Finland confirms it will seek to join NATO
Finland will apply for membership of the NATO military alliance, President Sauli Niinisto has confirmed.
diplomacy
Sweden, Finland make historic NATO plans
Finland and Sweden have announced 'historic' plans to apply for NATO membership.
PM welcomes Payne Solomon Islands talks
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says talks between Foreign Minister Marise Payne and her Solomon Islands counterpart were a positive step forward.
Australia sends senior diplomat to London
As Australia weighs up a permanent appointment to London, senior diplomat Lynette Wood has been appointed acting high commissioner.
Solomons didn’t raise issue over AUKUS: PM
Scott Morrison has hit back at criticism from the Solomon Islands prime minister over a lack of consultation on the AUKUS security pact.
Ukraine says Russia taking colossal losses
Having failed in an assault on Kyiv in the north of Ukraine last month, Russia is trying to fully capture two eastern provinces known as the Donbas.
Russia blasted as Ukraine calls ‘karma’
Russia is reporting blasts in the south of the country, in what a top Ukrainian official has described as "payback" and "karma" for Moscow's invasion.
Ukraine ambassador warns of domino effect
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia has appealed for more military assistance, warning of future threats to the Indo-Pacific.
Russia warns of serious nuclear war risks
The risks of nuclear war are "considerable" over the Ukraine conflict, Russia's foreign minister says, as he accuses NATO of waging a proxy war through Kyiv.
‘Prepare for war’ to keep peace: Dutton
The defence minister says Australia must prepare for war to preserve peace, but Labor says the government needs to match its words with actions.
US pledges more assistance to Ukraine
Visiting US officials have pledged further aid to Ukraine and other countries fearful of Russian aggression, praising its resilience to attacks on the capital.
Doubt cast over Solomons security timeline
Reports an Australian intelligence agency was aware before a Sino-Solomons security pact became public appear to contradict assertions by government ministers.
US envoy arrives for Solomons-China talks
A US delegation led by Indo-Pacific envoy Kurt Campbell has arrived in the Solomon Islands to discuss concerns over the signing of a security deal with China.
Solomon Islands PM defends China pact
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare insists the Solomon Islands' Pacific neighbours having nothing to fear from a newly minted security pact with China.
China-Solomons deal ‘deeply disappointing’
Australia has described a security deal between the Solomon Islands and China as deeply disappointing, with Labor criticising the government's response.
China, Solomons ‘sign security pact’
A security pact between China and the Solomon Islands that has prompted concern from Australia and New Zealand has been signed, Beijing's foreign minister says.
New sanctions for 14 Russian businesses
Australia has slapped fresh sanctions on 14 Russian state-owned businesses in the wake of the Ukrainian invasion.
‘No doubt’ of Russian war crimes: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says claims of Russian war crimes in Ukraine are beyond doubt, as investigations continue into possible chemical weapon use.
Australian minister deployed to Solomons
An Australian minister has been sent to the Solomon Islands following revelations China tried to import firearms to protect its embassy during the 2021 riots.
Chemical weapons fears in Mariupol
Ukraine is checking reports that Russian forces used chemical weapons in the besieged city of Mariupol, as civilians flee the east before an expected offensive.
Australia sends more lethal aid to Ukraine
Australia has vowed to continue its military support of Ukraine as Russia announced sanctions against 228 Australian government members in retaliation.
New sanctions imposed on Russian officials
Australia has issued sanctions on 67 more Russian officials, including the country's deputy prime minister.
Ukraine envoy invokes ANZAC identity
Australia has added a range of luxury goods on an export embargo to Russia, as Ukraine's envoy likens Kyiv's war effort to the Anzac experience in World War I.
Yemen factions back two-month truce: UN
United Nations special envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemen's warring parties have agreed to a two-month ceasefire.
Ukraine president issues plea to Australia
Australia has announced further military aid for Ukraine and economic measures targeting Russia as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses parliament.
Chinese-Australian journalist on trial
Journalist groups have urged the release of Chinese-Australian business reporter Cheng Lei on the eve of her trial in Beijing on espionage charges
Further Australian aid for Ukraine flagged
Ahead of the Ukrainian president addressing the Australian parliament on Thursday, the prime minister has spoken of further support for the invaded nation.
‘Your freedom is ours’ Biden tells Poland
US President Joe Biden has tried to reassure Poland that the United States would defend against any attacks by Russia
Russian forces take Chernobyl worker town
Russian forces have seized control of a town where workers at the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live, while street fighting is reported in besieged Mariupol.
Australia avoids pushing India on Russia
Australian leaders have separated criticism of China for not condemning Russia's invasion from India, saying the latter relied on the Kremlin for security.
Biden warns Xi, fears grow for Mariupol
President Joe Biden has warned China's Xi Jinping against aiding Moscow's war in Ukraine, as Russia says it's "tightening the noose" around Mariupol.