Russia is losing about 6,000 more soldiers per month than it is recruiting
Russia is losing about 6,000 more soldiers in Ukraine each month than it is recruiting, Western officials estimate. Moscow continues to recruit about 1,000 people a day, but over the past two months this pace has not been enough to replace those killed and wounded on the front lines.
Officials say Vladimir Putin has little room for a new massive mobilization, due to the political and economic costs and a shortage of equipment and officers. Meanwhile, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure, while Kiev continues to ask allies for more missiles and defense systems. The West believes Moscow intends to continue a war of attrition, hoping that international support for Ukraine will weaken over time.
King Harald V of Norway dies at 89
King Harald V of Norway has died in Oslo at the age of 89, after a period of ill health, and was immediately succeeded by his son, Haakon VIII. The country has declared national mourning, while thousands of citizens have gathered near the royal palace to pay their respects.
Harald had been the ceremonial head of state since 1991 and was considered a unifying figure, known for modernizing the monarchy and supporting diversity and tolerance. His legacy comes at a difficult time for the royal family, following criticism of Mette-Marit (Haakon VIII's wife) for her contacts with Jeffrey Epstein and the conviction of her son, Marius Borg Hoiby. The scandals have also affected public support for the monarchy, which according to a February poll had fallen from 72% in 2024 to 54%.
Over 2,400 people missing after catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet
The number of people missing after devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet has surpassed 2,400, with rescuers finding 586 victims so far. According to the US Geological Survey, the disaster was caused by the collapse of a glacier, which brought a massive wave of ice, mud and debris that swept through villages and entire areas.
Search and rescue operations are underway in difficult conditions and are threatened by the risk of further flooding, while more than 100 people are reported to be trapped near a hydroelectric project. UNICEF says at least 17,000 children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, while the Red Cross estimates that about 93,000 people have been affected. The European Union has pledged 2 million euros in aid to Nepal, while China has offered support for emergency operations.
Historic necklace with 673 diamonds belonging to Queen Nazli of Egypt stolen in Vienna
Austrian police are searching for two men suspected of stealing a 200-carat platinum necklace adorned with 673 diamonds from the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna. The two suspects bought tickets to the exhibition, smashed the display case with a hammer during opening hours and made off with the jewelry while several witnesses were in the hall.
The 1939 necklace was owned by Queen Nazli of Egypt, who wore it to the wedding of her daughter Fawzia to the then crown prince of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The jewelry was auctioned by Sotheby's in 2015 for $4.3 million. Various European museums have been hit by a series of robberies, which Europol says are becoming increasingly violent.
