Latest News & Developments
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Trump’s foreign policy fallout: How his isolationist approach reshaped global politics and South Africa’s future
Explore the insights from MISTRA's webinar, where experts discussed the geopolitical shifts following Donald Trump's election and their implications for South Africa and the global landscape.
Fyodor Lukyanov: Trump’s America is no friend – Russia must stay the course
Leading analyst Fyodor Lukyanov warns that Moscow must resist the temptation of a Western pivot.
Zelenskyy invited to special EU Ukraine summit next week
The EU has summoned Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to Brussels for urgent talks on European security guarantees, as concerns mount over Trump's surprise Russia negotiations.
Xi says China and Russia are 'true friends' who 'support each other'
Chinese President Xi Jinping reinforced the strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow, describing the two nations as 'inseparable neighbours' united in mutual support.
Ukraine marks war anniversary as EU leaders rally in Kyiv amid Donald Trump tensions
As Ukraine commemorates three years of resistance, a dramatic showdown unfolds in Kyiv where EU leaders demonstrate unwavering support while Trump's push for swift peace negotiations threatens to reshape the conflict's future.
A US that once united Europe now divides it
When Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, the United States helped whip Europe into a staunchly unified response. Now US leaders may be splitting Europe into pieces as President Donald Trump seeks to end the war
EU wants to create new fund for military aid to Ukraine
The European Union is set to establish a groundbreaking military aid fund for Ukraine, potentially worth billions of euros, partially funded by frozen Russian assets.
AfD lawmaker predicts Trump's victory will reshape European politics
A prominent member of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party predicts Donald Trump's potential return to power would dramatically reshape European politics and restore diplomatic relations with Russia.
Russia-US peace talks: High-level meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine truce
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, top Russian and US officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia, marking a crucial step towards possible peace in Ukraine.
Zelensky sets conditions for Russian peace talks amid US coordination
In a strategic diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Zelensky announces readiness for Russian peace talks - but only after securing aligned positions with the US and Europe.
Trump peace push 'not a betrayal' of Ukraine, says Defence Secretary Hegseth
NATO allies face growing divisions as Trump's surprise Ukraine peace talks with Putin trigger European demands for inclusion, while US Defence Secretary Hegseth defends the initiative amid concerns over Kyiv's sovereignty and future security arrangements.
NATO head says Trump-Putin conversation gives impression of start of Ukraine talks
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has indicated that recent phone talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin could mark the beginning of peace negotiations for Ukraine.
Trump's new defence chief to pressure allies on first NATO visit
In a tense first NATO visit, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth challenges European allies over Ukraine support and unprecedented military spending demands, as Trump's administration pushes for NATO reforms and a 5% GDP defence target.
Kremlin: 'Significant part of Ukraine wants to be Russia'
In a significant diplomatic development, the Kremlin endorses Donald Trump's controversial suggestion about Ukraine's future Russian alignment, while both nations continue trading strategic strikes on energy infrastructure.
Germany's Scholz warns against NATO-Russia war escalation
In a heated pre-election debate, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz outlines his stance on Ukraine's NATO membership whilst warning of the risks of wider conflict with Russia.
Negotiations on New US-Russia strategic arms treaty may take years
As the critical New START Treaty approaches its 2026 expiration date, experts warn that negotiating a new US-Russia nuclear arms control agreement could extend beyond the deadline. With Russia's recent suspension of treaty participation and growing tensions over nuclear facility inspections, the stakes for global security have never been higher. Arms Control Association leadership cautions about the risk of an 'unconstrained nuclear arms race' if a new agreement isn't reached.
Kremlin calls Zelensky comment on direct talks with Putin 'empty words'
The Kremlin has dismissed Ukrainian President Zelensky's unprecedented offer for direct peace talks with Putin, citing a 2022 decree that banned negotiations. The rejection comes amid escalating tensions and accusations from both sides.
Russia signals major policy shift on Taliban terror status
In a significant diplomatic shift, Russia has initiated proceedings to remove the Taliban from its terrorist organisation list, potentially marking a major change in international relations with Afghanistan's current rulers.
China-Russia bond strengthens as Xi and Putin hold strategic video summit
In a strategically significant diplomatic exchange, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted high-level talks via video link from Beijing's Great Hall of the People, demonstrating their growing alliance amid Western concerns. This virtual summit, amidst global geopolitical tensions and the ongoing Ukraine conflict, underscores Beijing's delicate balance between claimed neutrality and its deepening partnership with Moscow.
Why Trump wants to get his paws on Greenland
Trump is not the first US politician to try to buy Greenland
Ukraine critical infrastructure hit in 'massive' Russian attack
Ukrainian authorities in the west of the country said Wednesday that critical infrastructure facilities had been targeted in a "massive" Russian missile attack after air alerts sounded nationwide.
Kremlin says Putin ready for talks with Trump
The Kremlin said on Friday that President Vladimir Putin was open to talks with Donald Trump, after the incoming US president said a meeting between the pair was being set up.
US President Joe Biden to hail 'stronger' America in last foreign policy speech
Outgoing US president Joe Biden will give a swansong foreign policy speech next week claiming America is far stronger than when Donald Trump left office, a senior US official said Friday.
Freewheeling Donald Trump sets out US territorial ambitions
Donald Trump threatened military action to secure the Panama Canal and economic force against neighboring Canada in meandering remarks Tuesday that drew firm and frosty responses from the two US allies.
NATO boss cancels trip to Ukraine Assistance Coordination Centre in Germany
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has cancelled his trip to the newly established centre in the western German city of Wiesbaden that will coordinate military support for Ukraine, previously scheduled for Wednesday.