NIST

Germany's foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in a rare face-to-face encounter, urging Moscow to abandon what she called a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine. The meeting stands out given the near-total breakdown of direct diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion, and it signals continued European efforts to keep channels open even as fighting intensifies.

Russia's finance ministry has announced tax increases aimed at strengthening the country's military budget as the war in Ukraine continues to strain public finances. The move shifts more of the funding burden onto Russian businesses and households, and has drawn attention from analysts watching how long Moscow can sustain elevated defence spending without deeper economic consequences.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany held talks focused on ways to increase pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war. The discussion comes as Kyiv continues seeking stronger backing from European partners, including tighter sanctions and sustained military and political support against Moscow's invasion.

The foreign ministers of Germany and Russia have held a rare face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Direct diplomatic contact between the two governments has been extremely limited since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, making any high-level talks notable as the war continues and debate over Ukraine's future intensifies at the UN.

Sudan is effectively run by two rival authorities, with the army-backed administration controlling much of the formal state and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces governing territory it holds. Washington has stated that neither side represents legitimate constitutional governance, leaving the country with authorities but no internationally recognised government as the civil war continues.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply elevated tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have been scarce since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so the talks draw attention as a possible channel for diplomacy, even though no major breakthrough is expected from a single conversation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not yield to US coercion and denied that Tehran is seeking nuclear weapons, dismissing such claims as lies. The statement lands amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear program, with observers weighing Tehran's defiance against continued American pressure and diplomatic uncertainty.

Russia's Foreign Minister has addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The annual debate brings world leaders and top diplomats to the UN headquarters each September. The Russian minister's speech is being closely watched for signals of Moscow's position on the war in Ukraine and its wider relations with the West.

The Trump administration is preparing a broad rollback of US clean car rules, according to a New York Times report. The move would loosen emissions and fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, a policy with major consequences for automakers, air quality and the country's climate goals, and it is already drawing attention given the stakes for the auto industry.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, in the first talks between the two countries at this level since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic opening between Moscow and a key European power, and observers are watching closely for what it signals about the future of Russia-Europe relations and the war in Ukraine.

European ministers meeting on migration policy are discussing stronger border controls and accelerated procedures for returning migrants whose asylum claims are rejected. The talks reflect mounting political pressure across the bloc to curb irregular arrivals and speed up deportations, an issue that has divided member states and featured prominently in recent European election campaigns. Details of any concrete agreement were not immediately available.

The Trump administration is using a rarely invoked authority to rescind nearly $1 billion in federal spending that Congress had already approved. The move, reported by PBS, reignites debate over presidential power over the purse and whether the executive branch can block money lawmakers appropriated, a fight likely to draw legal challenges and pushback from Capitol Hill.

Switzerland's finance minister has said it is unlikely that UBS would move away from its home base, in comments addressing questions about the future of the country's biggest bank following its state-brokered takeover of Credit Suisse. The remarks aim to reassure concern over the bank's commitment to Switzerland, though speculation continues about whether tighter regulation could prompt it to consider relocating.

Russia's Foreign Minister addressed journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, delivering remarks ahead of Security Council activities. The briefing comes at a time of heightened attention to Russia's position at the United Nations, with reporters expected to press Moscow's top diplomat on the war in Ukraine, sanctions and ongoing diplomatic standoffs within the Security Council.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for about 20 minutes at the United Nations, urging Moscow to halt hybrid attacks and further escalation against Germany, Europe and NATO. The German delegation said Wadephul cited an attempted attack in Leipzig as an example of Russian hostile activity. The meeting marks a rare direct exchange between the two governments at a time of heightened tensions over sabotage, disinformation and the war in Ukraine.

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to soften a key protection for 401(k) retirement accounts, according to Forbes. The report has drawn attention because 401(k) rules safeguard the retirement savings of tens of millions of American workers, and any weakening of those protections could affect how their funds are managed and what fees or conflicts of interest they are exposed to.

House Democrats are preparing an extensive oversight agenda targeting the Trump administration, with party leaders confirming that impeachment remains an option on the table. The plans signal aggressive congressional scrutiny of the White House, with committees expected to launch investigations into the administration's conduct. The move sets up a major confrontation between congressional Democrats and President Trump, and is drawing wide attention across the US political landscape.

EU interior ministers are gathering in Munich to discuss a further tightening of the bloc's migration policy. For the second year running, the city is hosting the summit, which is opposed by both far-left and far-right activists and politicians, with protests expected around the meeting. The talks come as migration remains one of the most divisive issues in European politics.

Cuba's Foreign Minister denounced United States pressure on his country at the United Nations, warning that international relations risk becoming a 'law of the jungle' if powerful states impose their will on smaller nations. The speech renews Havana's long-standing criticism of the American embargo and broader coercion, framing US policy as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced it will support startups working on unmanned aerial vehicle development, according to a report by The Japan Times. The move aims to bring emerging companies into the defense technology sector, reflecting Tokyo's broader push to strengthen domestic defense capabilities and innovation amid growing security concerns in the region.

Germany's interior minister has called for faster deportation procedures for migrants who cross into the country as part of mass border crossings. The proposal signals a tougher stance on irregular migration and comes amid ongoing political debate in Germany and the wider EU over border controls, asylum rules and the pace of removing people whose applications are rejected.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is hosting talks with EU counterparts in Berlin aimed at tightening the European migration pact. The discussions focus on strengthening border controls and speeding up asylum procedures under the EU's shared migration framework. Germany's push for a harder line on migration has drawn attention across Europe, with officials weighing how far the pact can be enforced more strictly.

A former Ukrainian defense minister has announced an 'Army of Robots' initiative aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous weapons systems. The plan focuses on scaling robotic platforms to reduce risks to soldiers and speed up warfare capabilities amid the ongoing war with Russia.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul briefed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha by phone about his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Kyiv stressed being kept informed of any contacts involving Moscow. The call comes as European capitals closely monitor diplomatic exchanges with Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during its general debate in New York. The speech forms part of the annual gathering where member states outline their positions on global issues. Details of Indonesia's specific remarks were not available, but the address underscores the country's continued engagement with the UN.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs took the floor at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivering an address as part of the annual general debate in New York. The speech forms part of Canada's diplomatic engagement on multilateral issues, though the specific policy positions raised in the address have not yet been detailed.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus has addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The speech comes during the annual gathering where world leaders set out their countries' positions on international security and cooperation, with Minsk's alignment in ongoing global disputes drawing attention.

Malaysia's Minister for Foreign Affairs has addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The minister's remarks were delivered as part of the annual gathering where UN member states set out their positions on international peace and security, development and multilateral cooperation. Details of the specific points raised in the address were not immediately available.

Japan's finance minister said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not a reflationist, seeking to calm investors who fear her government will spend excessively and push the Bank of Japan to keep interest rates low. The remarks aim to reassure markets concerned that a Takaichi-led administration could fuel inflation through loose fiscal policy and pressure on monetary policy.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia at UN headquarters, according to UN media. The meeting covered diplomatic cooperation between the United Nations and the Kingdom, though no further details about the agenda or outcomes have been released. The talks come as the UN maintains regular engagement with Saudi Arabia on regional and international issues.

A public event in Milan is drawing attention to women's rights, connecting the experiences of captivity under Hamas and Isis with the situation of women in Iran and Afghanistan. Organisers are framing these cases together as part of a broader discussion on violence and repression against women worldwide. The gathering reflects growing international concern over women's rights in these regions.

Tunisia's Minister for Foreign Affairs took the floor at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly debate in New York, delivering the country's address to delegates from around the world. The speech comes as member states gather for the annual high-level debate, where foreign ministers and heads of state set out their governments' positions on global issues.

Cameroon's Minister for Foreign Affairs took the floor at the United Nations in New York during the general debate of the 81st session of the General Assembly. The address forms part of the annual gathering where member states set out their positions on global security, development and multilateral cooperation. Details of the specific points raised by the minister were not immediately available, but the speech adds Cameroon's voice to the opening week of high-level diplomacy at the UN.

Jamaica's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The speech forms part of the annual gathering where member states outline their positions on global issues including security, climate and development priorities.

The United Nations Secretary-General met with Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, the UN press office reported. The meeting was announced without details of the agenda, though such talks typically cover the war in Ukraine, Middle East crises, UN financing and Germany's role in the organisation. No readout or joint statements have been released so far.