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Ukraine says thwarted Russian-led plot to kill Zelensky

KYIV — Ukraine said Tuesday it had unravelled a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political and military figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Two Ukrainian security officials were arrested for their links to the group, which had aimed to carry out high-profile killings ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration on Tuesday. “The terrorist attack, which was supposed to be a gift to Putin for his inauguration,...

Hong Kong court bans protest anthem, saying it can be used as a weapon

By Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) -Hong Kong's Court of Appeal on Wednesday granted an application by the government to ban a protest anthem called "Glory to Hong Kong", overturning a lower court judgment that had rejected such a ban because of its possible "chilling effects" on free speech. The ruling comes amid what critics say is an erosion in Hong Kong's rule of law and individual rights

'Death of Zelensky was supposed to be gift for Putin's inauguration'

Vladimir Putin (71) took the oath of office as president of Russia on Tuesday. It marks the start of his fifth six-year term at the head of the Kremlin. In his speech, Putin emphasized that Russians as a "great and united people" would emerge stronger together from this "difficult period". "Together we overcome these obstacles (...), together we will overcome," the 71-year-old Russian politician said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky, for...

Police cordon on high street after sexual assault

Part of Exeter city centre has been cordoned off after reports of a sexual assault on Wednesday.

Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin ‘new model’ pact evidence

MANILA, Philippines – The “evidence” allegedly proving that a Philippine army official reached an agreement with China regarding a “new model” on Ayungin Shoal should be made available to the government, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday. “Kung meron talaga silang recording at kung meron talaga silang transcript, they should at the least make it available to the government — to the Executive, dahil seryosong claim na naman nila yan ng...

Russian court says US soldier charged with theft causing 'significant' damage

MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. soldier Gordon Black, who has been detained the Russian city of Vladivostok until July 2, has been charged with theft causing significant damage, a Russian court said. The detention of Black, who the Pentagon said travelled to Russia without authorization, presents yet another diplomatic headache for the United States, which has warned U.S. citizens against all travel to

Anguish as Kenya demolishes flood-prone homes, offers $75 in aid

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s government has begun bulldozing homes built in flood-prone areas and promising evicted families the equivalent of $75 to relocate after a deadline passed to evacuate amid deadly rains. In the capital, Nairobi, a bulldozer ripped through iron-sheet walls as people watched in despair. Security forces with guns and batons stood guard and fired tear gas at some residents. The government last week told thousands of people...

Estonia summons Russian embassy chief over GPS jamming

HELSINKI (Reuters) -Estonia's foreign ministry has summoned the head of the Russian embassy in Tallinn to protest the jamming of GPS signals, the Baltic country said on Wednesday. Estonia accuses neighbouring Russia of violating international regulations by disturbing GPS navigation in airspace above the Baltic states, echoing concerns from airlines that say they have contended with such

Abalos denies destabilization plot vs Marcos admin

MANILA, Philippines — “Walang (No) credible threat as of now.” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. made the statement on Wednesday to dismiss reports of an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration. In a radio interview, Abalos said he was surprised to learn about the alleged destabilization move, adding that the President has the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “solid” support. READ:...

Ukraine tycoon Kolomoisky named suspect in decades-old murder attempt

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian authorities suspect jailed tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky of being behind the attempted murder of a lawyer in a corporate dispute more than 20 years ago, the national police said on Wednesday. Kolomoisky, who backed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the 2019 election and faces charges of fraud and money laundering, has previously denied any wrongdoing in those cases. His lawyer

Catalan separatist leader campaigns over border in France to avoid arrest in Spain

ARGELES-SUR-MER, France (Reuters) - A Catalan separatist leader, running to regain the presidency of the restive Spanish region, is bussing supporters to his election rallies over the border in France because an arrest warrant prevents him from entering Spain. Carles Puigdemont faces arrest in Spain over the crimes of misuse of public funds and disobedience for his role in Catalonia's 2017

How they celebrated VE Day, almost 80 years ago

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8, 1945. On that day almost 90 ago, grand celebrations took place in Britain, France, the United States, and other countries as nearly six years of war ended. The numbers of those who took part in the festivities are fast dwindling. Fortunately, a comprehensive photographic record exists of that momentous occasion, images that capture the overwhelming joy, delight, and relief on that extraordinary day. Click through the following gallery and relive VE Day, when the war in Europe ended.

Peace starts with Palestine’s UN membership

On May 10, all member states should vote to admit the State of Palestine as the 194th member of the United Nations.

Cyclist, 37, dies following crash with car

The police say officers are supporting the cyclist's family and are asking witnesses to come forward.

India arrests four for duping young men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Arrests come two months after investigators conducted raids across 13 locations in India and detained several people.

Woman wins appeal over cyclist death conviction

A woman whose actions led to the death of a pensioner cycling on a pavement wins a court appeal.

Attempted murder probe after man is injured

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a head injury in Basildon.

4,000 residents affected by drought, forest fires in Benguet receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 4,000 residents in Tuba, Tublay, and Itogon, Benguet who were affected by drought received food packs and hygiene kits from the GMA Kapuso Foundation. According to "24 Oras," Wednesday, farmers in Benguet have struggled to water their crops due to issues with water supply and intermittent rains. One of those affected was Arthuro Argonza, who earns around P1,000 to P2,000 per week as a tour guide. His livelihood suffered when Mt. Ulap...

Interloper joins ‘Made in China’ mock enemy ship sinking drills

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A surprise guest joined Wednesday’s sinking exercise here where a “made in China” ship was made the target of naval missiles and airstrikes as part of Manila and Washington’s war games. However, the marine interloper appeared to have no sinister intention, according to Lt. Col. Omad Abdullah Al Assaf, the maritime strike lead planner for this year’s Balikatan. READ: US, PH begin striking ‘Made in China’ mock target ship...

Dela Rosa warns Trillanes: Ex-PNP chief tagged in ‘ouster plot’ might beat you up

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has been warned after linking a former police chief in an alleged plot to oust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “Sabihan mo si Trillanes na yung former PNP chief na kinausap nya, baka mabugbog pa sya noong former PNP chief na yun. Galit na galit sa kanya,” Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart on Wednesday. (Tell Trillanes that the former PNP...

Putin sends assassins to eliminate Zelensky

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has announced the arrest of 2 agents accused of involvement in a Russian-coordinated plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior officials. The SBU has dismantled a network of Russian FSB agents who planned to assassinate the Ukrainian president, the agency said in a statement. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested two colonels of the State Protection Department for their alleged...

Malta ex-PM charged in sweeping corruption probe

Former Maltese premier Joseph Muscat and current Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne are among dozens of people and companies charged in a hospital privatisation scandal rocking the Mediterranean island nation. Fearne -- previously tipped to be Malta's next European Commissioner -- and former finance minister Edward Scicluna, currently governor of Malta's Central Bank, were also charged with fraud, misappropriation and fraudulent gain.

Man murdered sister and covered body with tarpaulin

Kevin Shepherd pleads guilty to murdering Sharon Butler on the day his trial was due to start.

PM 'deeply concerned' about a full military incursion into Rafah

The Prime Minister says he is 'deeply concerned' about a full Israeli military incursion into Rafah. Rishi Sunak also clarifies that the United Kingdom 'does not directly provide or ship arms' to Israel.

UP Mindanao to offer medicine program in 2025

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao announced on Tuesday that it would open its medical school in 2025. With this development, UP will be the first state university to offer a Doctor of Medicine program in Davao City. UP ranked in the 401–450 bracket in the life sciences and medicine area in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject. Aside from the medicine program, the university would also add programs in...

Britain to expel Russian spy amid new fears over Kremlin espionage

James Cleverly told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had been posing as Moscow 's defence attaché and had been told to leave the country.

2 nabbed for posing as MMDA enforcers

Two individuals, including a former traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), were nabbed for allegedly flagging down vehicles while posing as traffic constables last Saturday. In a statement on Wednesday, MMDA said Taguig City Police arrested Tomas Taguinod Jr. And Karl Vincent Moaña. Taguinod is a former MMDA enforcer who was found guilty for extortion and grave misconduct in 2021, which resulted to the...

Russian spy expelled from Britain under crackdown as Vladimir Putin told to stop 'malign activity'

Home Secretary James Cleverly said Russia would respond with 'conspiracy theories and hysteria', and accusations of Russophobia but the UK would not be swayed

Hontiveros: Could Bamban Mayor Guo be Chinese?

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday questioned the identity of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, and went as far as to ask whether the local official was a Chinese citizen. At a news conference a day after a Senate inquiry on the raided Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) in Bamban, Hontiveros said Guo lied when the mayor denied any connection with Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc. "There were several questions where she lied. 'Yung...

Russia slams British claims it was involved in London 'arson attack'

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the accusation that her country was involved was part of an information war against Moscow amdi Putin's on-going war in Ukraine.

Pro-Palestinian protesters build barricades at Amsterdam university

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Pro-Palestinian protesters built barricades at the University of Amsterdam on Wednesday, using desks and railings to block off the canalside entrance in the heart of the city as they vowed to stay put until the institution severs all ties with Israel. Riot police used a bulldozer to knock down barricades at another UvA site on Tuesday and detained 169 people, but said the

Russia says it will target French troops if they are sent to Ukraine

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia warned France on Wednesday that if President Emmanuel Macron sent troops to Ukraine then they would be seen as legitimate targets by the Russian military. Macron caused controversy in February by saying he could not rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine in the future. The French leader warned that if Russia wins in Ukraine then Europe's credibility will be

Ask Duterte to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ probe? Best to get info from horse’s mouth, says Risa

For Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, it would be best to hear from Rodrigo Duterte himself about the supposed "gentleman's agreement" allegedly brokered by the former president with China. The lawmaker, who has sought a Senate inquiry into the matter, was asked in a press conference if the former president should be invited as a resource person in the hearing. "Hindi ko naman masabing gusto ko silang makita, pero ang trabaho po ng...

'Significant arrest' after chop shop inquiry raid

West Midlands Police carried out two raids on Wednesday, in relation to suspected "car cannibalism."

Investigation as van fire spreads to supermarket

A police cordon was put in place around a city centre Iceland store following the incident.

Murderer's release rejected days before death

Victor Farrant was given a whole-life sentence for the murder of Glenda Hoskins in 1996.

Romualdez says Lakas-CMD and PDP alliance ‘possible’

MANILA, Philippines — Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that an alliance with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) was possible. READ: No ‘fight’ anymore? Duterte-led PDP officially drops ‘Laban’ from name In an ambush interview on Wednesday during the alliance signing of Lakas-CMD and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Romualdez was asked if there was a...

Armed groups committing atrocities in Mali: HRW

Mali is plagued by armed groups, making swaths of territory ungovernable, and UN peacekeepers have been kicked out.

Killer's sentence should include jail, court told

Valdo Calocane was given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Abalos says Northern Samar barangays now free from communists

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday said all barangays in Northern Samar are now free from guerilla fronts and communist groups. “These barangays are now CTG-influenced free, wala nang mga guerrilla fronts dito ayon sa Philippine Army (PA),” Abalos said in a press release, noting that the barangays no longer support communist groups. Abalos recently led the distribution of over P160,000 worth of livelihood and financial assistance...

Bombshell as Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour, hitting out at the 'broken promises of Rishi Sunak 's tired and chaotic government'.

Two men injured in crash which closed motorway

The crash closed the northbound carriageway of the M40 in Warwickshire for several hours.

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

A man in his 30s was rushed to Royal Berkshire Hospital with stab wounds.

UK says to expel Russia defence attache for intel role

The UK government on Wednesday raised tensions with the Kremlin by announcing it would expel a Russian defence attache for being "an undeclared military intelligence officer". Measures included the expulsion of 23 undeclared Russian intelligence officers from the UK. har/rlp

China's alleged 'new model' deal over Ayungin Shoal invalid —Carpio

The alleged “new model” deal between China and the Philippines over Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea — an allegation made by the Chinese Embassy — was invalid, retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said Wednesday. “No, it is not [valid],” Carpio said in a press conference of Atin Ito Coalition. He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (WESCOM) has no authority to finalize an agreement with other countries...

Family pays tribute to 'irreplaceable' daughter

The investigation into Grace Gardner's death is ongoing, according to West Mercia Police.

Three taken to hospital after A34 bridge crash

The crash happened at about 21:30 BST on Tuesday.

Russia's biggest airstrike in weeks piles pressure on Ukraine power grid

By Anastasiia Malenko and Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities on Wednesday, causing serious damage at three Soviet-era thermal power plants and blackouts in multiple regions, officials said. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 39 of 55 missiles and 20 of 21 attack drones used for the attack, which piles

Bomb squad called after 'suspicious items' found

The public is being advised to avoid the area while emergency services are at the scene.