NATO agrees to boost defences in eastern Europe
NATO defence ministers agreed to immediately set up six bases in eastern Europe and establish a spearhead force of 5,000 troops in response to Russian aggression.
Fierce fighting rages for key Ukraine town
Battles raged between government forces and pro-Russian rebels for control of a strategic transport hub as the death toll mounted in east Ukraine.
NATO chief warns of returning jihadists threat
Visiting NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned authorities in mainly Muslim Kosovo of the danger posed by foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq.
Iraq asks Australian PM for more military aid
Iraqi Prime Ministe asked Australian counterpart Tony Abott to step up military assistance to aid Baghdad's fight against the Islamic State jihadist group.
05 January 2015
Canadian frigate to join NATO forces off Ukraine
A Canadian frigate with 250 marines on board set off from Halifax on the Atlantic coast to join NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea monitoring the Ukraine crisis.