Jonathan Rugman , Foreign Affairs Correspondent

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has said a “chain of tragic circumstances” was to blame for the shooting down of a Russian military aircraft by a Syrian missile.

Last week, Russia was denying any knowledge of the suspects in the chemical attack in Salisbury. Now Russia’s President says the men have been found and are “nothing special, just civilians”. Vladimir Putin added that he hoped they would soon tell their story in public. “It will be better for everyone,” he said.

The war games come amid heightened tension between Russia and the west and especially with Washington, with which both Moscow and Beijing have strained ties.

The UN has called for restraint ahead of this week’s talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey about a Syrian government offensive which many fear could spark a humanitarian disaster.

Two Reuters journalists have been sent to prison for seven years, apparently for getting too close to the truth. A judge found them guilty of trying to obtain secret documents, while they said they were set up by the police.

Republican candidates are having to work out what they say about Donald Trump to win votes – Jineea Butler is running for Congress and has to convince constituents in Harlem, New York. There are more than two months away from America’s midterm elections but minds are already beginning to focus on whether Donald Trump’s tumultuous Presidency could usher in a Democrat majority and his possible impeachment. We…

So the man who was Donald Trump’s trusted confidante for over a decade now faces up to 5 years in jail… for Michael Cohen, trashed in public by his former boss – it’s a bitter end to a once beautiful friendship. The son of immigrants – Mr Cohen’s path to the office of the most…

Torn apart by war for more than 60 years, dozens of families from North and South Korea broke down in tears as they were allowed to meet relatives they hadn’t seen or heard from in decades. It was the first time in three years that the North has permitted such reunions, all the more precious as previous…

As the first official results begin coming in, Zimbabwe’s election commission chief has said the outcome of the country’s landmark election may not be known till Saturday. The incumbent president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his rival, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, are both confident about their chances. Supporters on both sides are already celebrating, but the final tally…

A Channel 4 News investigation has uncovered allegations that the Brexit donor planned military support for a Lesotho politician – and had business links with Russia’s state diamond company.

In part two of our investigation into Arron Banks’ mining interests in Southern Africa, Channel 4 News details the transfer of thousands of pounds to a Lesotho cabinet minister and the subsequent issuing of a mining licence.

Turkey has become a “one-man regime” – the words of President Erdogan’s main rival after losing yesterday’s election by ten million votes. The Turkish leader wins another five years in office, in what is seen as the country’s most important poll in decades.

The first results are already in – from an election which will define Turkey’s future. While President Erdogan called today’s vote a “democratic revolution”, opposition leaders fear that if he stays in power, Turkish democracy will be dramatically eroded.

Now campaigning has officially ended ahead of tomorrow’s elections in Turkey – President Erdogan will have to win at least 50% of the vote to stay in power – or face a run off next month.

The Brexit campaign had its own Project Fear, of course – it was the prospect of Turkey joining the EU and millions of Turks freely coming to Britain. Turkey has had a huge refugee influx from Syria, immigration that has its own effect on politics there. This weekend, Turkey votes in an election that could…