“Russia-China ties are undoubtedly experiencing absolutely the best times in the entire history of these relations,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. “The relationship is pragmatic, trusting and mutually respectful. This can be characterised as an ideal format for relations…
New Year: Countries around the world celebrate after Covid lull
Countries around the world have celebrated New Year, after two years of muted or cancelled events due to the Covid pandemic. Celebrations have taken place on the east coast of the United States, and in Brazil, Argentina and the Caribbean.…
Ukraine war: Zelensky delivers defiant Christmas message after Russian strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his people to persevere in the face of Russian attacks as the country celebrates Christmas. In a defiant speech on Saturday, he said: “Freedom comes at a high price. But slavery has an even…
Ukraine war: Body of Zambian student Lemekhani Nyirenda returned by Russia
The body of a Zambian student who was killed in Ukraine fighting for Russia has been returned to his home country. Lemekhani Nyirenda died in September but Russian officials only informed Zambian authorities last month. The 23-year-old, a student at…
Russia has rocket launcher at Ukraine nuclear power plant, Utility says
Russia has placed several Grad rocket launchers at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power utility. The weapons were placed “near power unit No. 6, right next to the territory of the station’s dry storage of…
Brittney Griner’s family thankful for her return, praying for imprisoned ex-marine Paul Whelan
Brittney Griner’s family said they are praying for the ex-US marine stuck languishing in a Russian prison while also expressing gratitude to the Biden administration for the WNBA star’s freedom. Griner, 32, was freed by Russia on Thursday after nearly…
Griner: Russia frees US basketball star in swap with arms dealer Bout
The US and Russia have exchanged jailed US basketball star Brittney Griner for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, held in an American prison for 12 years. The swap was approved by President Joe Biden in recent days, sources told CBS.…
Help for Ukrainian aid driver stranded in Germany
A 4×4 heading to Ukraine to deliver aid that has been stranded in Germany for eight days should be back on the road next week. Oleh, a Ukrainian refugee living in Towcester, Northamptonshire, had started his journey to Lviv when…
Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei dies at 64, officials say
The Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei has died suddenly at the age of 64, the country’s foreign ministry said Saturday. “Vladimir Makei, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, has suddenly passed away today,” the Foreign Ministry…
Russia passes ‘Answer to Blinken’ gay propaganda law
Russia’s lower house of parliament has unanimously voted to extend its ban on so-called “gay propaganda”. Under the latest version of the law, any promotion of homosexuality – including in books, films and online – is illegal and carries heavy…