Stuart Smith

An inquiry into the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic is underway and has exposed damning information about the Conservative government's approach.

Tuesday's hearing revealed that current Prime… Audio

A huge dam in the Russian-controlled area of southern Ukraine has been destroyed, unleashing a flood of water.

Ukraine's military and Nato have accused Russia of blowing up the dam, while Russia has… Audio

Vladimir Putin says civilisation is at a 'turning point' due to the war in Ukraine, comparing the conflict to world war two.

The President of Russia made the comments on Victory Day, Russia's annual… Audio

Angry exchanges over Russia's war in Ukraine have dominated G20 talks, with hosts India saying the disagreements mean there will be no joint statement.

Meanwhile, on the ground, Russian security… Audio

Russia's President Vladymir Putin has acknowledged many Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine.

He made the statement in an address to the country's secret service.

Correspondent Stuart Smith spoke… Audio

Days before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there's been a flurry of action from foreign countries.

US President Joe Biden is in Poland facing calls to provide more military… Audio

The national shortage of  liquid carbon dioxide is affecting more than just the beer industry. 

The temporary closure of the Kapuni CO2 plant has also affected high-value food and manufacturing… Audio

The National Party says airlines being forced to conserve jet fuel due to a dud fuel shipment is another blow for festive season travel.

Airlines are rationing their aviation fuel allowance at… Audio

A Russian court has rejected an appeal by US basketball star Brittney Griner against her nine-year prison sentence.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist has been in Russian custody since February, for… Audio

Russia's president has announced the introduction of martial law in the four Ukrainian regions he claims to have annexed.

He made the declaration at a security council meeting he was chairing… Audio

We begin this morning in Russia - where authorities have announced arrests in relation to the bridge explosion in Crimea last weekend. Joining Nathan Rarere from Moscow is our correspondent Stuart… Audio

To Russia now where a mass school-shooting has taken place in the city of Izhevsk - joining Nathan Rarere from Moscow is our correspondent Stuart Smith. Audio

The American basketball star, Brittney Griner, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after Russian airport officials found traces of drugs in in her luggage.

Griner's detention and subsequent… Audio

Russia President Vladimir Putin has sought to validate the invasion of Ukraine at a speech during the Victory Parade at the Red Square in Moscow.

There was much speculation Putin would take Victory… Audio

Today the government acknowledged New Zealand's cost of living crisis and offered a reprieve from soaring petrol prices. National Party MP Stuart Smith shares his thoughts on the announcement. Audio

Back to the conflict in Ukraine now, joining the programme from Moscow is our correspondent Stuart Smith. Audio

NATO has put increased forces on standby in eastern Europe, as tensions between the Ukraine and Russia escalate.

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said a "deteriorating security situation" had… Audio

A dramatic migrant standoff continues to unfold in freezing conditions at the Belarus-Poland border.

Thousands of Middle East and African migrants, including children, have moved from a camp in… Audio