Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry denounced on Wednesday criticism by Western ambassadors of the country’s human rights record, saying the diplomats’ comments amounted to interference in its judicial system. A ministry statement…
From VOA Russian: Experts address strategic context of situation in Kursk region
An operation by Ukraine launched on August 6 captured dozens of towns and villages and gained control of about 1,000 square kilometers in Russia’s Kursk region. Gradually, Russia has pushed…
From VOA Russian: How sanctions could affect China’s support for Russia
The U.S. and EU are urging Beijing to stop supporting Russia’s war machine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited China on Monday, asking China to stop backing Russia and to…
Russia-related sanctions target illicit digital finance network, US says
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration issued a fresh round of Russia-related sanctions on Wednesday, taking aim at what it called an illicit finance network that allowed Russian elites to leverage digital…
Notre Dame reopens amid French political turmoil
PARIS — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and U.S. first lady Jill Biden are among global dignitaries expected in Paris Saturday as the city’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopens five years after…
German firms’ China market sentiment falls to record low, survey shows
Beijing — Business sentiment among German companies in China is at an all-time low, a German business lobby group said on Wednesday, as they face rising Chinese competition and a slowing…
NATO chief says Russia weaponizing winter in its war in Ukraine
NATO chief Mark Rutte said Tuesday he is confident that whatever military aid allies can supply to Ukraine in the coming months will be provided, as he warned that Russia…
Україна підписала кредитну угоду з ЄС щодо залучення до 35 мільярдів євро допомоги – Мінфін
Погашення позики відбуватиметься за рахунок майбутніх прибутків від заморожених активів РФ в ЄС …
French no-confidence vote could topple prime minister’s government
The government of France faces a no-confidence vote Wednesday, a move that could topple the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Analysts predict French lawmakers will likely vote in favor…
Demonstrators converge on Georgia’s parliament, protest EU bid delay
TBILISI, Georgia — Thousands of demonstrators in the Georgian capital converged on parliament again on Tuesday, venting outrage against the governing party’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union….
From VOA Mandarin: How Beijing is reacting to European criticism over Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock this week repeatedly criticized China’s economic and military support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, which she said is threatening peace in Europe. During a visit…
From VOA Russian: Russian woman in New York accused of working for the FSB: What is known about her?
The FBI has charged Nomma Zarubina, a Russian national living in New York, with two counts of making false statements to FBI agents regarding her ties to Russian intelligence services….
Regional analysts suggest caution as Nigeria signs new deals with France
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Political analysts in Nigeria say the country needs to be careful after signing a series of agreements with France during President Bola Tinubu’s three-day visit to the European…
Carlsberg продає свої акції компанії «Балтика» в Росії
Суму угоди не розголошують. За даними Reuters, уряд Росії погодив продаж активів за близько 320,75 мільйонів доларів …
Spain to offer visas to 900,000 undocumented migrants amid surge
LONDON/LAS PALMAS, SPAIN — Record numbers of migrants arrived on Spain’s Canary Islands from West Africa this year, according to newly released government figures. Some 41,425 migrants arrived on the islands…
Turkish court jails protesters over Erdogan speech disruption
A Turkish court has jailed pending trial nine protesters who disrupted President Tayyip Erdogan’s speech in Istanbul last week, accusing his government of continuing oil exports to Israel despite a…
Romanian hard-right says it wants to be part of new government
BUCHAREST — Romania’s hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR) party wants to be part of a coalition government, its leader said on Tuesday, as the nation eyes a presidential runoff vote…
As sabotage allegations swirl, NATO struggles to secure the Baltic Sea
TURKU, Finland — On Nov. 18, hours after two communication cables were severed in the Baltic Sea, 30 NATO vessels and 4,000 military staff took to the same body of water…
Ukraine support in focus as NATO foreign ministers meet
NATO foreign ministers open two days of talks Tuesday in Brussels with support for Ukraine high on the agenda as the country fights to defend itself from a Russian invasion…
Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain, a prestigious posting for the Republican donor whose contributions this year included $2 million…
Police in Georgia move again to disperse protests over the suspension of EU talks
TBILISI, Georgia — Police in Georgia’s capital again moved to disperse thousands of demonstrators on Monday after over 200 people were detained during four previous nights of protests against the government’s…
From VOA Russian: Polish broadcasting seeking audiences in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine
The new head of the International Broadcasting department at Polish Television tells VOA Russian about plans to increase programming for viewers in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. “There is a need…
Greek islands Rhodes and Lemnos declare state of emergency after deadly storm wreaks havoc
ATHENS, Greece — Authorities on the Greek islands Rhodes and Lemnos declared a state of emergency Monday after storms battered the islands, leaving two dead and widespread damage. Rescue teams, assisted…
Chad orders French troops’ departure, triggers fresh anti-French military sentiment
YAOUNDE, CAMEROON — Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby has defended his decision to break military ties with France, saying at a news conference Sunday that their defense pact no longer meets…
Top Romanian court validates first round of presidential race after vote recount
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA — A top Romanian court on Monday validated the first round of a presidential race in which a far-right outsider emerged as the front-runner, plunging the country into turmoil…
Chief of ICC lashes out at US and Russia over threats, accusations
The Hague, Netherlands — The president of the International Criminal Court lashed out at the United States and Russia for interfering with its investigations, calling attacks on the court “appalling.” “The…
World leaders and faithful expected at Notre Dame’s reopening
Notre Dame cathedral reopens this weekend (Dec 7/8) five years after a massive fire devastated the iconic Paris landmark. Political and religious leaders and ordinary visitors are expected to attend…
Мінцифри: заяви на отримання тисячі гривень подали 2,5 мільйони громадян за добу
Федоров зазначив, шо понад 550 заяв було подано на дітей …
Nine Volkswagen plants to strike as labor battle escalates
BERLIN — Workers at nine Volkswagen car and component plants across Germany will strike for several hours on Monday, IG Metall union said, bringing assembly lines to a halt as labor…
Germany announces Ukraine military aid as chancellor makes Kyiv visit
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged $680 million in military aid for Ukraine as he pledged support for the country during a visit Monday to Kyiv. Scholz said Ukraine can rely…