Author: Andrew Rogers

Australia will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed, citing Israel’s military actions and comments by Benjamin Netanyahu as key reasons. The decision comes amid growing international pressure to support the people of Gaza. Opposition leader Sussan Ley said the Coalition would reverse the recognition if it returned to government. The Coalition Shadow Cabinet said it opposes the unilateral move to recognise Palestine outside international agreements. Ley and Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaela Cash stated that recognition would be revoked under a Coalition government. Ley added that the decision does not…

Indonesia is accelerating its transition to renewable energy, aiming for 35% of its energy mix from clean sources by 2034. After the United States withdrew from the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) in March, China is emerging as the country’s main financing partner. However, experts warn that China’s domestic and international priorities may limit its full involvement in global climate financing. Putra Adhiguna, managing director of the Energy Shift Institute, says China and Germany could show leadership in renewable energy finance. Yet he notes challenges, including China’s resistance to being labeled a developed country. This classification would require it to…

Russia has sharply reduced support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as budget pressures mount and the economy slows. Economists and business leaders warn that the cuts could hurt the sector’s long-term health. Government subsidies for SMEs fell 43% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to a report from the Higher School of Economics Development Center. Total aid dropped from 127.8 billion rubles ($1.6 billion) to 72.3 billion rubles ($918 million). This is also below the support level in early 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when aid…

The Washington DC National Guard started deploying on city streets Tuesday night after Donald Trump ordered control of the local police, calling the capital a “lawless” city despite statistics showing violent crime at a 30-year low. Defense officials confirmed a small group of the roughly 800 guard members were already mobilized by Tuesday afternoon, with more expected to arrive in the coming days. On Monday night, about 850 officers and agents participated in a large law enforcement operation, making nearly two dozen arrests for homicide, firearms violations, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking. Authorities…

Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as the United States and China agreed to extend a pause on raising tariffs. This move eased fears that their trade war might worsen and harm the economies of the two biggest oil consumers in the world. The deal also supports hopes for stronger fuel demand. Brent crude futures increased by 26 cents, or 0.39%, reaching $66.89 per barrel by 00:15 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 22 cents, or 0.34%, to $64.18 per barrel. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day extension of the tariff truce with China. This extension…

Top business leaders from South Korea and Vietnam have called for a stronger strategic economic partnership to boost cooperation across key sectors. This comes as both countries face complex challenges in the global business environment. At a business forum hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday, Chey Tae-won, chairman of South Korea’s SK Group and head of KCCI, stressed the need for deeper collaboration. He highlighted risks such as U.S. protectionism and global geopolitical tensions affecting both countries. “Both South Korea and Vietnam must respond proactively to changing conditions and find new growth opportunities,” Chey…

U.S. lawmakers from both parties urge the Trump administration to keep the AUKUS security pact alive. This pact links the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom in a deal to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The call comes as the Pentagon reviews the pact amid concerns about U.S. shipbuilding capacity. The Defense Department announced a review of AUKUS two weeks ago. The pact was signed four years ago under the Biden administration. The review shows the Trump administration is examining this key partnership. Many see AUKUS as vital to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. The review is expected…

The European Union has allocated €1.6 billion from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s recovery after the ongoing conflict. This is the third tranche of funds provided under the EU’s program aimed at helping Ukraine rebuild following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The European Commission said the money will assist Ukraine’s social and economic recovery. It aims to help the country manage the difficult stages of rebuilding after the war, focusing on both psychological support and economic stability. Previously, the first two tranches were delivered through the European Peace Facility (EPF), with some funds also sent via other channels. Starting with this…

Europe and Ukraine’s allies say the upcoming US-Russia summit cannot decide Ukraine’s land swaps without Ukraine’s involvement. However, they also accept that Russia is unlikely to give up any Ukrainian territory it currently controls. Ahead of the Alaska summit on Friday, US President Donald Trump mentioned that a peace deal might involve “some swapping of territories.” But European officials see no indication Russia will offer to swap land. So far, neither Ukraine nor European leaders have been invited to the talks. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers will meet following weekend discussions between US and European security advisers. The ministers…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any proposal involving a territorial swap with Russia. As hopes rise for a potential ceasefire with high-level talks between the United States and Russia set to take place in Alaska, Zelenskyy remains clear that Ukraine will not concede any land to Moscow. His position is based on Ukraine’s constitution, which protects the country’s territorial integrity. Beyond the legal argument, Zelenskyy faces a major political challenge to maintain his legitimacy at home, keep international support strong, and avoid being sidelined in a peace process increasingly shaped by others. The controversy escalated after former US…