The United States called the assault on Aleppo by Syria and Russia "a gift" to Islamic State on Thursday, saying it was sowing doom and would generate more recruits for the militant group.

• September 29, 2016

Russia is aiming to keep its oil production at near-record levels despite OPEC's decision to modestly reduce its output, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.

• September 29, 2016

OPEC agreed on Wednesday modest oil output cuts in the first such deal since 2008, with the group's leader Saudi Arabia softening its stance on arch-rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices.

• September 29, 2016

The European Union's executive wants to boost the bloc's joint defense and security with an initial investment of 90 million euros ($100 million) in research, marking a turning point after years of cuts.

• September 28, 2016

OPEC agreed on Wednesday to cut its oil output for the first time since 2008, with the group's leader Saudi Arabia softening its stance on arch-rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices.

• September 28, 2016

Russian or Syrian warplanes knocked two hospitals out of service in the besieged rebel sector of Aleppo on Wednesday and ground forces intensified an assault in a battle which the United Nations said had turned the city into a slaughterhouse.

• September 28, 2016

Britain's trade minister promised on Tuesday its departure from the European Union would not create a legal vacuum at the World Trade Organization, and said Britain was determined to champion free trade.

• September 27, 2016

Britain said on Tuesday it would oppose any EU proposals to combine European forces into a single army while it is still in the bloc, but France and Germany said no such plans existed and won support from NATO to strengthen EU defenses.

• September 27, 2016