Russian drone hits Ukrainian train as diplomats pass by
A Russian drone struck a train near Yahodyn in western Ukraine, shortly after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European security officials had travelled the same railway line. No casualties were reported, and passengers on the targeted train were evacuated. Ukraine’s railway authority said the drone struck the engine about 15 minutes after an evacuation order, and said its target “could have been the diplomatic train”. Russia confirmed targeting “railway infrastructure”.
Learner murdered at school
A 19-year-old pupil was shot dead at Ndengezi Intermediate School in KwaNdengezi, near Pinetown, on Monday morning. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspect, who was reportedly wearing the same school uniform as the victim, entered the school with him before shooting him several times. The pupil was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect fled and police have opened a murder case. The motive for the shooting is not known.
UK breakaway parties sign pact
Leaders of Scotland’s Scottish National Party, Wales’s Plaid Cymru and Northern Ireland’s Sinn Fein have concluded an agreement asserting their nations’ rights to self-determination and independence from the United Kingdom. The parties pointed out that this was the first time that pro-independence parties were the largest in their respective legislatures. Meeting in Cardiff, they said Westminster had no right to block democratic decisions about their futures and expressed support for their nations’ eventual place in the European Union. The parties differ on timing and process. The SNP wants another Scottish independence referendum, Sinn Fein seeks a vote on Irish reunification, while Plaid Cymru supports Welsh independence but not an immediate referendum.
Ramaphosa “very impressed” by Putin
Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Russian President Valdimir Putin, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that he was impressed with his counterpart’s commitment to ending the war was Ukraine. They met on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in New Dehli. President Ramaphosa emphasised that the war was imposing costs on Africa, particularly through grain and fertiliser prices. He added that despite doubts, the BRICS countries had managed a joint declaration, which affirmed their commitment to a multilateral order.
Godongwana affirms three-year plan for Johannesburg
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana says that Treasury has a three-year plan to deal with Johannesburg financial woes. It will work with the Development Bank of Southern Africa in pursuit of this objective. He added that there were five areas which would receive priority in this endeavour, though he did not specify what these were,
Canada aligns with Europe as tensions with US rise
Canada is seeking closer ties with the European Union as trade tensions with the United States intensify. Prime Minister Mark Carney says that Canada is exploring an ambitious “unique alliance” with the EU, including options short of full membership. The US and Canada, historically closely linked economic partners have imposed steep tariffs on each other. Carney says Canada must build a more independent and resilient economy while strengthening partnerships with Europe and other middle powers as global alliances shift.
[Sources: BBC, IOL, News24]