Last news
Russia, Ukraine hold talks as US warns of invasion
Top officials from Ukraine and Russia met in Paris on Wednesday for talks to defuse tensions on their border, a meeting seen as a positive step by France despite fresh warnings from the US that Moscow was preparing military action.
New oil leak off Peru coast amid crude spill cleanup
A fresh oil leak has occurred off the coast of Peru -- already cleaning up after a major crude spill 10 days earlier -- during work on an underwater refinery pipeline, the government said Wednesday.
'Every indication' Putin plans force by mid-February: US
The United States believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains poised to use force against Ukraine by mid-February despite a pressure campaign to stop him, a top diplomat said Wednesday.
After days of tumult, Wall Street awaits Fed's moves on inflation
The conclusion of the Federal Reserve's first policy meeting of the year on Wednesday can't come soon enough for Wall Street, which has experienced days of chaotic trading as investors fret over what steps the central bank might take to counter inflation.
Welsh regional issues 'not ideal' for Pivac before Six Nations
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said on Wednesday his squad's fitness problems, lack of playing time and poor recent results for the country's domestic sides "is not ideal" less than two weeks before they start the defence their Six Nations title.
Stocks rally before key Fed update
European and US stock markets powered higher Wednesday, recovering further from recent sharp losses, as traders await the outcome of a key Federal Reserve policy meeting.
Sudanese rally against UN bid to resolve post-coup crisis
Thousands of Sudanese pro-military protesters rallied Wednesday against a UN bid to resolve a political crisis in the country three months after a coup, an AFP correspondent reported.
Art Basel wins Paris slot over France's own art fair
The French art world was shaken Wednesday by news that the Art Basel fair has swooped in to replace France's own, long-running FIAC at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Covid-hit France captain Dupont 'doing well', could return for Six Nations
France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday captain Antoine Dupont is "doing well" after contracting coronavirus and is likely to feature in next month's Six Nations openers.
US lawmakers mull computer chips, China competition bill
US lawmakers were studying proposals Wednesday to jumpstart high-tech research and manufacturing, boost competition with China and ease a global shortage of crucial computer chips.
Putin addresses Italian firms despite Ukraine tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin spent more than two hours Wednesday in a virtual meeting with top Italian executives, despite Rome's opposition due to escalating tensions over Ukraine.
Italy coach Crowley keeping tabs on Lynagh and Lozowski
Italy coach Kieran Crowley has spoken with English Premiership backs Louis Lynagh and Alex Lozowski about their potential availability for the Azzurri.
Syria Kurds retake prison, ending six-day IS attack
Kurdish forces on Wednesday retook full control of a prison in northeast Syria where Islamic State group jihadists had been holed up since attacking it six days earlier.
Medvedev mounts astonishing comeback after Tsitsipas romps into semis
Men's title favourite Daniil Medvedev fought back from the brink of a shock exit on Wednesday to reach the Australian Open semi-final and keep his dream of a second Grand Slam crown alive.
Medvedev fights back from the brink to reach Open semi
Russia's second seed Daniil Medvedev staged a stirring comeback from two sets down Wednesday to reel in Canadian 21-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime and claw his way into the last four at the Australian Open.
Bayern Munich confirm departure of Suele at end of season
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn confirmed Wednesday that Germany centre-back Niklas Suele will leave at the end of the season after turning down a contract extension.
Boeing reports large loss on $3.8 bn costs tied to 787 woes
Boeing reported a hefty fourth-quarter loss Wednesday on mounting costs associated with the widebody 787, of which it has suspended deliveries due to quality problems.
UK's Johnson defiant as 'partygate' report looms
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday defended his government's record and vowed to fight on as he braced for a potentially damning report into lockdown-breaching parties.
Hundreds of IS jihadists surrender as Kurds advance inside Syria jail
Hundreds of Islamic State group fighters surrendered Wednesday in a Syria prison where they had been holed up for days, as US-backed Kurdish forces tightened the noose around remaining jihadists.
English cricket comes under fresh fire over racism
English cricket is back in the firing line over racism in the game after "stereotypical" and "outdated" views were expressed about the reasons for a lack of interest in the game among Britain's ethnic-minority communities.
Intel wins appeal against EU's 1-bn-euro antitrust fine
An EU court on Wednesday annulled a 1.06 billion euro fine against US chipmaker Intel, finding that Brussels had failed to adequately prove anti-competitive practices in a key aspect of the case, a statement said.
Germany weighs ban on Telegram, tool of conspiracy theorists
The German government is considering a ban on encrypted messaging app Telegram after it was repeatedly used as a channel for spreading anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and even death threats.
European stocks rally before key Fed update
European stock markets powered higher Wednesday, recovering further from recent sharp losses, as traders await the outcome of a key Federal Reserve policy meeting.
Carbery boosts Ireland, Henderson only doubt for Wales Six Nations opener
Experienced lock Iain Henderson is the only injury doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations match at home to champions Wales on Saturday week, head coach Andy Farrell said on Wednesday.
Abbas rival delivers one million vaccine doses to Gaza
One million doses of coronavirus vaccine arrived in Gaza from the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, the latest donation facilitated by an exiled rival of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
Captain Biggar says Ireland opener key to Wales' Six Nations hopes
Wales captain Dan Biggar said on Wednesday he believes a testing tournament opener at Ireland will be central to his side's hopes of a successful defence of their Six Nations title.
Djokovic to play in Dubai after vaccine controversy: reports
Unvaccinated world number one Novak Djokovic has signed up to play at next month's ATP Dubai tennis tournament, reports said on Wednesday, after his deportation from Australia prevented a tilt at a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Afghan women rally at Taliban approved protest
Scores of Afghan women rallied in Kabul on Wednesday in a Taliban sanctioned protest endorsing their regime and calling on the West to unfreeze the nation's assets as its humanitarian crisis deepens.
Germany cuts 2022 GDP growth forecast on virus woes
The German government on Wednesday lowered its economic growth forecast for 2022 as an Omicron-fuelled surge in coronavirus cases holds back Europe's industrial powerhouse.
'Massive blow' for England as captain Farrell out of Six Nations
England captain Owen Farrell has been ruled out of the entire Six Nations with an ankle injury, coach Eddie Jones said on Wednesday.
Russia warns against 'destructive' sanctions on Putin
Russia hit back Wednesday at US threats of direct sanctions against President Vladimir Putin, saying moves against the Russian leader would be ineffective and hurt efforts to lower tensions over Ukraine.
Greece, Turkey reel from political fallout of snowstorm
Turkey's main airport stirred back to life on Wednesday and Greece's under-fire prime minister issued a formal apology as the east Mediterranean neighbours faced the political fallout of a paralysing blizzard.