Large Geran-2 drone attack on Kyiv right now. Several loud explosions have been heard in the city. Drones are also flying over other parts of the Oblast.

Intense scenes from Kyiv showing a drone striking its target. A massive attack continues on the city.

China has secured a maritime agreement with the Cook Islands, known as "The Memorandum of Understanding" (MoU).

This includes deepening practical cooperation in the field of blue economy, which involves "fostering innovation and sustainable growth drivers", as well as a number of measures to help create a stronger economic partnership in the future.

An Investment Cooperation Working Group will also be created under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Cook Islands, and the Ministry of Commerce of China.

The Cook Islands had not consulted New Zealand on this agreement. Although the Cook Islands is self-governing, it is still a realm country of New Zealand, meaning that it is a part of their constitution to consult with New Zealand on anything that impacts on security or defence.

While the agreement doesn't appear to touch on defence, there are some who believe that it will be a threat to New Zealand's security. Associate professor Anna Powles from Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies said that "the proposed infrastructure will support both China's fishing fleet and potentially China's coastguard fleet which has expanded its operations into the Pacific Ocean... This comes at a time when China has escalated military tensions in the Pacific region."

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters is currently in Saudi Arabia, but he will be travelling to China shortly, where he will be holding talks with senior Chinese leaders, including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

Has anyone else noticed that the number of successful Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia has greatly decreased?

🇲🇲 - Anti-junta rebels ambushed 2 military vehicles carrying food and ammunition in the Pauk Khaung Township, Bago Region.

Rebels sources claimed 9 Tatmadaw soldiers were killed as a result.

Russian forces have captured the last stronghold in the village of Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast.

Ukrainian forces have held the defence of the now ruins of this village for over 2 years. While it's too early to announce the capture of Bilohorivka, it will likely occur in the coming days.

The Ukrainian 72nd mechanised brigade has reportedly arrived in the Pokrovsk direction, replacing the 153rd mechanised Brigade.

The 72nd brigade previously fought in and around Vuhledar, and saw some of its personnel surrounded last year. It was withdrawn from battle for replenishment, which lasted approximately 4 and a half months.

For the first time since the initial incursion, Ukrainian forces now control less than 400km² in Kursk Oblast, down from 1,200km² at its peak.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is postponing the release of Palestinian prisoners until the next hostage release, due to the nature Hamas’ ceremonies at the hostage release points.

The ~600 prisoners who were released yesterday will be returned to their cells.

NASA FIRMS data shows that at least one Russian Geran-2 drone struck the “Glinsko-Rozbyshevskaya" oil depot. A large fire has broken out at the impact site, with multiple oil tanks being on fire.

Rare footage of an Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) FPV drone striking a Russian-Malian Army military base in Tessalit, Mali.

Russian forces are continuing their advance in the southwestern part of the Kursk salient, and have entered the village of Lebedevka.

Russian forces advanced from positions in northern Sverdlikvovo, through the fields, and into the eastern houses. They were able to take up positions in the southeastern part of the village. Fighting is now ongoing for the central part.

It is possible that Russian forces entered the northeastern houses, on the northern bank of the Loknya River, however for now, due to a lack of reliable information, I have placed it in the grey zone.

+ ~1.89km² in favour of Russia.

In the southeastern part of the Kursk salient, Russian forces continued to reverse Ukrainian progress from their latest "counteroffensive".

After securing a foothold in the western houses of Cherkasskaya Konopelka, Russian forces moved deeper into the village, reaching the central part. They then began moving along the Ulanok - Makhnovka road, and along the forest plantation in the low-lying ground, reaching the southeastern part of Cherkasskaya Konopelka.

Russian forces then quickly moved through the village, clearing it of a Ukrainian presence from two directions. Ukrainian forces were pushed to the treeline to the north.

+ ~2.59km² in favour of Russia.

Made some changes to how I make the maps. I decreased the size of the mini-map and topographic map, and removed the unnecessary part of the scale. Any more feedback is greatly appreciated.