Sex, lies and video cams: Andrew Tate turned women into slaves, prosecutors say

BUCHAREST, Feb 2 (Reuters) – The woman from Moldova thought it was love. Internet celebrity Andrew Tate had offered her a new life. They’d even discussed marriage. He asked for only one thing: absolute loyalty. “You must understand that once you are mine, you will be mine forever,” Tate told her on Feb. 4 last … Read more

Russian missile wrecks apartment block, killing 3, as EU leaders visit Kyiv

Zelenskiy gives gloomy assessment on Russian offensive in east Russian strike destroys apartment building; 4 dead – officials Lavrov says Russia will respond to long-range rocket deliveries European Commission chief in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s EU bid Zelenskiy vows more anti-corruption measures KYIV, Feb 2 (Reuters) – A Russian missile destroyed an apartment building in … Read more

Former Wagner commander: ‘I am sorry for fighting in Ukraine’

Former Wagner commander escaped Russia to Norway 26-year-old took part in the fighting near Bakhmut Says he was scared of being executed by his own side Wants to testify about crimes in Ukraine OSLO, Feb 1 (Reuters) – A former commander of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group who fled to Norway told Reuters he wanted to … Read more

Myanmar junta extends emergency as coup anniversary marked by ‘silent protest’

Junta extends state of emergency, says elections must be held ‘Current situation is under unusual circumstances,’ acting president says Streets deserted in some Myanmar cities for silent protest Protesters hold rallies in Thailand and the Philippines Feb 1 (Reuters) – Myanmar’s junta extended the country’s state of emergency by another six months, the acting president … Read more

‘Hands off Africa,’ Pope Francis tells rich world

Pope begins trip to DR Congo and South Sudan Francis to meet victims of war in Congo Trip postponed from July due to pope’s knee ailment KINSHASA, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Pope Francis denounced the “poison of greed” driving conflicts in Africa as he began a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, … Read more

Russia presses ahead with Donetsk campaign; Ukraine wants fighter jets

Town of Bakhmut comes under renewed fire -Ukraine military Zelenskiy confers with top defense officials US prepares $2.2 billion weapons package for Ukraine KYIV, Feb 1 (Reuters) – Russian forces are making incremental gains in their push to take territory in Ukraine’s eastern province of Donetsk, focusing on the town of Bakhmut north of the … Read more

Three years on, Britain still waits for the Brexit dividend

UK lags behind peers for growth, investment and trade Many economists say Brexit contributes to underperformance Polls show Britons increasingly regret leaving the EU Pro-Brexit economist Lyons: UK problems have long roots LONDON, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Three years after its departure from the European Union, Britain is yet to benefit from the Brexit dividend … Read more

Turkey’s push into Iraq risks deeper conflict

SARARO, Iraq, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Looming over the deserted village of Sararo in northern Iraq, three Turkish military outposts break the skyline, part of an incursion that forced the residents to flee last year after days of shelling. The outposts are just some of the dozens of new military bases Turkey has established on … Read more

Western allies differ over jets for Ukraine as Russia claims gains

Biden says “no” when asked about F-16s for Ukraine Zelenskiy says Moscow seeks ‘big revenge’ Russian administrator claims foothold in Vuhledar Kyiv could recapture ground when Western weapons arrive – group KYIV, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Ukraine’s defense minister is expected in Paris on Tuesday to meet President Emmanuel Macron amid a debate among Kyiv’s … Read more

Exclusive: Pro-Kremlin activists in Germany gave money for Russian army gear

Jan 30 (Reuters) – A group of pro-Russian activists in Germany donated funds to a Russian army division fighting in Ukraine, and the money was used to purchase walkie-talkie radios, headphones and telephones, according to an officer in the division and messages from the group’s organizers seen by Reuters. The couple at the center of … Read more