Ukraine ceasefire: What do Russia, US, EU want?
Washington and Kyiv are both pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but so far Russia has rejected the proposal. What interests are at play here — for Russia, Ukraine, the
Russia: Putin picks Mishustin to stay on as prime minister
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would like Mikhail Mishustin to be reappointed as prime minister. Mishustin has been credited with keeping the Russian economy afloat amid Western sanctions. Russian President Vladimir
Air Vanuatu files for bankruptcy protection
Vanuatu’s national carrier has canceled all flights and filed for bankruptcy protection, stranding a large number of tourists. Liquidators say it might be sold to a private operator. Air Vanuatu, the national
Stormy Daniels denies using Trump encounter to make money
Adult film star Stormy Daniels denied using a sexual encounter with former US President Donald Trump to make money as she wrapped up testimony in his hush money trial. Adult film star Stormy
Panama Papers law firm boss Ramon Fonseca dies mid-trial
He was a partner of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, at one time the world’s fourth-largest provider of offshore financial services. The firm closed due to “irreparable damage” in the wake of
Pope declares 2025 Holy Year
The event happens every quarter century and is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims. But the Italian capital’s infrastructure is in a poor state, leading many to ask if it can
Chad: Junta chief Deby declared winner of presidential vote
His father ruled Chad for a generation and now Mahamat Deby Itno has consolidated the family dynasty with victory in the presidential election. Military leader Mahamat Deby Itno has been declared the winner of this
Nigeria: Rights groups demand release of detained journalist
Investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu has been held without trial for over a week. Not only was his arrest illegal, say press freedom groups, so is his continued detention without charges. Press freedom and
Germany: 2 far-right AfD politicians attacked in Stuttgart
Police said two state lawmakers were slightly injured at an event marking the the 75th anniversary of Germany’s constitution. Police in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg said two politicians were attacked in the
Argentina: Unions call nationwide strike over Milei’s policy
Labor unions called for people to strike against President Javier Milei’s austerity agenda after the lower house of Argentina’s Congress approved a downsized version of Milei’s economic overhaul package in April. Major
China’s Xi to meet Orban in Hungary
The last stop in the Chinese president’s Europe tour is Hungary — the first EU country to participate in Xi’s signature Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to hold
Pakistan: 7 workers shot dead in their sleep in Balochistan
Police said gunmen stormed into a house near southwestern Pakistan’s Gwadar city and shot workers in an apparent ethnic attack. The victims were originally from Pakistan’s Punjab province. Unidentified gunmen shot and
Russia Victory Day parade: Won’t allow any threats — Putin
“Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but we will not allow anyone to threaten us,” Vladimir Putin told soldiers in Moscow. May 9 is a public holiday in Russia, marking
Australia and Tuvalu strike new security deal
Tuvalu raised sovereignty concerns after an earlier pact gave Australia veto power over any other security or defense agreement the tiny South Pacific island nation pursued with a third country, such as
South Africa: Dozens missing days after building collapse
Twenty-nine of the 75 workers who were at the site when the building collapsed in the city of George have been pulled out of the rubble alive. Six, however, have life-threatening injuries.
Fiji: Former PM Frank Bainimarama sentenced to prison
Fiji’s High Court found Frank Bainimarama guilty of quashing a probe into allegations of corruption at a Fijian university. The former prime minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama was sentenced to a year of
Champions League: Real Madrid stun Bayern to reach BVB final
Real Madrid scored twice in the dying stages to stun Bayern Munich and reach the Champions League final, where they will meet Borussia Dortmund. For a while, it seemed like Bayern Munich
Greta Thunberg fined over Stockholm protest
The “Fridays for Future” climate activist has been fined for civil disobedience over a protest that included blocking the entrance of the Swedish Parliament. Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist who inspired
North Macedonia: Right-wing opposition set for big victory
Early results put the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE far ahead in the vote for North Macedonia’s parliament, with President Stevo Pendarovski conceding defeat to VMRO-DPMNE’s Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Polls have closed in North Macedonia following parliamentary elections and
Olympic flame arrives in France’s Marseille by ship
A ship bearing the flame has docked in the southern port of Marseille. Athletes, public figures and ordinary citizens will now carry the symbol of Olympic tradition to Paris in a relay
Indian police arrest 4 for luring recruits to Russian war
Investigators in India say police have detained four suspects accused of tricking young men to join Russia’s front-line forces in Ukraine. Investigators in India have announced that federal police arrested four people accused of duping
North Macedonia votes in polls crucial for EU membership
The Balkan country’s hope for joining the EU hinges upon the results of the parliamentary elections, which are likely to be won by the center-right coalition. Polling in North Macedonia for parliamentary elections as
Malaysia plans ‘orangutan diplomacy’ to boost palm oil sales
Malaysia intends to present orangutans to nations that import its palm oil. The move aims to allay concerns that palm oil production is often linked to the destruction of the endangered apes’
Court bans ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ protest song
An appeals court has granted a Hong Kong government request to ban a popular protest song. The ruling deepens concerns about the ebbing away of freedom in the semi-autonomous territory. Hong Kong’s appeal
Ukraine updates: Russia warns France against sending troops
Russia has warned that its forces would view any French forces sent to Ukraine as legitimate targets. Meanwhile, Ukraine has suffered a wave of new attacks on its energy infrastructure. Russia has
North Korea’s former propaganda chief dies at 94
Kim Ki Nam was best known as the mastermind behind building the personality cult around the ruling Kim dynasty. North Korea’s former propaganda chief, Kim Ki Nam, who is credited for his role
Franziska Giffey: Berlin politician attacked in library
The Social Democrat was briefly hospitalized. The incident came on the same day as an attack on a Greens politician who was hanging up campaign posters in the city of Dresden. Berlin’s
Trump classified documents trial postponed indefinitely
The former US president’s trial in Florida on charges of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office has been postponed. Judge Cannon shelved the May 20 process without setting a new date.
German ministers demand tough response to political violence
After an attack on a Social Democrat politician in Dresden on Friday, Germany’s state interior ministers have demanded tougher punishments for political violence. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the interior ministers
Israel-Hamas war: Israeli team in Cairo to assess truce deal
A team of Israeli officials has arrived in Cairo to continue to assess the truce deal accepted by Hamas, the Israeli prime minister said. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued operations in Rafah.
Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels takes the stand
Adult film star Stormy Daniels has taken the stand to testify at Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in New York on Tuesday. Stormy Daniels, the adult film star at the center of former
India elections: Voters line up for third phase of polling
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among millions of voters heading to the polls in the third round of India’s mammoth general elections. Polling for the third phase of Indian elections got underway on
Germany: Noah and Sophia the most popular 2023 baby names
Noah has been the most popular boy’s name in Germany for five years in a row now. Sophia (or Sofia) narrowly dethroned Emilia atop the girls’ list. The list of the top
AfD lawmaker Krah’s offices searched amid spy probe
German investigators have searched the offices of far-right EU lawmaker Maximilian Krah in Brussels. Prosecutors say the searches are in connection with suspected espionage by a former aide accused of working for
Russia’s Putin sworn in for new six-year term
Russia inaugurated President Vladimir Putin for a fifth term in office. With a firmer grip on power than ever before, the ex-spy has transformed Russia, consolidating his position by silencing political opponents.
German exports rise unexpectedly high in March
A good demand for German products in the US and China has resulted in a surprisingly high export rate in March. But economic growth in the first quarter remained miniscule. German exports
UK says Defense Ministry targeted in cyberattack
The British Defense Ministry has reported a large-scale cyberattack that targeted the personal information of the UK’s armed forces. Sources say that China is suspected of being involved. The United Kingdom’s government on Tuesday
FAA opens Boeing probe over possible ‘falsified’ 787 records
The planemaker informed the aviation safety regulator last month that required tests on its 787 aircraft model were not performed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Monday it had opened an investigation into Boeing after the American
Australia slams China on ‘unacceptable’ conduct in airspace
The Australian PM said a Chinese fighter jet deployed flares in the pathway of an Australian naval helicopter while on a routine flight in the Yellow Sea. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Boeing Starliner’s first crewed launch to ISS postponed
The Starliner spaceship’s first crewed launch has been called off due to a technical issue. The spaceship had been poised to take astronauts to the International Space Station. After years of delays, Boeing’s
Middle East updates: Israeli leaders back Rafah offensive
Benjamin Netanyahu says his War Cabinet has approved a military operation in the southern Gazan city. It came after Hamas announced it had accepted a proposed truce agreement. Jordan’s King Abdullah II
Israel observes Holocaust Remembrance Day amid Gaza war
Israel has commemorated the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. This year’s Holocaust Remembrance Day comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, where more than 100 Israeli hostages are still being
Xi in France pressed on China’s ‘market distortion’
During a visit to Paris, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Europe remains a policy “priority” for Beijing. Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of Chinese oversupply leading to
Ukraine updates: Russia orders nuclear preparation drills
Russia has announced military exercises near Ukraine that will include deployment drills of tactical nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, six were reported killed in a drone strike on Russia’s Belgorod. Russia said it will
German FM warns of climate threat during Fiji visit
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that climate change was “washing the ground out from under people’s feet” in Fiji. The Pacific island nation faces rising sea levels due to global warming.
German police widen probe after Dresden politician attack
After the attack on a center-left lawmaker in the eastern city of Dresden, police say they have identified and searched the homes of three more teenage suspects. Investigators on Monday said they
Panama election: Mulino declared president-elect
Panama’s Supreme Court ruled, just two days before the election, that Jose Raul Mulino was eligible to run. Jose Raul Mulino, the stand-in candidate for disqualified former President Ricardo Martinelli, was declared
Mexico: 3 bodies found are those of Australian, US surfers
The trio were shot dead during a suspected botched robbery during a surfing trip to Mexico. Authorities found their bodies with bullet wounds to the heads. The bodies of three tourists who
French bakers recapture world’s longest baguette title
A crew of French bakers on Sunday dethroned Italy with a new world record by creating a 140-meter-long baguette. When finished, the national symbol was donated to feed the homeless. An 18-member
Lando Norris takes first-ever Formula One win in Miami
In a season dominated by Max Verstappen, it was a hugely popular win by the 24-year-old. The British driver also gave McLaren their first F1 win since Monza 2021. McLaren’s Lando Norris
Germany: Thousands protest after attack on EU lawmaker
A German MEP was hospitalized after a suspected far-right attack in Dresden on Friday. Sunday’s protests were called to counter rising right-wing extremism and violence. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the streets
Brazil floods: Rescuers race against time as toll rises
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva traveled to the hard-hit state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil’s south as rescue efforts continued. The death toll from flooding has risen to 75,
EU elections: Immigration is main issue for German voters
Campaigning for June’s European Parliament elections has begun. According to the latest survey, German voters are showing little interest. Many are dissatisfied with EU policy making and their own government. Germany’s federal
Germany: Berlin offers up Goebbels’ villa for free
Berlin’s state government said the villa once owned by Adolf Hitler’s propaganda minister will be demolished if no takers come forward to claim it. Germany has long struggled with the fate of
China launches uncrewed probe to far side of the moon
The two-month mission aims to collect samples from the far side of the moon. The mission is part of a Chinese program aiming to send a crew to the moon by 2030.
India election: Rahul Gandhi to contest from Raebareli
The senior leader of India’s opposition Congress party is set to contest the Lok Sabha national elections from his family’s legacy seat. Gandhi is also seeking reelection from Wayanad in the south.
Pakistan: Bus crash in the north kills at least 20
The bus was traveling from a city near the capital, Islamabad, to the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan, near the Chinese border. Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor roads and
UK Conservative defeats pile pressure on PM Rishi Sunak
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ruling Conservative Party has suffered a series of embarrassing losses in local elections. The results come ahead of a national election and could put Sunak’s own position
Germany accuses Russia of cyberattack on governing party
A German government investigation, led by the Foreign Ministry, found that Russian hackers with state support targeted the Social Democratic Party in the governing coalition. Germany accused Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, on Friday
Taiwan detects Chinese aircraft around island
Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Friday that a number of Chinese military planes had cross the median line. Taiwan detected a renewed incursion by Chinese aircraft around the democratically-governed island, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said on
Turkey suspends trade with Israel over Gaza conflict
Ankara said it would continue to impose the measures until Israel allowed an “uninterrupted and sufficient flow” of humanitarian aid to the region. Turkey on Thursday suspended all trade with Israel, citing the “worsening
Brazil floods: State of emergency in Rio Grande do Sul
The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s southernmost state is rising, and more downpours are expected. President Lula flew over the area and promised government resources to assist. Authorities in Brazil’s Rio Grande
Europa League: Bayer Leverkusen beat Roma 2-0 in Italy
Bayer Leverkusen took a major step towards the Europa League final with a 2-0 win in Rome in the opening game of their semi-final. The new Bundesliga champs are vying for a
UN urges Georgia to withdraw ‘foreign influence’ bill
The controversial bill has attracted wide criticism and led to daily protests in the capital, Tbilisi. The EU said the move could hurt Georgia’s prospects of one day joining the 27-member bloc.
Should the use of animals in sports be banned?
From dog races to bullfighting and circus shows — animals have historically been used in sports and for entertainment. But critical voices to curb or even ban their use are getting louder.
Ukraine updates: Russia strikes Odesa for 3rd time this week
Russian missiles have struck the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa for the third time this week, injuring around a dozen people. The southwestern Ukrainian port city of Odesa was targeted by Russian missiles for
Germany: Births, marriages hit lowest level since 2013
The number of births and weddings in Germany has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, especially in the eastern part of the country. The number of births and weddings in Germany last
EU funnels aid to Lebanon amid Syria migrant surge to Cyprus
The EU’s Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €1 billion economic aid package for Lebanon in exchange for the country slowing migration to the EU. The move comes amid a sharp rise
Philippines summons Chinese envoy over water cannon attack
The Philippines summoned a Chinese Embassy official to protest the “harassment of Philippine vessels” as tensions flare up in the South China Sea. The Philippines on Thursday summoned a senior Chinese diplomat
China highway collapse: Death toll rises to over 40
Chinese state media reported 48 people were killed when a section of a highway collapsed. Search efforts are underway despite bad weather a day after part of a road fell in China’s
Solomon Islands lawmakers elect Jeremiah Manele as new PM
Pro-China career diplomat Jeremiah Manele has been chosen as the new prime minister of the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands lawmakers have selected China-friendly former diplomat Jeremiah Manele as the new prime minister
UK: Civil servants appeal Rwanda law as 66 migrants rescued
The UK’s senior civil servants union has mounted a legal appeal against the government’s controversial Rwanda deportation legislation. Meanwhile, 66 migrants were rescued while trying to cross the English Channel. Senior British
US: Arizona Senate votes to repeal 1864 abortion ban
Legislators have been scrambling to repeal the law, which predates Arizona’s statehood, since a 2022 Supreme Court ruling paved the way for its return. The vote was 16-14 and the state’s governor
Champions League: Füllkrug hands Dortmund first-leg lead
Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal thanks to Niclas Füllkrug’s stunning first-half goal. The second leg takes place in Paris next Tuesday. Borussia Dortmund
Kenyan floods leave tourists stranded at iconic Maasai Mara
The world-famous wildlife reserve is the latest area of Kenya to be affected by torrential rains that have claimed more than 170 lives and displaced more than 195,000 people across the nation.
Indonesia: Thousands evacuate homes after volcanic eruptions
Scores of residents of Indonesia’s Tagulandang island were evacuated following the eruption of the Ruang volcano. Plumes of grey smoke continued to rise from the volcano. Efforts in Indonesia began to evacuate
South Korea mulls participation in AUKUS: defense minister
South Korea has held talks about joining a landmark defense technology pact between Australia, the United States and Britain. South Korea is discussing participation in the AUKUS defense pact between Australia, the United Kingdom
UK sends voluntary asylum-seeker to Rwanda: reports
The United Kingdom has sent the first asylum-seeker whose asylum application was denied to Rwanda through a voluntary scheme. The plan is separate from the government’s forced deportation program. The United Kingdom
Nineteen dead after highway collapses in southern China
Nineteen people have died after part of a highway collapsed in China’s southern Guangdong province, according to state media. A section of a highway collapsed in southern China leaving at least 19 people dead,
Russia strikes Odesa for 2nd time this week
Russia has pummeled the vital port city of Odesa, stepping up aerial attacks that have also damaged civilian infrastructure there, according to Ukrainian officials. At least three people were killed and three
US plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug
The Biden administration is reportedly looking into reclassifying marijuana from the nation’s most dangerous drug to a lower-risk drug, in a historic shift that could have ripple effects across the country. The
Champions League: Bayern Munich held to draw by Real Madrid
The Champions League semifinal first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ended all-square. Leroy Sané and Harry Kane scored for Bayern in between strikes from Real’s Vinicius Junior. Bayern Munich 2-2
Georgia: Police clash with ‘foreign agent’ bill protesters
Riot police fired tear gas and used pepper spray to disperse protesters who had gathered outside parliament where lawmakers were debating a ‘foreign agents’ bill that could undermine the country’s ambition to
EU probes Facebook, Instagram over election disinformation
The European Union has launched an investigation into Facebook and Instagram amid concerns they are failing to curb online disinformation. The probe relates to the handling of political advertising ahead of EU
Lufthansa sees ‘turning point’ after Q1 marred by strikes
Lufthansa is looking to cut costs, including in management, after repeated strikes weighed heavily on Q1 figures. But with the disputes settled and a busy summer anticipated, the CEO touted an imminent
London: Arrest after man attacks people, police with sword
A man wielding a sword attacked members of the public and two police officers in East London. Five were hospitalized. Police said soon after that a suspect had been arrested and no
Afghanistan: Shooting attack on mosque kills 6
Locals suggested the mosque was targeted for being used by the Shiite Muslim minority. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but an “Islamic State” affiliate has targeted Shiites in Afghanistan
Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts again, closing airport
Indonesian authorities raised the alert level to the highest following the eruption and urged residents to not go near it. The Mount Ruang volcano, in ther North Sulawesi province in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday
Germany’s economy shows slight upturn, raising hopes
The German economy has shown a marginal upturn in the first part of the year. The latest figures give some hope that Germany may be escaping the economic doldrums. Europe’s largest economy
US: 4 officers shot dead in North Carolina, police say
Four officers, including three members of the US Marshals task force, were killed during a shootout in a neighborhood in the southeastern US state of North Carolina, police said. Four officers were killed
Middle East updates: Blinken in Saudi Arabia on crisis tour
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to consult with Arab leaders on Gaza’s future once the Israel-Hamas war ends. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Ukraine updates: NATO’s Stoltenberg acknowledges aid delays
The NATO chief promised more support was on the way during an unannounced visit to Kyiv. It came as Russia claimed it had captured an eastern village in the Donetsk region. NATO chief
German army captain admits spying for Russia
The officer, with ties to the far-right AfD party, said he provided information to a Russian intelligence service out of fear of a nuclear escalation in Moscow’s war in Ukraine. A member
Scotland’s Humza Yousaf quits as ruling-SNP first minister
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned ahead of two no-confidence votes that could bring down his Scottish National Party-led government. The move comes after he ended a cooperation agreement with the
Kenya flooding leaves dozens dead after dam collapse
The disaster has also damaged infrastructure, including the destruction of roads, bridges and cancellation of school lessons across the country. Thousands have also been displaced due to rains in the country. A dam
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says he will not resign
The announcement comes after Sanchez had canceled appointments last week amid corruption allegations against his wife. He has vowed to end “toxic” politics. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday that he
Germany: 2 Ukrainians killed over weekend were soldiers
Ukraine’s embassy has said two Ukrainian men fatally stabbed in Bavaria were soldiers based in Germany for rehabilitation. A Russian man is the suspect. But police don’t yet know if the war
Spain awaits PM Pedro Sanchez’s resignation decision
There is suspense in Spain, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expected to announce whether or not he will continue in office. Sanchez canceled appointments last week amid corruption allegations against his wife.
Tornadoes ripping through US Midwest turn deadly in Oklahoma
The US Midwest region has faced over 100 tornadoes this weekend, with at least four killed and thousands left without power in Oklahoma. At least four people were killed in the US state
Australia: PM Albanese says domestic violence is a ‘crisis’
Thousands have demonstrated in Australia on Sunday against gender-based violence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described domestic violence as a “national crisis.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described domestic violence as
Not enough charging points for electric cars in EU: ACEA
European carmakers say that charging stations are rolling out too slowly in the bloc and that 8.8 million charging points would be required by 2030 to keep pace with an EV boom.