Ukraine war: Russia plans to annex Ukrainian land - US
Russia plans to annex more Ukrainian territory using a similar "playbook" to its takeover of Crimea, the US says.
Citing US intelligence, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Russia is already laying the groundwork for annexation.
Occupied regions of Ukraine could hold "sham" referenda on joining Russia as soon as September, he said.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a referendum which was widely viewed as illegitimate. read more
Russia plans to annex more Ukrainian territory using a similar "playbook" to its takeover of Crimea, the US says.
Citing US intelligence, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Russia is already laying the groundwork for annexation.
Occupied regions of Ukraine could hold "sham" referenda on joining Russia as soon as September, he said.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a referendum which was widely viewed as illegitimate. read more
Apple settles US butterfly-keyboard legal action for $50m
Apple has agreed to pay $50m (£41.6m) to settle a legal action by claimants in the US, over its MacBook keyboards.
Customers in seven states claimed the technology giant had sold the "butterfly" keyboards, on MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, from 2015 to 2019, knowing they had unresponsive and sticky keys that could be damaged by dust or debris.
Apple did not immediately respond to a BBC News request for comment.
But the company denies any wrongdoing. read more
Apple has agreed to pay $50m (£41.6m) to settle a legal action by claimants in the US, over its MacBook keyboards.
Customers in seven states claimed the technology giant had sold the "butterfly" keyboards, on MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, from 2015 to 2019, knowing they had unresponsive and sticky keys that could be damaged by dust or debris.
Apple did not immediately respond to a BBC News request for comment.
But the company denies any wrongdoing. read more
Italian PM Mario Draghi fails in bid to revive government
When Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced that Italians had persuaded him not to resign, for much of Wednesday it looked as if his national unity government would survive.
He called for a new pact and a vote of confidence in the Senate.
But hours later three parties in the coalition said they would not take part in the vote.
Now, after a year and a half, his broad-based government encompassing right and left is set to collapse. read more
When Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced that Italians had persuaded him not to resign, for much of Wednesday it looked as if his national unity government would survive.
He called for a new pact and a vote of confidence in the Senate.
But hours later three parties in the coalition said they would not take part in the vote.
Now, after a year and a half, his broad-based government encompassing right and left is set to collapse. read more
Nord Stream: Key Russian pipeline resumes pumping gas to Europe
Russia has resumed pumping gas to Europe through its biggest pipeline after warnings it could curb or halt supplies altogether.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline restarted following a 10-day maintenance break but at a reduced level.
On Wednesday, the European Commission urged countries to cut gas use by 15% over the next seven months in case Russia switched off Europe's supply.
Russia supplied Europe with 40% of its natural gas last year.
Germany was the continent's largest importer in 2020, but has reduced its dependence on Russian gas from 55% to 35%. Eventually, it wants to stop using gas from Russia altogether. read more
Russia has resumed pumping gas to Europe through its biggest pipeline after warnings it could curb or halt supplies altogether.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline restarted following a 10-day maintenance break but at a reduced level.
On Wednesday, the European Commission urged countries to cut gas use by 15% over the next seven months in case Russia switched off Europe's supply.
Russia supplied Europe with 40% of its natural gas last year.
Germany was the continent's largest importer in 2020, but has reduced its dependence on Russian gas from 55% to 35%. Eventually, it wants to stop using gas from Russia altogether. read more
Russia 'looting' steel bound for Europe and UK, says Metinvest boss
Russia is looting $600m (£500m) worth of steel from plants and ports in Ukraine, according to the boss of Ukraine's largest steel firm Metinvest.
The firm owns the Azovstal plant that became the last holdout of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians during the devastation of the city of Mariupol.
Chief executive Yuriy Ryzhenkov said steel was being transferred to Russia and sold on, some of which had been bound for customers in the UK.
The Kremlin has not commented. read more
Russia is looting $600m (£500m) worth of steel from plants and ports in Ukraine, according to the boss of Ukraine's largest steel firm Metinvest.
The firm owns the Azovstal plant that became the last holdout of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians during the devastation of the city of Mariupol.
Chief executive Yuriy Ryzhenkov said steel was being transferred to Russia and sold on, some of which had been bound for customers in the UK.
The Kremlin has not commented. read more
Food crisis: Ukraine grain export deal reached with Russia, says Turkey
Turkey says a deal has been reached with Russia to allow Ukraine to resume exports of grain through the Black Sea.
It is to be signed on Friday in Istanbul by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The world shortage of Ukrainian grain since Russia's 24 February invasion has left millions at risk of hunger.
The invasion sent food prices soaring, so the deal to unblock Ukraine's ports is crucial. Some 20 million tonnes of grain is stuck in the country. read more
Turkey says a deal has been reached with Russia to allow Ukraine to resume exports of grain through the Black Sea.
It is to be signed on Friday in Istanbul by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The world shortage of Ukrainian grain since Russia's 24 February invasion has left millions at risk of hunger.
The invasion sent food prices soaring, so the deal to unblock Ukraine's ports is crucial. Some 20 million tonnes of grain is stuck in the country. read more
Ukraine war: Deal signed to allow grain exports to resume by sea
Ukraine and Russia have signed "mirror" deals which will allow Kyiv to resume exports of grain through the Black Sea.
The agreement will allow millions of tonnes of grain, currently trapped in Ukraine by the war, to be exported.
The world shortage of Ukrainian grain since Russia's 24 February invasion has left millions at risk of hunger.
However, Kyiv refused to sign a direct deal with Moscow, and warned "provocations" would be met with "an immediate military response".
Both sides attended the signing ceremony in Istanbul but did not sit at the same table. Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu signed Moscow's deal first, followed by Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov signing Kyiv's identical agreement. read more
Ukraine and Russia have signed "mirror" deals which will allow Kyiv to resume exports of grain through the Black Sea.
The agreement will allow millions of tonnes of grain, currently trapped in Ukraine by the war, to be exported.
The world shortage of Ukrainian grain since Russia's 24 February invasion has left millions at risk of hunger.
However, Kyiv refused to sign a direct deal with Moscow, and warned "provocations" would be met with "an immediate military response".
Both sides attended the signing ceremony in Istanbul but did not sit at the same table. Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu signed Moscow's deal first, followed by Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov signing Kyiv's identical agreement. read more
Ukraine war: Explosions rock Ukrainian port hours after grain deal
Explosions have rocked a key Ukrainian port just a day after Kyiv and Moscow reached a landmark deal to allow the resumption of grain exports.
Two missiles hit the city of Odesa in the early hours of Saturday morning, Ukraine's military said.
Under the terms of Friday's deal, Russia agreed not to target ports while grain shipments are in transit.
EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the attack showed Russia's "total disregard" for international law. read more
Explosions have rocked a key Ukrainian port just a day after Kyiv and Moscow reached a landmark deal to allow the resumption of grain exports.
Two missiles hit the city of Odesa in the early hours of Saturday morning, Ukraine's military said.
Under the terms of Friday's deal, Russia agreed not to target ports while grain shipments are in transit.
EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the attack showed Russia's "total disregard" for international law. read more
Oak Fire: Emergency declared as wildfire rages near Yosemite National Park
A state of emergency has been declared in part of California as the largest active wildfire in the US rapidly spreads near Yosemite National Park.
The Oak Fire has quickly grown since starting on Friday, and firefighters have struggled to get the blaze under control.
"Explosive fire behaviour is challenging firefighters", California's fire department said.
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated and 10 homes destroyed.
The state of emergency, which has been declared in Mariposa County, will allow the state to access some federal assistance to tackle the fires. read more
A state of emergency has been declared in part of California as the largest active wildfire in the US rapidly spreads near Yosemite National Park.
The Oak Fire has quickly grown since starting on Friday, and firefighters have struggled to get the blaze under control.
"Explosive fire behaviour is challenging firefighters", California's fire department said.
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated and 10 homes destroyed.
The state of emergency, which has been declared in Mariposa County, will allow the state to access some federal assistance to tackle the fires. read more
Myanmar military executes four democracy activists
Four democracy activists have been executed by Myanmar's military in what is believed to be the first use of capital punishment in decades.
Former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, writer and activist Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were accused of committing "terror acts".
The executions, which were first announced by the military in June, drew international condemnation.
They come in the wake of a 2021 military coup.
The junta overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in February last year, sparking huge protests which were swiftly crushed. read more
Four democracy activists have been executed by Myanmar's military in what is believed to be the first use of capital punishment in decades.
Former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, writer and activist Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were accused of committing "terror acts".
The executions, which were first announced by the military in June, drew international condemnation.
They come in the wake of a 2021 military coup.
The junta overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in February last year, sparking huge protests which were swiftly crushed. read more
Elon Musk denies affair with Google co-founder Sergey Brin's wife
Tesla boss Elon Musk has denied having an affair with Nicole Shanahan, the wife of Google co-founder, Sergey Brin.
Mr Musk's comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that his friendship with Mr Brin had ended over the alleged affair.
Replying to a link to the story posted on Twitter, Mr Musk referred to the report as "total bs".
Mr Musk went on to say that he is still friends with Mr Brin and that they were "at a party together last night!" read more
Tesla boss Elon Musk has denied having an affair with Nicole Shanahan, the wife of Google co-founder, Sergey Brin.
Mr Musk's comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that his friendship with Mr Brin had ended over the alleged affair.
Replying to a link to the story posted on Twitter, Mr Musk referred to the report as "total bs".
Mr Musk went on to say that he is still friends with Mr Brin and that they were "at a party together last night!" read more
Ukraine war: Russia waging gas war with Nord Stream 1 cuts - Zelensky
Ukraine has accused Moscow of waging a "gas war" against Europe and cutting supplies to inflict "terror" on people.
Russian energy firm Gazprom announced it is reducing gas flows into Germany to allow work on a turbine on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
But Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said this was simply "gas blackmail" against Europe.
It comes as hopes remain that grain exports from Ukrainian ports could resume this week following a deal.
Gazprom said on Monday it needed to cut gas supply to around half of current levels in order to carry out maintenance work - but the German government said there was no technical reason for it to limit the supply. read more
Ukraine has accused Moscow of waging a "gas war" against Europe and cutting supplies to inflict "terror" on people.
Russian energy firm Gazprom announced it is reducing gas flows into Germany to allow work on a turbine on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
But Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said this was simply "gas blackmail" against Europe.
It comes as hopes remain that grain exports from Ukrainian ports could resume this week following a deal.
Gazprom said on Monday it needed to cut gas supply to around half of current levels in order to carry out maintenance work - but the German government said there was no technical reason for it to limit the supply. read more
EU agrees to cut gas use over Russia supply fears
EU energy ministers have agreed for their countries to cut gas use in case Russia halts supplies.
Following talks on Tuesday, EU members agreed countries should voluntarily reduce gas use by 15% from August to March.
"This was not a Mission Impossible!", tweeted the Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
However, draft plans seen by the BBC suggest the deal had been watered down, with countries able to seek exemptions.
"In an effort to increase EU security of energy supply, member states today reached a political agreement on a voluntary reduction of natural gas demand by 15% this winter," the EU said. read more
EU energy ministers have agreed for their countries to cut gas use in case Russia halts supplies.
Following talks on Tuesday, EU members agreed countries should voluntarily reduce gas use by 15% from August to March.
"This was not a Mission Impossible!", tweeted the Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
However, draft plans seen by the BBC suggest the deal had been watered down, with countries able to seek exemptions.
"In an effort to increase EU security of energy supply, member states today reached a political agreement on a voluntary reduction of natural gas demand by 15% this winter," the EU said. read more
Hungary PM Viktor Orban adviser Hegedus resigns over 'pure Nazi' speech
A member of Viktor Orban's inner circle has resigned after the Hungarian prime minister spoke out against becoming "peoples of mixed race".
Zsuzsa Hegedus, who has known the nationalist Mr Orban for 20 years, described the speech as a "pure Nazi text", according to Hungarian media.
The International Auschwitz Committee of Holocaust survivors called the speech "stupid and dangerous".
Mr Orban's spokesman said the media had misrepresented the comments. read more
A member of Viktor Orban's inner circle has resigned after the Hungarian prime minister spoke out against becoming "peoples of mixed race".
Zsuzsa Hegedus, who has known the nationalist Mr Orban for 20 years, described the speech as a "pure Nazi text", according to Hungarian media.
The International Auschwitz Committee of Holocaust survivors called the speech "stupid and dangerous".
Mr Orban's spokesman said the media had misrepresented the comments. read more
Gas prices soar as Russia cuts German supply
Gas prices have soared after Russia further cut gas supplies to Germany and other central European countries after threatening to earlier this week.
European gas prices are up almost 2% trading above an earlier all-time high after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Critics accuse the Russian government of using gas as a political weapon.
Russia has been cutting flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany, with it now operating at less than a fifth of its normal capacity.
Germany imports 55% of its gas from Russia and most of it comes through Nord Stream 1 - with the rest coming from land-based pipelines. read more
Gas prices have soared after Russia further cut gas supplies to Germany and other central European countries after threatening to earlier this week.
European gas prices are up almost 2% trading above an earlier all-time high after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Critics accuse the Russian government of using gas as a political weapon.
Russia has been cutting flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany, with it now operating at less than a fifth of its normal capacity.
Germany imports 55% of its gas from Russia and most of it comes through Nord Stream 1 - with the rest coming from land-based pipelines. read more
Kherson: Ukraine stepping up counter offensive to retake city - sources
Ukraine's campaign to retake the occupied Kherson region is "gathering pace," Western military sources say.
A key bridge into the city of Kherson is now out of action after Ukrainian forces struck it with long-range rockets originally supplied by the US.
It means thousands of Russian troops are now in danger of being cut off from the rest of the occupied territory.
Strategically located west of the Dnipro River, the city was the first in the war to fall to Moscow's forces.
Ukrainian forces fired at Kherson's Antonivskiy Bridge using a Himars artillery rocket system on Tuesday, which according to Western military sources has left the crossing "completely unusable." read more
Ukraine's campaign to retake the occupied Kherson region is "gathering pace," Western military sources say.
A key bridge into the city of Kherson is now out of action after Ukrainian forces struck it with long-range rockets originally supplied by the US.
It means thousands of Russian troops are now in danger of being cut off from the rest of the occupied territory.
Strategically located west of the Dnipro River, the city was the first in the war to fall to Moscow's forces.
Ukrainian forces fired at Kherson's Antonivskiy Bridge using a Himars artillery rocket system on Tuesday, which according to Western military sources has left the crossing "completely unusable." read more
US economy shrinks again ringing recession alarms
The US economy has shrunk for the second quarter in a row, a milestone that in many countries would be considered an economic recession.
That is not the case in the US, which uses additional data to make that call.
But the contraction, at an annual rate of 0.9% in the three months to July, has drawn widespread attention as worries about the economy grow.
Prices for groceries, petrol and other basics are rising at the fastest pace since 1981. read more
The US economy has shrunk for the second quarter in a row, a milestone that in many countries would be considered an economic recession.
That is not the case in the US, which uses additional data to make that call.
But the contraction, at an annual rate of 0.9% in the three months to July, has drawn widespread attention as worries about the economy grow.
Prices for groceries, petrol and other basics are rising at the fastest pace since 1981. read more
Ukraine war: Russia says 40 Ukrainian prisoners killed in blast
Russia's defence ministry says 40 Ukrainian prisoners-of-war have been killed by Ukrainian shelling of a prison in separatist-held Donetsk.
Officials alleged that 75 others had been injured in a rocket strike on the prison camp in Olenivka. The BBC cannot independently verify this claim.
Ukraine's military denied carrying out the strike and instead accused Russia of shelling the prison.
It said Moscow was seeking to cover up evidence of torture at the site.
"The Russian occupants pursued their criminal goals, thus, to accuse Ukraine of committing 'war crimes', and to hide the torture of prisoners and shootings committed there by the orders of the occupation administration and the command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," Ukraine's General Staff said. read more
Russia's defence ministry says 40 Ukrainian prisoners-of-war have been killed by Ukrainian shelling of a prison in separatist-held Donetsk.
Officials alleged that 75 others had been injured in a rocket strike on the prison camp in Olenivka. The BBC cannot independently verify this claim.
Ukraine's military denied carrying out the strike and instead accused Russia of shelling the prison.
It said Moscow was seeking to cover up evidence of torture at the site.
"The Russian occupants pursued their criminal goals, thus, to accuse Ukraine of committing 'war crimes', and to hide the torture of prisoners and shootings committed there by the orders of the occupation administration and the command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," Ukraine's General Staff said. read more
Samuel Alito: Top US judge mocks world leaders over abortion ruling
A conservative member of the US Supreme Court has mocked world leaders who criticised last month's ruling that overturned American abortion rights.
Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the ruling, dismissed criticism from a host of prominent figures, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He joked that Mr Johnson, who leaves office in September, had "paid the price" for arguing against the verdict.
Mr Alito, a devout Catholic, was speaking at a conference in Rome. read more
A conservative member of the US Supreme Court has mocked world leaders who criticised last month's ruling that overturned American abortion rights.
Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the ruling, dismissed criticism from a host of prominent figures, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He joked that Mr Johnson, who leaves office in September, had "paid the price" for arguing against the verdict.
Mr Alito, a devout Catholic, was speaking at a conference in Rome. read more
The Pope's health: I could step down - but not yet, says pontiff
Pope Francis has said the time may soon come when he needs to consider stepping down - and would do so if he felt his health meant that could not serve in the way he should.
He made the comments at the end of a trip to Canada - where he apologised to indigenous people - which involved extensive travel and long days.
The 85-year-old pontiff stressed that for the moment he intends to continue in his duties - and will be guided by God as to when he will step down, if he steps down at all.
"It is not a catastrophe to change Pope, it is not a taboo," he told journalists from a wheelchair on the plane from Canada's Arctic territory to Rome. read more
Pope Francis has said the time may soon come when he needs to consider stepping down - and would do so if he felt his health meant that could not serve in the way he should.
He made the comments at the end of a trip to Canada - where he apologised to indigenous people - which involved extensive travel and long days.
The 85-year-old pontiff stressed that for the moment he intends to continue in his duties - and will be guided by God as to when he will step down, if he steps down at all.
"It is not a catastrophe to change Pope, it is not a taboo," he told journalists from a wheelchair on the plane from Canada's Arctic territory to Rome. read more
Ukraine grain tycoon killed in Russian shelling of Mykolaiv
One of Ukraine's richest businessmen has been killed with his wife in "massive" Russian shelling of the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa died when a missile hit their home overnight, Ukrainian media said.
Mr Vadatursky owned Nibulon, a group involved in grain exports. He had also received the "Hero of Ukraine" award.
Mykolaiv mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said it was probably the heaviest Russian bombardment of the city so far.
There was damage to a hotel, a sports complex, two schools and a service station, as well as homes. read more
One of Ukraine's richest businessmen has been killed with his wife in "massive" Russian shelling of the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa died when a missile hit their home overnight, Ukrainian media said.
Mr Vadatursky owned Nibulon, a group involved in grain exports. He had also received the "Hero of Ukraine" award.
Mykolaiv mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said it was probably the heaviest Russian bombardment of the city so far.
There was damage to a hotel, a sports complex, two schools and a service station, as well as homes. read more