The US and China spent the most on their military in 2021, accounting for 52% of the total global defense expenditure, according to a new SIPRI report. Russia also saw a spending jump ahead of its invasion of Ukraine.

Prosecutors in Germany accuse the man of crimes against humanity and murder in Gambia. Among the victims of the so-called "Junglers" death squad was a prominent journalist and AFP correspondent.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hosting allies at Ramstein Air Base to discuss Ukraine's security needs. Germany pledged to send anti-aircraft tanks to Kyiv at the start of talks.

The orchestra is determined to raise the voice of Ukrainian culture in the face of Russia's invasion. The German leg of its European tour has begun.

The French military left a remote base in northern Mali before dawn for the last time last week, with 100 vehicles forming a miles-long convoy across the barren desert terrain. Helicopters whirred above as air support for hundreds of troops in trucks and armoured cars leaving the camp near the town of Gossi.

On a visit to Japan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lauded Tokyo's support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's attack. He also stressed close German-Japanese ties.

Germany has been in focus this week after lawmakers in the Bundestag on Thursday overwhelmingly backed a decision to send heavy weapons to Ukraine. Meanwhile, as Russia cut off gas supplies to EU member states Poland and Bulgaria over their refusal to pay for the fuel in roubles, Germany remains heavily reliant on Russian gas imports – more so than the EU average. We speak to Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry for Economy and Climate, Franziska Brantner, a German MP with the Green Party.

Touring areas of the Kyiv region where Russian forces suffered a defeat, DW correspondent Mathias Bölinger saw not only signs of the clashes between the two armed forces but also between two different military doctrines.

More than 300,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Germany, many with no protection against COVID-19. Germany's local and regional authorities are trying to get in touch with these people to persuade them that vaccination will boost their chances.

Germany has harshly condemned a Turkish court's decision to hand prominent philanthropist Osman Kavala a life sentence. Turkey has accused Berlin of interfering in its domestic affairs.

EU leaders are expected to present the proposed embargo later this week. Supporting the measure would be Germany's second turnaround in as many weeks with regards to Ukraine.

The oil embargo could be upheld for years, the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said. Her Green ally Robert Habeck said complete independence from Russian oil was possible by late summer.