Almost 180 Russian Athletes Apply For Neutral Status

Russia's track-and-field federation, RUSAF, has received 177 applications from its athletes bidding to compete as neutrals in international competitions this year, Russian news agencies report.

U.S. Envoy Hails 'Significant Progress' In Talks With Taliban

The U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan says progress had been made in six days of discussions with the Taliban in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict.

Pompeo To Urge UN Security Council To Recognize Venezuela's Guaido

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge UN Security Council members to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’ interim president during a January 26 emergency meeting, the State Department said in a statement issued on January 25.

Reuters Reports Russian Military Contractors Operating In Venezuela

Reuters is reporting that private military contractors working on behalf of Russia are in Venezuela to help embattled socialist President Nicolas Maduro strengthen security amid opposition protests and a competing claim to leadership.

Activist Group Publishes 'Hacked E-Mails' From Russia

A self-described "transparency collective" has released a massive trove of hacked e-mails and leaked documents from what it describes as "Russian politicians, journalists, oligarchs, [and] religious, and social figures."

Taliban Appoints New Political Leader Amid Peace Talks With U.S.

A co-founder of the Afghan Taliban who was released from detention by Pakistan last year has been appointed as the leader of the militant group’s political office in Qatar.

Ukraine Sentences Ex-President Yanukovych In Absentia To 13 Years In Prison

A Ukrainian court has found former President Viktor Yanukovych guilty of high treason and sentenced him in absentia to 13 years in prison over attempts to quash a 2014 pro-Western uprising.

U.S. Official Accuses Russia Of Stonewalling On Missile Treaty Demands

Russia is unlikely to meet U.S. demands for more verification on a missile system Washington says has violated a key Cold War treaty, the lead U.S. negotiator on arms control issues said.

EU Reacts Cautiously To Venezuela Crisis

Peace Talks With U.S. Enter Fourth Day, Taliban Says

Erdogan Calls Maduro To Voice Support, Condemn Recognition of Rival