31 h. ago MARK ALMOND: Putin was testing the West's resolve with his drone incursion in Poland

Are we teetering on the edge of World War Three after the brazen incursion by Russia's drones into our ally Poland's airspace?

Politics

37 h. ago Russia is brazenly provoking the west. Putin must be left in no doubt of the consequences | Paul Taylor

Germany and Italy may have legitimate fears of escalation but this was no accident – it was a violation of Nato territoryBy sending a barrage of drones into Polish airspace, Russia is testing Nato’s military response and Europe’s political resolve to stand behind Ukraine with arms and security guarantees in the event of escalation.The timing can hardly have been a coincidence. Less than a week ago, a 26-nation “coalition of the willing” led by France and the UK announced an agreement on a “reassurance force”, intended to help guarantee Ukraine’s security after any ceasefire in Russia’s relentless war of aggression. Vladimir Putin has stepped up the nightly bombardment of Ukraine in defiance of Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal, and rejected any presence of European forces on the ground.Paul Taylor is a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy CentreDo you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words ...

Politics

43 h. ago Make no mistake, this was no 'accident'. It's Putin testing Nato's resolve: MARK ALMOND

Until today, the consensus was clear. Small, militarily weak nations on Russia's border looked its most likely next targets. Poland, by contrast, seemed a far tougher prospect.

Politics

55 h. ago Israel missed its enemies but assassinated relations with Arab neighbours: MARK ALMOND

Yesterday's air strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar was a rarity - the first time in recent years that one of Israel 's dramatic attacks on its regional enemies has failed to achieve its planned result

Politics

7 d. ago Ominous warning to the West: New 'Axis of Evil' between Presidents Xi, Putin and Kim Jong Un poses an even greater threat than the NAZIS, says MARK ALMOND

The master of ceremonies, China's Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong un, presented his vast country as the beating heart of an even more extensive alliance.

Events

1 week ago MARK ALMOND: Trump is the reason India's mingling with despots and pariahs

The sight of Narendra Modi glad-handing China's President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will set alarm bells ringing across the West.

Politics

3 w. ago MARK ALMOND: Positive noises, but we know who will have the last word in Trump's ear

Donald Trump emphasised at a White House press conference that he wants lasting peace, not a temporary respite, between Russia and Ukraine.

Politics