The Putin Confidant Who Pushed Back Against Russia’s War in Ukraine
Dmitri N. Kozak had worked with President Vladimir V. Putin for three decades before quitting in September. His associates described his break with the Russian leader.
Politics and Government
Iran’s President Says He Can’t Make ‘Miracles’ to Solve the Country’s Woes
Amid sky-high inflation, water and energy cuts and prospects for a deal with the U. S. dimming, President Masoud Pezeshkian has apparently thrown up his hands.
Australia to Crack Down on Hate Speech After Bondi Beach Attack
New legislation will be drafted to target those who promote violence and to increase penalties for hate speech, the prime minister said Thursday.
At Tokyo Zoo, Visitors Worry Pandas Could Be China’s Next Target
Pandas have stood for friendship between China and Japan since 1972. But the last two are about to go, and a dispute over Taiwan could get in the way of sending more.
Finland Apologizes to China, Japan and South Korea for Racist Gesture
A Finnish beauty queen was stripped of her crown for a gesture mocking Asians. After Finnish lawmakers have copied her, Finland’s prime minister is trying to defuse the controversy.
UK Rejoins EU’s Erasmus Student Exchange Program That It Left After Brexit
The government said it would pay about $760 million to allow young Britons to take part in 2027.
Free Nigerian Students Recount Mass Kidnapping
Survivors of the St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction in Nigeria recall their harrowing ordeal and release.
Trump Orders Blockade of Some Oil Tankers to and From Venezuela
The move is an escalation of military operations and a pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader. But its scope and economic impact are not clear.
Trinidad and Tobago Sides With U.S. in Battle Against Venezuela, Military Tool Suggests
The United States and Trinidad say U.S. Marines installed a radar in Tobago to combat drugs — but this war materiel isn’t designed for operations based at sea or on land.
Mark Carney Caught in Canada’s British Spelling Debate
Some words spelled the British way are emerging in Canadian government documents. A group of language experts say the changes undermine Canada’s identity.