Russia's Luna-25 space craft spun out of control and crashed into the moon after a problem preparing for pre-landing orbit, underscoring the post-Soviet decline of a once mighty space programme.

The decision, widely seen as retaliation for US curbs on sales of technologies to China, raised concerns that China might limit exports of other materials, notably rare earths, whose production China dominates.

The isolated country has suffered food shortages in recent years, reeling from floods and typhoons, international sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programmes, and a sharp cut in trade.

Last week the country fired more than 80 missiles, including its latest short-range ballistic missiles and a new variant of intercontinental ballistic missile, by far the North's most launches in such a short period.

Moscow has managed to maintain revenues through increased crude sales to Asia, particularly China and India.

Drought was officially declared in parts of England earlier this month for the first time since 2018, and six water companies have now implemented hosepipe bans to help protect water supplies.

After the West imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that natural gas exported to Europe or the US should be paid for in his country's currency.

Brent crude topped US$117 per barrel and is now up almost 20% on the week, while everything from coal to natural gas and aluminium are on fire as Western nations tighten sanctions on Russia.

Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has diverted some vessels from Felixstowe port in eastern England because a lack of truck drivers means there is nowhere left to stack containers at the port.