New Russian military doctrine labels NATO as main threat
The Kremlin branded the expansion of NATO as a fundamental threat to Russia in a revised military doctrine that dramatically reflects deteriorating relations with the West.
Ukraine halts trains and buses to Russian-held Crimea
Ukraine said it was suspending all rail and bus services to Russian-occupied Crimea because of security concerns.
Spain PM promises economy will 'take off' in 2015
Spain's Prime Minister promised the country's economy would "take off" again in 2015.
Croatia's classical composer president seeks second term
Croatia's atypical president Ivo Josipovic is running for re-election with an emphasis on the more conventional promise of restoring economic health to the European Union's newest member.
Dutch scientists use smell to recreate JFK, Diana and other famous deaths
Dutch scientists are recreating the deaths of some of the world's most famous personalities by reconstructing their last moments using scents and sounds.
Pope condemns religious persecution in Christmas address
Pope Francis roundly condemned jihadist violence and the "brutal persecution" of religious minorities in a Christmas message.
Queen says fixing division in Scotland 'will take time
Healing differences in Scotland after a divisive referendum that came close to splitting the United Kingdom this year will take time.
Russia battles to contain Black Sea oil spill
A Russian Black Sea city declared a state of emergency after a burst pipeline spewed oil into the landlocked water body.
Astana Opera dancers to perform in Milan next year
Leading dancers of Astana Opera Aigerim Beketayeva and Yerkin Rakhmatullaev have been invited to perform on the stage of La Scala theatre In Milan.
Expats eyeing the exits after Russian ruble plunges
The plunge of the ruble hasn't left only Russians shell shocked -- foreign workers from traders to maids are considering bailing outю
Queen praises Ebola health workers in Christmas message
Queen Elizabeth II will pay tribute in her annual Christmas Day broadcast to the "selflessness" of medical staff and aid workers fighting the Ebola epidemic.
Pope calls for greater empathy in Christmas Eve mass
Pope Francis urged people to have greater empathy towards family and friends with problems in his Christmas Eve mass.
Genes linked to developmental disorders
British scientists said they had discovered 12 genes linked to developmental disorders in children that can cause heart defects, seizures and intellectual disability.
German president urges compassion, help for refugees
Germany's president appealed in a Christmas message for compassion and openness towards refugees coming to the country.
London food bank busy as Christmas approaches
Food bank use in Britain is growing rapidly and Christmas has been a particularly busy time for centres like the one run by a Christian charity.
Russia pressures exporters to prop up ruble
The Russian government has ordered state-controlled exporters to sell part of their foreign currency holdings.
Outraging Russia, Ukraine takes big step toward NATO
Ukraine took a historic step toward NATO in a parliamentary vote that stoked Russia's anger ahead of talks on ending the ex-Soviet state's separatist war.
French PM calls for 'vigilance' after three attacks
French Prime Minister called for "vigilance" after the country was hit by three bizarre attacks in quick succession, sparking fears of possible copycat action.
Death of Joe Cocker, 'greatest soul voice of Britain'
Legendary singer Joe Cocker, whose intense, gritty voice won him wide acclaim that spanned both rock and blues, has died at age 70.
Ukraine peace talks to resume Wednesday in Minsk: Poroshenko
A fresh round of peace talks with Ukraine's pro-Russian rebels will take place in the Belarussian capital, President Petro Poroshenko said.