Russian missile strike on Kyiv damages embassies
Six embassies including Argentina and Portugal's have been damaged in Russian missile strikes on Kyiv.
defence
US is ‘playing with fire’ on Taiwan military aid: China
The Chinese government is protesting the latest United States announcements of military sales to Taiwan, warning America that it is "playing with fire".
Israel orders hospital closure, docs fear for patients
Medics at a northern Gaza hospital are scrambling to rescue patients following an order from Israel to close down the facility.
Russian forces advance, capture two villages in Ukraine
Russian troops are moving through eastern Ukraine at the fastest rate since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
North Korea could send more troops to Russia: Zelenskiy
Ukraine says more than 3000 North Korean soldiers have been killed and wounded in Russia's Kursk region while South Korea has a more conservative estimate.
Israeli parliament extends state of emergency
The Israeli parliament has extended the country's state of emergency until the end of 2025.
Julian Assange marks first Christmas since release
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has marked his first Christmas since his release from prison in a rare photo shared by his wife Stella Assange.
Baby freezes to death in Gaza as ceasefire talks stall
A baby girl froze to death overnight in Gaza, while Israel and Hamas accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts that could wind down the 14-month war
Russia looking into alleged capture of Aussie mercenary
Moscow officials are seeking to verify reports the Russian army may have captured an Australian citizen fighting with Ukrainian forces.
Houthis fire missile at Israel after Yemen airport hit
Houthi rebels have retaliated to Israel's airstrikes on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport, described by the UN as alarming.
Israel loosened rules at start of Gaza war: NYT
Israel changed its rules of engagement at the start of the Gaza war to allow commanders more flexibility to order attacks on targets despite civilian risks.
Russian drone attack kills two in Ukraine’s Donetsk
A Ukrainian town in Donetsk on the front lines of the war has been hit with Russian drones, which struck a multi-storey apartment building, killing two people.
Australian destroyers to join UK show of force
Two Australian navy destroyers will take part in exercises with a British carrier strike group that will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
China benched, PNG takes field in sport-security pact
Australia is putting $600 million towards a team from Papua New Guinea joining the NRL but will pull its support if Port Moresby breaks "strategic trust".
Russia deploying more North Korean troops: Zelenskiy
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russia is deploying more North Korean troops to repel the Kursk incursion.
Coalition’s nuclear plan would hit economy: Chalmers
The coalition's nuclear energy plan will hit the Australian economy by trillions, the treasurer warns, as Labor defends the action taken to lower power bills.
National body to head clean-up of ‘forever chemicals’
Eighteen recommendations from a review of contamination from "forever chemicals" near three defence bases have been agreed to by the federal government.
‘History’ hailed as navy test fires 2500km missile
Australia has become the third nation in the world to successfully fire a long-range Tomahawk missile, in a move being hailed for its speed.
‘Keep fighting’, mother urges veterans after inquiry
The mother of a navy officer who took his own life has urged families to keep fighting despite the government responding to an inquiry into defence suicides.
Taiwan backs expansion of AUKUS, strait ship transits
Australia should send more warships to the Taiwan Strait, Taipei says, after its vessels and others from Japan an New Zealand conducted patrols in September.
Sex predators on notice as Defence tackles violence
Australian troops convicted of sexual crimes face being kicked out under moves to tackle violence and misconduct in the military.
Japanese forces to join US Marines in the NT
The Japanese military will join US Marines on annual deployments for joint amphibious training to the Top End, Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced.
Tired helicopter crews ‘didn’t want’ to let team down
A probe into a fatal Taipan army helicopter crash has been told aircrew didn't want to let their team down by pulling out of exercises when tired.
Reports Trump, Putin spoke are ‘pure fiction’: Kremlin
A Kremlin spokesman has dismissed as "completely untrue" reports Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke in a recent call.
Rocket fire from Lebanon kills seven in Israel
Seven people have been killed in rocket attacks on northern Israel in the deadliest cross-border strikes in Israel since it invaded Lebanon.
Israel kills senior Hamas leader, ceasefire hopes fade
The Israeli military says it killed one of the last senior Hamas officials in Gaza as scores of people were reported dead after strikes in the coastal strip.
Ukraine mulls impact of US presidential election
For many Ukrainians there are down sides to having either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the White House.
US flags extra military assistance to Ukraine
The Pentagon says it is sending an additional $425 million ($A648 million) in military assistance to Ukraine.
Right wing surges, abortion resonating as US poll heats
Australia's political class appear stressed about US defence and trade relationships if Donald Trump scoops the presidency, which could also fire up the right.
Ukraine ‘holding back’ powerful Russian offensive
The Ukraine war is entering its most dangerous phase as Moscow's forces advance, North Korea sends troops to Russia and there's no sign how it will all end.
Israel denies Gaza clinic strike during polio campaign
The Israeli army has denied Palestinian claims it struck a clinic in northern Gaza where children were being vaccinated for polio.