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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

European ministers meeting on migration policy are discussing stronger border controls and accelerated procedures for returning migrants whose asylum claims are rejected. The talks reflect mounting political pressure across the bloc to curb irregular arrivals and speed up deportations, an issue that has divided member states and featured prominently in recent European election campaigns. Details of any concrete agreement were not immediately available.

The Trump administration is using a rarely invoked authority to rescind nearly $1 billion in federal spending that Congress had already approved. The move, reported by PBS, reignites debate over presidential power over the purse and whether the executive branch can block money lawmakers appropriated, a fight likely to draw legal challenges and pushback from Capitol Hill.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is pressing Washington to avoid new export restrictions targeting ASML's business in China. The appeal comes as US lawmakers pursue legislation that could tighten controls on the chip-equipment maker's immersion lithography systems and its servicing operations for Chinese customers. The standoff puts the Netherlands' most valuable tech firm between American policy pressure and its commercially important Chinese market, with both governments weighing next steps.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cuba's Foreign Minister denounced United States pressure on his country at the United Nations, warning that international relations risk becoming a 'law of the jungle' if powerful states impose their will on smaller nations. The speech renews Havana's long-standing criticism of the American embargo and broader coercion, framing US policy as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.

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.

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.

EU interior ministers are gathering in Munich to discuss a further tightening of the bloc's migration policy. For the second year running, the city is hosting the summit, which is opposed by both far-left and far-right activists and politicians, with protests expected around the meeting. The talks come as migration remains one of the most divisive issues in European politics.

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.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York on Saturday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, in the first meeting at that level since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The talks mark a rare diplomatic contact between Moscow and a major European power and are drawing attention for what they may signal about the state of relations between Russia and the West.

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.

The Trump administration is preparing to roll back fuel economy standards introduced under President Biden, easing requirements on automakers. The move would relax emissions and mileage rules that had pushed manufacturers toward electric vehicles. Industry groups have long argued the standards were too costly, while environmental advocates are expected to oppose the reversal.

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.

Former Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Fedorov has announced a new project called the Army of Robots. Details of the initiative were not immediately available, but it points to continued efforts to expand the use of robotic and unmanned systems in Ukraine's defence sector. The announcement has drawn attention amid Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia and its push to scale up battlefield technology.

Switzerland's finance minister has said it is unlikely that UBS would move away from its home base, in comments addressing questions about the future of the country's biggest bank following its state-brokered takeover of Credit Suisse. The remarks aim to reassure concern over the bank's commitment to Switzerland, though speculation continues about whether tighter regulation could prompt it to consider relocating.

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to soften a key protection for 401(k) retirement accounts, according to Forbes. The report has drawn attention because 401(k) rules safeguard the retirement savings of tens of millions of American workers, and any weakening of those protections could affect how their funds are managed and what fees or conflicts of interest they are exposed to.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have met at the United Nations, a rare face-to-face encounter between the two governments amid deep strains over Russia's war in Ukraine. Direct talks between Berlin and Moscow have been almost entirely frozen since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, making even a brief meeting on the sidelines of the UN notable. Observers are watching for any sign of a shift in diplomatic contacts.

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.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, and the full text of his speech has been widely shared. Observers in India and abroad are watching closely for his remarks on global conflicts, multilateral reform and India's foreign policy positions at the annual gathering of world leaders.

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.

Japan's finance minister said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not a reflationist, seeking to calm investors who fear her government will spend excessively and push the Bank of Japan to keep interest rates low. The remarks aim to reassure markets concerned that a Takaichi-led administration could fuel inflation through loose fiscal policy and pressure on monetary policy.