Articles from ‘Independent News Roundup’

John Mearsheimer argues that the positions of Russia and Ukraine have become so far apart that diplomacy cannot end their war under present conditions. His assessment draws attention to territorial control and security guarantees, while raising a further question: can the two sides negotiate arrangements that neither currently considers acceptable? INR Report: Based on an interview with political scientist John Mearsheimer by Fyodor Lukyanov…

The European Union has disbursed another €3.3 billion to Ukraine for military procurement as Kyiv confronts a reported $27 billion defence funding gap. The payment is part of an existing €90 billion loan programme, while outstanding reform requirements and corruption investigations raise separate questions about financial oversight. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT for RT HERE  · The European Commission confirmed on 18 September 2026 that…

Canada is negotiating access to a European Union loan programme that will finance Ukraine’s military and government spending through 2027. The arrangement could open new contracts to Canadian defence manufacturers, but would also require Ottawa to contribute to the EU’s borrowing costs. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · Canada Negotiates Access to European Defence Contracts · Canada has expressed interest in joining the European…

In this opinion piece, Stephen Moore argues that declining marriage rates among young American men carry serious economic and social consequences. Citing figures on unmarried men and married-couple households, he links the trend to loneliness, family instability and reduced economic opportunity. Moore examines changing expectations around marriage and parenthood and calls for a national discussion on strengthening family life. OPINION: The…

Zeinab Mistrah says a pager she was not carrying exploded near her in September 2024, leaving her with permanent injuries to her eyes and hand. Two years later, her account brings renewed attention to the civilians harmed by an Israeli operation intended to disrupt Hezbollah’s communications INR Report: Based on reporting by RT correspondent Steve Sweeney for RT HERE · A Life Changed by an Explosion · Zeinab Mistrah was preparing for marriage…

Voting continues on the second day of Russia’s State Duma elections, with turnout exceeding 39%. Citizens can vote at polling stations or through alternative arrangements, including for hospital patients. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has signed bipartisan sanctions legislation threatening punitive tariffs on major oil and gas consumers, drawing criticism from India and China over its potential impact on their energy and foreign policies.

RT brings you special coverage of Russia's landmark electoral event as citizens vote in the first day of the State Duma elections. President Putin casts his ballot online, straight from the Kremlin. Authorities in Russia’s embattled new regions ensure citizens can vote safely as locals elect their representatives in the lower house of Parliament - for the first time since reunification with Russia. And, as the turnout surpasses 20-percent, we…

Almost half of Germans surveyed believe Chancellor Friedrich Merz will leave office before the end of 2026, as electoral setbacks, weak public approval and disputes over Germany’s economic direction intensify pressure on his government. But the poll measures public expectations, not whether Merz will actually be removed, and Germany’s constitutional system makes replacing a sitting chancellor considerably harder than the headline numbers suggest

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Bill Gates used the enormous financial resources of his foundation to exert what she described as “moral pressure” on governments to increase vaccine funding. Her account raises a wider question about democratic accountability when private foundations acquire influence comparable to governments, while Gates is separately defending a civil case in the Netherlands brought by plaintiffs alleging harm…

Yuliia Mendel once spoke for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Now sanctioned by his government and recently denied entry to the European Parliament, she has launched an extraordinary attack on her former boss, describing Ukraine’s decision to elect him as a form of national “suicide” INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · A political relationship that began at the centre of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration has deteriorated into…