Defense Department to be renamed ‘Department of War’ under Trump order
President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order authorizing the Department of Defense to adopt the historic title “Department of War,” ...
The European Union would welcome the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump for its plan to halt purchases of Russian oil, which continue to help finance Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told Reuters on Friday (September 5).
Brussels is currently working on legal proposals to end all EU imports of Russian oil and gas by 1 January 2028, aiming to cut decades-old dependence on Moscow’s energy supplies.
According to a White House official, President Trump told European leaders in a call on Thursday (September 4) that Europe must stop buying Russian oil, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict drag on.
Jorgensen, who oversees EU energy policy, said Washington had not pressured the bloc to accelerate the timetable beyond 2028 but stressed that support from the U.S. would be welcome. Reuters has requested comment from the Kremlin on Trump’s reported remarks.
The United States has already imposed punitive tariffs on India for continuing to purchase Russian oil, while New Delhi has accused Western nations of hypocrisy.
EU figures show Europe’s reliance on Russian gas is expected to fall to about 13% of its supply this year, compared with around 45% before Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Hungary and Slovakia, however, continue to receive Russian crude through the Druzhba pipeline and have opposed the phase-out, arguing it would push up energy prices. Jorgensen confirmed talks were underway with both governments but noted that, if necessary, EU states could approve the phase-out plan without them. He declined to say whether Brussels would consider financial support or legal guarantees to win their backing.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday called for a wide-ranging re-examination of the Federal Reserve’s role and authority, including its control over interest rate policy, as the Trump administration steps up its campaign to assert greater oversight over the central bank.
The Trump administration is preparing to introduce new rules that would restrict or potentially block imports of Chinese-made drones and medium to heavy-duty vehicles, citing national security concerns.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday (September 5), appointing new deputies as well as foreign and interior ministers in a bid to reassert control following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed on Friday (September 5) that his racing career has come to an end, announcing he will take on a new role as a global motorsports ambassador for Ford.
Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday (September 5) endorsed an army proposal to disarm Hezbollah, saying the military would begin implementing it, though without a set timeline and while noting the army’s limited resources.
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