essex County Council and Rochford District Council, has resigned and been expelled from the party. This follows allegations of racist and Islamophobic social media posts unearthed by anti-racism campaigners Hope Not Hate.
