Russia's political and economic isolation has deepened as its forces met stiff resistance in Ukraine's capital and other cities, in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two.

The wearing of masks in retail settings and on public transport is no longer mandatory from today.

As Russian forces meet resistance at every turn, the talk now is of whether Vladimir Putin's leadership can survive the huge economic and social fallout unleashed by an international community which looks in horror at the events of recent days.

Live updates, as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine with bombardments of key cities.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said he believes there will be overwhelming support for a strong and critical resolution of Russia by the UN, ahead of an emergency general assembly later today.

New Zealanders stranded overseas by the pandemic have returned home to tears and hugs, as the country begins dismantling some of the world's toughest Covid-related border restrictions.

The rouble plunged to a record low today and the dollar soared against most peers after Western nations announced fresh sanctions to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin put its nuclear forces on high alert.

Tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate as heavy rains smashed Australia's east coast, submerging towns and stranding residents on rooftops, with authorities warning of life-threatening flashfloods.

A major new report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change due to be published today is expected to contain the starkest warning yet about the impact of climate change on people and the planet.

The number of children that reported being bullied at school between 2014 and 2018 increased, according to the latest State of the Nation's Children report.

Bank of Ireland has posted its biggest annual profit since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago and said it plans to return €104m to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

A group of volunteers living in Ireland have started a journey to Ukraine to help defend their home country.

Ireland is to "constructively abstain" from contributing to an EU package which is to provide a total of €450m of funding for lethal equipment in Ukraine. It is understood the Government will instead provide a contribution to the provision of non-l...

Kyiv has filed an application with the International Court of Justice, accusing Russia of "planning acts of genocide in Ukraine", the Hague-based court has said.

The United States and NATO have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to put his nuclear forces on high alert as dangerous and unacceptable.

Tens of thousands of people across Europe have marched in protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the fourth day of the biggest assault on a European state since World War II.

Europe is facing its biggest humanitarian crisis in many years following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the number of Ukrainians internally displaced by the strife could be more than 7 million, the EU's executive has said.

While Ireland remains outside any military alliance, there is a clear tradition of Irish foreign policy that supports democracy and opposes breaches of international law.

The Ukranians may be outgunned, but they can exploit Russia's unwillingness to wage a lengthy military campaign