Blinken says China has not ‘crossed line’ on lethal aid to Russia

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that China has not provided substantial military aid to Russia despite Beijing’s ramping up of diplomatic support. “As we speak today, we have not seen them cross that line,” Blinken said in response to a question at a Senate committee on whether China was providing “lethal aid” […]

UK lied about zero civilian deaths in Iraq – investigation

A joint media and NGO probe found at least two, and as many as 26, civilian victims of British airstrikes

EU ‘delusional’ in its push to ‘decouple’ from Russia – bloc members FM

Austria's Alexander Schallenberg defended Raiffeisen Bank over its business in the sanctioned country, Reuters reports

DeSantis assails Trump as White House race heats up

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken his most direct shots yet at rival Donald Trump, with the gloves finally coming off in what is widely expected to be the head-to-head for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Trump is making his third run for the White House after losing his re-election bid in 2020, and DeSantis […]

US Fed lifts interest rate 0.25 point, in line with expectations

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark lending rate on Wednesday, in line with expectations, continuing a hiking cycle to tackle high inflation while warning that recent banking troubles could hit households and businesses. The quarter-point increase raises the target range to 4.75-5.00 percent, the Fed announced in a statement, adding that recent banking sector developments […]

Sweden approves NATO entry as Turkey, Hungary ratifications drag

Sweden’s parliament voted Wednesday in favour of joining NATO despite delays by Hungary and Turkey to ratify its membership bid, which will likely lead to Sweden joining after neighbouring Finland. The vote, which paved the way for the country’s NATO accession and provides the necessary legal framework, passed with 269 votes in favour and 37 […]

Badgers threaten transport in EU country

The critters have started digging under rail tracks, halting trains and forcing lengthy cancellations in the Netherlands