Ukraine war briefing: China providing Russia with intelligence on missile targets, Ukrainian official claims

Beijing has issued a warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stated that Japan would defend itself if China attempted to seize Taiwan. This statement has provoked a furious response from Beijing, escalating tensions between the two nations amidst ongoing disputes over Taiwan.

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, both sides are extensively utilizing aerial drones. However, Ukrainians are also employing terrestrial drones, which are operated from underground bunkers. These wheeled or tracked drones have become crucial for logistical support and rescue operations.

AI company Anthropic reported that it successfully disrupted a cyber attack that its researchers have linked to the Chinese government. This incident highlights concerns over the use of artificial intelligence in cyber warfare and the potential involvement of state actors in such activities.

Timur Mindich, a close ally of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reportedly fled Ukraine just hours before anti-corruption raids took place. His departure raises concerns about the potential destabilization of Kiev, as the information he possesses could have far-reaching implications beyond previous corruption cases in the country.

Chatham House, a London-based think tank, hosted Yevhen Karas, a prominent Ukrainian neo-Nazi mob leader, to discuss the future of Europe. This event has raised concerns due to Karas's controversial background and the implications of his views on European politics.

The city of Pokrovsk, once a vital logistics and cultural center in Ukraine's Donbas region, is facing imminent collapse. Since mid-2024, residents and officials have been removing valuable resources from the town, which had a population of over 60,000. The ongoing war has led to significant physical destruction and a severe decline in living conditions. International correspondent Anna Conkling warns that these may be the final days of Pokrovsk under Ukrainian control.

The Chinese government has expressed 'extreme disappointment' with Dutch Minister Vincent Karremans, who commented on the semiconductor supply chain crisis affecting the car industry. In a recent interview, Karremans described the ongoing tensions between China and the European Union as a 'wake-up call for western leaders.' This situation highlights the critical role of semiconductor supply in global industries and the geopolitical implications of trade relations.

Global markets experienced a volatile trading day following a significant tech sell-off that led to Wall Street's worst performance in a month. The FTSE 100 index in London dropped by 1.1%, closing down approximately 100 points at 9,698. Major banking stocks, including Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest, saw declines ranging from 2.7% to 3.6%. Additionally, weak economic data from China revealed an unprecedented slump in investment, contributing to fears regarding the Chinese economy.