Maritime Security & Food Supply: A Russian strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region killed one sailor and injured three aboard the Guinea-Bissau-flagged dry cargo vessel Mera Queen, which was carrying Ukrainian wheat; the crew was evacuated and damage/fire were being contained, with Ukrainian officials warning the attacks threaten freedom of navigation and global food security. War Update: Overnight Russian strikes across eastern and northern Ukraine reportedly killed at least six people, while Moscow said it intercepted hundreds of drones. Regional Peacekeeping: Nigeria completed a rotation of its troops in Guinea-Bissau’s ECOWAS mission, handing command to a new Nigerian contingent leader as the stabilisation effort continues. Infrastructure & Investment: Egypt’s Arab Contractors signed cooperation protocols to help develop Guinea’s Kotoumba Dam, highlighting continued Egyptian infrastructure expansion across West Africa. Health & Climate: A new study says climate change is shifting malaria risk across Africa—slightly increasing it overall so far, but potentially worsening it in southern and East Africa while easing pressure in today’s hotspots. US Visa Policy: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 deposits for some B1/B2 applicants from Guinea-Bissau and other countries.