RIYADH (Reuters) -President Xi Jinping told Gulf Arab leaders on Friday that China would work to buy oil and gas in yuan, a move that would support Beijing's goal to establish its currency internationally and weaken the U.S. dollar's grip on world trade. Xi was speaking in Saudi Arabia where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted two "milestone" Arab summits with the Chinese leader which showcased the powerful prince's regional heft as he courts partnerships beyond close historic ties with the West. Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and economic giant China both sent strong messages during Xi's visit on "non-interference" at a time when Riyadh's relationship with Washington has been tested over human rights, energy policy and Russia.

The West cannot assume that the Russian leader will be a rational actor on nukes if he sees his nation and regime under existential threat.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was open to negotiations with Russia if they are focused on safeguarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity, involve compensation from Moscow to Kyiv and bring to justice perpetrators of war crimes.

A group of six progressive House lawmakers known as the “squad” are all projected to cruise to reelection in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Various outlets have called the races for Democratic …