Russia defaults on foreign debt for first time since 1918 following sanctions
Russia defaulted on its foreign-currency sovereign debt for the first time in more than a century after failing to make two payments by the Sunday night deadline.
Russia
‘Russian Missile Strike Hits Ukraine Shopping Mall With 1,000 Inside’
A Russian missile strike hit a crowded shopping center in Ukraine’s central city of Kremenchuk, with over 1,000 civilians inside, Ukraine’s president said Monday.
Russia Hit Ukraine’s Capital, Cities As G7 Gathers
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky was to address the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations on Monday after Russian missile strikes on the capital Kyiv and other areas killed at least one person and injured many more.
Syrian, Russian paratroopers carry out drill in second joint exercise this month
Hundreds of Syrian paratroopers took part in a joint drill with their Russian counterparts in the war-torn country in the second joint maneuver this month, state media reported.
US, G7 Ban Russian Gold Despite Sanctions Fatigue
U.S. President Joe Biden says the United States and other Group of Seven (G7) countries will ban imports of gold from Russia to undercut its financing of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Russia Sending Nuclear Missiles To Belarus
In a clear warning to the West, Russia‘s president announced Saturday he would send nuclear-capable short-range missile systems to ally Belarus.
Russia Threatening Dollar With Alternative Global Currency
Russia says it wants to develop a new global reserve currency with China and “other BRICS nations,” in a significant challenge to the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
‘Ukraine Troops To Withdraw From Strategic City’
Ukraine’s outgunned troops began withdrawing Friday from Severodonetsk, the embattled eastern city that is a focus of Russia’s war effort, a local leader said. Moscow shelled the city heavily and continuously for four months, regional governor Serhiy Haidai confirmed Friday.
Russian Official Who Carried Putin’s Nuclear Codes Found in ‘Pool of Blood’
A retired Russian security officer who was once tasked with carrying President Vladimir Putin’s briefcase containing nuclear codes was found shot in his home on Monday, according to reports.
Russia FM in Iran for talks on boosting cooperation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Iran on Wednesday for talks on boosting trade and energy cooperation as the two countries grapple with Western economic sanctions.
Egypt, Lebanon and Syria sign gas import agreement
Lebanon, Syria and Egypt signed an agreement on Tuesday to transfer 650 million cubic meters of gas per year from Egypt to Lebanon through Syria.
Ukraine bans primary opposition party, seizing all its assets and money
Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice has announced an official ban on the country’s main opposition party and seized all its assets.
Lithuania Halting Russian Goods As War Escalates
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appeared close to escalating into a broader military conflict Tuesday after nearby Lithuania blocked shipments of Russian goods subject to European Union sanctions.
Journalist Sells Nobel Medal For $103 Million To Help Ukraine
The Russian editor-in-chief of independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has auctioned off his Nobel Peace Prize medal for $103.5 million to help Ukraine’s child refugees.
Ukraine President Visits Injured As Russia Captures More Territory
Ukraine’s war-time President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited his nation’s southern city of Mykolaiv as concerns rise that his forces may suffer from fatigue while they lose territories due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
Millions are facing acute hunger in the worst drought in over a generation
The worst drought in 40 years is combining with the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war there may be thousands of miles away but it’s pushing up the prices of grain and fuel to unprecedented levels.
Russia said preparing UN resolution condemning Israel for Damascus airport attack
Russia is putting together a proposal for a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel, which it blames for a recent attack on Damascus Airport that put the site out of commission for several days, the Kan public broadcaster reported Sunday.
Report: ‘Iceland World’s Most Peaceful Nation’
Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world, followed by New Zealand and Ireland, according to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI).
China Backs Russia In Invasion As Thousands Suffer
Chinese President Xi Jinping assured his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of Beijing’s support for Russia, which is invading Ukraine, prompting an angry response from Washington.
Russia Pledges Evacuations As It Urges Ukraine To Surrender In East
ope Francis appealed for peace Wednesday as the suffering continued in war-torn Ukraine, where the Russian military urged Ukrainian forces to surrender in the east. “Let our remembrance, affection, prayers, and help always go out to these people who are suffering so much and who are carrying out a true martyrdom,” Francis told pilgrims in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square.