Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage on Ukraine Amid Global Tensions

A wave of global tensions has escalated in recent days, with Russia launching a scores-strong missile barrage on Ukraine, the UK dealing with fallout from Prince Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the US questioning Iran's nuclear program.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia fired 297 drones and nearly 50 missiles on Sunday, targeting energy facilities, logistics, and residential areas. The attack comes just two days before the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy urged allies to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, saying "Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy."

Meanwhile, in the UK, police searches of Prince Andrew's former home on the Windsor estate continued, fueling calls for a judge-led inquiry into his links with Epstein. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson did not rule out such an inquiry but emphasized that it was premature due to the ongoing police investigation. The development has sparked renewed pressure on the royal family, with some calling for Prince Andrew to be dropped from the line of succession.

In a separate incident, two young men, Eddie Hill and Jayden Long, died on a hiking expedition in north Wales. The pair, both from Norfolk, were found dead on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) after a massive search operation in severe winter conditions.

The Liberal Democrats have also called on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to delay the rollout of new border controls that could block British dual nationals from entering the country. The party's letter to Mahmood described the controls as "unacceptable" and urged her to introduce a grace period to protect those affected.

Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump has expressed curiosity over Iran's refusal to "capitulate" in the face of Washington's military build-up in the Middle East. Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News that the president was puzzled by Iran's stance, given the US's warnings of a limited military strike if a deal was not reached on Tehran's nuclear program. Iran has denied allegations that it is moving towards making a nuclear weapon.

As global tensions continue to escalate, international relations remain strained. Hungary has threatened to block EU sanctions against Russia, while anti-government protests have erupted in Iran. The US and its European allies remain vigilant, with the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East continuing to unfold.

In a statement, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strengthened air defenses in Ukraine, saying, "We need to be prepared to respond to any attack." As the situation in Ukraine and beyond continues to develop, the international community remains on high alert.

Sources:

• Reuters: "Russia fires scores of missiles at Ukraine as Hungary threatens to block EU sanctions"
• The Guardian: "Inquiry into Andrew's Epstein links not ruled out as police searches continue"
• BBC News: "Tributes paid to two young men who died on Eryri mountains hike"
• The Independent: "Lib Dems call on home secretary to delay new dual national border rules"
• Fox News: "Trump curious why Iran has not 'capitulated', US envoy Witkoff says"