Saudi Arabia says air defences destroyed Houthi drone near Mecca
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved new sanctions targeting Russian maritime operators, defence-linked companies and individuals connected to Moscow’s military and energy sectors, according to official decrees issued on Saturday.
The measures affect 46 Russian nationals, two Iranian citizens and 44 Russian companies associated with the production and maintenance of equipment used in Russia’s defence industry. The targeted entities are said to be involved in supply chains supporting missile systems, electronic warfare technology, drones, small arms and ammunition.
The announcement was made through the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, which is responsible for implementing national security decisions.
The sanctions also extend to 225 ship captains operating within Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which Ukrainian authorities say is used to export oil products while attempting to circumvent restrictions imposed by the European Union, the Group of Seven and other partners.
Kyiv said monitoring of shipping activity across the Black, Red and Baltic Seas indicated that the captains commanded vessels transporting Russian petroleum products in breach of international sanctions regimes.
Officials said 188 of the targeted tankers were already subject to restrictions imposed by Western allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, a sanctions policy expert working in the Ukrainian presidential office, said the individual measures against crew members are intended to discourage participation in maritime operations that generate revenue for Russia’s war effort, adding that working on a sanctioned vessel could lead to financial and legal consequences.
The second sanctions package includes two Iranian citizens accused of helping facilitate the supply of aviation components in violation of restrictions.
Kyiv said the activities were connected to the Iranian Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation, which is already under sanctions from several Western countries over cooperation with Russia in the development and production of Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ukraine said it would share information on the new listings with international partners to support enforcement coordination and strengthen pressure on supply networks supporting Russian military operations and energy exports.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
China has officially opened the Pinglu Canal, a $10.75 billion waterway giving the country's landlocked southwest a shorter, direct route to the sea and Southeast Asian markets.
Pakistan has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at the United Nations, warning that escalating fighting in Yemen and increased activity around the Bab al-Mandab Strait threaten regional stability, global shipping and energy security.
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of war crimes, including murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.
Wednesday's session of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai has shifted the discussion towards a central question for modern media: how can regional news organisations tell their own stories while reaching audiences far beyond their borders?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
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