Belarus launches nuclear drills a day after Russia announces them amid tensions with West

Belarus on Tuesday launched drills involving missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, which close ally Russia has deployed there amid tensions with the West over Ukraine. The Belarusian maneuvers began a day after Russia announced plans to hold similar...

Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever

President Vladimir Putin began his fifth term at a glittering Kremlin inauguration Tuesday, embarking on another six years as leader of Russia after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands. At the ceremony in...

Ukraine says it foiled a Russian spy agency plot to assassinate President Zelenskyy

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian counterintelligence investigators have foiled a Russian plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top military and political figures, Ukraine’s state security service said Tuesday. Two colonels in the State Guard of Ukraine, which...

Key events of Vladimir Putin's 24 years in power in Russia

Significant dates in Vladimir Putin’s 24 years in power in Russia: Dec. 31, 1999 — In a surprise address to the nation, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announces his resignation and makes Putin, the prime minister he appointed four months earlier, the acting president. ...

Vladimir Putin begins a fifth term as Russian president in an opulent inauguration ceremony in the Kremlin

Macron puts trade and Ukraine as top priorities as China's Xi opens European visit in France

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday that focused on trade disputes — including lifting immediate tariff threats on Cognac exports — and Ukraine-related diplomatic efforts. Xi was in France for a two-day state visit...

Today in History: May 7, Nazi Germany surrenders

Today in History Today is Tuesday, May 7, the 128th day of 2024. There are 238 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 7, 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Rheims (rams), France,...

Russia defends veto of UN resolution to prohibit nukes in outer space, urges vote to ban all weapons

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia on Monday defended its veto of a U.N. resolution urging all nations to prevent a nuclear arms race in outer space, challenging the U.S., Japan and their Western allies to support Moscow’s rival resolution calling for a ban on all weapons in space “for all time.”...

Russia critic Kara-Murza wins Pulitzer for passionate columns written from prison cell

NEW YORK (AP) — Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has written columns as a contributor for The Washington Post from his prison cell in Russia, has won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Kara-Murza, 42, is a Russian politician, author and historian who has been imprisoned in Russia since...

Russia warns Britain and plans nuclear drills over the West's possible deepening role in Ukraine

Russia on Monday threatened to strike British military facilities and said it would hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons amid sharply rising tensions over comments by senior Western officials about possibly deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine. After...