NIST

Germany's foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in a rare direct encounter since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, urging Russia to abandon what she called a dangerous escalation of the war. The meeting stands out given the near-total freeze in high-level diplomatic contacts between Berlin and Moscow, and it signals continuing Western efforts to keep channels open even as fighting intensifies.

The Trump administration is invoking a rarely used authority to rescind nearly $1 billion in federal spending that Congress had already approved. The move tests the limits of executive power over the purse and is likely to spark a legal and political fight on Capitol Hill over whether the White House can unilaterally cancel appropriations lawmakers enacted into law.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not yield to US coercion and denied that Tehran is seeking nuclear weapons, calling such claims a lie. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear program and American pressure on the country.

Washington says it recognises neither of Sudan's rival authorities as the country's legitimate government. The army-backed administration continues to run much of the formal state apparatus, while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exercises power across territory it controls. Commentators are debating what this dual authority means for Sudan's sovereignty, aid access and prospects for a political settlement as the civil war grinds on.

The foreign ministers of Germany and Russia have met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, a rare direct encounter between the two governments since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine strained ties. Contacts between Berlin and Moscow at ministerial level have been almost nonexistent in recent years, making the meeting notable for diplomacy watchers, though details of what was discussed remain limited.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany held talks focused on ways to increase pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war. The discussion comes as Kyiv continues seeking stronger backing from European partners, including tighter sanctions and sustained military and political support against Moscow's invasion.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, in the first talks at that level since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The meeting marks a notable thaw in contacts between Moscow and a leading European Union power, coming as diplomacy over the war and its aftermath draws renewed attention at the United Nations.

House Democrats are preparing an extensive oversight agenda targeting the Trump administration, with party leaders confirming that impeachment remains an option on the table. The plans signal aggressive congressional scrutiny of the White House, with committees expected to launch investigations into the administration's conduct. The move sets up a major confrontation between congressional Democrats and President Trump, and is drawing wide attention across the US political landscape.

Germany's and Russia's foreign ministers have held a rare direct conversation as tensions between Berlin and Moscow remain high. German Foreign Minister Wadephul urged Russia to abandon what he called a dangerous path, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the appeal. The exchange marks unusual diplomatic contact between the two governments as the war in Ukraine continues to strain relations.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply elevated tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have been scarce since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so the talks draw attention as a possible channel for diplomacy, even though no major breakthrough is expected from a single conversation.

European ministers met to discuss strengthening the bloc's external border controls and introducing fast-track procedures for returning migrants whose asylum claims are rejected. The talks form part of a broader push to tighten migration policy amid continuing political pressure over irregular arrivals. Details of any agreements reached were not immediately available.

Iceland's Foreign Minister Katrín Gunnarsdóttir delivered a pointed speech at the United Nations, saying moral cowards are those who refuse to sit down and negotiate a just and lasting peace, in a clear jab at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the war in Gaza. The remarks circulated widely online, with commenters applauding her willingness to confront Israel's leadership directly at the General Assembly.

Cuba's Foreign Minister denounced mounting US pressure on his country, warning against a 'law of the jungle' in international relations. Speaking at the United Nations, he accused Washington of coercive measures against Havana and called for respect for sovereignty and international law, framing US policy as a broader threat to multilateralism and the rights of smaller states.

EU interior ministers are gathering in Munich today to discuss further tightening of the bloc's migration policy. It is the second year running the city hosts the summit, which has drawn opposition from both far-left and far-right activists and politicians, with protests expected around the meeting.

Russia's Foreign Minister addressed reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, using the traditional press briefing to lay out Moscow's positions to international media. The appearance drew attention as it came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions over the war in Ukraine and broader disputes between Russia and Western members of the Security Council. Observers are watching for signals about Russia's negotiating stance and its relations with the United Nations.

The Trump administration is preparing a broad rollback of US clean car rules, according to a New York Times report. The move would loosen emissions and fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, a policy with major consequences for automakers, air quality and the country's climate goals, and it is already drawing attention given the stakes for the auto industry.

Japan's finance minister said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not a reflationist, seeking to calm investor fears that her government would spend excessively and push the Bank of Japan to keep interest rates low. The statement comes as markets watch closely for signs of fiscal expansion under the new administration and pressure on the central bank's policy path.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is hosting talks with EU counterparts in Berlin aimed at tightening the European migration pact. The discussions focus on strengthening border controls and speeding up asylum procedures under the EU's shared migration framework. Germany's push for a harder line on migration has drawn attention across Europe, with officials weighing how far the pact can be enforced more strictly.

Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered an address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly during its general debate. The statement forms part of the annual gathering in New York where member states set out their positions on global issues. Details of the speech's content have not been widely reported, and reactions to it are not yet clear.

Germany's interior minister has called for faster deportation procedures for migrants who cross into the country as part of mass border crossings. The proposal signals a tougher stance on irregular migration and comes amid ongoing political debate in Germany and the wider EU over border controls, asylum rules and the pace of removing people whose applications are rejected.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered an address during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The speech comes as world leaders gather for the annual high-level week to set out their governments' positions on global security, trade and multilateral cooperation, with Canada's intervention closely watched by allies and observers of UN diplomacy.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for about 20 minutes at the United Nations, urging Moscow to halt hybrid attacks and further escalation against Germany, Europe and NATO. The German delegation said Wadephul cited an attempted attack in Leipzig as an example of Russian hostile activity. The meeting marks a rare direct exchange between the two governments at a time of heightened tensions over sabotage, disinformation and the war in Ukraine.

Malaysia's Minister for Foreign Affairs has addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The minister's remarks were delivered as part of the annual gathering where UN member states set out their positions on international peace and security, development and multilateral cooperation. Details of the specific points raised in the address were not immediately available.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus delivered an address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during its general debate in New York. The statement comes as member states gather to set out their foreign policy positions before the assembly. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, typically draws attention for its stance on the war in Ukraine and wider East-West tensions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Saudi Arabia's Minister for Foreign Affairs at the United Nations. The meeting, announced by UN Media, covered diplomatic relations and issues of mutual concern between the world body and the Kingdom. Details of the discussions were not disclosed, but such encounters typically address regional security, humanitarian matters and ongoing cooperation. The talks underscore Saudi Arabia's continued engagement with the UN on key international files.

Cameroon's Minister for Foreign Affairs took the floor at the United Nations in New York during the general debate of the 81st session of the General Assembly. The address forms part of the annual gathering where member states set out their positions on global security, development and multilateral cooperation. Details of the specific points raised by the minister were not immediately available, but the speech adds Cameroon's voice to the opening week of high-level diplomacy at the UN.

Tunisia's Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The annual debate brings together world leaders to set out their countries' positions on international peace and security, development and regional issues. Tunisia's intervention comes as North African and Mediterranean states weigh in on migration, climate concerns and conflicts across the Middle East and Sahel during this year's gathering.

Jamaica's Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. As part of the annual gathering, the minister set out Jamaica's positions on international issues before delegates from UN member states. The speech is one of many national addresses delivered during the high-level week, when foreign ministers and heads of state take the floor to outline their governments' foreign policy priorities.

The Trump administration is retreating from a planned executive order that would have given the White House greater control over National Institutes of Health grant decisions. Semafor reports the proposal is now considered effectively dead after widespread pushback from scientists, universities, and lawmakers who argued it would politicise biomedical research funding. Observers are watching whether further attempts to centralise NIH grant approvals will follow.

The United Nations Secretary-General met with Mexico's Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters. The meeting is part of the Secretary-General's ongoing diplomatic engagements with member states, though details of the agenda or outcomes have not been disclosed. Further information about what was discussed between the two officials has not been made available.

Nepal's Foreign Minister met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, according to Nepali news reports. The meeting was announced by Nepalnews.com, though no details of the agenda or outcomes have been disclosed. Discussions between Nepali officials and UN human rights leadership typically cover transitional justice, human rights commitments, and cooperation between the country and international bodies.

The United Nations Secretary-General met with Cuba's Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters. The meeting is part of the Secretary-General's regular diplomatic engagements with member states, though no details about the agenda or outcomes have been released. Cuba maintains an active diplomatic presence at the UN, where issues such as the long-standing US embargo are regularly debated.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a meeting with South Africa's Minister for International Relations and Co-operation. The United Nations announced the encounter through its official media channels, though no details of the discussion were released. Such meetings typically cover multilateral cooperation, global governance and South Africa's role in African and international affairs.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Gabon has addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address forms part of the annual gathering where UN member states set out their foreign policy priorities before the international community. Gabon's intervention comes as delegations from around the world deliver statements on global peace, security and development.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan delivered an address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly debate in New York. The speech forms part of the annual general debate, where world leaders present their countries' positions on international issues. The content of the address and the reaction to it have not yet been detailed.