Xi, Zelenskiy hold ‘long and meaningful’ Ukraine call
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have held a phone call for the first time since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
International News
Air strikes echo in Sudan as US pushes for longer truce
Many foreign nationals remained trapped in Sudan as gunfire rings out in the capital Khartoum and the US and African nations work to extend a three-day truce.
World moving out of COVID-19 emergency phase: WHO
The World Health Organisation is hopeful it will be able to declare an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern this year.
No cyclone tax in ‘no frills’ New Zealand budget
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who has promised a "bread and butter" focused government, is pledging a "no frills" New Zealand budget next month.
Former US television host Jerry Springer dies at 79
Former US television host Jerry Springer, best known for his long-running and controversial talk show, has died at 79 after a brief illness.
Sudan’s factions say they agree to extend truce
Despite a lull in fighting in Sudan since the first 72-hour ceasefire started, air strikes and anti-aircraft fire could be heard in the capital Khartoum.
Bashir and allies out of jail as Sudan fighting flares
Questions have been raised over the whereabouts of jailed former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir as fighting continues in Khartoum despite another ceasefire.
Not a ‘he said, she said’ case: Trump rape trial begins
Former US president Donald Trump is unlikely to testify at or even attend a trial in which he is accused of historic rape against a former magazine columnist.
Russia says it repels naval drone attack on Sevastopol
Russia says Ukraine tried to attack the Crimean port of Sevastopol using unmanned, high-speed boats, but it destroyed them with no casualties suffered.
Fleeing Sudan violence, first foreign evacuees land
Countries are rushing to evacuate diplomats and other citizens from Sudan where raging violence has already killed hundreds.
Sudan fighting abates, allowing more people to flee
An apparent pause in fighting in Sudan has allowed more foreign citizens to evacuate the country as a rival paramilitary force battles for power.
Tsunami warning lifted after Indonesia earthquake
A tsunami warning after magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck west of Indonesia's Sumatra Island has been lifted.
One killed, 10 hurt in Russian attack on Ukraine museum
A museum in the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk has been struck by a missile, killing an employee and injuring 10 others, Volodymyr Zelenskiy says.
British Deputy PM Raab resigns after bullying probe
UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab's resignation means a third senior minister has departed over their personal conduct since PM Rishi Sunak took office.
Fighting in Sudan continues despite truce declaration
Gunfire is still ringing in the embattled Sudanese capital Khartoum after army and rebel forces agreed to a three-day ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Allies move to bolster Ukraine tank forces
A meeting of allies has reiterated the West's unwavering support of Ukraine and focus on providing air defence and ammunition to assist in its war efforts.
UK deputy PM quits after bullying investigation
UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has resigned after an investigation into complaints he bullied civil servants
New Zealand PM welcomes drop in Australian deportations
As New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins heads across the Tasman to meet Anthony Albanese, he is heartened fewer Kiwis are being deported from Australia.
Governments race to pull diplomats, citizens from Sudan
The US has closed its embassy in Sudan, with President Joe Biden urging the warring sides to implement an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian access.
Russia claims territorial gains in battle for Bakhmut
Russian forces have claimed more territory in the city of Bakhmut, in Ukraine's east, the defence ministry says.
Foreign citizens rush to leave Sudan amid conflict
Countries are rushing to get their citizens in Sudan to safety as battles continue around the army's headquarters and the airport in the capital Khartoum.
Russia claims progress in battle for Bakhmut
The Russian defence ministry says its forces have secured two blocks in western districts of Bakhmut and airborne units are providing reinforcements.
Shootouts in Sudan capital Khartoum on Eid holiday
Unabated fighting in Sudan has undermined an effort by the United Nations to broker a temporary truce over the Eid holiday and allow civilians to reach safety.
Russia ‘accidentally’ fires on city near Ukraine border
Two people have been injured and buildings have been damaged after a Russian warplane accidentally fired on the city of Belgorod, near the Ukraine border.
Aussies together! Citizenship opens for Kiwi residents
Some 400,000 New Zealanders living in Australia will become eligible for citizenship from July, following a huge shift by Anthony Albanese's Labor government.
Cocaine hippos: What to do about Pablo Escobar’s rather large former pets
Colombia has recorded its first road traffic incident involving a hippopotamus. The hippo was a descendent of the four animals that notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar imported from a zoo in the US to his estate in the 1980s.
New fighting rattles Sudan’s capital as residents flee
Khartoum and and other Sudanese cities have been rocked by fierce battles this week between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Ukraine appeals to NATO chief for membership, more arms
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has offered its solidarity with Ukraine on his first trip to Kyiv since Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly 14 months ago.
Putin visits Ukraine, G7 condemn nuclear plan
The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Kherson and Luhansk in Ukraine - the two regions it proclaimed annexed last year.
Sudan’s warring generals agree 24-hour ceasefire
Warring Sudanese generals agreed a 24-hour ceasefire to ensure the safe passage of civilians and the evacuation of the wounded after days of intense fighting.
Fire kills 21 at hospital in China’s capital: report
A fire at Beijing's Changfeng Hospital in China's capital has killed 21 people, state media reports say.