Conflict
Europe fears Trump-Putin 'dirty deal' to end Ukraine war
Analysis - The US president's "lengthy and highly productive" phone call with his Russian counterpart has Europe worried the war will end favourably for Moscow.
China sees 'in-depth' Cook Islands talks, partnership deal expected
Mark Brown's trip to China, the first by a leader of the small South Pacific nation in a decade, has caused exasperation in New Zealand.
EU alarmed by Washington's stance on Ukraine
Europe is still reeling from what appears to be the collapse of nearly a century of American interventionist policy on the continent. US Secretary of Defense Pete Heggseth says that Washington will no… Audio
Hamas says it is committed Gaza ceasefire deal
Hamas says it is committed to the Gaza ceasefire deal and will release three Israeli hostages as planned this weekend. Our correspondent in Tel Aviv, Giles Gibson, spoke with Corin Dann Audio
Ukraine on the agenda at Nato Defence meeting
The US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says yesterday's phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was "not a betrayal" of Ukraine. The War in Ukraine is on the agenda at the meeting of defence… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 13 February 2025
On today's episode, the United States defence secretary Pete Hegseth says Ukraine cannot expect to return to its 2014 borders and has downplayed the chance of it becoming a member of NATO, the union… Audio
White House announces conditions for Ukraine-Russia deal
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also told Washington's NATO allies they would have to assume greater responsibility for Europe's security.
Trump meets Jordan's king amid tensions over Gaza plan
The US president has expressed increasing impatience with Arab leaders who see his ideas on Gaza as unworkable.
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 11 February 2025
On today's episode, ACT Party leader David Seymour has hit back at the Prime Minister's criticism of his support for Philip Polkinghorne who was later charged and then acquitted of murdering his wife… Audio
'Very good talks': Trump calls Putin over Ukraine
Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine but not yet set out in public how he would do so.
Christchurch man says family in Gaza will never leave
A Christchurch man who lost 55 relatives in three Israeli airstrikes on Gaza says his remaining family will never leave, despite a US proposal to remove them. Audio
Israel condemns frail appearance of released hostages
The scenes during Saturday's hostage handover have drawn condemnation from Israel, as the government described the scenes as "shocking". Audio
Trump supports AUKUS pact - US defence secretary
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump supported the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal after Australia confirmed its first US$500 million payment under the defence pact. Audio
Trump says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting, no US troops needed
Meanwhile, Israel has ordered its army to prepare to allow the "voluntary departure" of Gaza Palestinians. Audio
Trump's declaration US will 'take over' Gaza sparks global outrage
Critics include Germany, which said it would bring "new suffering and new hatred" in the war-torn country, along with Russia and China.
Residents vow to fight solar farm near their homes
Neighbours have received advice indicating it was unusual to build solar farms close to houses, a spokesperson says.
'Fake news': Peters hits back at US Senator over false Israeli visa claims
Ted Cruz shared a story which incorrectly stated every Israeli must detail their military service to receive a visitor's visa for New Zealand.
North Korea troops pull back after heavy losses, Ukrainian officials say
They have not been seen on the frontlines in Russia's Kursk region for several weeks, a Ukrainian military official said, amid reports of mass casualties. Audio
Israeli family says Hamas used UNRWA buildings in Gaza to hide hostage
The head of the Palestinian aid agency is describing the allegations as "deeply disturbing and shocking".
Russian missile attack seriously damages historic centre of Ukraine's Odesa
Russian forces launched missiles on the centre of Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, seriously damaging historic buildings and injuring seven people, local officials…
