Challenging Russia, Ukraine moves to drop neutral status
Ukraine's president openly challenged the Kremlin by submitting a bill allowing the former Soviet republic to join NATO and make the Western alliance its defender.
Danger in the skies as Russia, NATO play cat-and-mouse
Recent close shaves between Russian fighters and civilian aircraft highlight the dangers of the cat-and-mouse game being played out between Moscow and the West.
Ruble rallies in early trading on day of Putin press conference
The ruble rallied in early trading ahead of President Vladimir Putin's eagerly-awaited annual press-conference.
Ukraine, pro-Russia rebels agree to resume peace talks
Ukraine's pro-European leaders and Kremlin-backed rebels agreed Wednesday to hold long-delayed peace talks.
Pope leads global praise for 'historic' US-Cuba rapprochement
Pope Francis led a chorus of global plaudits for breakthrough in US-Cuban relations, hailed as "historic" in Europe and South America.
Australia PM offers sympathy after Pakistan school raid
Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered sympathy to Pakistan after a deadly Taliban raid on a school, as Australia deals with the fallout from a cafe siege.
Macau democracy leader says he's being watched before Xi visit
A Macau pro-democracy leader said he is being "watched" by authorities before a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Japan PM presses for wage rises after 'Abenomics' poll win
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stepped up pressure on business leaders to hike wages as he embarked on a renewed push to reinvigorate Japan's economy.
Kerry to meet Palestinian negotiator in London talks
John Kerry meets chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat hoping to avert a diplomatic crisis over a UN bid to force Israel to withdraw from Palestinian land.
Kazakhstan's President on global situation
Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has shared his thoughts about the current situation in the world.
Romanian parliament approves new Ponta cabinet
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta's revamped government sailed through a vote of confidence in parliament.
Belgium cut off from world by national strike
Belgium ground to a halt in its biggest strike in years Monday as trade unions grounded flights, cut international rail links and shut sea ports to protest the new government's austerity plans.
France, Germany discuss Ukraine crisis with Poroshenko
The leaders of France and Germany discussed a shaky ceasefire deal and economic reforms for Ukraine in a telephone call with President Petro Poroshenko.
Kerry, Lavrov meet as tensions soar over Ukraine
Top US diplomat met his Russian counterpart, amid anger in Moscow over the prospect of new US sanctions and possible lethal military aid for Ukraine.
Turkey arrests 27 in swoop on anti-Erdogan media
Turkish police arrested the editor of Turkey's biggest-selling newspaper and 26 others in lightning raids on supporters of a US-based cleric.
US congratulates Japan's Abe on re-election
The United States welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's easy re-election victor in snap polls, hailing his "strong leadership" on international crises
EU, US confirm new Iran nuclear talks on Dec 17
The EU and the US confirmed that extended nuclear talks between with Iran will resume on December 17 in Geneva.
China's Xi says Nanjing Massacre undeniable on 77th anniversary
President Xi Jinping said that no one can deny the Nanjing Massacre, as China for the first time held a national day of remembrance for the Japanese military rampage.
'Important' for athletes to speak out: Obama
US President said it can be beneficial for high-profile athletes to speak out on social issues.
Charles De Gaulle's monument opened in Astana
A monument to Charles De Gaulle has been erected in Astana.