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
WhatsApp: We won't lower security for any government
"If we had to lower security for the world, to accommodate the requirement in one country, that...would be very foolish for us to accept, making our product less desirable to 98% of our users because of the requirements from 2%," Mr Cathcart told BBC News.
The EU Commission has said technology companies should "detect, report, block and remove" child sex abuse images from their platforms.
"What's being proposed is that we - either directly or indirectly through software - read everyone's messages," Mr Cathcart said. "I don't think people want that." read more
"If we had to lower security for the world, to accommodate the requirement in one country, that...would be very foolish for us to accept, making our product less desirable to 98% of our users because of the requirements from 2%," Mr Cathcart told BBC News.
The EU Commission has said technology companies should "detect, report, block and remove" child sex abuse images from their platforms.
"What's being proposed is that we - either directly or indirectly through software - read everyone's messages," Mr Cathcart said. "I don't think people want that." read more
Ukraine war: First grain ship leaves under Russia deal
The first ship carrying grain has left a Ukrainian port under a landmark deal with Russia.
Turkish and Ukrainian officials say the ship left the southern port of Odesa early on Monday morning local time.
Russia has been blockading Ukrainian ports since February, but the two sides made a deal to resume shipments.
It is hoped the agreement will ease the global food crisis and lower the price of grain.
Turkey said the Sierra Leone-flagged vessel, the Razoni, would dock at the port of Tripoli in Lebanon, adding that further shipments were planned over the coming weeks. read more
The first ship carrying grain has left a Ukrainian port under a landmark deal with Russia.
Turkish and Ukrainian officials say the ship left the southern port of Odesa early on Monday morning local time.
Russia has been blockading Ukrainian ports since February, but the two sides made a deal to resume shipments.
It is hoped the agreement will ease the global food crisis and lower the price of grain.
Turkey said the Sierra Leone-flagged vessel, the Razoni, would dock at the port of Tripoli in Lebanon, adding that further shipments were planned over the coming weeks. read more
Ayman al-Zawahiri: Al-Qaeda leader killed in US drone strike
The US has killed the leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in a drone strike in Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has confirmed.
He was killed in a counter-terrorism operation carried out by the CIA in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday.
Mr Biden said Zawahiri had "carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens".
"Now justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more," he added.
Zawahiri took over al-Qaeda after the death of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. He and Bin Laden plotted the 9/11 attacks together and he was one of the US's "most wanted terrorists". read more
The US has killed the leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in a drone strike in Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has confirmed.
He was killed in a counter-terrorism operation carried out by the CIA in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday.
Mr Biden said Zawahiri had "carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens".
"Now justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more," he added.
Zawahiri took over al-Qaeda after the death of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. He and Bin Laden plotted the 9/11 attacks together and he was one of the US's "most wanted terrorists". read more
China-Taiwan: Tensions spike ahead of Pelosi's expected visit
Taiwan is bracing for a potential show of force from China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive on the island late Tuesday.
Her visit - which is not backed by the White House - would be the first by such a senior US official in decades.
Pelosi is the third-highest ranking official in the US government and a long-time critic of Beijing.
China has repeatedly warned against the visit and on Tuesday said the US would "pay the price".
Taiwan is a self-ruled island, but claimed by China, which sees it as a breakaway province. read more
Taiwan is bracing for a potential show of force from China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive on the island late Tuesday.
Her visit - which is not backed by the White House - would be the first by such a senior US official in decades.
Pelosi is the third-highest ranking official in the US government and a long-time critic of Beijing.
China has repeatedly warned against the visit and on Tuesday said the US would "pay the price".
Taiwan is a self-ruled island, but claimed by China, which sees it as a breakaway province. read more
Taiwan: Nancy Pelosi meets President Tsai to Beijing's fury
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a visit that has been strongly condemned by China.
Ms Pelosi, the most senior US politician in 25 years to visit Taiwan, said her delegation had come to make it "unequivocally clear" that the US would not "abandon" the island.
China had earlier said the US would "pay the price" for Ms Pelosi's visit.
Taiwan is self-ruled, but China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually unite with it. read more
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a visit that has been strongly condemned by China.
Ms Pelosi, the most senior US politician in 25 years to visit Taiwan, said her delegation had come to make it "unequivocally clear" that the US would not "abandon" the island.
China had earlier said the US would "pay the price" for Ms Pelosi's visit.
Taiwan is self-ruled, but China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually unite with it. read more
Taiwan: Pelosi leaves Taipei to sound of Chinese fury
In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "those who play with fire will not come to a good end, and those who offend China will be punished".
"The United States is violating China's sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy," he added.
The US walks a diplomatic tightrope with its Taiwan policy.
On the one hand, it abides by the "One China" policy, which recognises only one Chinese government, giving it formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. read more
In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "those who play with fire will not come to a good end, and those who offend China will be punished".
"The United States is violating China's sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy," he added.
The US walks a diplomatic tightrope with its Taiwan policy.
On the one hand, it abides by the "One China" policy, which recognises only one Chinese government, giving it formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. read more
Taiwan braces as China drills begin after Pelosi visit
China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi's visit.
The live fire drills began at 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and in several areas were due to take place within 12 miles of the island.
Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
Ms Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
The drills are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island. read more
China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi's visit.
The live fire drills began at 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and in several areas were due to take place within 12 miles of the island.
Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
Ms Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
The drills are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island. read more
China's missiles 'imitating North Korea' - Taiwan
Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.
China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.
The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.
North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months. read more
Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.
China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.
The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.
North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months. read more
China-Taiwan: Joseph Wu defends US Speaker Pelosi's visit
Taiwan's foreign minister has defended US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's brief but controversial trip to the island in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
Joseph Wu condemned the large-scale military exercises that China began around the island on Thursday.
He said Ms Pelosi's visit was "extremely significant" and China's response would not stop democratic politicians being invited to Taipei.
Mr Wu also warned that China's territorial aims go far beyond Taiwan. read more
Taiwan's foreign minister has defended US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's brief but controversial trip to the island in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
Joseph Wu condemned the large-scale military exercises that China began around the island on Thursday.
He said Ms Pelosi's visit was "extremely significant" and China's response would not stop democratic politicians being invited to Taipei.
Mr Wu also warned that China's territorial aims go far beyond Taiwan. read more
Tinder: CEO Renate Nyborg to leave dating app after one year
Tinder chief executive Renate Nyborg is leaving the firm less than a year after becoming the boss of the dating app.
Her exit was one of a number of management changes at Tinder announced by parent company Match Group.
Tinder's plans to adopt new technology, including virtual currencies and metaverse-based dating, are also being reviewed in the strategic shake-up.
The announcements came as Match reported second-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations. read more
Tinder chief executive Renate Nyborg is leaving the firm less than a year after becoming the boss of the dating app.
Her exit was one of a number of management changes at Tinder announced by parent company Match Group.
Tinder's plans to adopt new technology, including virtual currencies and metaverse-based dating, are also being reviewed in the strategic shake-up.
The announcements came as Match reported second-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations. read more
Israel-Gaza: Israel arrests 19 militant suspects after Gaza flare-up
Israel says it has arrested 19 members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad in raids across the occupied West Bank, after carrying out airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
Eleven people have been killed in the air strikes, including a child and PIJ leader Tayseer Jabari.
Israel said the strikes followed an "immediate threat" from the group.
Scores of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel overnight, most of them intercepted, Israel's military said.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.
The 11-day war in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead before a ceasefire was agreed. read more
Israel says it has arrested 19 members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad in raids across the occupied West Bank, after carrying out airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
Eleven people have been killed in the air strikes, including a child and PIJ leader Tayseer Jabari.
Israel said the strikes followed an "immediate threat" from the group.
Scores of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel overnight, most of them intercepted, Israel's military said.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.
The 11-day war in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead before a ceasefire was agreed. read more
Alex Jones must pay $49.3m for Sandy Hook hoax claim
US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $49.3m (£41m) in damages after falsely claiming a 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
A jury in Texas ruled the radio host must pay $45.2m in punitive damages, in addition to $4.1m in compensatory damages they awarded a day earlier.
The two-week defamation trial was brought by the parents of a child killed in the attack.
Twenty children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook in Connecticut.
The lawsuit was filed by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the primary school shooting. read more
US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $49.3m (£41m) in damages after falsely claiming a 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
A jury in Texas ruled the radio host must pay $45.2m in punitive damages, in addition to $4.1m in compensatory damages they awarded a day earlier.
The two-week defamation trial was brought by the parents of a child killed in the attack.
Twenty children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook in Connecticut.
The lawsuit was filed by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the primary school shooting. read more
Israel-Gaza: Death toll rises as Israel kills second top militant
Israel has killed a second top militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, as the death toll continues to rise from air strikes in Gaza.
Six children and several PIJ fighters - including leaders Khaled Mansour and Tayseer Jabari - are among the 32 Palestinians reported to have died.
Nearly 600 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since Friday, an Israeli official said.
Israel says it launched the operations due to "immediate threat" from PIJ.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza since an 11-day conflict in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead. read more
Israel has killed a second top militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, as the death toll continues to rise from air strikes in Gaza.
Six children and several PIJ fighters - including leaders Khaled Mansour and Tayseer Jabari - are among the 32 Palestinians reported to have died.
Nearly 600 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since Friday, an Israeli official said.
Israel says it launched the operations due to "immediate threat" from PIJ.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza since an 11-day conflict in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead. read more
China-Taiwan: Beijing conducts new military drills near island
China's military says it is continuing large-scale military drills around Taiwan after its previously announced live fire exercises ended on Sunday.
The Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said that it would practice anti-submarine attacks and sea raids.
The earlier four days of exercises were Beijing's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.
Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island. read more
China's military says it is continuing large-scale military drills around Taiwan after its previously announced live fire exercises ended on Sunday.
The Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said that it would practice anti-submarine attacks and sea raids.
The earlier four days of exercises were Beijing's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.
Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island. read more
Trump says FBI agents 'raided' his Mar-a-Lago Florida home
Ex-US President Donald Trump has said his Florida home was "raided" by the FBI, and that agents broke open a safe.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach was "occupied by a large group of FBI agents".
The search was reportedly connected to an investigation into Mr Trump's handling of official papers.
US media reports that the search is related to documents which the president may have taken to Mar-a-Lago on leaving the White House.
Mr Trump's lawyer, Christina Bobb, told NBC News that some papers had been seized during the search. read more
Ex-US President Donald Trump has said his Florida home was "raided" by the FBI, and that agents broke open a safe.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach was "occupied by a large group of FBI agents".
The search was reportedly connected to an investigation into Mr Trump's handling of official papers.
US media reports that the search is related to documents which the president may have taken to Mar-a-Lago on leaving the White House.
Mr Trump's lawyer, Christina Bobb, told NBC News that some papers had been seized during the search. read more
Ukraine war must end with liberation of Crimea – Zelensky
The war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Ukraine's president was speaking after a string of explosions hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person.
Mr Zelensky did not mention Tuesday's blasts but said: "Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up."
Russia's defence ministry said ammunition detonated at the base. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied any responsibility for the explosions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south. read more
The war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Ukraine's president was speaking after a string of explosions hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person.
Mr Zelensky did not mention Tuesday's blasts but said: "Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up."
Russia's defence ministry said ammunition detonated at the base. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied any responsibility for the explosions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south. read more
China says Taiwan military drills are over after Pelosi visit
China says it has completed nearly a week of military drills around Taiwan following a visit to the self-governing island by US politician Nancy Pelosi.
Sea and air operations were successful, said China's military, which vowed to keep patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Ms Pelosi's brief trip incensed Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.
Taiwan has accused China of using the drills as practice for an invasion.
The island's government rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty and sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Beijing seeks to isolate the island internationally. read more
China says it has completed nearly a week of military drills around Taiwan following a visit to the self-governing island by US politician Nancy Pelosi.
Sea and air operations were successful, said China's military, which vowed to keep patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Ms Pelosi's brief trip incensed Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.
Taiwan has accused China of using the drills as practice for an invasion.
The island's government rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty and sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Beijing seeks to isolate the island internationally. read more