Ukraine

Putin 'may join future Ukraine talks': Germany

Germany said on Wednesday it could not rule out Russian President Vladimir Putin would take part in a future round of talks over conflict-torn eastern Ukraine after speculation that Western leaders were snubbing him.

Russia

Government knew of threat to Ukraine flights

Berlin knew the risks of flying over war-torn east Ukraine before Flight MH17 was shot out of the sky last year but did not inform German airlines, media reported on Sunday.

Crime

Colombian kidnappers 'may be ready to release'

Leftist Colombian rebels holding two Germans hostage have asked their families for information about the pair, a statement said Monday, suggesting they may be preparing to release them.

kidnapping

Kurdish rebels set conditions for German hostages’ release

Kurdish rebels confirmed they had kidnapped three Germans on a climbing trip in eastern Turkey, the pro-Kurdish Firat news agency reported Thursday. They called on Germany to end its "hostile policies" against the Kurdish people.