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Ukraine

Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe after Russia, gaining independence from the Soviet Union and declaring neutrality in 1991. In February 2022, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine under the auspices of a "special military operation" to "de-nazify" the country. The move turned Moscow into a global pariah, and the Ukrainian army - backed financially and militarily by the US and western European countries - continues to fight off the invading forces. Nuclear-armed Russia has warned of consequences if Nato interferes in the war, while strategic ally China urges a peaceful, diplomatic solution.

Capital

Kyiv

Head of State

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Head of Government

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, China, in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on September 4. Photo: KCNA via Reuters

Diplomacy

Opinion | Why China now needs North Korea’s denuclearisation

As optimism grows over an end to the Ukraine war, a weakening of Moscow’s support for Pyongyang may give Beijing new leverage to stabilise the Korean peninsula.

3 hours agovideocam

Asean

Opinion | Why US ops in Venezuela have shaken Asia-Pacific’s middle powers

13 Jan 2026 - 1:31AMvideocam

My Take

My Take | The days of EU and Nato may be numbered under von der Leyen and Kallas

11 Jan 2026 - 10:15PM

Australia

Letters | Bondi response must go beyond policing and towards rebuilding unity

Readers discuss social cohesion in Australia, a commission into the Bondi shooting, and US interventions.

11 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Mourners gather at Bondi Pavillion for a tribute to the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 15. Photo: AFP

Canada

Trump’s Venezuela and Greenland threats make Canada fear it’s next

The shock capture of Maduro and talk of seizing the Arctic island are forcing Canadians to take Trump’s 51st state threats seriously.

11 Jan 2026 - 5:12AMvideocam

Ukraine war

Russia says fired new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in strike against Ukraine

Russia’s Defence Ministry said the attack was retaliation for an alleged attempted drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence.

9 Jan 2026 - 6:53PM

The Philippines

Philippine navy ‘up to the challenge’ of defending territory in South China Sea

Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters.

9 Jan 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Chinese coast guards use a water cannon against a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea on October 12, 2025. Photo: China Coast Guard/Xinhua

Ukraine war

Russia slams West’s ‘axis of war’ as Kyiv says US guarantees ‘essentially ready’

Moscow warns ‘axis of war’ peacekeepers potentially being deployed to Ukraine are targets, overshadowing Zelensky’s claim a US pact is almost ready.

8 Jan 2026 - 9:47PM

US-Venezuela conflict

Opinion | US invasion of Venezuela no guarantee of hemispheric dominance

By signalling how far it will go to defend its interests in Venezuela, the US might have intensified conflicts closer to home rather than resolving them.

8 Jan 2026 - 9:32PMvideocam

Singapore

Singapore’s ex-PM says US raid in Venezuela is worrying for small countries

The city state has always made its stance clear on such issues, such as when it opposed the US invasion of Grenada in 1983, the ex-PM says.

8 Jan 2026 - 5:37PM

Protesters outside the US embassy in Jakarta step on a poster with the image of US President Donald Trump during an anti-US rally on Tuesday, after the US raided Venezuela and captured its leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Ukraine’s allies agree to ‘robust’ security guarantees in push to end war

UK and France could deploy troops on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire, but a big question mark hangs over Russia’s response.

7 Jan 2026 - 7:20PM

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) signs a declaration of intent along with France’s President Emmanuel Macron (centre) and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump

US’ Asian allies reluctant to slam Trump’s ‘cowboy tactics’ against Venezuela

These countries fear the consequences of criticising the US, particularly given Trump’s willingness to use the tariff threat in trade talks.

6 Jan 2026 - 8:57PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Zelensky replaces security chief and hires Canada’s former deputy PM

Ukraine’s president taps elite ‘Alpha’ commander to lead the SBU and recruits Chrystia Freeland to drive economic development.

6 Jan 2026 - 1:59PM

US-Venezuela conflict

Gold, oil jolted by US assault on Venezuela as investors recalibrate

Gold and oil move in opposite directions as attack underscores gold’s haven value, fails to alter oil market’s supply glut.

5 Jan 2026 - 5:30PM

Gold could touch US$5,000 an ounce this year, according to JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Trump says Ukraine did not target Putin residence, disputing Russia’s claim

US president says no evidence Novgorod estate was targeted, even as Russia reports an uptick in drone interceptions in the Moscow region.

5 Jan 2026 - 1:04PM

Russia

Russia’s Medvedev floats kidnapping scenario involving Germany’s Merz

Following the US raid in Venezuela, Russia’s ex-president said the kidnapping of Germany’s chancellor would be an ‘excellent twist’.

5 Jan 2026 - 4:29PM

Ukraine war

Trump ‘not thrilled’ with Putin, says too many people dying in Ukraine war

After a US strike that captured Venezuela’s Maduro, Trump said: ‘I thought … one of the easier ones would be Russia, Ukraine. It’s not’.

4 Jan 2026 - 3:29AM

Ukraine war

Zelensky proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine defence minister

In big government shake-up, Zelensky also said he is appointing spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the presidential office.

3 Jan 2026 - 6:20AM

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister. Photo; Reuters

European Union

Opinion | Can Europe survive its crippling paralysis?

The brutal reality is that the European Union is failing to get its squabbling nations to work as a coherent group.

3 Jan 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

War and conflict

Outside In | 2025 was the year of denial. What now?

Despite the threat of wars, tariffs, climate change and AI, normality has persisted. But it can only be a matter of time before such contradictions explode.

2 Jan 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

North Korea

Why North Korea’s Kim is hailing ‘invincible’ Russia ties in new year message

Kim praised North Korean troops fighting in the Ukraine war for their unwavering bravery for the sake of ‘the brotherly Russian people’.

7 Jan 2026 - 2:36PMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waving during an art performance celebrating the new year at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Thursday. Photo: EPA/KCNA

Ukraine war

Ukraine says it faked death of anti-Kremlin Russian fighter Kapustin

Kyiv says it did so to protect the Russian Volunteer Corps leader, after his assassination was ordered by Moscow’s special forces.

2 Jan 2026 - 1:23AM

Russian Volunteer Corps commander Denis Kapustin is seen in Ukraine, near the Russian border, in May 2023. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Russia claims Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Kherson

Moscow accuses Kyiv of New Year’s Eve attack on civilians as diplomats scramble to save fragile peace talks.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:29AM

Ukraine war

CIA concludes Ukraine did not target Putin’s residence in drone strike

CIA findings contradict Moscow’s allegations. Kyiv calls the claim a pretext to escalate war and stall peace talks.

1 Jan 2026 - 6:27PM

Ukraine war

Zelensky says deal to end war ‘10%’ away as Putin pushes for victory

Ukraine’s leader says the final stretch of negotiations will determine the ‘fate of Europe’ as Moscow toughens its stance.

2 Jan 2026 - 1:15AM

A soldier looks for FPV drones on the frontline near Kostyantynivka, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Tuesday. Photo: Ukraine’s 93rd Mechanized Brigade via AP

Ukraine war

Russia will win in Ukraine, says Putin in New Year address

The president’s speech called on Russians to ‘support our heroes’ and came on the 26th anniversary of him coming to power.

1 Jan 2026 - 1:17AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in power for 26 years on Wednesday, chaired a meeting on Monday to discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Photo: Mikhail Metzel via Sputnik/Kremlin

Ukraine war

US Nato envoy casts doubt on Russian claim Ukraine attacked Putin residence

Matthew Whitaker says it’s ‘unclear’ alleged attack on Putin residence happened, as Moscow vows retaliation for ‘terrorist act’.

31 Dec 2025 - 4:06PM

Russia

Russia’s Medvedev warns ‘Grim Reaper’ stalks Ukraine’s Zelensky in vile threat

Reacting to Zelensky’s Christmas speech, the former Russian president warns of imminent death and says his corpse belongs in a curiosity shop.

30 Dec 2025 - 9:40PM

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Ukraine

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why China now needs North Korea’s denuclearisation

As optimism grows over an end to the Ukraine war, a weakening of Moscow’s support for Pyongyang may give Beijing new leverage to stabilise the Korean peninsula.

Opinion | Why US ops in Venezuela have shaken Asia-Pacific’s middle powers

My Take | The days of EU and Nato may be numbered under von der Leyen and Kallas

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Bondi response must go beyond policing and towards rebuilding unity

Readers discuss social cohesion in Australia, a commission into the Bondi shooting, and US interventions.

Trump’s Venezuela and Greenland threats make Canada fear it’s next

The shock capture of Maduro and talk of seizing the Arctic island are forcing Canadians to take Trump’s 51st state threats seriously.

Russia says fired new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in strike against Ukraine

Russia’s Defence Ministry said the attack was retaliation for an alleged attempted drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence.

Philippine navy ‘up to the challenge’ of defending territory in South China Sea

Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters.

Russia slams West’s ‘axis of war’ as Kyiv says US guarantees ‘essentially ready’

Moscow warns ‘axis of war’ peacekeepers potentially being deployed to Ukraine are targets, overshadowing Zelensky’s claim a US pact is almost ready.

Opinion | US invasion of Venezuela no guarantee of hemispheric dominance

By signalling how far it will go to defend its interests in Venezuela, the US might have intensified conflicts closer to home rather than resolving them.

Singapore’s ex-PM says US raid in Venezuela is worrying for small countries

The city state has always made its stance clear on such issues, such as when it opposed the US invasion of Grenada in 1983, the ex-PM says.

Ukraine’s allies agree to ‘robust’ security guarantees in push to end war

UK and France could deploy troops on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire, but a big question mark hangs over Russia’s response.

US’ Asian allies reluctant to slam Trump’s ‘cowboy tactics’ against Venezuela

These countries fear the consequences of criticising the US, particularly given Trump’s willingness to use the tariff threat in trade talks.

Zelensky replaces security chief and hires Canada’s former deputy PM

Ukraine’s president taps elite ‘Alpha’ commander to lead the SBU and recruits Chrystia Freeland to drive economic development.

Gold, oil jolted by US assault on Venezuela as investors recalibrate

Gold and oil move in opposite directions as attack underscores gold’s haven value, fails to alter oil market’s supply glut.

Trump says Ukraine did not target Putin residence, disputing Russia’s claim

US president says no evidence Novgorod estate was targeted, even as Russia reports an uptick in drone interceptions in the Moscow region.

Russia’s Medvedev floats kidnapping scenario involving Germany’s Merz

Following the US raid in Venezuela, Russia’s ex-president said the kidnapping of Germany’s chancellor would be an ‘excellent twist’.

Trump ‘not thrilled’ with Putin, says too many people dying in Ukraine war

After a US strike that captured Venezuela’s Maduro, Trump said: ‘I thought … one of the easier ones would be Russia, Ukraine. It’s not’.

Zelensky proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine defence minister

In big government shake-up, Zelensky also said he is appointing spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the presidential office.

Opinion | Can Europe survive its crippling paralysis?

The brutal reality is that the European Union is failing to get its squabbling nations to work as a coherent group.

Outside In | 2025 was the year of denial. What now?

Despite the threat of wars, tariffs, climate change and AI, normality has persisted. But it can only be a matter of time before such contradictions explode.

Why North Korea’s Kim is hailing ‘invincible’ Russia ties in new year message

Kim praised North Korean troops fighting in the Ukraine war for their unwavering bravery for the sake of ‘the brotherly Russian people’.

Ukraine says it faked death of anti-Kremlin Russian fighter Kapustin

Kyiv says it did so to protect the Russian Volunteer Corps leader, after his assassination was ordered by Moscow’s special forces.

Russia claims Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Kherson

Moscow accuses Kyiv of New Year’s Eve attack on civilians as diplomats scramble to save fragile peace talks.

CIA concludes Ukraine did not target Putin’s residence in drone strike

CIA findings contradict Moscow’s allegations. Kyiv calls the claim a pretext to escalate war and stall peace talks.

Zelensky says deal to end war ‘10%’ away as Putin pushes for victory

Ukraine’s leader says the final stretch of negotiations will determine the ‘fate of Europe’ as Moscow toughens its stance.

Russia will win in Ukraine, says Putin in New Year address

The president’s speech called on Russians to ‘support our heroes’ and came on the 26th anniversary of him coming to power.

US Nato envoy casts doubt on Russian claim Ukraine attacked Putin residence

Matthew Whitaker says it’s ‘unclear’ alleged attack on Putin residence happened, as Moscow vows retaliation for ‘terrorist act’.

Russia’s Medvedev warns ‘Grim Reaper’ stalks Ukraine’s Zelensky in vile threat

Reacting to Zelensky’s Christmas speech, the former Russian president warns of imminent death and says his corpse belongs in a curiosity shop.

Opinion | Why China now needs North Korea’s denuclearisation

Letters | Bondi response must go beyond policing and towards rebuilding unity