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

TikTok boss to deny China ties to US lawmakers

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will staunchly deny allegations by US lawmakers Thursday that the hugely popular video-sharing app had ever, or ever would, share data with the Chinese government. The pledge will be part of Chew’s testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee that is intended to oppose calls, including from the White […]

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 […]

Scientists offer ‘nonalien explanation’ for interstellar visitor

When the first object ever known to have visited the Earth’s Solar System from outer space zoomed past in 2017, it was so strange that at least one leading astronomer was convinced it was an alien vessel. But researchers said Wednesday that they had come up with a simple and “compelling non-alien explanation” for the […]

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 […]

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