World Politics
Former top US Republican announces retirement
Mitch McConnell, the powerful Republican lawmaker who was instrumental in steering the current US shift to the political right but had a tempestuous relationship with Donald Trump, announced Thursday…
Trump moves toward Pacific 'not surprising,' Collins says
The Defence Minister says she has not been entirely taken by surprise by the US's pivot away from security backstop to Europe towards the Indopacific.
'It's a wake-up call': Defence Minister on Chinese naval ships in Tasman
The vessels could sail near Auckland or Wellington in the next few days and would be entitled under UN law to do so, Judith Collins says. Audio
Defence budget comes under scrutiny
Our cash-strapped, underfunded, overspent defence force is in line for a budget boost, and experts say it can't come soon enough.
US envoy meets Zelensky after Trump slams Ukraine
There has been no immediate word from either side on the outcome of the talks.
'Unsubtle signal': Three Chinese warships sailing east of Sydney
"A confronting strategic future is arriving fast. This flotilla will likely also visit Pacific island countries," an academic says.
Multiple nations plotted to murder critics in Australia, spy boss reveals
"In a small number of cases, we held grave fears for the life of the person being targeted," the ASIO boss says.
Trump falling for Russian disinformation - Ukraine president
Volodymyr Zelensky was hitting back at the US president's suggestion that Ukraine was responsible for Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion.
Russia hardens demands as it holds first talks with US and without Ukraine
Both sides said no date had been set for a meeting between the US and Russian presidents, which the leaders say they want. Audio
Cook Islands agreement with China made public
Cooperation on seabed mining, the establishment of diplomatic missions and preferential treatment in regional and multilateral forums are some of the standout points in the agreement just signed by… Audio
Cook Islands govt releases China agreement
The Cook Islands has released the agreement it signed with China last week. RNZ Pacific reporter Caleb Fotheringham spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Russia and US conclude talks over Ukraine war
Russia and the US have concluded their first direct talks since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine 3 years ago. Correspondent Simon Marks spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
US and Russia conclude first talk since Ukraine invasion
Russia and the US have concluded their first direct talks since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine 3 years ago. The Americans said the four-and-a-half hour talks were an exploratory session to establish… Audio
Hundreds protest in Cook Islands over China agreement
In the Cook Islands, hundreds of people have taken to the streets to protest a partnership agreement the Prime Minister Mark Brown signed with China. RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham spoke to… Audio
Govt would consider sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine
The Prime Minister says the government would consider sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if there is a peace deal struck with Russia. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Cook Islands PM returns after signing China deal
The Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown returned to Rarotonga on Monday afternoon promising the agreement with Beijing will be made public "very shortly". RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham is… Audio
European leaders meet in Paris for emergency summit on Ukraine
European leaders have convened in Paris for an emergency summit on the future of Ukraine. Correspondent Sarah Coates spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Ukrainian President to visit Saudi Arabia day after US-Russia talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, one day after planned meetings between Russian and US officials. Correspondent Stuart Smith spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 17 February 2025
On today's episode, European leaders have been left out in the cold with the US saying Europe won't have a seat at the table when talks start to end the war in Ukraine, Auckland Council is reviewing… Audio
Syrian stabs passersby in Austria, killing teenager, injuring four
A 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker stabbed several passersby in the centre of the Austrian town of Villach on Saturday, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four other people.
