World news

Russia throws more soldiers into Bakhmut meat grinder ahead of Putin’s Victory Day parade

Around 20,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since December, according to US estimates.

The White House said Monday it now estimates that just since December, Russia has suffered 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 killed

The White House says it now estimates that just since December Russia has suffered 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 killed, as Ukraine has rebuffed a heavy assault in eastern Ukraine. In what has become a grinding war of attrition, the fiercest battles have been in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia is struggling to encircle the city of Bakhmut in the face of dogged Ukrainian defense. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby says the U.S. estimate is based on newly declassified American intelligence. He did not detail how the intelligence community derived the number.

Tinder owner Match Group swipes left on Russia, pledging exit by June 30

Australia to ban recreational vaping in major public health move

The government says vaping has become a huge epidemic, particularly affecting young people.

Germany launches €49 monthly ticket for nationwide public transport

Japan to ban upskirting in sweeping sex crime reforms

The bill outlaws secretly filming someone for sexual exploitation and is set to be passed in June.

Palestinian Khader Adnan dies in Israel jail after 87-day hunger strike

Adnan, who was affiliated with the Palestinian militant Islamic Jihad group, was found unconscious in his cell early on Tuesday

One in 5 young people in Chinese cities are out of work. Beijing wants them to work in the fields

Biden hails ‘deep friendship’ with Philippines and boosts military ties amid China tensions

White House announces transfer of three C-130 aircraft and two coastal patrol vessels during Washington visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

Canadian government proposes ban on assault-style firearms

The Canadian government is proposing a ban on assault-style firearms that would apply once legislation now before Parliament comes into force

Russian Orthodox choir denounces group of men wearing pro-war Z symbol shirts at Sydney Town Hall event

Several men wearing shirts with the letter Z — a symbol representing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine — gathered at the front of Sydney Town Hall following a performance of the Russian Orthodox Male Choir.

Never-before-seen Chinese military blimp caught on satellite images of remote desert base

Australia to ban non-prescription vapes in biggest smoking reforms in a decade

Quality standards to be introduced on products to tackle youth vaping, including restricting flavours, colours and other ingredients

Russian political opposition sign declaration in Europe against Putin's regime and war in Ukraine

Politicians, scientists, journalists and activists who left Russia called the war in Ukraine criminal, and demanded the elimination of Putin’s regime as well as the release of political prisoners and prisoners of war.

Private jet sales likely to reach highest ever level this year, report says | Air transport

Global fleet has more than doubled in two decades, with more private flights made last year than ever before

UK purchases missiles with a range of 100-300 km for Ukraine

South Africa warns Putin of threat of arrest should he attend BRICS Summit in person

South African authorities are trying to convince the Kremlin to cancel Vladimir Putin's possible visit to the country for the BRICS summit in the summer because of the ICC’s arrest warrant, the local newspaper The Sunday Times reported on April 30, citing senior officials.

Ethiopia used chemicals to kill locusts. Billions of honeybees disappeared

Explosions rock Russian military headquarters in Zaporizhzhia

Ukrainian reconnaissance officers identified the location of Russian military headquarters in the occupied village of Mykhailivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and Ukraine’s defence forces struck the headquarters.