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EU Fails to Unanimously Agree on Russia Sanctions Rollover Amid Delisting Demands

EU Fails to Unanimously Agree on Russia Sanctions Rollover Amid Delisting Demands

European Union ambassadors failed to reach a unanimous agreement on Monday to extend one of the bloc’s Russia sanctions programs. The sanctions regime, which includes asset freezes for approximately 3,000 individuals and companies, was set to expire on Tuesday. Slovakia has demanded the removal of two prominent Russian businessmen, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list. France has also reportedly supported the delisting of Usmanov, citing a specific national security issue and a desire to respond positively to international partners. Most other EU capitals, however, are reluctant to consider delisting anyone while Russia continues to launch missiles at Ukrainian civilian targets. Discussions are ongoing, with ambassadors expected to reconvene to address the impasse.

France apologises for human rights criticism that sparked US walkout

France apologises for human rights criticism that sparked US walkout

PARIS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - France's mission to the United Nations in Geneva has said it "regrets" criticising the United States over human rights in a social media post that triggered a diplomatic dispute which has delayed the arrival of a new French ambassador in Washington.

Carney says Canada seeks "unique alliance" but not membership with the European Union

Carney says Canada seeks "unique alliance" but not membership with the European Union

BRUSSELS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Canada is seeking a "unique alliance" with the European Union but is not looking to become a member, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday after the Wall Street Journal reported he was exploring whether Canada could become an "associate member" of the bloc.

Kosovo gets new government but political impasse persists

Kosovo gets new government but political impasse persists

Kosovo lawmakers have voted in a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti

Carney pushes idea of making Canada 'associate member' of EU, WSJ reports

Carney pushes idea of making Canada 'associate member' of EU, WSJ reports

BRUSSELS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney wants closer links with the European Union and is exploring whether his country could become an "associate member" of the bloc, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

President Zelensky Criticizes EU's Failure to Renew Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs

President Zelensky Criticizes EU's Failure to Renew Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs

President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized the European Union for its failure to reach an agreement on extending sanctions against Russian oligarchs and businesses. In remarks made on September 12, Zelensky labeled the situation as 'immoral and self-destructive.' The EU faces a deadline of September 15 to renew sanctions on over 3,000 Russian entities and individuals, but an agreement was not reached on September 11. The previous extension of these measures was on March 14. Slovakia is reportedly hindering the agreement by advocating for the lifting of sanctions against Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. For the first time, France has joined Slovakia in pushing for Usmanov's delisting, a move that has caused 'huge frustration' among other EU member states, according to four EU diplomats. Zelensky specifically named Fridman and Usmanov in a social media post, urging the EU to increase pressure on Russia's business sector rather than easing sanctions, especially given ongoing dr...

President Trump Urges Ukraine to Relinquish NATO Ambitions and Crimea Ahead of Zelenskiy Meeting

President Trump Urges Ukraine to Relinquish NATO Ambitions and Crimea Ahead of Zelenskiy Meeting

President Trump has advised Ukraine to abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and to concede Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. This directive comes as President Trump prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders in Washington. The meetings are intended to press Kyiv towards accepting a peace deal with Russia to end the ongoing conflict. President Trump's stance, articulated after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, suggests a push for Ukraine to make significant compromises. He indicated that President Zelenskiy 'can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,' emphasizing that there should be 'NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE.' This position has raised concerns among Ukraine and its allies, who fear that President Trump might favor an agreement beneficial to Moscow. Despite these concerns, some have found reassurance in President Trump's apparent willingness to provide post-settlement security...

Japan Protests UN Map Depiction of Disputed Kuril Islands

Japan Protests UN Map Depiction of Disputed Kuril Islands

Japan has lodged a protest with the United Nations over the depiction of the disputed Kuril Islands on a newly adopted world map. The UN recently adopted the Equal Earth projection, which aims to provide a more accurate representation of continental sizes compared to traditional Mercator maps. While Japan supported the resolution for the new projection, it objects to how the map portrays the Kuril Islands as Russian territory. Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara stated that the depiction contradicts Japan's official position on the islands, which it refers to as the Northern Territories. These four southernmost islands have been under Russian control since the end of World War II, but Japan maintains its claim of sovereignty.

BRICS leaders voice concern over Middle East, condemn unilateral sanctions at India summit

BRICS leaders voice concern over Middle East, condemn unilateral sanctions at India summit

The BRICS group of emerging economies expresses concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and condemns sanctions not authorized by the U.N. The leaders met in New Delhi to strengthen their global position

BRICS agrees to joint declaration in test of unity despite Mideast tensions

BRICS agrees to joint declaration in test of unity despite Mideast tensions

By Sarita Chaganti Singh, Shivangi Acharya and Saurabh Sharma NEW DELHI, Sept 12 (Reuters) - The BRICS group of emerging economies has agreed on a joint declaration, sources told Reuters on Saturday, a significant diplomatic breakthrough as its leaders began summit talks in New Delhi, aiming to

Russian President Putin Warns Europe Against Troop Deployment in Ukraine, Claims No Threat to Continent

Russian President Putin Warns Europe Against Troop Deployment in Ukraine, Claims No Threat to Continent

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to European nations, stating that any deployment of their troops to Ukraine would lead to a direct conflict with Russia. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions among European governments regarding potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Despite this threat, President Putin simultaneously asserted that Russia poses no danger to Europe, accusing European leaders of instilling fear in their populations with what he termed an 'imaginary' threat from Moscow. He emphasized that Russia has no intention of threatening European countries. This warning follows a pattern of similar threats from the Kremlin aimed at deterring Western military support for Kyiv, even as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, continues. No such European troop deployment has yet occurred.

U.S. State Department Excludes French Groups from MAGA-Aligned Grant Program Amid Foreign Interference Concerns

U.S. State Department Excludes French Groups from MAGA-Aligned Grant Program Amid Foreign Interference Concerns

The U.S. State Department has decided to exclude French applicants from a grant program designed to support MAGA-aligned groups. This decision follows warnings from Paris regarding potential foreign interference in France's upcoming 2027 presidential election. The grant program, formally advertised in the summer after discussions between U.S. State Department officials and MAGA-aligned think tanks and advocacy groups, aims to advance the U.S. administration's political agenda in Europe. This agenda includes combating what it describes as democratic backsliding, specifically targeting 'overbroad and vague hate-speech laws.' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot had previously cautioned against what he termed 'foreign interference in [European] electoral processes.' A spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Paris confirmed the exclusion of French groups, and a State Department spokesperson clarified that the program 'does not and will not fund political parties, in Europe or elsewhere,' adding that grant all...