News
Trump says he wants to meet Putin “as soon as possible”, as Zelenskiy lobbies Davos for support
US President Donald Trump said that he wants to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "as soon as possible" to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, speaking to delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos by video link on January 23.
Expected settlement of energy crisis in Transnistria may have a security cost
Pro-Russian separatist region has picked a natural gas trader, Cyprus-based Ozbor Enterprises, to import Russian natural gas through the Turkstream and Trans-Balkan pipelines, and started military drills in the Security Zone.
Japan hikes rates in a move that goes largely unnoticed
In the hour or so after Japan hiked interest rates to what is the highest level in 17 years, nobody seemed to care.
Human rights groups urge Zelenskiy to protect North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine
Human rights organisations advocating for North Korean citizens have called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to refrain from repatriating two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia.
Taiwan set to cull 120,000 green iguanas
Taiwan is planning to cull up to 120,000 green iguanas in a bid to protect its agriculture from the growing menace posed by the invasive species.
Death sentence for Chinese killer
A Chinese court has sentenced Zhou Jiasheng, a 52-year-old man, to death for his role in a brutal knife attack in June 2024.
Indian energy supply unaffected by US sanctions on Russia
India’s energy security remains steady despite new US sanctions targeting Russia.
Bulgaria’s new government gives up on January 2026 eurozone entry
Opposition politicians have accused the new government of deliberately sabotaging Bulgaria's adoption of the European single currency.
Trump sets 100-day deadline for Ukraine peace, Zelenskiy seeks US guarantees
US President Donald Trump has tasked his special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, with ending the war in Ukraine within 100 days.
_1737645955.jpg){kind=spacer}
Russia arrests Colombian fighter in occupied Kursk as mercenary crackdown widens
A Colombian citizen has been detained near the village of Alexandria in Russia's Kursk region on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity, as both Moscow and Kyiv grapple with the growing presence of foreign fighters in their ranks.
_Cropped_1737641609.jpg)
Putin faces mounting economic challenges amid pressure for Ukraine peace talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin is under increasing pressure to address Russia’s deepening economic woes as US President Donald Trump intensifies calls for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.
Turkish Airlines resumes Damascus flights after 13-year hiatus
The first Turkish Airlines flight in 13 years landed in Damascus on January 23, carrying 345 passengers including the airline's CEO Bilal Eksi.
Saudi crown prince pledges $600bn US investment in Trump call
Saudi Arabia plans to invest $600bn in the United States over the next four years, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told former President Donald Trump in a phone call on January 22.
City of Budapest vows to exercise pre-emptive rights over plot for planned €5bn luxury project by UAE investor Eagle Hills
The Budapest municipality has vowed not to waive its pre-emption rights over a plot of land sold by the state to UAE investor Eagle Hills, which plans a €5bn real estate development on the site, Mayor Gergely Karacsony announced.
Trump warns Putin of severe economic measures without swift Ukraine peace deal
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening severe economic measures unless a peace agreement is reached to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Authorities seize $3.8mn of meth in northeastern India
India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has intercepted two major drug consignments worth a combined $3.8mn in northeastern India. The seizures were part of a larger anti-drug operation targeting organised trafficking networks in the region.
Aluminium prices dip as Trump considers 10% tariff on Chinese imports
Aluminium prices took a hit on January 22 after US President Donald Trump announced his administration was contemplating a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, effective February 1.
Wizz Air stops refuelling at Belgrade airport to comply with US sanctions
Recent US sanctions targeted oil and gas company NIS, the sole supplier of aviation fuel in Serbia, which is majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom Neft.
Bulgaria’s ruling coalition rejects central bank law changes putting eurozone entry at risk
The new coalition has set the country’s accession to the eurozone by January 2026 as its key priority, but achieving this looks increasingly unlikely.
Trump's return to White House draws polarised Latin American response
Latin America has split over Donald Trump's White House return, with a handful of leaders rushing to embrace the new president while others eye his protectionist agenda with alarm.