Germany-Russia Risk: German intelligence chief Martin Jäger warned Germany could be dragged into direct armed conflict with Russia, citing a “shadow war” and rising sabotage threats. Ukraine-Germany Deal: Germany and Ukraine signed €8.5bn in defence and energy agreements in Kyiv, expanding joint production and procurement. Spain Election Call: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez announced a snap election for Nov. 29 after parliament rejected key housing decrees, with housing and coalition fractures driving the move. EU Budget Fight: Spain and other “friends of cohesion” pushed in Brussels for new revenue sources to protect the next EU budget, warning against cuts to cohesion and the CAP. Arctic Security: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Iceland to discuss economic and security collaboration after a US security pact with Denmark and Greenland. Central Asia Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE signed an MoU for a railway corridor linking to Pakistan via Afghanistan, with feasibility work set to begin. UAE Climate Agenda: The CBUAE will run a second Climate Forum in Abu Dhabi and a climate research seminar with LSE. Ethiopia-Nile/Red Sea: Ethiopia’s foreign ministry said any Abay River and Red Sea discussions must reflect its geography and “legitimate national interests.” Ghana Politics: Ghana’s NDC congratulated the NPP on new national executives, urging peaceful engagement. Nepal Party Finance: Nepal’s Nepali Congress proposed state funding tied to votes and an endowment for families of martyrs and conflict victims. AI Safety Debate (US): US senators split over Bill Gates’ AI “billion deaths” warning, as lawmakers argue over whether the alarm is responsible or politically motivated.