Ukraine says it breached Russian lines by recapturing two eastern villages

A top Ukrainian general hailed the recent recapture of two eastern villages as an important breakthrough on Monday, saying it had enabled Kyiv's troops to breach Russian lines near the shattered ci...

Three Iraqi counterterrorism personnel killed in Kurdistan drone strike, statement says

Three members of the Iraqi counter-terrorism service were killed and three others wounded Monday in a drone strike on the small military airport of Arbid in Iraq's Kurdistan region, the Iraqi milit...

Hungary politician flags possible delay for Sweden's NATO bid

Hungary is not sure it needs to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO, the parliament speaker told local television Sunday — potentially signaling further delays to the process. Tap for the full brief.

Russia's war in Ukraine overshadows NATO's 2023 northern Baltic Sea drill

"For many years we had a kind of artificial scenario. Right now, we are a bit closer to the realistic meaning, the geography and the partners and the opponent. So, this is more realistic than it wa...

Coal from Russian-occupied Ukraine sold in NATO member Turkey, data and sources say

At least $14.3 million worth of coal produced in Russia-held Ukraine has been exported to NATO member Turkey, according to Russian customs data reviewed by Reuters. Tap for the full brief.

Russian forces near Norway at “20% or less” than before Ukraine war, Norwegian military says

Russian forces stationed in the Arctic near Norway are "20% or less" of the number they were before the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Norway's chief of defense said Saturday. Tap for the full ...

US and Iran trade detainees after Qatar deal unfreezes $6B

Five U.S. detainees flew out of Iran on Monday in a swap for five Iranians held in the U.S. in a deal between the arch enemies that also unfroze $6 billion of Tehran's funds. Tap for the full brief.

House Republicans eye spending deal as shutdown looms

With the threat of a partial government shutdown in two weeks looming, House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Sunday said he would bring a defense spending bill to a vote "win or lose" ...

Ukraine retakes more territory in the east, south in counteroffensive

Ukraine reported on Monday its troops had recaptured more territory on the eastern front and advanced in the south in its military counteroffensive against Russian forces. Tap for the full brief.

War crimes committed in Ethiopia despite formal end to conflict, UN report says

War crimes and crimes against humanity are still being committed in Ethiopia nearly a year after government and regional forces from Tigray agreed to end fighting, U.N. experts said in a report pub...

Afghan-Pakistan border crossing reopens after talks to settle clashes

The main land crossing on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan re-opened on Friday after a closure of nine days following shooting between guards on both sides, a Pakistani official told Reu...

Ethiopian forces clash with al-Shabab in western Somalia, residents say

Ethiopian forces engaged in fierce clashes with al-Shabab fighters near the town of Rab Dhuure in western Somalia on Sunday morning, local residents said. Tap for the full brief.

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso juntas sign Sahel security pact

Military junta-ruled countries Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a security pact Saturday — promising to come to the aid of each other in case of any rebellion or external aggression. Tap for the...

Chinese defense minister under investigation for corrupt procurement

Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who has been missing from public view for over two weeks, has been placed under investigation by Chinese authorities, according to 10 people familiar with the matter. T...

US allows Egypt military aid despite human rights concerns

The Biden administration has allowed much of U.S. foreign military aid to Egypt to go ahead, saying the country was vital for U.S. national security interests — despite what critics have said about...