Overview

• Ukraine reported five deaths, major power outages and extensive air-defense activity after a large overnight barrage that included more than 50 missiles and hundreds of drones, with Poland placing air defenses on high alert near the border.
• China’s state media said rescue teams have evacuated about 350 of more than 1,000 climbers trapped by heavy snow on Everest’s Tibetan side, with cold and wet conditions heightening frostbite risk as operations continue.
• Vilnius airport suspended operations for hours after 25 contraband-carrying helium balloons from Belarus entered Lithuanian airspace, delaying about 30 flights and 6,000 passengers as authorities recovered 12,000 cigarette cartons.
• Mongolia’s prosecutors reported progress in coal-related cases, charging 156 people and entities across 124 investigations, securing convictions, and recovering losses including $194,384 and 23.8 billion MNT, while MP P. Sainzorig began gathering signatures for a no-confidence motion.
• Ulaanbaatar began selling 25 kg semi-coke fuel bags for 5,000 MNT using ID QR codes and Hotula or Sain card payments, accepted tender materials for the 24.7 km First Ring Road project, and advanced Tuul Expressway preparatory works toward a planned 2027 opening.