Russia says it does not consider itself at war with NATO, warning such a development could increase the risks of a nuclear war.

Iran is host to over 3.5 million refugees, under a million of which are documented Afghans and Iraqis, many of whom have achieved great heights in Iran.

A Russian diplomat says a new confrontation cannot be ruled out in Europe unless NATO gives Russia security guarantees, as the Western military bloc moves aggressively closer to Russian borders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, are scheduled to discuss the tense situation in Europe and NATO's belligerent rhetoric.

Russia and China have concluded their first-ever joint naval patrol in the western part of the Pacific Ocean.

NATO pledges to redouble efforts to evacuate personnel and allies from Afghanistan, says an official, as thousands of people are still attempting to board flights in a chaotic and dangerous situation at the Kabul airport in the wake of the Taliban takeover of the capital.

Moscow says Russia is not moving toward war with neighboring Ukraine.

NATO has named a French city as the site of a new military space center.

NATO reportedly plans to keep troops in Afghanistan beyond the May deadline.