Russia, Ukraine ready for new talks on war
Ukraine is ready for another round of talks with Russia after the invasion ordered by President Vladimir Putin, but says it won't accept any Russian ultimatums.
International News
UN to censure Russia over Ukraine
The UN general assembly is set to demand Russia withdaw its forces from Ukraine, in a move to ratchet up diplomatic pressure.
Anti-vaxxers set NZ parliament lawn ablaze
Anti-vax protesters have lit fires on the lawns outside New Zealand's parliament as police attempt to end their 23-day occupation of the grounds.
Biden says US stands with Ukrainian people
Democrats and Republicans have risen to applaud their support for Ukraine during US President Joe Biden's State of the Union address.
Russia claims control of Ukraine’s Kherson
Russia is claiming its forces have made advances in Ukraine, at the same time as the Kremlin says it's 'ready to resume talks' on ending the invasion.
Russia strikes Kharkiv, convoy nears Kyiv
A massive convoy of Russian forces has been seen heading toward the Ukraine capital Kyiv, amid fears civilian casualties will escalate.
Adapt now, or suffer: UN Climate report
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change paints a devastating picture of the future, while carbon emissions have been unchecked.
Ukraine talks begin as Russia isolated
Talks are underway beween Russian and Ukrainian officials as the toll from Russia's invasion climbs, and western sanctions bite into Russia's financial system.
Omicron prompts NZ into border shake-up
From later this week, Kiwis abroad will no longer need to quarantine or self-isolate to enter New Zealand.
Russian convoy nearing Kyiv, images show
A convoy of Russian ground forces stretching more than five kilometres is 64km from Kyiv, satelite images show.
Putin nuke threat, West bolsters Ukraine
Russia has placed nuclear-equipped forces on high alert, as the West rallies in support of beleaguered Ukraine.
Russia forces blow up Kharkiv gas pipeline
Residents in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv are being warned to cover their windows with damp cloth after Russian forces blew up a gas pipeline.
West blocks Russian access to SWIFT system
The US, EU and UK have agreed to place crippling sanctions on the Russian financial sector, including a block on its access to the global financial system.
Russian forces enter Ukraine’s second city
Ukrainian forces are holding off Russian troops advancing on the capital Kyiv as the biggest assault on a European state since WWII enters a fourth day.
Ukraine capital girds for Russian assault
Russian forces claim to have captured an airfield northwest of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as the city's mayor says it "has gone into a defensive phase".
NZ records five COVID deaths, 12,011 cases
New Zealand's COVID-19 outbreak has doubled overnight, with 12,011 new cases on Friday and five deaths.
Ukraine’s president vows to stay put
Missiles have hit the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as Russian forces press on with a full-scale invasion.
Putin escapes new US Russia sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin is an aggressor with a "sinister vision of the world" and a misguided dream of recreating the Soviet Union, Joe Biden says.
Russia seizing Chernobyl, says Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl nuclear plant
UK will ‘hobble’ Russia with sanctions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he UK and its allies will release a barrage of sanctions in response to Russia's 'hideous and barbaric venture' in Ukraine.
NZ cases hit 6137, begins new virus plan
New Zealand has reported a record 6137 community COVID-19 cases and one death, as hospitalisations top 200 for the first time.
Iceland, Poland end curbs as HK tightens
Prime Minister Mario Draghi says Italy's COVID-19 state of emergency will end on March 31 as authorities in Iceland announce the end of all restrictions.
Russia in full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting the nation's military as world leaders condemn the attack and vow harsh sanctions.
West punishes Russia with new sanctions
Western nations have begun issuing sanctions against Russia over its actions towards Ukraine, with more to come.
Germany halts pipeline, UK sanctions banks
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has blocked the Nord Stream 2 pipeline while five Russian banks have been sanctioned by the UK as tensions rise over Ukraine.
Putin sends ‘peacekeepers’ to Ukraine
It is not immediately clear what the size of the force that Vladimir Putin is dispatching to Ukraine is, or exactly what their mission will be.
Biden agrees to Ukraine summit with Putin
US President Joe Biden has agreed "in principle" to meet with Russia's President Vladimir Putin as long as Russia holds off on an imminent assault on Ukraine.
Queen has COVID, suffering mild symptoms
Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for COVID-19 but the 95-year-old is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.
Queen Elizabeth catches COVID: palace
Queen Elizabeth is experiencing mild symptoms after testing positive for COVID but expects to continue light duties this week, Buckingham Palace says.
Russia, Belarus to extend military drills
Belarus says it is extending military drills with Russia as Western leaders continue to warn of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Putin to oversee Russian nuclear drills
Russian president Vladimir Putin will oversee nuclear drills involving the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, in what analysts say is a show of strength.