Musk says SpaceX cannot keep funding Ukraine Starlink
Elon Musk has said his rocket firm SpaceX cannot continue indefinitely paying for Ukraine's Starlink internet service in his latest spat with Kyiv.
In February, the world's richest man activated his company's satellite internet system in Ukraine to keep its military and people online.
But last month the Tesla owner asked the Pentagon to fund the programme instead of him, according to US media.
He recently provoked Kyiv's ire by suggesting it cede territory.
"SpaceX is not asking to recoup past expenses, but also cannot fund the existing system indefinitely," Mr Musk tweeted on Friday, referring to his space company that makes the Starlink system. read more
Elon Musk has said his rocket firm SpaceX cannot continue indefinitely paying for Ukraine's Starlink internet service in his latest spat with Kyiv.
In February, the world's richest man activated his company's satellite internet system in Ukraine to keep its military and people online.
But last month the Tesla owner asked the Pentagon to fund the programme instead of him, according to US media.
He recently provoked Kyiv's ire by suggesting it cede territory.
"SpaceX is not asking to recoup past expenses, but also cannot fund the existing system indefinitely," Mr Musk tweeted on Friday, referring to his space company that makes the Starlink system. read more
Evin prison fire: Gun shots and sirens heard at Iran's notorious detention centre
A major fire has broken out at Iran's notorious Evin prison, known for housing political prisoners, journalists and foreign nationals.
Videos shared online show flames and smoke at the site in Tehran, and gunshots and explosions can be heard.
An official quoted by state media said the situation was under control, but video footage appeared to show the fire continuing after this.
Iran has been gripped for weeks by anti-government protests.
They first erupted last month after the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian Mahsa Amini in police custody. Officials said she died of a heart attack, but her family disputed this, saying she was beaten by morality police. read more
A major fire has broken out at Iran's notorious Evin prison, known for housing political prisoners, journalists and foreign nationals.
Videos shared online show flames and smoke at the site in Tehran, and gunshots and explosions can be heard.
An official quoted by state media said the situation was under control, but video footage appeared to show the fire continuing after this.
Iran has been gripped for weeks by anti-government protests.
They first erupted last month after the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian Mahsa Amini in police custody. Officials said she died of a heart attack, but her family disputed this, saying she was beaten by morality police. read more
Ukraine war: Kyiv attacked by kamikaze drones, say officials
Russia has hit the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a wave of Iranian-made kamikaze drones - killing at least one person, says Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
"It shows their desperation," said Andriy Yermak, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's staff.
And in the port city of Mykolaiv, sunflower oil tanks were set on fire by similar drones, said the city's mayor.
A week ago, the capital was hit by Russian missiles at rush hour, part of nationwide attacks which left 19 dead.
A Ukrainian air force official said all the drones had flown into the country from the south. read more
Russia has hit the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a wave of Iranian-made kamikaze drones - killing at least one person, says Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
"It shows their desperation," said Andriy Yermak, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's staff.
And in the port city of Mykolaiv, sunflower oil tanks were set on fire by similar drones, said the city's mayor.
A week ago, the capital was hit by Russian missiles at rush hour, part of nationwide attacks which left 19 dead.
A Ukrainian air force official said all the drones had flown into the country from the south. read more
BTS: K-pop stars to take time out for military service
The world's biggest boy band BTS will be abandoning their fandom "army" to join the South Korean military for national service, their agents say.
The confirmation ends years of debate over whether the K-pop stars might be exempted from military duties.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 must serve about two years.
The seven BTS members had been allowed to put off starting their military service until they turned 30. The oldest, Jin, is currently 29.
He will begin preparations next month, the band's management revealed on Monday. All seven members of the group - the youngest of whom is 24 - also plan on following through with their service, it said. read more
The world's biggest boy band BTS will be abandoning their fandom "army" to join the South Korean military for national service, their agents say.
The confirmation ends years of debate over whether the K-pop stars might be exempted from military duties.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 must serve about two years.
The seven BTS members had been allowed to put off starting their military service until they turned 30. The oldest, Jin, is currently 29.
He will begin preparations next month, the band's management revealed on Monday. All seven members of the group - the youngest of whom is 24 - also plan on following through with their service, it said. read more
Ex-UK pilots lured to help Chinese military, MoD says
Former British military pilots are being lured to China with large sums of money to pass on their expertise to the Chinese military, it is claimed.
Up to 30 former UK military pilots are thought to have gone to train members of China's People's Liberation Army.
The UK is issuing an intelligence alert to warn former military pilots against working for the Chinese military.
Attempts to headhunt pilots are ongoing and had been ramping up recently, western officials say.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the training and the recruiting of pilots does not breach any current UK law but officials in the UK and other countries are trying to deter the activity. read more
Former British military pilots are being lured to China with large sums of money to pass on their expertise to the Chinese military, it is claimed.
Up to 30 former UK military pilots are thought to have gone to train members of China's People's Liberation Army.
The UK is issuing an intelligence alert to warn former military pilots against working for the Chinese military.
Attempts to headhunt pilots are ongoing and had been ramping up recently, western officials say.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the training and the recruiting of pilots does not breach any current UK law but officials in the UK and other countries are trying to deter the activity. read more
Elnaz Rekabi: Iranian climber flies home to crowds of supporters
A large crowd at Tehran airport greeted an Iranian sport climber considered a "heroine" by many for having competed with her hair uncovered.
Elnaz Rekabi, 33, defied Iran's strict dress code - but said her hijab had fallen off "inadvertently".
However many are sceptical about the explanation given on her Instagram, believing it was written under duress.
Iran is currently gripped by protests against compulsory hijab laws and the nation's clerical establishment.
Iranian women are required to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose clothing. Female athletes must also abide by the dress code when they are officially representing Iran in competitions abroad. read more
A large crowd at Tehran airport greeted an Iranian sport climber considered a "heroine" by many for having competed with her hair uncovered.
Elnaz Rekabi, 33, defied Iran's strict dress code - but said her hijab had fallen off "inadvertently".
However many are sceptical about the explanation given on her Instagram, believing it was written under duress.
Iran is currently gripped by protests against compulsory hijab laws and the nation's clerical establishment.
Iranian women are required to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose clothing. Female athletes must also abide by the dress code when they are officially representing Iran in competitions abroad. read more
Ukraine war: Russia begins evacuation from Kherson in south
Tens of thousands of civilians and Russian-appointed officials are being moved out of Ukraine's southern Kherson region ahead of a Ukrainian offensive, says the Russia-installed local leader.
Vladimir Saldo said 50-60,000 civilians would leave four towns on the west bank of the Dnieper river in an "organised, gradual displacement".
All Russian-appointed departments in Kherson city would cross the river too.
Russian TV footage showed a number of people gathering near the Dnieper.
As they queued for boats, it was not clear how many were leaving. The transfer or deportation of civilians by an occupying power from occupied territory is considered a war crime. read more
Tens of thousands of civilians and Russian-appointed officials are being moved out of Ukraine's southern Kherson region ahead of a Ukrainian offensive, says the Russia-installed local leader.
Vladimir Saldo said 50-60,000 civilians would leave four towns on the west bank of the Dnieper river in an "organised, gradual displacement".
All Russian-appointed departments in Kherson city would cross the river too.
Russian TV footage showed a number of people gathering near the Dnieper.
As they queued for boats, it was not clear how many were leaving. The transfer or deportation of civilians by an occupying power from occupied territory is considered a war crime. read more
Ukrainians told to 'charge everything' as power grid hit by Russia
Ukraine's national energy company has urged citizens to "charge everything" by 07:00 (04:00 GMT) Thursday because of expected power cuts caused by Russian missile strikes.
Energy plants were hit by Russian missiles again on Wednesday - part of a wave of such strikes since 10 October.
Outages of up to four hours at a time will affect the whole country on Thursday, grid operator Ukrenergo said.
It comes as Russia declares martial law in areas of Ukraine it has annexed. read more
Ukraine's national energy company has urged citizens to "charge everything" by 07:00 (04:00 GMT) Thursday because of expected power cuts caused by Russian missile strikes.
Energy plants were hit by Russian missiles again on Wednesday - part of a wave of such strikes since 10 October.
Outages of up to four hours at a time will affect the whole country on Thursday, grid operator Ukrenergo said.
It comes as Russia declares martial law in areas of Ukraine it has annexed. read more
Liz Truss resigns as prime minister after Tory revolt
Liz Truss has dramatically resigned as prime minister after just 45 days in the job.
The PM said her successor will be elected in a Tory leadership contest, to be completed in the next week.
Tory MPs urged Ms Truss to go after her government was engulfed by political turmoil, following the ditching of most of her economic policies.
Ms Truss was elected by the Tory membership in September, but she lost authority after a series of U-turns.
In a brief speech outside Downing Street, Ms Truss said the Conservative Party had elected her on a mandate to cut taxes and boost economic growth.
Liz Truss has dramatically resigned as prime minister after just 45 days in the job.
The PM said her successor will be elected in a Tory leadership contest, to be completed in the next week.
Tory MPs urged Ms Truss to go after her government was engulfed by political turmoil, following the ditching of most of her economic policies.
Ms Truss was elected by the Tory membership in September, but she lost authority after a series of U-turns.
In a brief speech outside Downing Street, Ms Truss said the Conservative Party had elected her on a mandate to cut taxes and boost economic growth.
Ukraine war: Iranian drone experts 'on the ground' in Crimea - US
Iran has deployed military experts in Russian-occupied Crimea to help launch drone attacks on Ukraine, the White House says.
The Iranians are trainers and tech support workers, a US spokesman said.
The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was struck by so-called "kamikaze" drones on Monday, deployed by Russia but believed to be Iranian-made.
The UK has announced sanctions on Iranian businesses and individuals responsible for supplying the drones.
"We assess that Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters. read more
Iran has deployed military experts in Russian-occupied Crimea to help launch drone attacks on Ukraine, the White House says.
The Iranians are trainers and tech support workers, a US spokesman said.
The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was struck by so-called "kamikaze" drones on Monday, deployed by Russia but believed to be Iranian-made.
The UK has announced sanctions on Iranian businesses and individuals responsible for supplying the drones.
"We assess that Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters. read more
Italy Meloni: Far-right leader poised to govern despite Putin row
Italy's far-right leader Giorgia Meloni and her coalition allies have met President Sergio Mattarella and say they are ready to form a government "as quickly as possible".
He is set to ask Ms Meloni in the coming hours to become prime minister.
Veteran ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attended the brief talks, despite shaking the coalition's unity with leaked pro-Putin remarks.
Ms Meloni has sought to assure Italy's Western allies nothing will change.
The Brothers of Italy leader could be sworn in as early as this weekend as the country's first female prime minister - and first far-right leader since World War Two. She said her coalition of right-wing and far-right parties was unanimous that she should lead Italy. read more
Italy's far-right leader Giorgia Meloni and her coalition allies have met President Sergio Mattarella and say they are ready to form a government "as quickly as possible".
He is set to ask Ms Meloni in the coming hours to become prime minister.
Veteran ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attended the brief talks, despite shaking the coalition's unity with leaked pro-Putin remarks.
Ms Meloni has sought to assure Italy's Western allies nothing will change.
The Brothers of Italy leader could be sworn in as early as this weekend as the country's first female prime minister - and first far-right leader since World War Two. She said her coalition of right-wing and far-right parties was unanimous that she should lead Italy. read more
Ukraine war: US and Russian defence ministers discuss Ukraine in rare talks
The US and Russian defence secretaries have spoken in a phone call, in a rare moment of high-level contact between the two countries since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu spoke on Friday, the two countries confirmed.
Both sides said the situation in Ukraine was discussed.
It is the first time they have spoken since a call on 13 May.
After Friday's call, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told the BBC that the US was "eager to keep lines of communication open". read more
The US and Russian defence secretaries have spoken in a phone call, in a rare moment of high-level contact between the two countries since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu spoke on Friday, the two countries confirmed.
Both sides said the situation in Ukraine was discussed.
It is the first time they have spoken since a call on 13 May.
After Friday's call, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told the BBC that the US was "eager to keep lines of communication open". read more
Hu Jintao: ex-president escorted out of China party congress
Chinese former leader Hu Jintao has been led out of the closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress.
The frail-looking 79-year-old was sitting beside President Xi Jinping when he was approached and led away by officials. No explanation was given.
After its week-long congress, the party is expected to confirm Mr Xi, 69, for a historic third term.
The event, held in Beijing every five years, cemented his position as China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. read more \
Chinese former leader Hu Jintao has been led out of the closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress.
The frail-looking 79-year-old was sitting beside President Xi Jinping when he was approached and led away by officials. No explanation was given.
After its week-long congress, the party is expected to confirm Mr Xi, 69, for a historic third term.
The event, held in Beijing every five years, cemented his position as China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. read more \
Xi Jinping announces third term in power and new top team
- Xi Jinping has a third term as China's leader, in a break with recent precedent
- He has also introduced his new top team - which includes former Shanghai party chief Li Qiang as the new premier
- Saturday's closing ceremony saw Xi's predecessor Hu Jintao escorted out, apparently unwillingly, with state media later saying he had not been well
- Xi, 69, is arguably the most powerful party chief since the first communist-era leader Mao Zedong who died in 1976
- Xi Jinping has a third term as China's leader, in a break with recent precedent
- He has also introduced his new top team - which includes former Shanghai party chief Li Qiang as the new premier
- Saturday's closing ceremony saw Xi's predecessor Hu Jintao escorted out, apparently unwillingly, with state media later saying he had not been well
- Xi, 69, is arguably the most powerful party chief since the first communist-era leader Mao Zedong who died in 1976
Ukraine war: Kyiv denounces Russia's 'dirty bomb' claims
Ukraine has condemned unsubstantiated claims by Russia that Kyiv might use a "dirty bomb" - conventional explosives laced with radioactive material.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said this meant Russia itself could be preparing an attack of this kind.
Ukraine's allies also dismissed the claims, with the US saying it "rejected any pretext for Russian escalation".
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made the dirty bomb remarks in a call with his UK counterpart Ben Wallace.
He said he was "concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb".
On Sunday, Mr Shoigu also held a flurry of phone calls with defence ministers of the US, France and Turkey, voicing Moscow's alarm. He provided no evidence to back up his accusations. read more
Ukraine has condemned unsubstantiated claims by Russia that Kyiv might use a "dirty bomb" - conventional explosives laced with radioactive material.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said this meant Russia itself could be preparing an attack of this kind.
Ukraine's allies also dismissed the claims, with the US saying it "rejected any pretext for Russian escalation".
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made the dirty bomb remarks in a call with his UK counterpart Ben Wallace.
He said he was "concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb".
On Sunday, Mr Shoigu also held a flurry of phone calls with defence ministers of the US, France and Turkey, voicing Moscow's alarm. He provided no evidence to back up his accusations. read more
Sunak is next PM as Mordaunt drops out of Tory leadership race
- Rishi Sunak will be the UK's next prime minister after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the Tory leadership race in the final minutes before nominations closed
- Sunak will succeed Liz Truss seven weeks after she defeated him in the previous Tory contest
- The ex-chancellor gained the support of well over half of Tory MPs, with Mordaunt struggling to reach the threshold of 100 MPs to get on the ballot
- He will become the UK's first British Asian PM and at 42, the youngest in more than a century
- Labour have reiterated their call for a general election, as have the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats
- Rishi Sunak will be the UK's next prime minister after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the Tory leadership race in the final minutes before nominations closed
- Sunak will succeed Liz Truss seven weeks after she defeated him in the previous Tory contest
- The ex-chancellor gained the support of well over half of Tory MPs, with Mordaunt struggling to reach the threshold of 100 MPs to get on the ballot
- He will become the UK's first British Asian PM and at 42, the youngest in more than a century
- Labour have reiterated their call for a general election, as have the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats
Several Palestinians killed in major Israel raid in West Bank city of Nablus
Five Palestinians, including several gunmen, have been killed in a major Israeli raid against a militant group in the occupied West Bank.
A sixth Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli troops who were attacked with stones in a protest against the raid, Palestinian medical sources say.
The operation in the northern city of Nablus targeted the recently formed Lion's Den group.
The group killed an Israeli soldier in a shooting earlier this month.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had locked down Nablus for the past two weeks amid an intensive search for the killer of 21-year-old Staff Sergeant Ido Baruch, shot dead in an ambush close to a nearby Israeli settlement. read more
Five Palestinians, including several gunmen, have been killed in a major Israeli raid against a militant group in the occupied West Bank.
A sixth Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli troops who were attacked with stones in a protest against the raid, Palestinian medical sources say.
The operation in the northern city of Nablus targeted the recently formed Lion's Den group.
The group killed an Israeli soldier in a shooting earlier this month.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had locked down Nablus for the past two weeks amid an intensive search for the killer of 21-year-old Staff Sergeant Ido Baruch, shot dead in an ambush close to a nearby Israeli settlement. read more
China accused of illegal police stations in Netherlands
The Chinese government has been accused of establishing at least two undeclared "police stations" in the Netherlands.
Dutch media found evidence that the "overseas service stations", which promise to provide diplomatic services, are being used to try to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe.
A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry said the existence of the unofficial police outposts is illegal.
The Chinese embassy says it is not aware of their existence.
The investigation was sparked by a report entitled Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild, by the Spain-based NGO Safeguard Defenders. read more
The Chinese government has been accused of establishing at least two undeclared "police stations" in the Netherlands.
Dutch media found evidence that the "overseas service stations", which promise to provide diplomatic services, are being used to try to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe.
A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry said the existence of the unofficial police outposts is illegal.
The Chinese embassy says it is not aware of their existence.
The investigation was sparked by a report entitled Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild, by the Spain-based NGO Safeguard Defenders. read more
Putin watches first Russian nuclear drill since invasion of Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has overseen annual nuclear exercises by Russia's strategic nuclear forces at a time of heightened tensions with the West over his eight-month-long war in Ukraine.
Ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the Far East and Arctic, the Kremlin said.
The US was told about the drill under the terms of the New Start arms treaty.
The launches took place as Russia makes unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine is plotting to use a "dirty bomb".
It is an explosive device mixed with radioactive material and the Russian allegations have been widely rejected by Western countries as false. read more
Vladimir Putin has overseen annual nuclear exercises by Russia's strategic nuclear forces at a time of heightened tensions with the West over his eight-month-long war in Ukraine.
Ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the Far East and Arctic, the Kremlin said.
The US was told about the drill under the terms of the New Start arms treaty.
The launches took place as Russia makes unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine is plotting to use a "dirty bomb".
It is an explosive device mixed with radioactive material and the Russian allegations have been widely rejected by Western countries as false. read more
Ukraine war: Russian tactics on eastern front 'crazy', says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian commanders of "craziness" in their efforts to capture the eastern town of Bakhmut.
The town - which sits in the Donetsk region and had a pre-war population of 70,000 - has been the centre of Russian attacks for months.
Despite a looming Ukrainian advance on the key city of Kherson, Mr Zelensky said the attacks continued in force.
Taking the town would be a symbolic victory for Russia.
"This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address from Kyiv. "Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes." read more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian commanders of "craziness" in their efforts to capture the eastern town of Bakhmut.
The town - which sits in the Donetsk region and had a pre-war population of 70,000 - has been the centre of Russian attacks for months.
Despite a looming Ukrainian advance on the key city of Kherson, Mr Zelensky said the attacks continued in force.
Taking the town would be a symbolic victory for Russia.
"This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address from Kyiv. "Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes." read more
Iran protests rage as thousands defy security forces
- Protests raged overnight in Iran as thousands turned out to mark 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini
- She died in police custody on 16 September, sparking a wave of unrest
- Young women have since burned their headscarves and confronted security forces in a movement that shows little sign of abating
- Wednesday's marches were some of the largest seen since the protests began
Police are reported to have fired on protesters in Saqqez, Amini's home city
- Mourners marching to her grave chanted "woman, life, freedom" and "death to the dictator"
- Amini was arrested by Iran's notorious morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly"
read more
- Protests raged overnight in Iran as thousands turned out to mark 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini
- She died in police custody on 16 September, sparking a wave of unrest
- Young women have since burned their headscarves and confronted security forces in a movement that shows little sign of abating
- Wednesday's marches were some of the largest seen since the protests began
Police are reported to have fired on protesters in Saqqez, Amini's home city
- Mourners marching to her grave chanted "woman, life, freedom" and "death to the dictator"
- Amini was arrested by Iran's notorious morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly"
read more