Russia’s defense minster claims its “special military operation” is complete and will now focus on the Russian-backed separatist area of Donbass, as negotiations continue in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Russian troops will “drastically reduce” their military assault on Kyiv and Chernihiv, while Ukraine’s fresh counter offensive is threatening Russia’s hold on the front line in the country’s south. A new study says men taking a certain diabetes drug before conceiving causes a 40% higher chance of a birth defect. UK police will issue 20 fines as part of their investigation into illegal parties held by politicians and civil servants during past lockdowns. And, can 26 billion dollars get us to Mars?