Russia strikes Zelenskiy’s hometown, woman badly wounded – Ukraine

By Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) – Russia launched a new wave of overnight air strikes on Ukraine early on Friday, setting ablaze several buildings in President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s hometown and seriously wounding a 64-year-old woman, Kyiv said. Moscow has stepped up its campaign of long-range attacks in the last month, shifting from a winter tactic…

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Thailand’s Move Forward says coalition partners need not support amending royal insult law

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s progressive Move Forward party on Friday said potential coalition partners need not support its controversial stance on amending the royal insult law, as it seeks to win the backing of other parties to form a government. Move Forward, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, won the most…

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As world leaders meet, Ukraine urges allies to be bolder on Russia sanctions

By Matthias Williams, Olena Harmash and John O’Donnell LONDON/KYIV (Reuters) – Ukraine wants its allies to be bolder in imposing sanctions on Russia, including by targeting banks that provide financial services to serving soldiers, a senior adviser told Reuters. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, who advises President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, also urged allies not to fear…

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G7 members should not compete against each other on renewables – von der Leyen

By Andreas Rinke HIROSHIMA, Japan (Reuters) – The Group of Seven (G7) rich nations should work together to access technology and secure sources of critical minerals for a green transition, creating additional manufacturing capacity rather than competition, a top European diplomat said on Friday. The G7 is accelerating its push towards greener technologies after Russia’s…

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Netherlands to ban inland vessels from discharging toxic fumes

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – The Netherlands is banning inland vessels from discharging toxic fumes from July 2024, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harber announced this week. The ban will cover seven types of substances including carcinogenic benzene, gasoline and mixtures of petroleum and benzene. Countries along the river Rhine agreed in 2017 to jointly…

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Ukrainian firms venture abroad for growth as war hits home

By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) – Almost as soon as Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Ukrainian businessman Rostyslav Vovk realised he needed to look beyond the country’s borders to keep his pet food company growing. The ongoing conflict has prompted several Ukrainian firms to focus abroad to reduce their reliance on a shrinking home market…

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