Six scenarios for peace in Ukraine: a reality-check
Even in the darkest depths of war there has always been, in all ages, some faint hope of peace.
Defence
Latest reporting and analysis on defence.
Recruitment slumps among EU armed forces despite government campaigns
A number of military forces across the European Union are struggling to attract recruits, despite concerted multimedia campaigns.
Central Europe’s arms makers scramble for workers as Ukraine boosts business
From building apartments for new employees to offering retired workers free canteen meals to share their expertise, Central Europe's arms manufacturers are…
This can’t go on: the Ukraine war and our complacency
The Ukraine war hit its 520th day of bloodshed and mayhem on July 28 as the EU Parliament and most other EU institutions broke up for their summer recess.
Situation worsens in Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijan ditches peace talks
People are reported to be fainting in food queues in the besieged enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, as the situation becomes more desperate.
Mali, Burkina Faso threaten war against nations challenging Niger coup
Attempts to undermine the military coup in Niger will be seen as "a declaration of war", junta governments operating in Mali and Burkina Faso have stated
Medvedev warns of ‘nuclear response’ if Ukrainian offensive succeeds
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on July 30 that Moscow “would have to use a nuclear weapon” if Ukraine’s apparent counteroffensive was successful.
Polish generals say Ukrainian counteroffensive ‘does not exist’
The former commander of Poland’s special forces has said Ukraine has not been able to launch a counteroffensive and has only engaged in skirmishes in a limited…
Russian school children to ‘learn how to operate combat drones’
All Russian school children will be taught “the basics of operating combat drones”, according to an intelligence brief from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Has Russia identified a weak spot on Nato’s eastern flank? The drone strike on Reni port was a political attack on Romania
One of the most significant events of the war took place last week – in the least-known corner of Ukraine.
Azerbaijan blocks humanitarian convoy to Nagorno-Karabakh
Azerbaijan is barring an Armenian humanitarian convoy from entering the blockaded region of Nagorno-Karabakh, according to latest reports.
North Korea rolls out red carpet for Russia’s defence minister
North Korea has welcomed Russia’s defence minister Sergei Shoigu, rolling out the red carpet for the senior official upon his arrival to the country's capital…
Niger soldiers claim military coup after President is detained
Soldiers in Niger claimed to have seized control of the West African nation after President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the presidential guard.
Belgian court finds eight guilty of Brussels terror attacks
Seven years after the devastating Islamic terror attacks in the Belgian capital, a Brussels court on July 25 found six offenders guilty of all charges and two “partly…
Armenians warn of ‘imminent ethnic cleansing’ as enclave blockade continues
"Prevent imminent ethnic cleansing!
Russia accuses Ukraine of ‘terrorism’ after drone strike near Moscow army HQ
Russia has accused Kyiv of "terrorism", saying that two Ukrainian drones had damaged buildings in Moscow, including one close to the Defence Ministry's headquarters…
Belarus says Wagner mercenaries ‘want to enter Poland’
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says the Russia-backed Wagner Group of mercenaries have been pushing him to let them pay an “uninvited visit” to Poland.
Sweden’s NATO membership is a regrettable necessity
Sweden’s main enemy for most of its history has been Russia. In the period between the 1400s and 1809, the two countries fought 11 wars against each other.
Bulgaria in power struggle after President blames Kyiv for Ukraine war
Bulgaria is facing a power struggle between pro-Western and pro-Russian politicians after its President, Rumen Radev, blamed Kyiv and Western governments for the…
Russia closes Polish consulate as tensions mount
Moscow has ordered the closure of a Polish consulate in Smolensk, the western Russian city closest to the site of both the Katyń massacre of thousands of Polish…
How is the war going to end? Ukraine must be ready to concede territory in return for a path to NATO and EU membership
The disappointment of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy was palpable: “It seems there is no readiness neither to invite Ukraine to NATO nor to make it a member of…
EU split on US cluster bomb deliveries to Ukraine
The US decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine has caused divisions within the European Union, with many officials expressing their displeasure at the move.
Bosnian Muslims bury 30 victims of Srebrenica massacre
Thirty newly identified victims of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre were buried in a memorial cemetery on July 11.
NATO will only grow stronger, regardless of what happens in Ukraine
As more milestones come and go – the NATO summit, the 500th day of war – it is worth reflecting on the remarkable expansion and growing strength of the largest…
Germany ‘cannot oppose cluster munitions for Ukraine’, President says
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, has said that his country "cannot" oppose the United States’ decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine.
Initial Ukraine counteroffensive has ‘failed’, says Austrian colonel
The first phase of the latest Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia has "failed", an Austrian colonel has claimed.
Poland wants nuclear weapons in bid to counter Russian Belarus arsenal
In what may be seen as a dangerous escalation in tensions, Poland wants to station nuclear weapons in the country in response to Russia’s decision to deploy them…
EU agrees ‘long-term’ security commitment to Ukraine
European Union leaders at the European Council summit in Brussels on June 30 declared their long-term commitment to bolster Ukraine's security, condemning Russia's…
Iraq discovers major ISIS terrorist plot against UK
Iraqi special forces targeted an ISIS terrorist hideout in the Iraq desert and uncovered plans for an attack in the UK, according to British media.
With eyes on Russia, Germany ready to station troops permanently in Lithuania
BERLIN, June 26 (Reuters) - Berlin is ready to station a 4,000-strong army brigade in Lithuania permanently in coordination with NATO defence planning following…