The Russian defense ministry said on Wednesday it was conducting fresh military exercises in the south of the country as fighting intensified between rebels and government forces in Ukraine. On Tuesday, fighting erupted in the heart of major rebel stronghold Lugansk, as the bodies of 17 civilians fleeing the city …

French President Francois Hollande called on Wednesday for an international conference to discuss ways of tackling “Islamic State” insurgents who have seized control of territory in Iraq and Syria.

The EU on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the current situation in Pakistan and said it is monitoring events closely. “We reiterate our conviction that the current impasse should be resolved peacefully through dialogue within the framework of the Constitution and we urge all parties to act responsibly and to …