Russia
Ancient Scythian burial site from Siberia reveals earliest known use of cannabis as an intoxicant
The site predates the oldest previous evidence from the first millennium BCE for mind-altering use of cannabis such as evidence of implements from the Middle East and the Asia.
Voices from the Arab Press: Why Arabs are betting on Eisenkot, and why they may be disappointed
Italy foreign minister says he has been targeted by pro-Russian hackers over Ukraine backing
Russian diplomats and military officials to join talks with US and Ukraine, Kremlin says
US, Canada sanction eight money service firms over links to Iran
The sanctions effectively cut the firms off from the dollar-based financial system, blocking any assets that the firms may have in the United States.
Far-right Russian extremists take responsibility for bomb threats on Rome-bound flights - report
The group claimed to have placed explosives on Aer Lingus flight EI402 from Dublin and Finnair flight AY1761 from Helsinki, warning that an "explosion will occur in 60 minutes."
Putin holds talks with Iranian security chief as Turkish soldier killed by fire from Iran
Putin met Iran’s top security official at the Kremlin as Moscow urged Russians to avoid travel to Iran, while Turkey said a soldier was killed by cross-border fire from Iran.
US sanctions three for aiding Iran's air defenses amid reports of Moscow-Tehran arms deal
A day later, the Financial Times reported that Russia had signed a weapons deal with Iran to supply the regime with 90 advanced guided missile launchers.
Zelensky awards Melania Trump Ukraine's highest honor for women after brokering Oleshky ceasefire
Zelensky honored Melania Trump for helping evacuate civilians from Oleshky and reunite Ukrainian children with their families.
US urges NATO allies to step up weapons funding for Ukraine - report
The request would focus on expanding funding to NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), according to officials who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.
US to mediate trilateral talks with Ukraine, Russia in Abu Dhabi next week, US envoy says
In a social media post, US envoy Steve Witkoff said the new Abu Dhabi discussions will cover "post-war security agreements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures, and ending the war."
Latvia briefly warns of airspace threat, says NATO jets activated
Ukrainian military drones have been straying into the airspace of neighboring European countries, creating concerns of the war spilling over into NATO countries bordering Russia and Belarus.
Hackers hit Ukraine, Russia's emergency apps, send fake nuclear, chemical attack alerts
All-clear messages were sent shortly afterward for each alert, and Ukraine's Ministry for Digital Transformation said the app had been temporarily suspended.
Araghchi says Qatari-mediated dialogue with US was ‘very intense’ despite lack of breakthrough
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Russian Foreign Ministry both urged all parties to the conflict to focus on political solutions rather than resorting to arms again.
