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President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel, effective immediately. The decree replaces all previous decrees on army size and marks the seventh expansion of Russia's manpower levels since the start of the war in Ukraine. Observers note the move continues a steady pattern of force growth through presidential decrees rather than formal mobilization.

Vladimir Putin has ordered an expansion of the Russian army, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said North Korea is preparing to deploy additional troops to fight alongside Russian forces. The moves point to an escalation of manpower on both sides as the war in Ukraine continues, raising concerns among Western allies about growing foreign involvement in the conflict.

According to The Information, China is considering allowing ByteDance and Alibaba to purchase new Nvidia chips, a potential easing of restrictions on access to advanced US semiconductors. The news is drawing attention as it could signal a shift in the tech trade standoff between Washington and Beijing, with major implications for Chinese AI development and Nvidia's business.

Ethiopia's army chief has publicly accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting Tigrayan rebel forces, a striking charge against three of Ethiopia's neighbours. The claim escalates rhetoric around the Tigray conflict and threatens to deepen regional tensions, with the accusation reported by major international outlets including the Washington Post and ABC News.

President Trump's second administration is changing how the United States funds the United Nations, with reporting examining cuts and shifts in U.S. contributions to the world body. The changes affect UN programmes and budgets that have long relied on American financial support, and are drawing attention from diplomats and international observers.

A former German vice chancellor has accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, a striking statement given Germany's traditionally strong support for Israel. The accusation comes as international criticism of Israel's military campaign intensifies and debates over legality and humanitarian consequences grow across Europe.

Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program within seven days, speaking to reporters outside the White House before leaving for a football game. Iran had conditioned the proposal on the United States lifting its naval restrictions. The exchange highlights continued deadlock between Washington and Tehran over shipping access and nuclear negotiations.

Hurricane Polo is being described as one of the strongest storms ever recorded, with El Niño conditions cited as a key factor fueling its intensity. The storm's exceptional strength has drawn widespread attention, with coverage focusing on how the warming Pacific phenomenon is supercharging hurricane activity and what it signals for the rest of the storm season.

Sudan's government has called for foreign interference in the country to end and for the Rapid Support Forces to be disarmed, according to a report by Middle East Monitor. The demand comes as Sudan's civil war between the army and the RSF continues to displace millions, with Khartoum repeatedly accusing outside powers of arming and backing the paramilitary group.

Iran is highlighting attacks in the Strait of Hormuz even as oil shipments through the strategic waterway continue largely uninterrupted, according to Al Jazeera reporting. The contrast between Tehran's rhetoric and steady oil flows is drawing attention, with observers weighing how far Iran is willing to escalate and whether the chokepoint, a critical route for global energy supplies, faces real disruption.

Forest fires in Indonesia are sending smoke and haze toward Singapore, raising concerns ahead of the city-state's Formula One Grand Prix. Race organisers are drawing up contingency plans as the seasonal haze threatens air quality for drivers, teams and spectators. Al Jazeera reports from the region on preparations and the potential impact on the major sporting event.

Sudanese authorities have declared that foreign interference in the country must end and that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces must be disarmed. The statement adds to Khartoum's diplomatic pressure as the conflict with the RSF continues, with the government framing outside involvement and the paramilitary's weapons as central obstacles to stability.

A ship incident has been reported in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes. Details about the vessel involved, the cause of the incident, and any casualties remain limited. Observers are watching closely given the strait's history of seizures and attacks amid ongoing regional tensions.

Donald Trump has confirmed meeting with an Iranian delegation, with Qatar actively pushing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The talks come amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, and Qatari mediators have been working to open channels between the two sides. Observers are watching closely for signs of whether the engagement could lead to renewed negotiations or an agreement.

Sudan remains governed by two rival authorities, with Washington recognising neither as legitimate. The army-backed administration controls much of the formal state machinery, while the Rapid Support Forces exercise power across territory they hold. US officials say neither side represents constitutional governance, leaving Sudan effectively run by competing authorities without international recognition. Observers warn the standoff complicates diplomacy and aid delivery in a country already devastated by war.

Germany has called on Israel to guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, adding to international pressure over the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory. The appeal from Berlin underscores growing concern among European governments about access for food, medicine and other essential supplies for civilians caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Commentary in Europe is focusing on whether Germany's political centre is collapsing, with analysts asking what comes next for the country's politics. The discussion centres on the weakening of mainstream centrist parties and the implications for government formation, coalition-building and policy direction in Germany, though no specific election result or event is detailed.

An analyst told RFI that Washington has 'alienated' Sudan's army amid what he described as a 'complex war' in the country. The comment reflects criticism of US diplomacy as Sudan's conflict continues, with debate over whether American policy is undermining relations with a key party to the war.

The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed that the Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 entered the Philippine exclusive economic zone. A Filipino aircraft spotted the ship 38 nautical miles off Itbayat and repeatedly challenged it by radio, demanding it leave the area. The incident adds to ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over activity in the South China Sea, where China's presence near Philippine waters remains a frequent flashpoint.

China has expanded overseas travel restrictions covering top AI professionals at private companies, now also applying them to the families of key personnel. The move, reported as an extension of existing exit controls, is being read as part of Beijing's effort to prevent sensitive AI expertise from leaving the country amid tightening US-China technology competition.

The United States is set to begin construction of a permanent embassy complex in Jerusalem, moving beyond the interim facility opened after the embassy's relocation. The announcement is drawing attention given Jerusalem's contested status, with Israelis likely to welcome the step while Palestinians and much of the international community do not recognise the city as Israel's capital.