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‘Radical reduction’ – Russia promises reduction of military around Kyiv

Published

4 years ago

March 30, 2022

The first round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in over two weeks have wrapped up as Moscow promises to scale back its assault on Kyiv

The steps discussed at the meeting was one of the first signs so far that progress is being made towards peace, but Western officials stress caution.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there is a distinct difference between what Russia says it will do and what actually happens.

While in Britain, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will wait to see how Moscow moves forward before making any judgement.

Ukraine has also proposed adopting a neutral status during the talks, which took place in Turkey’s capital of Istanbul.

Russia’s deputy defence minister says the decision to reduce military activity in Kyiv was made “to increase mutual trust and create the necessary conditions for further negotiations” in the hope of signing a peace agreement.

Putin’s assault of Ukraine has been confronted by strong Ukrainian resistance, with Ukraine’s military recapturing territory… as many civilians remain trapped in besieged cities, like Mariupol.

This is vastly different to the scenes the world witnessed during Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.

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Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

4 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

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Starmer aide resigns after Mandelson appointment questioned over Epstein links

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

Published

4 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned amid scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. McSweeney accepted responsibility for the controversial decision, calling stepping aside the honourable choice.

Lawmakers raised questions about Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files indicate Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, intensifying the controversy surrounding his diplomatic appointment.

Starmer confirmed that Mandelson misled him about the extent of their friendship and pledged to release documents confirming the details. The resignation signals a significant shake-up in Starmer’s team and ongoing political fallout.

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Japan election delivers commanding win for ruling LDP

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Published

4 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is projected to tighten its grip on power following a decisive Lower House election, according to local media forecasts. Early projections suggest the LDP will secure between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat chamber, significantly strengthening its parliamentary position.

Together with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, the governing bloc is expected to cross the 300-seat mark, with some estimates putting the total as high as 366 seats. Voter turnout remained resilient despite heavy snow across parts of the country, as citizens braved severe weather to cast their ballots.

The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in January, a move widely viewed as a strategic gamble to capitalise on her strong public approval ratings. The result appears to reinforce her mandate and consolidate political stability in Japan’s national leadership.

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