Russia

Macron contradicts Trump on Ukraine compensation in Oval Office

French President Emanuel Macron has contradicted President Trump in the Oval Office, and told him that Russia, not Ukraine, should be paying compensation for the war Vladimir Putin has waged over the last 3 years. The US leader claimed that President Volodymyr Zelensky will soon travel to the United States to sign a minerals deal designed to repay Washington for its assistance to Kyiv. From Washington Simon Marks reports. […]

25 February, 2025

Business / Economics

Putin to Skip 2025 G20 Summit in South Africa

Russian president Vladimir Putin will not attend the 2025 G20 summit in South Africa, as previously anticipated. The decision follows a pending arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes. South Africa, a signatory of the ICC’s Rome Statute, maintains neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war but continues ties with Moscow. Putin previously skipped the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg due to similar legal concerns. The ICC […]

22 February, 2025

World

Donald Trump calls Volodymyr Zelenskyy “a dictator”

US President Donald Trump has called Volodymyr Zelenskyy "a dictator without elections," as he continues to trash-talk Ukraine's leader, branding him a "moderately successful comedian." Having falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war with Russia, Mr Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to accuse his Ukrainian counterpart of "doing a terrible job." Benji Hyer reports.

20 February, 2025

World

The U.S’ Rubio Says Iran is the Biggest Source of Middle East Instability

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says Iran remains the single greatest source of instability in the Middle East. He visited Israel over the weekend. The visit comes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile. He also plans to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Rubio says Iran is behind every terrorist group and every act of […]

17 February, 2025

World

Ukraine’s Zelensky holds talks with US Vice-President Vance in Germany

After sharply denouncing some European leaders, US Vice President JD Vance spoke with the Ukrainian leader on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Volodymyr Zelensky reacted diplomatically in a post-meeting press conference. But neither gave away any tangible progress from the talks on movement toward a peace plan with Russia. Caroline Malone reports.

17 February, 2025

World

Trump talks with Putin and Zelenskyy

US President Donald Trump has spoken with the leaders of both Russia and Ukraine, pledging to start negotiations to end their war "immediately." Wednesday's call with Vladimir Putin was the first known conversation between the two men since President Trump re-took the Oval Office last month. Benji Hyer reports.

13 February, 2025

World

U.S. Defense Secretary Calls Ukraine’s NATO Hopes “Unrealistic”

The new US Defence Secretary says Ukraine joining NATO is "unrealistic," as is expecting a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders. That's a blow to Ukraine's aspirations, and weakens Kyiv's negotiating position -- according to former White House officials. Stuart Smith has more from Kyiv.

13 February, 2025

World

American prisoner released by Russia

Russia has freed American detainee Marc Fogel. The 63-year-old school teacher was released from prison on Tuesday, according to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. He'd been arrested for the illegal possession of cannabis back in 2021 and was given a 14-year prison sentence, which the United States viewed as "wrongful." Benji Hyer reports.

12 February, 2025

Business / Economics

Solidarity Warns SA Could Lose AGOA Trade Benefits

Trade union Solidarity says South Africa risks losing its African Growth and Opportunities Act trade benefits with the United States due to poor diplomatic relations. The union blames the government’s ties with China, Russia, and Iran, along with policies like the Expropriation Act, for straining US relations. Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans vows to continue lobbying for AGOA’s renewal this year to safeguard over 500-thousand jobs:

5 February, 2025