Putin and Peter the Great: Russian leader likens himself to 18th Century tsar
Vladimir Putin's admiration for Peter the Great is well known but he now seems to have ideas of 'Great'-ness himself.
He has openly compared himself to the Russian tsar, equating Russia's invasion of Ukraine today with Peter's expansionist wars some three centuries ago, and making his strongest acknowledgment yet that his own war is a land grab.
Mr Putin's apparent empire-building ambitions bode ill for Ukraine and have irked other neighbours, including Estonia, which called his comments "completely unacceptable." read more
Vladimir Putin's admiration for Peter the Great is well known but he now seems to have ideas of 'Great'-ness himself.
He has openly compared himself to the Russian tsar, equating Russia's invasion of Ukraine today with Peter's expansionist wars some three centuries ago, and making his strongest acknowledgment yet that his own war is a land grab.
Mr Putin's apparent empire-building ambitions bode ill for Ukraine and have irked other neighbours, including Estonia, which called his comments "completely unacceptable." read more
Russia hands out passports in occupied Ukraine cities
The Russian occupation authorities in southern Ukraine say they have started handing out Russian passports to locals in two cities - Kherson and Melitopol.
Ukraine condemns the creation of Russian citizens on its territory as "Russification". President Vladimir Putin is fast-tracking the procedure.
Russia's Tass news agency says the first 23 Kherson residents got Russian passports at a ceremony on Saturday.
Tass says thousands have applied for them, but its claim cannot be verified.
The Russian-appointed military governor in Kherson, Volodymyr Saldo, said "all our Khersonite comrades want to receive the passport and [Russian] citizenship as soon as possible". read more
The Russian occupation authorities in southern Ukraine say they have started handing out Russian passports to locals in two cities - Kherson and Melitopol.
Ukraine condemns the creation of Russian citizens on its territory as "Russification". President Vladimir Putin is fast-tracking the procedure.
Russia's Tass news agency says the first 23 Kherson residents got Russian passports at a ceremony on Saturday.
Tass says thousands have applied for them, but its claim cannot be verified.
The Russian-appointed military governor in Kherson, Volodymyr Saldo, said "all our Khersonite comrades want to receive the passport and [Russian] citizenship as soon as possible". read more
US gun control: Cautious welcome to bipartisan deal on new safety measures
US campaigners have welcomed a potential cross-party deal on gun safety reforms but stressed the proposals do not go far enough.
"This is progress even if small," said David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida.
Ex-lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords, injured in a 2011 shooting in Arizona, said it was an "important step forward".
The plans include tougher checks for buyers under the age of 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
They were announced by a cross-party group of US senators on Sunday. Crucially, the proposals are supported by 10 Republicans, meaning they have the numbers to be voted into law.
President Joe Biden also said the plans were "steps in the right direction" but they fell far short of what he and many Democrats have been calling for. read more
US campaigners have welcomed a potential cross-party deal on gun safety reforms but stressed the proposals do not go far enough.
"This is progress even if small," said David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida.
Ex-lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords, injured in a 2011 shooting in Arizona, said it was an "important step forward".
The plans include tougher checks for buyers under the age of 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
They were announced by a cross-party group of US senators on Sunday. Crucially, the proposals are supported by 10 Republicans, meaning they have the numbers to be voted into law.
President Joe Biden also said the plans were "steps in the right direction" but they fell far short of what he and many Democrats have been calling for. read more
UK will not copy EU demand for common charging cable
The UK government says it is not "currently considering" copying European Union plans for a common charging cable.
The EU has provisionally agreed all new portable electronic devices must, by autumn 2024, use a USB Type-C charger, a move it says will benefit consumers.
Critics say it will stifle innovation.
Under the current post-Brexit arrangements, the regulation would apply to Northern Ireland, according to EU and UK officials. read more
The UK government says it is not "currently considering" copying European Union plans for a common charging cable.
The EU has provisionally agreed all new portable electronic devices must, by autumn 2024, use a USB Type-C charger, a move it says will benefit consumers.
Critics say it will stifle innovation.
Under the current post-Brexit arrangements, the regulation would apply to Northern Ireland, according to EU and UK officials. read more
Ukraine war: Every bridge leading to key city Severodonetsk destroyed
All bridges to the embattled Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk have now been destroyed, the local governor says.
With the city effectively cut off, Serhiy Haidai says delivering supplies and evacuating civilians are now impossible.
Fierce fighting is taking place in the eastern city where Ukrainian officials said Russian artillery had driven its forces out of the centre.
For weeks capturing Severodonetsk has been a top military goal for Russia.
Taking Severodonetsk and the nearby city of Lysychansk would give Moscow control of the entire Luhansk region, much of which is already controlled by Russian-backed separatists.
All three bridges into Severodonetsk were destroyed, Mr Haidai posted on Telegram. Those residents remaining in the city were being forced to survive in "extremely difficult conditions", he added. read more
All bridges to the embattled Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk have now been destroyed, the local governor says.
With the city effectively cut off, Serhiy Haidai says delivering supplies and evacuating civilians are now impossible.
Fierce fighting is taking place in the eastern city where Ukrainian officials said Russian artillery had driven its forces out of the centre.
For weeks capturing Severodonetsk has been a top military goal for Russia.
Taking Severodonetsk and the nearby city of Lysychansk would give Moscow control of the entire Luhansk region, much of which is already controlled by Russian-backed separatists.
All three bridges into Severodonetsk were destroyed, Mr Haidai posted on Telegram. Those residents remaining in the city were being forced to survive in "extremely difficult conditions", he added. read more
People in Pakistan urged to drink fewer cups of tea
People in Pakistan have been asked to reduce the amount of tea they drink to keep the country's economy afloat.
Sipping fewer cups a day would cut Pakistan's high import bills, senior minister Ahsan Iqbal said.
The country's low foreign currency reserves - currently enough for fewer than two months of all imports - have left it in urgent need of funds.
Pakistan is the world's largest importer of tea, buying in more than $600m (£501m) worth last year.
"I appeal to the nation to cut down the consumption of tea by one to two cups because we import tea on loan," Mr Iqbal said, according to Pakistani media. read more
People in Pakistan have been asked to reduce the amount of tea they drink to keep the country's economy afloat.
Sipping fewer cups a day would cut Pakistan's high import bills, senior minister Ahsan Iqbal said.
The country's low foreign currency reserves - currently enough for fewer than two months of all imports - have left it in urgent need of funds.
Pakistan is the world's largest importer of tea, buying in more than $600m (£501m) worth last year.
"I appeal to the nation to cut down the consumption of tea by one to two cups because we import tea on loan," Mr Iqbal said, according to Pakistani media. read more
Gazprom: Germany accuses Russian gas giant of pushing energy prices up
Germany has accused Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom of attempting to push up energy prices by sharply reducing supplies.
Gazprom said it was limiting the amount of gas to Germany to under 70m cubic metres per day - well under half the current rate.
The reason it gave was to service equipment in the Nord Stream pipeline.
But German economy minister Robert Habeck said it was "a political decision" and not a technical one. read more
Germany has accused Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom of attempting to push up energy prices by sharply reducing supplies.
Gazprom said it was limiting the amount of gas to Germany to under 70m cubic metres per day - well under half the current rate.
The reason it gave was to service equipment in the Nord Stream pipeline.
But German economy minister Robert Habeck said it was "a political decision" and not a technical one. read more
Republican Senate gun negotiator walks out of talks
The lead Republican negotiator for what would be the US Senate's first gun control bill in a generation has walked out of talks with Democrats.
Texas Senator John Cornyn has played a key role in drafting the framework of a proposed firearms bill following mass shootings in Texas and New York.
Leaving Washington, he said: "I'm through talking."
The plans include tougher checks for buyers under the age of 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
The proposals have shown some rare cross-party cooperation on the issue of gun control, but still fall far short of what many Democrats and activists have been calling for. read more
The lead Republican negotiator for what would be the US Senate's first gun control bill in a generation has walked out of talks with Democrats.
Texas Senator John Cornyn has played a key role in drafting the framework of a proposed firearms bill following mass shootings in Texas and New York.
Leaving Washington, he said: "I'm through talking."
The plans include tougher checks for buyers under the age of 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
The proposals have shown some rare cross-party cooperation on the issue of gun control, but still fall far short of what many Democrats and activists have been calling for. read more
Russia's Putin condemns 'mad and thoughtless' Western sanctions
The sanctions imposed by the West on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine are "mad and thoughtless", President Vladimir Putin has said.
Speaking at a forum in St Petersburg, he said "the economic blitzkrieg against Russia had no chance of succeeding from the very beginning".
He said the restrictions were "more harmful" to those who imposed them.
Western nations have been seeking to strike a balance between punishing Russia and protecting their economies.
But speaking at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Putin claimed the EU could lose more than $400bn (£326bn) because of its sanctions against Russia. read more
The sanctions imposed by the West on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine are "mad and thoughtless", President Vladimir Putin has said.
Speaking at a forum in St Petersburg, he said "the economic blitzkrieg against Russia had no chance of succeeding from the very beginning".
He said the restrictions were "more harmful" to those who imposed them.
Western nations have been seeking to strike a balance between punishing Russia and protecting their economies.
But speaking at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Putin claimed the EU could lose more than $400bn (£326bn) because of its sanctions against Russia. read more
Ukraine war could last for years, warns Nato chief
The West must prepare to continue supporting Ukraine in a war lasting for years, Nato's chief has warned.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the costs of war were high, but the price of letting Moscow achieve its military goals was even greater.
His comments came as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also warned of the need to brace for a longer-term conflict.
Both Mr Stoltenberg and Mr Johnson said sending more weapons would make a victory for Ukraine more likely. read more
The West must prepare to continue supporting Ukraine in a war lasting for years, Nato's chief has warned.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the costs of war were high, but the price of letting Moscow achieve its military goals was even greater.
His comments came as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also warned of the need to brace for a longer-term conflict.
Both Mr Stoltenberg and Mr Johnson said sending more weapons would make a victory for Ukraine more likely. read more
Russia blockading Ukrainian grain is a 'real war crime' - EU
Russia's blockade of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain is a "real war crime", says EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
"It is inconceivable - one cannot imagine that millions of tonnes of wheat remain blocked in Ukraine while in the rest of the world people are suffering hunger," Mr Borrell said.
"We call on Russia to deblockade the [Ukrainian] ports."
EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the crisis.
Western countries have demanded Russia stop blockading Ukraine's Black Sea ports and allow vast stores of grain to reach world markets. read more
Russia's blockade of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain is a "real war crime", says EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
"It is inconceivable - one cannot imagine that millions of tonnes of wheat remain blocked in Ukraine while in the rest of the world people are suffering hunger," Mr Borrell said.
"We call on Russia to deblockade the [Ukrainian] ports."
EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the crisis.
Western countries have demanded Russia stop blockading Ukraine's Black Sea ports and allow vast stores of grain to reach world markets. read more
Assam: India floods destroy millions of homes and dreams
"There was water everywhere, but not a single drop to drink."
That is how Ronju Chowdhary described the scene outside her house on Saturday. She lives in Udiana, a remote village in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, which has been hit by severe floods.
It had been raining incessantly, she remembers. The water rose so quickly that the streets were completely submerged within hours. When the water entered their home, she says the family huddled together in darkness trying to keep themselves safe.
Two days on, the family is still marooned in their house - now resembling a lonely island - amid a sea of water. read more
"There was water everywhere, but not a single drop to drink."
That is how Ronju Chowdhary described the scene outside her house on Saturday. She lives in Udiana, a remote village in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, which has been hit by severe floods.
It had been raining incessantly, she remembers. The water rose so quickly that the streets were completely submerged within hours. When the water entered their home, she says the family huddled together in darkness trying to keep themselves safe.
Two days on, the family is still marooned in their house - now resembling a lonely island - amid a sea of water. read more
Afghan earthquake: 1,000 people killed and 1,500 wounded, official says
A powerful earthquake has killed one thousand people and left hundreds more injured in Afghanistan, a Taliban official has told the BBC.
Pictures show landslides and ruined mud-built homes in eastern Paktika province, where rescuers have been scrambling to treat the injured.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said hundreds of houses were destroyed and the death toll was likely to rise.
It is the deadliest earthquake to strike Afghanistan in two decades.
The head of information for Paktika province, Mohammad Amin Hazifi, told the BBC that 1,000 people had died and 1,500 are injured. read more
A powerful earthquake has killed one thousand people and left hundreds more injured in Afghanistan, a Taliban official has told the BBC.
Pictures show landslides and ruined mud-built homes in eastern Paktika province, where rescuers have been scrambling to treat the injured.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said hundreds of houses were destroyed and the death toll was likely to rise.
It is the deadliest earthquake to strike Afghanistan in two decades.
The head of information for Paktika province, Mohammad Amin Hazifi, told the BBC that 1,000 people had died and 1,500 are injured. read more
Afghanistan quake: Taliban appeal for international aid
The Taliban in Afghanistan have appealed for international support, as the country deals with the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
More than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 1,500 injured. Unknown numbers are buried in the rubble of ruined, often mud-built homes.
South eastern Paktika province has been worst-hit and the UN is scrambling to provide emergency shelter and food aid.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and lack of resources.
Survivors and rescuers have told the BBC of villages completely destroyed near the epicentre of the quake, of ruined roads and mobile phone towers - and of their fears that the death toll will rise further. read more
The Taliban in Afghanistan have appealed for international support, as the country deals with the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
More than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 1,500 injured. Unknown numbers are buried in the rubble of ruined, often mud-built homes.
South eastern Paktika province has been worst-hit and the UN is scrambling to provide emergency shelter and food aid.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and lack of resources.
Survivors and rescuers have told the BBC of villages completely destroyed near the epicentre of the quake, of ruined roads and mobile phone towers - and of their fears that the death toll will rise further. read more
Germany takes step closer to gas rationing
Germany has taken a step closer to gas rationing after a drop in supplies from Russia.
The country has triggered the "alarm" stage of an emergency gas plan to deal with shortages, Germany's economy ministry said.
It is the latest part of a standoff between the European Union and Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
German economy minister Robert Habeck said Russia was using gas "as a weapon" in response to EU sanctions.
"We must not fool ourselves. The cut in gas supplies is an economic attack on us by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Mr Habeck said, adding Germans would have to reduce consumption. read more
Germany has taken a step closer to gas rationing after a drop in supplies from Russia.
The country has triggered the "alarm" stage of an emergency gas plan to deal with shortages, Germany's economy ministry said.
It is the latest part of a standoff between the European Union and Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
German economy minister Robert Habeck said Russia was using gas "as a weapon" in response to EU sanctions.
"We must not fool ourselves. The cut in gas supplies is an economic attack on us by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Mr Habeck said, adding Germans would have to reduce consumption. read more
Roe v Wade: US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortion
Millions of women in the US will lose the constitutional right to abortion, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
The judgement paves the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
Half are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans. Thirteen have already passed so-called trigger laws to automatically outlaw abortion.
President Joe Biden described it as "a tragic error" and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.
After the Supreme Court ruling, abortion access is expected to be cut off for about 36 million women of reproductive age, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions. read more
Millions of women in the US will lose the constitutional right to abortion, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
The judgement paves the way for individual states to ban the procedure.
Half are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans. Thirteen have already passed so-called trigger laws to automatically outlaw abortion.
President Joe Biden described it as "a tragic error" and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.
After the Supreme Court ruling, abortion access is expected to be cut off for about 36 million women of reproductive age, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions. read more
Norway shooting: Man charged with terrorism after deadly Oslo attack
A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after a shooting in the centre of Norway's capital, Oslo.
Two people were killed and 21 injured in the overnight attack on a busy nightlife district.
There was gunfire at about 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Saturday, in three locations including a gay bar.
Shots were fired at the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, and near the Herr Nilsen jazz club and a pub.
Oslo's annual Pride parade was due to be held on Saturday, but has been cancelled following police advice. read more
A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after a shooting in the centre of Norway's capital, Oslo.
Two people were killed and 21 injured in the overnight attack on a busy nightlife district.
There was gunfire at about 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Saturday, in three locations including a gay bar.
Shots were fired at the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, and near the Herr Nilsen jazz club and a pub.
Oslo's annual Pride parade was due to be held on Saturday, but has been cancelled following police advice. read more
Ukraine war: Missiles hit targets across country as G7 rallies over Russia
Dozens of Russian missiles have struck targets across Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv enduring the heaviest barrage in months.
A Kyiv apartment block was destroyed, killing at least one and wounding six others including a seven-year-old girl.
Ukraine says 14 missiles were fired at the Kyiv region on Sunday, but the strikes extended far beyond the city.
Other areas included the central city of Cherkasy, where one person died, and the north-eastern Kharkiv region.
The strikes came as leaders of the G7 group of the world's richest nations began a three-day summit in Bavaria, southern Germany, with the war in Ukraine top of the agenda. They are expected to promise further military support for Kyiv and impose more sanctions on Moscow. read more
Dozens of Russian missiles have struck targets across Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv enduring the heaviest barrage in months.
A Kyiv apartment block was destroyed, killing at least one and wounding six others including a seven-year-old girl.
Ukraine says 14 missiles were fired at the Kyiv region on Sunday, but the strikes extended far beyond the city.
Other areas included the central city of Cherkasy, where one person died, and the north-eastern Kharkiv region.
The strikes came as leaders of the G7 group of the world's richest nations began a three-day summit in Bavaria, southern Germany, with the war in Ukraine top of the agenda. They are expected to promise further military support for Kyiv and impose more sanctions on Moscow. read more
Ukraine war: Zelensky to address G7 as Russian missiles hit cities
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to urge delivery of more heavy weapons when he addresses the G7 group of wealthy nations later.
It follows a barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and other areas over the weekend, which killed at least one.
In eastern Ukraine, Russia has taken full control of Severodonetsk and is targeting nearby Lysychansk.
On Sunday Mr Zelensky said delaying arms deliveries was "an invitation to Russia to strike again and again".
Speaking via his daily video address he also called for air defence systems and new sanctions on Russia. read more
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to urge delivery of more heavy weapons when he addresses the G7 group of wealthy nations later.
It follows a barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and other areas over the weekend, which killed at least one.
In eastern Ukraine, Russia has taken full control of Severodonetsk and is targeting nearby Lysychansk.
On Sunday Mr Zelensky said delaying arms deliveries was "an invitation to Russia to strike again and again".
Speaking via his daily video address he also called for air defence systems and new sanctions on Russia. read more
Russia in debt default as payment deadline passes
Russia is believed to have defaulted on its debt for the first time since 1998 after missing a key deadline.
Russia has the money to make a $100m payment, which was due on Sunday, but sanctions made it impossible to get the sum to international creditors.
The Kremlin had been determined to avoid the default, which is a major blow to the nation's prestige.
Russia's finance minister called the situation "a farce" and it is not expected to have short-term impact.
This is because Russia does not need to raise money internationally as it is reaping revenue from high-priced commodities such as oil, according to Chris Weafer, chief executive at Moscow-based consultancy Macro Advisory. read more
Russia is believed to have defaulted on its debt for the first time since 1998 after missing a key deadline.
Russia has the money to make a $100m payment, which was due on Sunday, but sanctions made it impossible to get the sum to international creditors.
The Kremlin had been determined to avoid the default, which is a major blow to the nation's prestige.
Russia's finance minister called the situation "a farce" and it is not expected to have short-term impact.
This is because Russia does not need to raise money internationally as it is reaping revenue from high-priced commodities such as oil, according to Chris Weafer, chief executive at Moscow-based consultancy Macro Advisory. read more
Texas migrant deaths: At least 46 found dead in abandoned lorry
At least 46 people, believed to be migrants, have been found dead in an abandoned lorry on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.
A fire official said 16 people including four children had also been taken to hospital.
The survivors were "hot to the touch" and suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
San Antonio, which is 250km (150 miles) from the US-Mexican border, is a major transit route for people smugglers.
Human traffickers often use lorries to transport undocumented migrants after meeting them in remote areas once they have managed to cross into the United States. read more
At least 46 people, believed to be migrants, have been found dead in an abandoned lorry on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.
A fire official said 16 people including four children had also been taken to hospital.
The survivors were "hot to the touch" and suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
San Antonio, which is 250km (150 miles) from the US-Mexican border, is a major transit route for people smugglers.
Human traffickers often use lorries to transport undocumented migrants after meeting them in remote areas once they have managed to cross into the United States. read more