The Voice of America reports that the Republic of Georgia is receiving an economic boost from the war in Ukraine. It is "expected to record a vigorous 10% growth in economic output for 2022 amid a consumption-led boom," due largely to the arrival of refugees from Russia, seeking to avoid conscription or Putin's crackdown on dissent. (VOA News)
At least 15 people are killed in a fire at a café in Kostroma, Russia. Two hundred fifty others are evacuated. The fire was started by a flare gun that discharged during an altercation. (NDTV)