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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has concluded defence agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, focusing on joint expertise in countering threats from missiles and drones. The agreements were made during Zelenskyy's visit to Doha and the UAE earlier in the day. The defence pact with Qatar includes collaboration in technological fields, development of joint investments, and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. This move comes as Iran continues to attack its Gulf neighbours, with Tehran insisting it targets only US assets in retaliation for the US-Israeli war on Iran. Ukraine has deployed 201 anti-drone experts to the Middle East to help Gulf nations counter Iranian drones. Kyiv has proposed swapping its interceptors for the more expensive air-defence missiles used by Gulf countries to down Iranian drones. Ukraine needs these missiles to fend off near-daily Russian missile attacks. The agreements highlight Ukraine's growing role as a leading producer of sophisticated, battlefield-proven drone interceptors. The country's expertise in downing Russian drones, which have been attacking Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, is seen as a cost-effective solution for Gulf nations. For instance, Ukraine's interceptors cost around $2,000 each, compared to the $4 million cost of a Patriot missile. Zelenskyy's diplomatic tour aims to secure funding and technology in return for Middle East support. The US-Israeli war on Iran has depleted Patriot missile stocks, which concerns Ukraine as it needs these missiles to counter Russian ballistic missiles.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has written to Travelodge's CEO, Jo Boydell, to express his concerns over the hotel chain's safety protocols following a recent sexual assault incident. The incident involved a 29-year-old man, Kyran Smith, who was given the victim's room number and key card by staff at the Maidenhead branch of Travelodge.Starmer's letter, released by Downing Street, emphasizes the need for Travelodge to 'seriously engage' with MPs and the government to address concerns around best-practice interventions for prevention, staff training, and the company's response to the incident. The Prime Minister views tackling violence against women and girls as a 'personal mission' and expects Travelodge to play its part in this effort.The incident has raised 'deeply concerning' questions about Travelodge's security processes and procedures. More than 20 MPs had demanded a meeting with Boydell to discuss the case, including the company's offer of an 'insulting' £30 refund to the victim. Starmer has welcomed Travelodge's decision to launch an independent investigation into its room security policies and urged the company to proceed with the review at pace.Travelodge has apologized to the victim for the way the incident was handled, stating that it adopts industry-standard security procedures. However, the company has faced criticism for its response to the incident, and Starmer's letter underscores the need for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.