Russia said on Saturday it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones including near St Petersburg, where Moscow is hosting a major economic forum, as Ukraine reported at least three people killed by Russian strikes. Moscow and Kyiv have intensified drone strikes on each other in recent months as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war, now in its fifth year, remain stalled over the conflict in the Middle East. The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) – once dubbed “Russia’s Davos”...
The Russian president's refusal comes after his Ukrainian counterpart wrote an open letter calling for face-to-face talks.
The Russian leader insisted military action would only stop after Moscow achieves its 'goals'.
Russia’s performance since December shows it can contest territory but cannot hold it, say battlefield observers.
European Commission president warns that the maritime drone attack was a 'direct consequence' of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukraine says it struck five ships carrying illegal cargo in the Sea of Azov and in coastal waters of Russian-occupied territories.
We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Trump ‘personally called for China’s help’ to end Ukraine war in summit with Xi US President Donald Trump personally urged President Xi Jinping to help end the Ukraine war, seeking to leverage Beijing’s influence over Moscow to...
Since the Ukraine war began in 2022, Asia has been watching conflict as if enrolled in a study course. We have heard every argument: Nato enlargement, Russian insecurity, Ukrainian sovereignty, European fear, American power, energy politics, sanctions, nationalism and resistance. We have watched Gaza burn. We have watched the United States capture Venezuela’s president and defend the act as lawful. We have watched Iran absorb attacks and retaliate. For Asians, these are no longer distant events....
US leader Donald Trump personally urged President Xi Jinping to help end the Ukraine war, as he sought to lean on Beijing’s sway over Moscow to resolve a conflict that is now in its fifth year, multiple sources have said. According to people familiar with the discussions at last month’s leaders’ summit in Beijing, Trump told Xi that Russia-Ukraine negotiations were stalled and pressed him to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin back to the table to negotiate with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr...
Russian drones are targeting public buses in Kherson, killing three transport workers so far this year.
NATO says it is ready to defend allied territory against Russian attacks.
Amid growing risk of spillover from the Ukraine war, the Baltic states could seek de-escalation channels through Minsk.
At 38, one of the world’s youngest leaders pitches for Indian film industry to shoot in Iceland, building trade through renewable energy
After four years of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has become far more successful at fighting off air raids.
The UK moved to loosen its Russian sanctions in a controversial move aimed at preventing shortages of diesel and jet fuel, as the war in Iran eats into global oil buffers. The move highlights how Britain has become more reliant on fuel imports than other major European nations, and has prompted political backlash over the government’s commitment to support Ukraine. The European Union is not currently planning a similar measure, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to...
Port infrastructure hit in southern Ukraine as drones intercepted over Russian capital.
Belarus said on Monday its armed forces had begun training exercises involving Russian nuclear weapons, in a move that drew strong condemnation from Ukraine. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko agreed in 2023 – a year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – to host Russian tactical nuclear missiles. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear that Moscow retains control of their use. “During the training, in cooperation with the Russian side, it is planned to practise the delivery of...
Ukraine says its territory is attacked overnight with 524 drones and 22 missiles.
Embassy officials have visited the location, met the injured workers in the hospital, and are working with local authorities to provide necessary assistance to the workers, the statement added.
Thirty-four European states plus Australia, Costa Rica and the EU said on Friday they would join a future special tribunal for Ukraine to prosecute Russia over its invasion of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an accord with the Council of Europe last year to create a legal body to prosecute the “crime of aggression” in the invasion Russia launched in February 2022. The Council of Ministers, comprising foreign ministers from the organisation’s 46-member states, in a...
Among the victims in Kyiv was 12-year-old Lyubava Yakovleva, whose father was killed during the war.
Finnish defence authorities scramble fighter jets; defence chief warns of more alarms as Russian war persists.
Families call on governments in Moscow and Harare to secure the return of loved ones from Ukrainian front lines.
Wallace last year recommended helping Ukraine carry out a strike on the bridge linking Russia to annexed Crimea.
And will he be acceptable to Ukraine and the West?
Amid a US-backed ceasefire, Putin signals peace talks could progress, but broader negotiations remain stalled.
Russia marks downsized Victory Day parade as Putin pledges victory in Ukraine 'special military operation'.
An important date in the Russian calendar, May 9 will be a slimmed-down affair with less military showcasing.