News Briefs

Russian soldier in Ukraine war crimes trial says he did not want to kill

A 21-year-old Russian soldier told a court on Friday he had not wanted to kill an unarmed civilian and that he sincerely repented, as he delivered his final words at the first war crimes trial arising from Russia's Feb. 24 invasion

Russia taking "countermeasures" in response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO - Ifax cites minister

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Finland and Sweden joining NATO has led to an increase in military threats near the border and that Moscow is taking "adequate countermeasures", Interfax news agency reported on Friday.

Struggling in Ukraine, Russia paves way to sign up over-40s for army

LONDON (Reuters) -In a sign of Russia's urgent need to bolster its war effort in Ukraine, parliament said on Friday it would consider a bill to allow Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military.

U.S. House Speaker Pelosi warns Britain: No trade deal unless you respect N.Irish peace deal

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned Britain that there could be no post-Brexit trade deal with the United States if it proceeds with plans to unilaterally scrap some of the rules that govern trade with Northern Ireland.

G7 to pledge billions in new lifeline for Ukraine economy

The Group of Seven's financial leaders are expected to unveil billions of dollars in new aid to Ukraine on Friday and promise enough money to keep the country's devastated economy afloat as long as it fights against Russia's invasion.

Russia says almost 2,000 Ukrainian fighters from Azovstal have surrendered so far

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers holed up in Mariupol's Azovstal steelworks have surrendered so far, TASS news agency reported on Friday.