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An analysis circulating widely on Russian-language social media says that during 2026 Russian forces made only marginal advances in Ukraine, yet Moscow kept updating its official maps and territorial claims as if it controlled far more. According to the thread, the gap between Russian-claimed territory and the actual front line now exceeds 5,000 square kilometres, with the discrepancy documented across a series of maps. Commenters are debating what the mismatch says about how the Kremlin presents the war at home.

President Trump is reportedly considering a ban on diesel exports from the United States, a move that would keep more fuel domestically and could lower prices at home. Such a step would ripple through global fuel markets, affecting allies that rely on American diesel supplies and raising concerns among refiners and trading partners about supply disruptions.

The Trump administration is weighing a 90-day ban on US diesel exports, a move that could significantly hit European fuel supplies. The EU has launched a diplomatic offensive to stop the plan, warning of major consequences for Europe's energy market, which relies partly on American diesel imports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed further indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, conducted through Qatari mediators, amid ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear programme. Araghchi said Iran is awaiting an official reply from the United States, with a response expected by Tuesday. The talks follow a period of heightened tension over nuclear negotiations between the two countries, which have no direct diplomatic relations and rely on intermediaries such as Qatar for communication.

Nvidia and AMD are pressing the Trump administration to maintain export channels for their semiconductor products to China, according to Politico. The two US chipmakers rely heavily on Chinese sales and face uncertainty over restrictions. The issue sits at the center of the wider US-China tech rivalry, with export controls threatening billions in revenue for American semiconductor companies.

Microsoft is winding down Internet Explorer mode in its Edge browser, retiring the compatibility feature that allowed businesses and users to open legacy websites built for the old Internet Explorer engine. The move pushes organisations still relying on aging internal sites to modernise their web applications or seek alternative solutions.

The United States and Iran are relying on intermediaries to find a way out of their escalating standoff, as direct channels remain strained. Reports say mediators are being used to convey positions and explore possible de-escalation, with the deadlock raising concerns about a wider conflict and nuclear tensions in the region.

The BBC is reviewing 53 cases involving Gaza-based journalists after claims that some had links to Hamas. The review comes amid ongoing scrutiny of how media organisations vet freelancers and stringers reporting from the Gaza Strip during the war, and of whether Hamas affiliations were disclosed in coverage relied upon by international broadcasters.

The BBC is reviewing 53 Gaza-based journalists it has worked with after concerns they may have links to terrorist organisations. The review follows scrutiny of the vetting process for freelance contributors reporting from the territory, where the broadcaster relies heavily on local staff. The move has reignited debate over media reliability and press freedom in the region.

SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship rocket on its first planned flight into Earth orbit, a milestone test for the vehicle designed for missions to the Moon and Mars. The uncrewed flight would be the first time Starship flies as a full stack, with the Super Heavy booster and upper stage together. Success would mark a major step for Elon Musk's company and for NASA's lunar plans, which rely on a Starship variant.

Ukraine says a recent offensive, dubbed the 'zombie car' offensive, has resulted in the capture of 250 Russian soldiers. The operation reportedly relied on unmanned or remote-controlled vehicles used to draw fire and carry out assaults. The tactic highlights how both sides are adapting to drone-heavy warfare, with Ukrainian forces claiming significant territorial and personnel gains.

Donald Trump says his administration is 'very seriously' considering banning diesel exports as global diesel supplies tighten and prices climb. A ban would keep more US fuel at home for domestic consumers and industries, but could worsen shortages in Europe and other regions that rely heavily on American diesel. Markets and allies are watching closely for a decision.

Companies are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to help set employee pay, often without workers knowing. The Wall Street Journal reports that employers rely on algorithmic systems to benchmark salaries and determine compensation, raising questions about transparency, fairness and potential bias in how wages are decided across industries.

Ukraine reports a first-of-its-kind engagement in which one of its unmanned surface vessels destroyed a Russian kamikaze drone boat at sea. The clash marks a military milestone in the growing battle between robotic vessels in the Black Sea, with both sides increasingly relying on uncrewed craft for attack and defense.

An Australian tutoring company has advised parents to save their money and use AI tools instead of paying for tutoring, according to the Australian Financial Review. The unusual recommendation from a firm whose business competes with tutoring has drawn attention, raising questions about how generative AI is reshaping the private education market and whether parents should trust chatbots to help their children learn.

The United States and China have agreed to establish bilateral trade and investment councils in place of one-off summits, according to reports circulating widely on prediction and news platforms. The shift suggests both countries want a standing mechanism to manage trade disputes and economic cooperation rather than relying on irregular high-level meetings. Details on membership and timetable have not yet been announced.

A Ukrainian commander has described how his troops conduct ground assaults during daylight hours while deploying ground robots and other unmanned systems at night. The explanation highlights how Ukraine's forces are increasingly relying on robotic vehicles to move supplies and support attacks while reducing risk to soldiers, with darkness offering cover from Russian drones and observation.

Scientists and commercial fishermen in New England are calling on federal agencies to maintain funding for a deep-ocean observation system that tracks conditions in Atlantic waters. Researchers use the system to study ocean changes, while fishermen rely on its data for safety and understanding fish stocks. The two groups, often at odds, are jointly pressing for continued federal support.

President Trump's push to restrict mail-in voting is putting new pressure on the head of the US Postal Service, who insists he is 'not political'. The crackdown would rely on the agency to implement any changes to ballot delivery, raising questions about whether the Postal Service will comply and how its leadership will navigate the dispute ahead of upcoming elections.

The Financial Times reports that US companies are increasingly adopting cheaper 'open' AI models rather than relying solely on costly proprietary systems from major vendors. Businesses are drawn to open models for their lower cost and greater flexibility, a shift that could reshape how enterprises buy artificial intelligence and put pressure on providers of expensive closed systems.

Volkswagen's deal with Chinese battery maker Gotion is drawing attention as a case study in the limits of Western efforts to reduce dependence on China. Despite political pressure to de-risk supply chains, the automaker continues to rely on Chinese partners for critical battery technology and production, underscoring how deeply intertwined the European and Chinese industrial bases remain.

Polish workers are increasingly leaving the Netherlands to return to a 'new Poland', according to a Volkskrant report being widely shared. The departure raises the question of who will fill the low-paid work in distribution centres, greenhouses and construction, jobs long staffed by Polish labour and relied upon by employers including voters of the VVD.