'Unified' G7 hits Russia with new sanctions

13 Sept 13:12 Key points summarised by AI

G7 nations imposed new sanctions on Russia's "war machine," specifically targeting its lucrative diamond trade and hundreds of entities and individuals linked to the invasion of Ukraine.
The United States blacklisted 70 entities and over 300 individuals/assets, while Britain announced its own ban on Russian diamonds, aluminum, copper, and nickel imports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to address the summit, as G7 leaders aim to strengthen existing sanctions, close loopholes, and collectively pressure Russia.
Beyond Ukraine, the summit agenda includes discussions on diversifying crucial supply chains away from China and insulating sectors from "economic coercion" without full "decoupling."
Leaders also visited Hiroshima's peace park, emphasizing nuclear disarmament, though current geopolitical tensions, including thinly veiled nuclear threats from Moscow, make reducing stockpiles unlikely.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.