Western leaders are stepping up pressure on Moscow ahead of the security talks with Russia. The top American diplomat Antony Blinken has said that the upcoming dialogue will not succeed so long as a gun is pointed towards Ukraine's head.

Antony Blinken: No progress with a gun to Ukraine's head

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kabul on Thursday, a day after attending a NATO meeting in Brussels, to show support following Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

Antony Blinken makes unannounced visit to Afghanistan

The reports, covering last year, highlighted a declining trend in human rights around the world and the impact that the coronavirus pandemic had on rights practices.

Secretary Blinken unveils US 2020 Human Rights report