Border crossing closures follow a surge in migrants which Finland claims Russia is intentionally pushing.

Readers discuss the grounds for Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, the taxi industry’s grouses, taking a more innovative approach to helping smokers quit, and the need to hasten Hong Kong’s digital transformation.

Mark Rutte is wrapping up 13 years as the Netherlands’ longest-serving premier. Estonia’s Kaja Kallas and Latvia’s Krisjanis Karins are also possible contenders for the Nato top job.

In a surprise trip to Kyiv, Austin said the US would be sending an additional US$100 million in weapons to Ukraine from US existing stockpiles. To date, Ukraine has received more than US$44 billion from the US.

Finnish police said an anchor found on the seabed next to a damaged gas pipeline probably belonged to Hong Kong-flagged NewNew Polar Bear, building on earlier inquiries.

The Russian leader’s comments were made during a visit by General Zhang Youxia, China’s No 2 military official and vice-chair of the Central Military Commission.

Ukraine said that Major Gennadiy Chastiakov was killed on his birthday, when an unknown explosive device detonated in one of his gifts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to run in the March presidential election with his advisers already planning for his participation, according to six sources.

Dutch PM Mark Rutte said the role as secretary general of would be ‘interesting’, but acknowledged the ‘very big chance’ that the job would go to a female European leader.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby calls alleged Russian executions ‘reprehensible’ and ‘barbaric’.

The heavy object, possibly belonging to Chinese vessel Newnew Polar Bear, was found on the sea floor near the site of the damage.

The move clears the way for Stockholm to join the Western defence alliance, there is no set time frame for ratification, however.

Poland is holding the “most important” election since 1989 as the outcome could shape its ties with the European Union and Ukraine.

US confirms that North Korea has transferred weapons to Moscow for use in Ukraine and, without naming China, threatens sanctions against those who enable such deals.

Ukraine is pushing to become a member of Nato in a bid to ensure its long-term security in the face of Moscow’s aggression.

PM Petteri Orpo says the damage was caused by an ‘external source’, as the leak revived concerns about Europe’s energy infrastructure amid the Ukraine war.

President Vladimir Putin said Russia may revoke a ban on nuclear weapons tests, complaining about the US failure to ratify a treaty that imposed the prohibition.

Nato’s military commander says the ‘bottom of the barrel’ is visible, as the war depletes weapons and ammunition stockpiles held by Western allies.

US president spoke with key allies as renewed political chaos in Washington placed fresh military aid for Ukraine in deeper jeopardy.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), listed as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies, claimed responsibility for the blast. It has waged a deadly insurgency against Ankara for four decades.

Serbia’s president denied reports of a military build-up along the border with Kosovo, complaining of a ‘campaign of lies’ against his country.

Russia said that it planned to raise defence spending by almost 70 per cent next year, funnelling massive resources into its Ukraine offensive.