Washington and Seoul are readying themselves for war and Pyongyang will not “stand idly by,” its defense ministry has declared The North Korean Defense Ministry has accused the US and South Korea of preparing for “nuclear war,” warning that any use of force against North Korea would be “met with a preemptive and devastating response.”…

United Russia has approved the incumbent leader’s run as an independent candidate The convention of the ruling United Russia party has unanimously approved President Vladimir Putin’s bid to seek reelection next year as an independent candidate. If the incumbent leader wins the vote, it will be his fifth term in office.

Moscow has no fundamental disputes with Western countries, but they insist on confrontation, the president has said Russia does not have the slightest reason to attack NATO, President Vladimir Putin has said, adding that the US-led military bloc is well aware that Moscow has no plans to do so.