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(Reuters) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the U.S. transfer to Ukraine of $20 billion backed by frozen Russian assets was “simply robbery” and suggested Moscow could seize Western assets on its territory “to enhance industrial potential”. “The provision by the U.S. Treasury Department…of $20 billion using income from operations of ‘frozen’ Russian …

Russia blasts US transfer of $20 billion to Ukraine backed by frozen assets Read More »

By Patricia Zengerle and Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as an ending of the country’s longest war that freed resources for other conflicts, in testimony in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. “Our adversaries, including Russia, would have been delighted if we had doubled …

Blinken faces Republican critics of Afghanistan withdrawal Read More »

By Maya Gebeily and Timour Azhari DAMASCUS (Reuters) – The main commander of the fighters who toppled Bashar al-Assad said on Wednesday that he would dissolve the security forces of the former regime, close its prisons and hunt down anyone involved in the torture or killing of detainees. Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa – better …

Syria’s rebel leader vows to dissolve Assad regime security forces, close prisons Read More »

By Yuliia Dysa (Reuters) -Ukraine blasted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for undermining Western unity by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, criticism that Budapest said showed Kyiv was not interested in a “Christmas ceasefire” in the war. Orban, who has had closer ties with Putin than any other European leader during Russia’s 33-month-old …

Kyiv blasts Orban for Putin call; Hungary’s leader touts abortive ‘Christmas ceasefire’ Read More »

By Julien Pretot and Pesha Magid RIYADH (Reuters) -Rights organisations strongly criticised FIFA on Wednesday after world soccer’s ruling body officially awarded the 2034 men’s World Cup to Saudi Arabia. Hosting the global showpiece tournament is the pinnacle of Saudi Arabia’s massive push into sports and entertainment over recent years as it seeks to improve …

Soccer-Saudi Arabia’s human rights record under fire after World Cup bid win Read More »

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Syrian fighters received about 150 drones as well as other covert support from Ukrainian intelligence operatives last month, weeks ahead of the rebels’ advance that toppled Bashar al-Assad over the weekend, according to the Washington Post. Citing unnamed sources familiar with Ukrainian military activities, the Post late on Tuesday said Ukrainian intelligence …

Ukrainian operatives aided Syrian rebels with drones, Washington Post reports Read More »

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene said on Wednesday that the large U.S. proportion of Western defense spending is unfair to Washington and that Europe needs to step up and bolster its defense industries to deter Russia and China. “Europe has to pull its weight” on contributions to defense, Sakaliene said in …

US defense contributions ‘unfair,’ Europe needs to do more, incoming Lithuanian minister says Read More »

By Julia Payne BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Union ambassadors agreed a 15th package of sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine, targeting its shadow tanker fleet and Chinese firms making drones for Moscow, diplomats said. The Hungarian presidency said on X that the sanctions would target vessels from third countries supporting Russia’s war in …

EU slaps new sanctions on Russian shadow fleet, Chinese dronemakers Read More »