Russia's losses, Cuba's naval arrival, and European conflict prep

This happened while you were asleep. Here is what global agencies recorded on the night from Thursday to Friday.

• Vladimir Putin said that Russian forces are losing around 20,000 people monthly in Ukraine. Analyzing his words, the Institute for the Study of War indicates that this number is equal to, or slightly lower than, the number of new soldiers sent by Russia each month. Military analysts write that Putin estimated that approximately 5,000 Russian soldiers die each month in the fighting in Ukraine, which means that about 15,000 Russian soldiers are wounded, considering the standard wounded-to-killed ratio of three to one. However, Russian officials are concerned about the slowdown in recruitment rates ahead of the planned Russian offensive in the summer of 2024.

• Four Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will arrive in Cuba next week – confirmed by the country’s authorities on Thursday. American officials assess this as a show of strength in response to Western support for Ukraine.

• The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that four Russian warships are coming to Havana. One of the units is supposed to be a nuclear submarine. The White House has already responded to these reports.

• "Intelligence agencies warn 'Kremlin plotting acts of sabotage on Continent' amid escalation of stand-off with NATO" - reports the British newspaper "The Telegraph". In this context, the fire at the London warehouse is also mentioned - the newspaper points out.

• Germany is preparing for a potential conflict. The newspaper "Bild" has reached a document outlining the basics of the country's functioning during a war outbreak.