Kremlin drone: Zelensky denies Ukraine attacked Putin or Moscow
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied his country carried out an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin, which Russia says was an attempt on President Vladimir Putin's life.
"We don't attack Putin or Moscow. We fight on on our territory. We are defending our villages and cities," he said, speaking on a visit to Finland.
The Russian president's office said defences downed two drones overnight.
It threatened to retaliate when and where it considered necessary.
Unverified footage circulating online shows smoke rising over the Kremlin - a large government complex in central Moscow - early on Wednesday. A second video shows a small explosion above the site's Senate building, while two men appear to clamber up the dome. read more
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied his country carried out an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin, which Russia says was an attempt on President Vladimir Putin's life.
"We don't attack Putin or Moscow. We fight on on our territory. We are defending our villages and cities," he said, speaking on a visit to Finland.
The Russian president's office said defences downed two drones overnight.
It threatened to retaliate when and where it considered necessary.
Unverified footage circulating online shows smoke rising over the Kremlin - a large government complex in central Moscow - early on Wednesday. A second video shows a small explosion above the site's Senate building, while two men appear to clamber up the dome. read more
Sudan generals unwilling to end fighting - UN
The UN's top aid official has warned that the "will to end the fight still was not there" after speaking to Sudan's rival military leaders.
Martin Griffiths told the BBC that Sudan's descent into violence was now at a dangerous tipping point.
He called for security guarantees from the warring sides to allow humanitarian aid into the country.
The UN warns that the fighting could force hundreds of thousands of Sudanese to flee their homes.
In a BBC interview hours after his visit to Port Sudan, Mr Griffiths spoke bluntly of what he called "the rigid existential fact that those at war are keen to keep it going". read more
The UN's top aid official has warned that the "will to end the fight still was not there" after speaking to Sudan's rival military leaders.
Martin Griffiths told the BBC that Sudan's descent into violence was now at a dangerous tipping point.
He called for security guarantees from the warring sides to allow humanitarian aid into the country.
The UN warns that the fighting could force hundreds of thousands of Sudanese to flee their homes.
In a BBC interview hours after his visit to Port Sudan, Mr Griffiths spoke bluntly of what he called "the rigid existential fact that those at war are keen to keep it going". read more
Ukraine war: US denies masterminding Moscow drone attack
The US has denied Russian claims it masterminded an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin on Wednesday aimed at assassinating President Vladimir Putin.
A day after accusing Ukraine of carrying out the alleged attack, Mr Putin's spokesman said it had been done with Washington's support.
US National Security spokesman John Kirby called it a "ludicrous claim".
Ukraine has said it had nothing to do with the alleged attack. Mr Putin was not in the building at the time.
Ukraine has accused Moscow of staging the incident in order to escalate the war. read more
The US has denied Russian claims it masterminded an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin on Wednesday aimed at assassinating President Vladimir Putin.
A day after accusing Ukraine of carrying out the alleged attack, Mr Putin's spokesman said it had been done with Washington's support.
US National Security spokesman John Kirby called it a "ludicrous claim".
Ukraine has said it had nothing to do with the alleged attack. Mr Putin was not in the building at the time.
Ukraine has accused Moscow of staging the incident in order to escalate the war. read more
Donald Trump mistook rape accuser E Jean Carroll for ex-wife, trial told
Donald Trump appeared to mistake E Jean Carroll for his ex-wife Marla Maples in a deposition played for jurors in Ms Carroll's civil rape suit against him.
In the video, Mr Trump was shown a photo of himself speaking to other people at an event. "It's Marla," he says, before his lawyer corrects him.
"No, that's Carroll," the lawyer says.
Ms Carroll, 79, has accused Mr Trump, 76, of attacking her in a New York City department store in the mid-1990s, an allegation Mr Trump has denied.
Lawyers for Ms Carroll have argued that Mr Trump's confusion over the photo undermines his claim that Ms Carroll is "not my type", a comment he has repeated since she first came forward with the allegation in 2019. read more
Donald Trump appeared to mistake E Jean Carroll for his ex-wife Marla Maples in a deposition played for jurors in Ms Carroll's civil rape suit against him.
In the video, Mr Trump was shown a photo of himself speaking to other people at an event. "It's Marla," he says, before his lawyer corrects him.
"No, that's Carroll," the lawyer says.
Ms Carroll, 79, has accused Mr Trump, 76, of attacking her in a New York City department store in the mid-1990s, an allegation Mr Trump has denied.
Lawyers for Ms Carroll have argued that Mr Trump's confusion over the photo undermines his claim that Ms Carroll is "not my type", a comment he has repeated since she first came forward with the allegation in 2019. read more
Yevgeny Prigozhin: Wagner Group boss says he will pull troops out of Bakhmut
The leader of Russia's Wagner Group says he will withdraw his troops from the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by Wednesday, in a row over ammunition.
His statement came after he posted a gruesome video of him walking among dead fighters' bodies, asking defence officials for more supplies.
Russia has been trying to capture the city for months, despite its questionable strategic value.
Yevgeny Prigozhin pinned his decision squarely on the defence ministry.
"Shoigu! Gerasimov! Where is the... ammunition?... They came here as volunteers and die for you to fatten yourselves in your mahogany offices." read more
The leader of Russia's Wagner Group says he will withdraw his troops from the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by Wednesday, in a row over ammunition.
His statement came after he posted a gruesome video of him walking among dead fighters' bodies, asking defence officials for more supplies.
Russia has been trying to capture the city for months, despite its questionable strategic value.
Yevgeny Prigozhin pinned his decision squarely on the defence ministry.
"Shoigu! Gerasimov! Where is the... ammunition?... They came here as volunteers and die for you to fatten yourselves in your mahogany offices." read more
Covid global health emergency is over, WHO says
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 no longer represents a "global health emergency".
The statement represents a major step towards ending the pandemic and comes three years after it first declared its highest level of alert over the virus.
Officials said the virus' death rate had dropped from a peak of more than 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 on 24 April.
The head of the WHO said at least seven million people died in the pandemic. read more
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 no longer represents a "global health emergency".
The statement represents a major step towards ending the pandemic and comes three years after it first declared its highest level of alert over the virus.
Officials said the virus' death rate had dropped from a peak of more than 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 on 24 April.
The head of the WHO said at least seven million people died in the pandemic. read more
Ukraine war: Russia accused of using phosphorus bombs in Bakhmut
Ukraine has accused Russia of attacking the besieged city of Bakhmut with phosphorus munitions.
In drone footage released by Ukraine's military, Bakhmut can be seen ablaze as what appears to be white phosphorus rains down on the city.
White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime.
They create fast-spreading fires that are very difficult to put out. Russia has been accused of using them before.
Russia has been trying to capture Bakhmut for months, despite its questionable strategic value. Western officials have estimated that thousands of Moscow's troops have died in the assault. read more
Ukraine has accused Russia of attacking the besieged city of Bakhmut with phosphorus munitions.
In drone footage released by Ukraine's military, Bakhmut can be seen ablaze as what appears to be white phosphorus rains down on the city.
White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime.
They create fast-spreading fires that are very difficult to put out. Russia has been accused of using them before.
Russia has been trying to capture Bakhmut for months, despite its questionable strategic value. Western officials have estimated that thousands of Moscow's troops have died in the assault. read more
Prince Harry joins royals for Charles' Coronation
The Duke of Sussex was part of the congregation as his father King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey.
Prince Harry watched intently from his seat in the third row as the crown was held above above the King's head.
The duke had appeared relaxed as he arrived at the abbey and was seen chatting to his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
It is thought it is the first time he has seen his family since his controversial memoir, Spare, came out.
After the ceremony Prince Harry was seen getting into a car alone. read more
The Duke of Sussex was part of the congregation as his father King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey.
Prince Harry watched intently from his seat in the third row as the crown was held above above the King's head.
The duke had appeared relaxed as he arrived at the abbey and was seen chatting to his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
It is thought it is the first time he has seen his family since his controversial memoir, Spare, came out.
After the ceremony Prince Harry was seen getting into a car alone. read more
Silvio Berlusconi: Italy ex-PM appears by video after serious illness
Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has told supporters he's ready to go back to work after a month in hospital.
The 86-year-old, who is suffering from leukaemia, was rushed into intensive care with a related lung infection but his condition has since stabilised.
There has been no word on when he might leave hospital.
In a video address from his room, Mr Berlusconi thanked his Forza Italia party members for their support.
"I never stopped, not even in the past few weeks," he said in the pre-recorded message, in which he appeared smartly dressed in a suit.
"I worked on the party's new structure and I'm ready to return to work with you and fight alongside you our fights for freedom." read more
Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has told supporters he's ready to go back to work after a month in hospital.
The 86-year-old, who is suffering from leukaemia, was rushed into intensive care with a related lung infection but his condition has since stabilised.
There has been no word on when he might leave hospital.
In a video address from his room, Mr Berlusconi thanked his Forza Italia party members for their support.
"I never stopped, not even in the past few weeks," he said in the pre-recorded message, in which he appeared smartly dressed in a suit.
"I worked on the party's new structure and I'm ready to return to work with you and fight alongside you our fights for freedom." read more
Texas mall shooting: Heavily armed gunman identified as 33 year old
Texas authorities have named a heavily armed gunman who killed eight people including children at a Dallas shopping mall as Mauricio Garcia, aged 33.
The man, from Dallas himself, was shot dead by a police officer who was attending a different call in the area.
The gunman in Saturday's attack used an AR-15 style rifle and wore combat gear, President Joe Biden said.
Investigators quoted by US media say he may have had far-right links, as suggested by a clothing patch he wore.
Two sources told CBS News - the BBC's US partner - that the patch bore the letters RWDS, standing for "Right Wing Death Squad" - believed to be a neo-Nazi group. read more
Texas authorities have named a heavily armed gunman who killed eight people including children at a Dallas shopping mall as Mauricio Garcia, aged 33.
The man, from Dallas himself, was shot dead by a police officer who was attending a different call in the area.
The gunman in Saturday's attack used an AR-15 style rifle and wore combat gear, President Joe Biden said.
Investigators quoted by US media say he may have had far-right links, as suggested by a clothing patch he wore.
Two sources told CBS News - the BBC's US partner - that the patch bore the letters RWDS, standing for "Right Wing Death Squad" - believed to be a neo-Nazi group. read more
Apple co-founder says AI may make scams harder to spot
Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could make scams and misinformation harder to spot.
Mr Wozniak says he fears the technology will be harnessed by "bad actors".
Speaking to the BBC, he said AI content should be clearly labelled, and regulation was needed for the sector.
The computing pioneer signed a letter in March alongside Elon Musk calling for a pause in the development of the most powerful AI models.
Mr Wozniak, better known in the tech world as Woz, is a Silicon Valley veteran who co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs and invented the first Apple computer. read more
Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could make scams and misinformation harder to spot.
Mr Wozniak says he fears the technology will be harnessed by "bad actors".
Speaking to the BBC, he said AI content should be clearly labelled, and regulation was needed for the sector.
The computing pioneer signed a letter in March alongside Elon Musk calling for a pause in the development of the most powerful AI models.
Mr Wozniak, better known in the tech world as Woz, is a Silicon Valley veteran who co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs and invented the first Apple computer. read more
Israel Gaza strikes kill top militants and 10 civilians
At least 13 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group Islamic Jihad, have been killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian health officials said eight women and children were among the dead. Another 20 people were injured.
Israel said it had launched an operation targeting militants who posed an imminent threat to its citizens.
Islamic Jihad has vowed revenge and Gaza-based militants are expected to respond with rocket fire into Israel.
Israel officials are said to be preparing for days of fighting.
The strikes were the deadliest since three days of fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad last August. read more
At least 13 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group Islamic Jihad, have been killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian health officials said eight women and children were among the dead. Another 20 people were injured.
Israel said it had launched an operation targeting militants who posed an imminent threat to its citizens.
Islamic Jihad has vowed revenge and Gaza-based militants are expected to respond with rocket fire into Israel.
Israel officials are said to be preparing for days of fighting.
The strikes were the deadliest since three days of fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad last August. read more
E Jean Carroll: Jury finds Trump sexually abused writer in NY department store
A jury in a civil case has found former President Donald Trump sexually abused a magazine columnist in a New York department store in the 1990s.
But Mr Trump was found not liable for raping E Jean Carroll in the dressing room of Bergdorf Goodman.
The jury also found Mr Trump liable for defamation for calling the writer's accusations "a Hoax and a lie".
It is the first time Mr Trump has been found legally responsible for a sexual assault. read more
A jury in a civil case has found former President Donald Trump sexually abused a magazine columnist in a New York department store in the 1990s.
But Mr Trump was found not liable for raping E Jean Carroll in the dressing room of Bergdorf Goodman.
The jury also found Mr Trump liable for defamation for calling the writer's accusations "a Hoax and a lie".
It is the first time Mr Trump has been found legally responsible for a sexual assault. read more
Imran Khan: Pakistan arrests hundreds as former PM charged with corruption
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges a day after his arrest sparked nationwide protests.
Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested, police say, since Mr Khan was held in Islamabad on charges which he denies.
There is tight security at the police guesthouse where he is being detained, which is serving as a courtroom.
The arrest dramatically escalated tensions between Mr Khan and the military at a time of economic crisis.
Conviction would permanently disqualify him from standing for office. Elections are due later this year. read more
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges a day after his arrest sparked nationwide protests.
Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested, police say, since Mr Khan was held in Islamabad on charges which he denies.
There is tight security at the police guesthouse where he is being detained, which is serving as a courtroom.
The arrest dramatically escalated tensions between Mr Khan and the military at a time of economic crisis.
Conviction would permanently disqualify him from standing for office. Elections are due later this year. read more
House Republicans release probe into Biden family finances
House Republicans have unveiled what they say are records of $10m (£8m) in payments to members of the Biden family from foreign entities.
Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said Joe Biden's relatives had used the family name to enrich themselves, and the president was "involved".
The report itself does not substantiate these claims or implicate Mr Biden. It does not allege illegal conduct.
The White House called the report "baseless innuendo".
Republican leaders pledged to aggressively investigate Mr Biden, his administration and his family when they took over control of the US House of Representatives in last year's midterm election. read more
House Republicans have unveiled what they say are records of $10m (£8m) in payments to members of the Biden family from foreign entities.
Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said Joe Biden's relatives had used the family name to enrich themselves, and the president was "involved".
The report itself does not substantiate these claims or implicate Mr Biden. It does not allege illegal conduct.
The White House called the report "baseless innuendo".
Republican leaders pledged to aggressively investigate Mr Biden, his administration and his family when they took over control of the US House of Representatives in last year's midterm election. read more
YouTuber Trevor Jacob admits to crashing plane for views
A YouTuber who intentionally crashed an airplane for views will plead guilty to obstructing a federal investigation by cleaning up the site of the crash, US prosecutors say.
Trevor Jacob, 29, posted the video of the plane crash to YouTube in December 2021, implying it was an accident. It has over 2.9 million views to date.
In a plea agreement, he said he filmed the video as part of a product sponsorship deal.
He could face up to 20 years in prison.
The 29-year-old pilot and skydiver has agreed to plead guilty to one felony count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation, the US justice department said in a statement on Thursday.
In November 2021, Mr Jacob left a Santa Barbara, California airport on a solo flight with cameras mounted on his plane. Along with the cameras, Mr Jacob took a parachute with him, as well as a selfie stick. read more
A YouTuber who intentionally crashed an airplane for views will plead guilty to obstructing a federal investigation by cleaning up the site of the crash, US prosecutors say.
Trevor Jacob, 29, posted the video of the plane crash to YouTube in December 2021, implying it was an accident. It has over 2.9 million views to date.
In a plea agreement, he said he filmed the video as part of a product sponsorship deal.
He could face up to 20 years in prison.
The 29-year-old pilot and skydiver has agreed to plead guilty to one felony count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation, the US justice department said in a statement on Thursday.
In November 2021, Mr Jacob left a Santa Barbara, California airport on a solo flight with cameras mounted on his plane. Along with the cameras, Mr Jacob took a parachute with him, as well as a selfie stick. read more
Turkish opposition dares to dream of Erdogan defeat
Turkey's all-powerful President Erdogan is in the fight of his life against an opposition that has united against him for Sunday's elections.
His main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu appeared before a throng of supporters on Friday, flanked by allies from across the political spectrum who have come together as never before.
As the rain beat down in Ankara, he vowed to restore "peace and democracy".
The man he wants voters to oust after 20 years - Recep Tayyip Erdogan - said he had kept Turkey standing tall despite many challenges, including the economy with its rampant inflation and February's catastrophic double earthquakes.
Both have dominated this febrile campaign for both the presidency and parliament. read more
Turkey's all-powerful President Erdogan is in the fight of his life against an opposition that has united against him for Sunday's elections.
His main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu appeared before a throng of supporters on Friday, flanked by allies from across the political spectrum who have come together as never before.
As the rain beat down in Ankara, he vowed to restore "peace and democracy".
The man he wants voters to oust after 20 years - Recep Tayyip Erdogan - said he had kept Turkey standing tall despite many challenges, including the economy with its rampant inflation and February's catastrophic double earthquakes.
Both have dominated this febrile campaign for both the presidency and parliament. read more
Cyclone Mocha: Deadly storm hits Bangladesh and Myanmar coast
A powerful cyclone is hitting the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar after intensifying into the equivalent of a category-five storm.
Cyclone Mocha is bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 195kph (120mph), which could see dangerous flooding on land around the Bay of Bengal.
Storm surges of up to four metres could swamp villages in low-lying areas.
There are fears it may hit the world's largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazar, where nearly one million people live.
Forecasters warned Cyclone Mocha could be the most powerful storm seen in Bangladesh in nearly two decades. About 500,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas. read more
A powerful cyclone is hitting the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar after intensifying into the equivalent of a category-five storm.
Cyclone Mocha is bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 195kph (120mph), which could see dangerous flooding on land around the Bay of Bengal.
Storm surges of up to four metres could swamp villages in low-lying areas.
There are fears it may hit the world's largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazar, where nearly one million people live.
Forecasters warned Cyclone Mocha could be the most powerful storm seen in Bangladesh in nearly two decades. About 500,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas. read more
Ukraine war: Kyiv not attacking Russian territory - Zelensky
Ukraine has no plans to hit targets in Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said in Germany, where Kyiv secured a big new defence aid package.
"We are not attacking Russian territory," he said after talks in Berlin with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
"We are preparing a counterattack to de-occupy the illegitimately conquered territories," Mr Zelensky added.
Mr Scholz vowed to back Ukraine "for as long as it is necessary", promising €2.7bn (£2.4bn) worth of weapons.
This includes advanced German Leopard tanks and more anti-aircraft systems to defend Ukraine from almost daily deadly Russian missile and drone attacks. read more
Ukraine has no plans to hit targets in Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said in Germany, where Kyiv secured a big new defence aid package.
"We are not attacking Russian territory," he said after talks in Berlin with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
"We are preparing a counterattack to de-occupy the illegitimately conquered territories," Mr Zelensky added.
Mr Scholz vowed to back Ukraine "for as long as it is necessary", promising €2.7bn (£2.4bn) worth of weapons.
This includes advanced German Leopard tanks and more anti-aircraft systems to defend Ukraine from almost daily deadly Russian missile and drone attacks. read more
Turkey's Erdogan appears to have upper hand after tense night
Turkey's battle for the presidency looks set to go to a run-off, with both contenders adamant they have victory in their grasp.
After 20 years in power, Recep Tayyip Erdogan stood on the balcony of his party HQ saying he was convinced he would win another five.
Everything appeared to have fallen into place for his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu to win.
But incomplete results put him behind the president in the first round.
And Mr Erdogan's alliance could also be heading for a majority in parliament.
For months, Turkey's disparate opposition parties had pooled their resources in a bid to bring an end to a president who has extended his power dramatically since a failed coup against him in 2016. read more
Turkey's battle for the presidency looks set to go to a run-off, with both contenders adamant they have victory in their grasp.
After 20 years in power, Recep Tayyip Erdogan stood on the balcony of his party HQ saying he was convinced he would win another five.
Everything appeared to have fallen into place for his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu to win.
But incomplete results put him behind the president in the first round.
And Mr Erdogan's alliance could also be heading for a majority in parliament.
For months, Turkey's disparate opposition parties had pooled their resources in a bid to bring an end to a president who has extended his power dramatically since a failed coup against him in 2016. read more
Cambodia: Opposition Candlelight Party barred from July vote
Cambodia's main opposition party and the sole credible challenger to the country's long-time leader Hun Sen has been barred from contesting July's election.
Electoral authorities disqualified the Candlelight Party on Monday for not having the right paperwork.
Party insiders had warned for weeks they were being stymied by red tape.
Critics say with this move, Hun Sen has again eliminated any real challenge for the second election in a row.
In 2018, his Cambodian People's Party won every single seat in the 125-seat National Assembly after the main opposition alliance was dissolved by the politically controlled courts. read more
Cambodia's main opposition party and the sole credible challenger to the country's long-time leader Hun Sen has been barred from contesting July's election.
Electoral authorities disqualified the Candlelight Party on Monday for not having the right paperwork.
Party insiders had warned for weeks they were being stymied by red tape.
Critics say with this move, Hun Sen has again eliminated any real challenge for the second election in a row.
In 2018, his Cambodian People's Party won every single seat in the 125-seat National Assembly after the main opposition alliance was dissolved by the politically controlled courts. read more