Shooting at South African bar leaves 11 dead
At least 11 people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed when gunfire erupted at an illegal bar in Pretoria, with police launching a manhunt fo...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provide $8.2 billion over four years under a renewed Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
The funding is intended to support Ukraine’s economic stability from 2026 to 2029 amid the ongoing war with Russia. The IMF said the programme includes fiscal and monetary policies aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability, restoring debt sustainability, tackling corruption, and improving governance.
Under the current $15 billion IMF programme, Ukraine has already received $10.6 billion.
Kyiv requested additional support in September 2025 as the country faces a sharp decline in foreign aid while spending nearly all domestic revenues on military operations, with the 2026 draft budget allocating approximately $62.8 billion to defence.
The country still needs $61 billion to cover pensions, schools, hospitals, and other public services in 2026 and 2027.
The IMF highlighted the importance of prompt donor support to avoid liquidity strains, noting that the programme will be recalibrated based on progress toward a durable peace. Ukraine must also complete specific reforms to access the funding, including strengthening independent anti-corruption institutions, increasing competition in public procurement, broadening the tax base, and preventing tax fraud.
The extended funding requires approval from the IMF’s Executive Board and depends on Kyiv meeting prior reform conditions and securing assurances from international donors.
The announcement comes as the European Union prepares a legal framework for a reparations loan, leveraging frozen Russian central bank reserves, while Ukraine continues negotiations on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its support of the claims by United Arab Emirates on three Iranian islands.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu on Friday, a rare gesture seemingly reserved for the head of Europe's second-largest economy that highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in its ties with the European Union.
The United States plans to extend its travel ban to over 30 countries, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday.
At least 11 people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed when gunfire erupted at an illegal bar in Pretoria, with police launching a manhunt for three unidentified suspects.
Qatar opened the Doha Forum with a stark warning that Gaza ceasefire talks have entered a critical moment, as officials said the current pause in fighting cannot yet be described as a lasting halt to hostilities.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hikmat Hajiyev, has highlighted Baku’s commitment to advancing long-term peace in the South Caucasus after taking part in a dedicated panel at the 23rd Doha Forum.
America's new National Security Strategy marks a sharp turn away from global policeman ambitions, revives a modern Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere and recasts China, Europe and long standing alliances through a bluntly transactional lens.
The European Union’s newly adopted Partnership Agenda with Armenia has prompted strong concern in Baku, where officials say several passages depart from factual accuracy and introduce political messages that could damage an already fragile negotiation environment.
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