Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused European countries of blocking U.S.-backed efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. His comments came as Russia and Ukraine continued launching attacks following their deadliest summer of the war since 2022. Russian strikes killed four people in Ukraine on Saturday, while Ukrainian drones continued targeting Russian oil refineries and industrial facilities. U.S.-led efforts to secure a … Continue reading Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić resigned on September 27, ending his second presidential term several months early.  He plans to remain in politics and seek the position of prime minister in Serbia’s October 25 snap parliamentary election.  Vučić cannot seek a third presidential term under Serbia’s Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms.  Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić is expected to become acting president while preparations are … Continue reading Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announces resignation

Maine Democrats criticized Republican Sen. Susan Collins after a ProPublica report said the FBI had planned to investigate whether she knew about alleged illegal campaign contributions from defense contractor Navatek. The report said the investigation focused on an alleged pay-to-play scheme involving campaign donations and Navy contracts, but it did not proceed after Donald Trump returned to the White House. Collins denied the allegations, calling … Continue reading Maine Dems hammer Collins over report of pay-to-play probe

The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution calling for an end to the war with Iran, voting 49-50 on Thursday. Four Republicans — Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul — joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote against it. The War Powers Resolution would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. troops from … Continue reading Senate narrowly votes down resolution calling for end to Iran war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday as Israel faces growing international criticism over its actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Many attendees walked out as Netanyahu took the stage, prompting him to criticize those who left the hall. In his speech, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and praised U.S. support, … Continue reading Israel’s Netanyahu tells U.N. “we will continue to defend our state”

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for greater cooperation with the United States during a meeting with President Donald Trump, saying the two countries should avoid the “Thucydides trap” and the risk of military conflict. Xi urged stronger communication, mutual trust and regular military dialogue, while saying cooperation could benefit both countries despite their differences. Trump said the two leaders had developed a strong relationship and … Continue reading At Trump meeting, Xi Jinping lays out terms to avoid US-China military conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency did not warn France about a potential Russian strike across southern Europe. Macron said French intelligence services had not received such a warning from the CIA. He nevertheless said Russia has been increasing what he described as hostile and criminal actions against European countries. Macron warned that France could potentially face attacks similar … Continue reading CIA did not warn France about possible Russian drone attacks, Macron says