Ukraine has appealed to the West to get tough on Russia after separatists it says are militarily backed by Moscow stormed a flashpoint town.

There is no crime of war, nor crime against humanity that they have not committed, writes Alexander Gillespie. But what is NZ's risk in getting involved?

More than 200 boat people were missing early today after their overcrowded dinghies sank in the frigid waters of the Mediterranean.

A child soldier who became an infamous commander in Joseph Kony's militia is before the International Criminal Court.

Former National MP Michael Cox says Anzus conflict in 1984 will hurt chances of Helen Clark becoming United Nations secretary general.

Nick Sheppard writes: "Due to factors including nationality, gender and timing, Helen Clark may be the front runner" for the top United Nations post.

New Zealand has taken its seat at the heart of international decision-making for the next two years.

Yesterday we saw how progress has been made on matters where both language versions of the Treaty say the same thing. Those areas are predominantly natural resources and cultural treasures.

The possibility of former Prime Minister Helen Clark leading the United Nations is a common subject of speculation.

NZ's UN Ambassador Jim McLay says there are heavy expectations on New Zealand's shoulders when it takes Security Council seat.

The war is officially over, victory secured. And Afghanistan, once again, has been rebuilt. But for many, life in the restive provinces is much as it ever was.

Assumptions that President Barack Obama was a lame duck, counting down his last quarter after Republicans seized Congress, were confounded by several White House coups.

This week, as The Interview's December 25 US release date loomed, the Guardians of Peace threatened "the world will be full of fear", hinting at a 9/11-style attack.

The UN's refugee agency has revealed "the most lethal route in the world" after a record number of deaths.

US embassies have been told to prepare for violent protests ahead of a report into the CIA's use of torture.

New Zealand's proposal to tackle climate change on an international scale is seen as "the only game in town" by the United States, Climate Change Minister Tim Groser says.

At a time when commodity producers are enduring a slump in prices for everything, Vietnam's pepper farmers are prospering.

Terrorism is an affront to our freedom, human dignity and right to life.

New Zealand's ambassador to the United Nations says the country's independence was one of the strongest benefits it will bring to its newly won Security Council seat role.

In the UN General Assembly hall it was Christmas at every desk.

The World Health Organisation bungled efforts to halt the spread of Ebola in West Africa, an internal report revealed Friday.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says winning a seat on the United Nations Security Council does not mean New Zealand is committed to military action in Iraq.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully is quite prepared to test friendships including with China and the US during New Zealand's two-year term on the Security Council, starting in 2015.

New Zealand's appointment to the UN Security Council will afford a number of benefits, and also open up a raft of complexities to navigate.

Although a small country, New Zealand will have "a loud voice" on the United Nations Security Council as it works for global peace and stability, Prime Minister says.

NZ winning a seat on the UN Security Council 'proves small countries have a role to play' says the Prime Minister, as his Foreign Minister expresses relief.