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Russia says US acknowledgement of orbital arms ignores space conflict consequences

Russia says US acknowledgement of orbital arms ignores space conflict consequences

Sept 15 (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday the U.S. acknowledgement that Washington had deployed orbital weapons ignored the possible consequences of a conflict and threatened long-term stability in space-based activity.
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US admission of orbital weapons seen as landmark moment in race with China, Russia

US admission of orbital weapons seen as landmark moment in race with China, Russia

By Cassell Bryan-Low and Joey Roulette PARIS/WASHINGTON, Sept 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. acknowledgment this week that the Pentagon is operating weapons in Earth's orbit marks a landmark moment in space militarization aimed at deterring what U.S. officials describe as aggressive orbital activities from
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US orbital weapons acknowledgement a "landmark" move, US Space Command official says

US orbital weapons acknowledgement a "landmark" move, US Space Command official says

By Cassell Bryan-Low WASHINGTON, Sept 15 (Reuters) - The U.S.
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Kremlin welcomes Trump's idea of energy truce with Ukraine, calls for sanctions removal

Kremlin welcomes Trump's idea of energy truce with Ukraine, calls for sanctions removal

MOSCOW, Sept 15 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday it welcomed a U.S. proposal for a Russia-Ukraine moratorium on attacking each other's energy infrastructure, while saying it was also necessary to protect seaborne exports and remove "illegal" sanctions on Russia. U.S.
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Poll shows rising trust in global institutions, less comfort with US as global leader

Poll shows rising trust in global institutions, less comfort with US as global leader

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - A new poll of over 35,000 people worldwide shows continued support for global cooperation and rising trust in international institutions, but less comfort with the United States or China taking leadership roles. In fact, many view both as a threat.
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U.S. imposes Iran-related sanctions on Russia's VTB

U.S. imposes Iran-related sanctions on Russia's VTB

WASHINGTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) - The United States imposed Iran-related sanctions Monday on Russia's VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company, accusing it of involvement in Iranian sanctions evasion, the Treasury Department said as Washington seeks to ramp up economic pressure on Tehran.
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South Korean court orders North Korea to pay $32.5 million for blowing up joint liaison office

South Korean court orders North Korea to pay $32.5 million for blowing up joint liaison office

A South Korean court has ruled that North Korea should pay the South 44.6 billion won, or about $32.5 million, for blowing up a joint liaison office between the countries in 2020
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Senator Deb Fischer Advocates for U.S. Funding of Israeli Missile Defense Systems Amidst Congressional Debate

Senator Deb Fischer Advocates for U.S. Funding of Israeli Missile Defense Systems Amidst Congressional Debate

Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) has been a vocal proponent of U.S. financial support for Israeli missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and the Iron Beam. Following the October 7 attacks, Senator Fischer urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to allocate $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam system, which was ultimately approved as part of an April 2024 national security supplemental, contributing to a total of $5.2 billion for Israeli missile defense. This funding is part of a broader, long-standing U.S.-Israeli military cooperation, where the U.S. has historically provided significant financial and technological assistance for the development of these systems. Despite claims of Israeli ingenuity in developing systems like the Arrow anti-ballistic missile and Iron Beam, government documents and interviews suggest substantial U.S. involvement in their development and financing. Concerns have been raised within the intelligence community regarding the transfer of U.S.-developed technology...
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Armenia and Azerbaijan Continue Tense Negotiations Post-Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Armenia and Azerbaijan Continue Tense Negotiations Post-Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Following Azerbaijan's 2023 recovery of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the subsequent exodus of its ethnic Armenian population, Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in tense negotiations for a final peace treaty. The conflict, rooted in Soviet-era administrative decisions, saw two major wars in 1988-1994 and 2020, culminating in Azerbaijan's 24-hour military operation in September 2023 that completed its takeover of the territory. This led to approximately 100,000 ethnic Armenians fleeing to Armenia within weeks. Peace negotiations, facilitated by the European Union, United States, and Russia (though Russia's effectiveness is declining), have produced draft peace treaty texts addressing border delimitation, prisoner exchanges, and transit rights. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed willingness to recognize Azerbaijani sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh and pursue EU integration, signaling a shift away from Russia's influence. Despite these efforts, sporadic border incidents persist, and the...
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Russia and Ukraine press on with energy strikes despite Trump

Russia and Ukraine press on with energy strikes despite Trump

By Olena Harmash KYIV, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Russia hit petrol stations in Kyiv on Tuesday and Ukraine struck a Russian oil refinery, as the warring sides carried on with strikes on each other's energy targets despite an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that they had agreed to stop.
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France and Slovakia Advocate for Lifting EU Sanctions on Russian Billionaire Alisher Usmanov

France and Slovakia Advocate for Lifting EU Sanctions on Russian Billionaire Alisher Usmanov

France has joined Slovakia in requesting the removal of Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the European Union's sanctions list. This move has prevented the EU from unanimously agreeing to extend individual sanctions, which are set to expire on September 15. According to Euronews, citing EU diplomats, France justified its position by citing an unspecified 'national security issue' and a request from 'international partners,' without disclosing further details. Usmanov, a 73-year-old billionaire with an estimated net worth of $14 billion to $18 billion, made his fortune in metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology investments. The EU imposed sanctions on him on February 28, 2022, describing him as a 'pro-Kremlin oligarch' with 'particularly close ties' to President Putin, and alleging he acted on behalf of the Russian president in matters of political and strategic significance. Italy and Croatia have also reportedly supported France and Slovakia's stance as a compromise to secure the ex...
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EU's von der Leyen wants Canada to become bloc's first associate member

EU's von der Leyen wants Canada to become bloc's first associate member

By Julia Payne BRUSSELS, Sept 16 (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday she wanted to open the door to Canada becoming the EU's first "associate member," in a significant policy shift alongside plans to forge new links in "an openly hostile world".