Putin: Those responsible will be punished. March 24, national day of mourning

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Saturday and announced that all those guilty would be punished. He also declared March 24 a national day of mourning.

Russia launches likely largest-ever attack on Ukraine’s energy system, Ukrainian official says

Russia launched one of its biggest missile and drone barrages on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure overnight into Friday since the start of its full-scale invasion more than two years ago, CNN reports

Slovaks vote in presidential election

Slovaks vote in a presidential election on Saturday that could strengthen Prime Minister Robert Fico's grip on power as he seeks more control over public media, softer anti-corruption laws and a dissenting voice to EU support for Ukraine, Reuters reports.

The European Union expressed its dismay at the armed attack in Moscow

The European Union expressed its dismay on Friday at the armed attack committed during the evening at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, which resulted in at least 40 dead and more than 100 injured, and condemned "any attack against civilians", reports EFE and Agerpres.

Shooting and blast reported at concert hall near Moscow

At least a dozen people have been killed and many more wounded according to unofficial reports in the worst terror attack in Russia in years, as gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives in a big concert hall in Moscow, The Guardian reports.

John Kirby: Currently no evidence of Kyiv’s involvement in Moscow shooting

The U.S. has said there is “no indication at this time” that Ukraine was behind the mass shooting at a concert hall in northwest Moscow on March 22 that has left at least 60 people dead and more than 140 injured, The Kyiv Independent reports.

IMF approves $880 million for Ukraine

The International Monetary Fund has approved the next disbursement to Ukraine within a $15.6-billion loan program, a move that bolsters the nation’s finances as aid from the US, its key ally, remains stalled, Bloomberg writes.

UN adopts first global artificial intelligence resolution

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday (Mar 21) unanimously adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) that encourages countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks, Reuters reports.

EU agrees to open accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina

Leaders from the European Union (EU) on Thursday agreed to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Xinhua agency reports.

France proposes a draft resolution on the conflict in the Gaza Strip

France is preparing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, the French Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday, indicating that the draft will be submitted in the coming days, Agerpres reports.

Ukraine: Russian missile attacks in the city of Kharkiv

About 15 explosions were heard in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Friday morning, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. Russian missile attacks seem to target the city's electricity supply, causing partial blackouts, reports News.ro.

EU Spring Summit: Key Decisions on Enlargement, Defense, and Ethical Concerns

Amidst the blare of sirens and the rhythmic chants of protesting farmers in Brussels, the 27 EU leaders have convened for a two-day period (March 21-22) at what is termed the "spring summit", with an agenda packed with pressing issues, as reported by journalist Dan Alexe.