Russia has claimed to be in full control of Pokrovsk, but Ukrainian forces say they still control the northern part of the strategic city in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have reported an unusually large Russian mechanised attack inside the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, where Russia has reportedly massed a force of some 156,000 troops to take the beleaguered and now destroyed former logistics hub. “The Russians used...

The United States House of Representatives has passed a far-reaching defence policy bill authorising a record $901bn in annual military spending. The tally in Wednesday’s vote saw 312 lawmakers vote in favour of passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with 112 opposing the bill. It has now been sent to the Senate for consideration and is expected to pass next week. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend...

A UNESCO panel backed Italy’s bid, recognising Italian cuisine as a social ritual that binds families, communities. Italian cuisine, long cherished for its deep regional traditions, has been officially recognised by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage” – a designation the country hopes will elevate its global prestige and draw more visitors. “We are the first in the world to receive this recognition, which honours who we are...