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BBC Verify reports hundreds of Russian Africa Corps fighters have deployed in Mali after Wagner’s withdrawal, with French officials estimating 2,500 mercenaries and authenticated footage showing combat in Niono and recovered weapons and motorcycles. Separately, new satellite images show the White House East Wing has been completely demolished to make way for President Donald Trump’s planned $300m ballroom, slated to seat 650, with officials saying the rebuild will finish long before his term ends in January 2029. The live blog also flags investigations into Khartoum “ghost flights,” a Louvre robbery video, and a Ukraine allies meeting in London.

Prepared by Anthony Ross and reviewed by editorial team.