Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
- Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- Ukrainians share their experiences on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
- And in NRL, Nathan Cleary cleared to play in the Panthers' season opener.
----
British police have arrested Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police are investigating the former UK ambassador to the United States over documents suggesting he passed sensitive government information to Jeffery Epstein a decade and a half ago.
He does not face any allegations of sexual misconduct.
His arrest comes four days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of a similar offence related to his friendship with Epstein.
Neither of the men have been charged - and both have denied wrongdoing.
----
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Australian government would approve the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession.
The 66-year old former Prince remains under investigation for his ties to the convicted late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined plans to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession after the former Prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
In a letter written to Mr Starmer, Prime Minister Albanese says he takes the allegations against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor seriously, and believes there should be a full, fair and proper investigation into his actions.
----
Residents in the Ukrainian city of Odesa say the fourth year of Russia's full scale invasion has been the hardest yet, as frequent Russian strikes on the city’s energy system trigger rolling blackouts that disrupt their everyday lives.
Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 24th 2022.
Ukrainian energy company DTEK says around 18,000 people remain without power after a recent Russian attack.
Local resident Liudmyla says this fourth youth year has been tough.
"This last year has been the hardest for me personally. The blackouts, the power cuts, the cold, attacks got more frequent, those are just examples. When you see the drones, missiles are on their way at 8 or 9 in the evening, you think about getting dressed, sleeping fully clothed, with documents in your backpack."
The US has been trying to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, but progress has proved elusive.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff says another round of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine could be held at the end of this week.
----
The International Criminal Court has begun pre-trial hearings against former Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte.
Prosecutors have charged Mr Duterte with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity, allegedly committed while serving as president from 2016 to 2022.
According to ICC prosecutors, Mr Duterte created, funded and armed death squads during his so-called war on drugs, in which thousands of alleged narcotics peddlers and users were killed.
Mr Duterte has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence, and has repeatedly defended the crackdown.
Mother of two victims, Llore Pasco, joined activists outside the International Criminal Court in the Hague calling for justice.
"We cried a lot. We cried a lot. We suffered a lot, especially (for) the elder brother who is (was) already married with four children that I am supporting now. That's why even though I'm already old, I am still working for my grandchildren. Well, we are hoping and praying that the confirmation of charges will pursue."
----
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Australia as part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour aimed at diversifying trade links amid ongoing tariff turbulence from the US Trump administration.
The Canadian government has announced the prime minister's three-country tour to India, Australia and Japan from February 26 to March 7.
Mr Carney will visit Sydney and Canberra for talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to deepen cooperation on defence and maritime security, critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies, including AI.
He will visit Sydney on March 3rd and 4th and then will head to Canberra on March 5th.
He will deliver a speech to both houses of Australia's federal parliament, marking the first such address by a Canadian leader in nearly 20 years.
----
To sport now,
Penrith halfback and co-captain Nathan Cleary has been cleared of suspension and given the green light to line up in the Panthers' NRL season opener against premiers Brisbane.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary represented his son in a hearing at the NRL judiciary, successfully arguing to have the charge against Nathan downgraded.
The Panthers No. 7 had been hit with a grade-two careless high tackle charge for a shot on Wests Tigers winger Heamasi Makasini.
The halfback was expected to miss Penrith's two opening games against Brisbane and Cronulla by taking the early guilty plea.
