U.S. targets Russia's VTB Bank over Iran sanctions evasion

16 min agoNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to expand joint work with Moscow in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing deep thanks for Putin's recent congratulatory remarks. Kim said he was confident in Russia's victory in what he called a sacred war being waged to defend the country's security interests and international justice.

1 h agoPresident Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow does the same. Kyiv said intensifying Russian strikes on Ukraine's rail network are worsening each week.

1 h agoVoting was already underway when the justices rejected the president's attempt to limit mail voting, preserving the ballot procedures states have long employed. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented from the order, while roughly one American in three casts ballots by mail.

2 h agoOn Monday, the United States announced Iran-related sanctions against VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company, Russia's second-largest lender, citing its role in helping Iran evade restrictions. The bank had already faced sanctions in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

3 h agoDonald Trump held a private meeting with OpenAI chief Sam Altman at the Republican convention. Altman requested the meeting, and the two discussed artificial intelligence and its growing power.

4 h agoBob Mackie, the fashion designer known for dazzling costumes worn by Cher, Elton John and Carol Burnett, died on Monday at 87. His five-decade career earned him nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, with three Oscar nominations including one for Barbra Streisand's costume in Funny Lady. Mackie also designed a Barbie doll clothes collection.

6 h agoA coalition of 22 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration on Monday over a new policy that would allow immigration officers to deny green cards to those using public benefits. The policy changes a long-established public charge rule dating back to the Immigration Act of 1882, which was established to ensure newcomers could provide for themselves without relying on government assistance.

6 h agoA Russian drone hit a passenger train running between Kyiv and Warsaw about two kilometres from the Polish border on Sunday, with no casualties reported. The Kremlin said it would continue striking targets across Ukraine. NATO chief Mark Rutte said the attack showed Russia's desperation and pledged that Western allies would not be intimidated.

7 h agoA man in his 60s from northern England pleaded guilty to 60 criminal offences, including rape and sexual assault, committed against his wife between 2004 and 2025. He admitted the charges at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court just before his trial was to begin, having drugged his wife repeatedly at their home.

8 h agoWith 95% of votes counted, the centre-left bloc led by the Social Democrats held a narrow lead of 176 seats to 173 over right-leaning parties. Magdalena Andersson, the Social Democrats leader, has begun coalition negotiations to form a new government. Full results are expected after overseas votes are counted on Wednesday.