Talking to the Taliban is not the same as recognizing their rule in Afghanistan, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told DW.

Top US diplomat Anthony Blinken has hinted that force could be used if Iran does not return to the negotiating table to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran is accused of violating the deal by enriching uranium.

Germany's new government will face several domestic and international challenges in the new year. Still, a sense of optimism prevails.

"Everything is on the table" regarding new EU sanctions on Russia - but "de-escalation through diplomacy" remains the bloc's priority in the Ukraine crisis. So says EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders in an in-depth interview with FRANCE 24's Europe Editor Catherine Nicholson. The former Belgian foreign minister said the European Commission is preparing measures that could include individual sanctions on "people involved in the possible aggression – such as freezing their assets or a travel ban", as well as what he described as "concrete economic sanctions: transfer of technologies from Europe and in co-ordination with the United States; energy; and maybe financial services".

Russia has this week widened its military offensive in Ukraine. For the first time, Russian forces have now begun striking targets in the west of the country. But as well as bombarding new cities Russia has continued its bombardment of Mariupol in the South and Sumy as well as Kharkiv to the east. Satellite images of the long-awaited Russian convoy suggest that it is now attempting to encircle the capital, Kyiv.

Russia this week widened its military offensive in Ukraine. For the first time, Russian forces have begun striking targets in the west of the country. But in addition to bombarding new cities, Russia is continuing its bombardment of Mariupol in the south, as well as Sumy and Kharkiv to the northeast. Satellite images of the long-awaited Russian convoy suggest that it is attempting to encircle the capital, Kyiv.

French President Macron's long talks with Putin to avert war are the subject of analysis and even memes. So, what did they say to each other? A new documentary offers remarkable glimpses into the Elysee's war diplomacy.

The spokesperson for the French foreign ministry, Anne-Claire Legendre, granted an interview to FRANCE 24's Armen Georgian. She discussed the current challenges faced by French diplomats and explained the "diplomacy of combat" championed by President Emmanuel Macron at a recent address to French ambassadors.

French foreign ministry spokesperson Anne-Claire Legendre discussed the current challenges faced by French diplomats and explained the "diplomacy of combat" championed by President Emmanuel Macron at a recent address to French ambassadors.

Should North Korea's missile launches be viewed as tests or diplomacy?

Honorary consul, a class of voluntary diplomat, are among the least regulated actors in international diplomacy. A joint investigation by DW and partners reveals how it is abused by criminals and even terrorists.

From its numerous controversies to its diplomatic match-ups, the World Cup in Qatar has been a gold mine for anyone interested in the intersection between sports and diplomacy.