UK summons Russian envoy as EU, UN condemn its latest strikes on Kyiv
The United Kingdom has summoned the Russian envoy over its latest attack on Kyiv which killed civilians and damaged buildings including the EU delegat...
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s opposition leader and likely next chancellor, has pledged to increase defence spending but declined to commit to NATO’s proposed 5% GDP target, highlighting the need for practical and sustainable measures ahead of February’s parliamentary elections.
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, expected to become chancellor in next month’s election, stated on Wednesday that Germany would increase defence spending but stopped short of endorsing NATO’s 5% GDP target proposed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Speaking to Bayerischer Rundfunk, Merz said, "We first really have to reach the 2% lower limit in Germany. We are not there yet," adding that specific percentages were less important than ensuring effective defence capabilities.
Markus Soeder, leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), agreed that military spending should increase, suggesting it should rise to "well over 3%." However, Germany’s current ability to meet NATO’s 2% target relies on a special fund set to expire in 2028, raising concerns about maintaining this level of expenditure.
Defence spending has become a central campaign issue ahead of Germany’s 23 February parliamentary elections, with pressure mounting due to Trump’s proposals and tensions with Russia.
While Merz believes Germany can finance increased defence spending without special funds, Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens has proposed a 3.5% target funded through loans. Social Democrat Dirk Wiese dismissed Trump’s demands as "complete madness" and criticised Habeck’s proposal as "somewhat half-baked," echoing outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
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.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
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.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
The United Kingdom has summoned the Russian envoy over its latest attack on Kyiv which killed civilians and damaged buildings including the EU delegation and the British Council.
China plans to triple Artificial Intelligence (AI) chip production within a year, boosting self-sufficiency for firms such as Huawei, despite U.S. export curbs, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and bolster domestic innovation, in a move that could reshape global tech competition.
The Kremlin said on Thursday it was still interested in pursuing peace talks over Ukraine, despite a large overnight Russian strike on Kyiv that Ukrainian officials said killed at least 15 people, including four children.
At least 15 people died and nine were injured after a building collapsed in Palghar, near Mumbai in India, with police arresting the builder on charges of negligence and attempted murder.
The U.S. has reaffirmed Greenland’s right to decide its own future after reports emerged that private Americans linked to Donald Trump tried to sway political sentiment in the Arctic territory.
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