Russia

France's new Covid-19 infections nearly double in a day – latest updates

The coronavirus pandemic has now infected over 20 million people and has killed more than 739,000. Here are the latest updates for August 11:

UK records more than 1,000 new Covid-19 infections – latest updates

The coronavirus pandemic has now infected over 19.8 million people and has killed more than 730,000. Here are the latest updates for August 9:

Turkey’s ‘Blue Homeland’: striking a balance in the Eastern Mediterranean

The vital role Turkey has played in Libya and against warlord Khalifa Haftar has given Ankara a louder voice when it comes to the battle for supremacy in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Belarus leader accuses Russia of meddling as early presidential vote begins

President Alexander Lukashenko warns of Russian attempts to unseat him and sow discord after pushing out most of his political rivals ahead of decisive elections.

France sees rise in number of Covid-19 patients in ICUs – latest updates

The coronavirus pandemic has now infected some 18 million people and has killed more than 693,000. Here are the latest updates for August 3:

Is the Syrian regime becoming Russia's new proxy in the wider region?

According to Libyan officials, Russia is sending more mercenaries to support warlord Khalifa Haftar, including those from Syrian regime forces and other assorted criminals.

Russian cargo planes deliver Syrian fighters to Libya

A military spokesman for Libya's UN-recognised government says Ilyushin-type planes also flew in ammunitions as part of seven flights to Sirte, Jufra and Benghazi, possibly from different locations.

Wild tiger population enjoys increase in five countries

Animal preservation NGO, WWF, marked World Tiger Day on July 29, saying efforts to double the number of wild tigers in the world had helped the species recover in five countries.

Belarus accuses Russia's Wagner, Lukashenko critics of plotting unrest

The Belarusian State Security Committee, still known by its Soviet-era name KGB, said it detained more than 30 contractors from private Russian military firm Wagner outside Minsk, the country's capital.

Belarus arrests 33 'Russian mercenaries' ahead of vote

Members of the Wagner group were allegedly plotting to destabilise the country ahead of next month's presidential election, Belta state news agency has reported.

Khalifa Haftar: The Libyan henchman of several foreign powers

Playing one country against the other and exploiting competing interests of regional powers, Haftar has done everything to keep the conflict running as a freeloader.

China launches Mars probe in space race with US

China previously made a Mars bid in 2011 with Russia, but the Russian spacecraft carrying the probe failed to exit the Earth's orbit and disintegrated over the Pacific Ocean.