By Peter Frontini SAO PAULO Brazil's central bank kicked off its rate-cutting cycle more aggressively than expected on

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a televised address, accusing the Wagner group of a ‘stab in the back’ and saying Russia is ‘facing treason’. Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has said he wants to oust the leadership of the Defence Ministry over its purported incompetence and has posted videos of himself in the southern Russian city of Rostov where the Russian army has one of its headquarters. An audio message on the social media app Telegram detailed Prigozhin’s fighters had crossed the border and were “ready to die” in confrontation with those in their way. “All of us are ready to die. All 25,000, and then another 25,000,” he said, after earlier accusing the Russian top brass of launching strikes against his men,” he said. “We are dying for the Russian people.” However, Putin was quick to double-down on those working outside his regime and warned of “inevitable punishment” for anyone dividing Russian society. Putin went on to say some of his countrymen had been “tricked into a criminal adventure” without specifically referring to those under Prigozhin. He also said “high treason” was the result of certain “ambitions” that are underway. “This is a criminal campaign. It is equivalent to armed mutiny,” Putin said. “Russia will defend itself and repel this move. We are fighting for the life and security of our citizens and our territorial integrity. “In the face of those who are fighting on the front, this is a stab in the back of the troops and the people of Russia.” Putin acknowledged the situation was “very complicated” and unfolding at speed. “Those who mutiny have betrayed Russia and I urge anybody involved in it to cease any kind of participation in armed conflict,” he said. “These people will be brought to justice on behalf of our people.” Prigozhin currently claims to have more than 25,000 fighters under his command. In one video, Prigozhin said he was at the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov and demanded Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the country’s top general Valery Gerasimov come meet him. “We have arrived here, we want to receive the chief of the general staff and Shoigu,” Prigozhin said in the video. “Unless they come, we’ll be here, we’ll blockade the city of Rostov and head for Moscow.” He earlier accused the Kremlin of deliberately bombing Wagner troops in a series of explosive claims. The alleged attacks include the bombing of a training camp in Bakhmut, Ukraine, which killed dozens. Prigozhin said in another video multiple military sites in Rostov, including the airfield, were under the Wagner’s control. In a statement, Russia’s Defence Ministry said the Wagner mercenary fighters had been “deceived and dragged into a criminal adventure” by Prigozhin. Wagner fighters have played a central role in Russia’s efforts so far, including taking the Bakhmut which involved some of the longest war battles taking place. Read More Ukraine-Russia war – live: Furious Putin calls Wagner mutiny ‘treason’ and ‘mortal blow’ to troops Furious Putin calls Wagner coup ‘treason’: ‘This is a stab in the back to everyone in Russia’ AP News Digest 3:55 a.m. Wagner group rebellion call marks ‘most significant challenge’ to Russia – MoD Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The Wagner chief urging a ‘civil war’ against Putin

If the Big Ten were to go to 10 conference games, that might set in motion nationally-independent Notre Dame to finally join a league in football.Manny Navarro of The Athletic brought up a very interesting thought in his Oddly specific predictions for every Top 25 college football team: What if ...

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the Saudi Pro League transfer window dates should be moved in line with the Premier League.

GAZA/JERUSALEM Palestinian militants in Gaza resumed rocket fire on Israel early on Saturday after Israeli aircraft bombed Islamic

Georgia's highest court has rejected former President Donald Trump's request to block a district attorney from prosecuting him for his actions in wake of the 2020 election

The ‘00s Irish boy band-turned-pop group Westlife are set to embark on their first-ever run of North American tour dates in 2024, surrounding St. Patrick’s Day

The Mets still have time to trade Justin Verlander before the deadline, and his newest suitor is on the West Coast.New York Mets pitcher Justin Verlander's options are multiplying ahead of the MLB trade deadline amid rumors that Verlander was unhappy about the franchise's latest moves....

Khabib Nurmagomedov has clarified why he missed childhood friend and UFC protege Islam Makhachev’s stunning victory over Alexander Volkanovski. The former UFC champion, who finished his career with an unbeaten 29-0 record, said it was not unusual for him to not be in the corner in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. Nurmagomedov became Makhachev’s coach following his retirement in 2020, but the ‘Eagle’ announced earlier this year that he had taken a step back from the UFC. Makhachev stunned Volkanovski with a first-round knockout at UFC 294, retaining the lightweight title in their rematch. In February, Makhachev outpointed Volkanovski – who holds the featherweight belt – in the latter’s native Australia, in a competitive clash that left many fans desiring a rematch. Nurmagomedov congratulated Makhachev on his victory before responding to fans who had questioned his absence from ringside. “If you guys ask me where have I been? Why wasn’t I in the corner, I already answered this question,” he posted on Instagram. “I don’t go to fights, I don’t go to the corner and I completely left everything related to MMA. I ask you to accept my decision the same way as my brothers, friends and sparring partners did. What our team achieved will forever be in the history of MMA.” Makhachev had already addressed the fact that Nurmagomedov would not be in his corner before UFC 294, telling reporters that he understood and supported his mentor’s decision. “Here is my explanation: We have a very big team,” Makhachev said. “What if Khabib is there for one of us? We’re all equal. “No matter if somebody’s a champion and the other guy is still on his way up, we all support each other. If he is there for my fight, he will need to be there for every single one from our team to not let anyone feel abandoned. “He has already said that he will not attend the fights and he will not corner anyone. And we all support him in this decision.” Midway through the first round of the main event, southpaw Makhachev skimmed his left shin off Volkanovski’s head, wobbling and dropping the featherweight king. Makhachev, 31, followed up with a fierce flurry of hammer fists to the grounded Aussie, whose brow split open amid the onslaught. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in, confirming an emphatic victory and title defence for Makhachev, the mentee and childhood friend of UFC lightweight great Khabib Nurmagomedov. The result extended Makhachev’s win streak to 13 fights, dating back to 2015, when he suffered the sole loss of his professional career. Meanwhile, Volkanovski was beaten for the third time as a pro, though he remains undefeated at his preferred weight of 145lbs. Read More Alexander Volkanovski’s bravest move yet? Talking about his mental health Conor McGregor reacts to ‘illegal’ strikes in Islam Makhachev win at UFC 294 Makhachev stuns Volkanovski with head-kick KO in first round at UFC 294 UFC 294 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Makhachev fight results after shock KO Islam Makhachev demands two words from Alexander Volkanovski ahead of UFC 294 Volkanovski vs Makhachev gamble shows the best and worst of the UFC

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 6, 2023--

World War II veterans, officials and visitors are commemorating D-Day on Normandy beaches to honor those who fought for freedom in the largest naval, air and land operation in history

Norway’s government will cut spending from its $1.4 trillion sovereign wealth fund next year as it seeks to