South Africa has hosted a summit of BRICS nations comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The aim has been to find ways to eliminate dependence on the US dollar in international trade.

President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia continues to strengthen its naval power, with 30 new vessels joining its fleet this year. 

Moscow says Ukraine’s "terrorist attack" was foiled by Russian forces, and vows retaliation.

The conflict in Ukraine has raised the prospects of an all out confrontation between nuclear armed states with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, warning of the likelihood of World War III breaking out.

Washington and its NATO allies have targeted Russian financial institution, high net worth individuals, with sanctions and asset freezes, while Germany has put the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on hold.

“Economic multilateralism” and broader relations with the world, particularly neighboring countries, is to be Iran’s new foreign policy outlook.

Iran, Russia and China began joint military drills in the north of the Indian Ocean on Friday. Dubbed the 2022 Marine security belt, the drills are the third set to have been carried out by the three countries.