Luhansk governor says situation 'extremely difficult'. Kremlin says captured Americans are mercenaries. European Union to decide on Ukraine membership bid this week. Russia threatens retaliation against Lithuania....

Chinese mining company denies that court-appointed administrator has taken control of operation. African country’s PM halted proceedings against the mining firm but justice minister has resumed them.

Explosions rock Kyiv; one wounded. Kyiv, Moscow both claim gains around Sievierodonetsk. Governor says Ukrainian troops control half of city. Macron says it's important not to humiliate Russia.

The Chinese foreign minister denies Beijing is trying to deepen military engagement while in Tonga during marathon tour. ‘Some people’ have tried to discredit China’s engagement in the region, he says in apparent ...

Russian forces enter fringes of Sievierodonetsk - governor. Ukraine pleads for more weapons from West. Borrell says EU will agree on next sanctions package.

Russian forces advance in east, shifting momentum. EU eyes deal on banning oil shipments from Russia. Putin says food crisis can be solved by lifting sanctions.

Sweden, Finland should end their support of terrorism if they want to join NATO, says Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

PLA holds joint combat-readiness exercise near island to deter collusion with the United States. Beijing say there would be heavy consequences for supporting Taiwanese independence.

Kyiv rules out ceasefire or territorial concessions as Moscow hits military targets in Ukraine’s east and south.