Flashpoint Ukraine - Voice of America

The head of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog agency is warning of a potentially dangerous situation following a drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns Ukraine could run out of air defense missiles if Russia keeps up its intense long-range-bombing campaign. While NATO members vow to support Kyiv, U.S. aid is still in limbo. The story of an American who joined Ukraine’s military efforts following Russia’s invasion and how a Ukrainian woman stepped into her husband’s job as a blacksmith after he joined his country’s armed forces.

Russia continued its barrage of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine over the weekend, particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv provides an update and talks about how Ukrainians marked the recapture of Kyiv region on the second anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues a reshuffle of top aides and advisors. VOA’s Carla Babb reports on the ongoing support and opposition in the U.S. Congress over continued military aid for Ukraine. It’s not just ammunition shortages faces shortages in Ukraine, but also soldiers. Myroslava Gongadze has details on how more Ukrainian women are enlisting in the armed forces.

Russia launched missile strikes against Kyiv on Monday for the third time in five days, part of an apparent escalation of aerial bombardment targeting Ukrainian cities. Islamic State takes responsibility for a deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall as Russia pushes the narrative of suspecting Ukraine. The wife of Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza says the lives of the jailed political prisoners in Russia who have spoken out against Vladimir Putin are in deeper danger following the terrorist attack Friday in Moscow.

An empowered Russian President Vladimir Putin cemented his grip on power after a highly orchestrated landslide election win Sunday as Western leaders called neither free nor fair. Heeding the call of the widow of Alexey Navalny, an outpouring of international demonstrations as thousands of supporters took to the streets in protest of Putin’s competition free victory. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv talks about Ukrainian reaction to Russia's election.

A dozen civilians including 5 children were killed in a Russian drone strike that reduced their apartment building to rubble. Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv. The UN human rights chief calls for Moscow to end repression in run-up to Russia’s presidential election. Why foreigners living in Ukraine are choosing to stay instead of returning to the safety of their home countries. Lesia Bakalets has the story.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine official enters a third year President Volodymr Zalenskyy says 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the war in February 2022. U.S. President Joe Biden is summoning congressional leaders to the White House to talk Ukraine and government funding. After enduring 2 years of war as communities are reduced to rubble and with uncertainty for the future, how are Ukrainians coping? During the two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukrainian Railways became the country's key means of transportation. With over 22,000 kilometers of track, how the state-owned network keeps working despite constant damage from shelling.

Russia says it has crushed the last pocket of resistance in a key Ukrainian city, as Kyiv’s outmanned forces retreat. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv says the fierce battle cost many lives. Following the sudden death staunch Putin critic Alexey Navalny, his wife Yulia vows to carry his fight forward. Clark University Professor and Russia scholar talks about Navalny's legacy and what it will mean for the movement. European leaders are preparing for a future potentially without U.S. support. A conversation with Save Ukraine founder Mykola Kuleba on how the rescue group is working to find and support Ukrainian children deported to Russia. Russia says it has crushed the last pocket of resistance in Avdiivka to complete the eastern Ukraine’s city's capture. The victory was a morale boost for Russia, days ahead of the two-year anniversary of its full-scale invasion.

Russia’s military launches more drone attacks on Ukraine as President Zelenskyy makes more military leadership changes. VOA’s Rick Pantaleo gets details from Anna Chernikova in Kyiv. The White House, European leaders, and NATO condemned remarks by Donald Trump on potentially not defending alliance members. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story. Ukrainian officials claim Russian forces are using terminals of Elon Musk’s satellite Internet service Starlink.

The United Nations’ highest court says it has jurisdiction to rule on a request by Kyiv for a declaration saying it is not responsible for Russia’s claims of genocide. After two years of full-scale war, a survey shows Ukrainians are more united than ever in their rejection of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ambitions for their country. The debate over funding Ukraine in its war with Russia has wide-reaching implications, even far away from the front lines. A team of journalists who filmed the devastation of Russia’s siege of Mariupol in Ukraine are nominated for an Oscar for best documentary.

Last week, Ukrainian officials said they uncovered massive military fraud in a scheme that saw tens of millions of dollars exchanged for weapons that never materialized. Where is the investigation leading? Russia says it’s taken a city in the Kharkiv region, and Ukraine says it still holds the city. What’s the latest on the ground? Aberystwyth University’s Jenny Mathers discusses gender and the economic and military dynamics affecting Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine's international supporters, and the security relationship among them. Ukraine has resorted to a variety of methods to fend off invading Russian forces. One of the latest ones involves training dogs to accompany Ukrainian soldiers on their missions.

From Kyiv, Ukraine, Anna Chernikova provides an update after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meets with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy. The meeting comes after a wave of attacks across Ukraine and in occupied territories. Chatham House Deputy Director, Russia, and Eurasia Programme; Head of the Ukraine Forum Orysia Lutsevych in London discusses the significance of natural gas strikes and drones in the war. As Ukraine awaits the arrival of long-promised F-16 fighter jets from its Western allies, U.S. experts examine how effective the aircraft might be against Russian threats. And in Colorado, doctors are helping a Ukrainian refugee who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer.

The United Nations appealed Monday for $4.2 billion to provide humanitarian aid to people dealing with the effects of nearly two years of war inside Ukraine as well as the millions of refugees who have fled to other countries in the region. More Ukrainian children from Ukraine's Russia-held regions have arrived in Belarus. Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health speaks with VOA about the development. Anton Shtukin, a 20-year-old fighter with the National Guard of Ukraine, was released after a year of Russian captivity in May 2023 and shares his story. An extensive investigation has found that despite international sanctions, the Kremlin has been using the Wagner group to launder billions of dollars in African gold to reportedly help fund its war on Ukraine. Jessica Berlin shares her research.

Russia launched a large-scale missile assault on several Ukrainian regions at the start of peak morning hours on Monday, with all of the country under air raid alerts. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv provides an update. Unlike last winter, when the Kremlin's forces targeted Ukraine's power grid, Russia is now aiming at Kyiv's defense industry. Karolina Hird, Russia Team Deputy Lead with the Institute for the Study of War provides insights into what increasing Russian attacks mean and the implications for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself going forward without U.S. military aid. Ukraine’s counteroffensive has not achieved the success it had hoped for, as some analysts say Kyiv is losing global confidence it can win the war. Steven Pifer, former US Ambassador to Ukraine and current non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institute provides analysis. A Ukrainian-born doctor in New York City has stepped up to help his medical peers in the country he once called home.

Russia launched a large-scale missile assault on several Ukrainian regions at the start of peak morning hours on Monday, with all of the country under air raid alerts. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv provides an update. Unlike last winter, when the Kremlin's forces targeted Ukraine's power grid, Russia is now aiming at Kyiv's defense industry. Karolina Hird, Russia Team Deputy Lead with the Institute for the Study of War provides insights into what increasing Russian attacks mean and the implications for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself going forward without U.S. military aid. Ukraine’s counteroffensive has not achieved the success it had hoped for, as some analysts say Kyiv is losing global confidence it can win the war. Steven Pifer, former US Ambassador to Ukraine and current non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institute provides analysis. A Ukrainian-born doctor in New York City has stepped up to help his medical peers in the country he once called home.

Ukraine ends 2023 coping with a barrage of deadly Russian attacks and uncertainty over continued Western aid. Henry Ridgwell takes a look back. The last year started with a number of successes in Ukraine's efforts to stave off invading Russian forces but ended with disappointment over in its counteroffensive efforts. Ukraine war correspondent Christopher Miller discusses the successes and challenges that lie ahead for Ukraine. The war is taking a toll on school children yearning to get back to the classroom. And while citizens were lining up to enlist in Ukraine's military at the start of the war, Reuters reporter Lauren Anthony says it's a very different picture now.

Ukraine observed Christmas on Monday, the first time the country has officially marked the holiday on December 25 rather than the January 7 date followed by some Orthodox countries, including Russia. Ukraine’s air force on Monday reported that it shot down two Russian fighter jets during the night along with two cruise missiles and 28 Shahed-type drones. Anna Chernikova discusses the somber mood in Ukraine with another Christmas battling Russia’s invasion. Henry Ridgwell reports on the year ending with neither side appears able to make a significant breakthrough — and little sign that Kyiv and Moscow are prepared to negotiate a peace deal. Lisa Schlein in Geneva reports the World Health Organization has issued a dire warning of millions of civilians will be at risk of increased illness during the long, brutally cold winter in Ukraine. Aggressive behavior by Russia and Belarus in Eastern Europe has pushed neighboring countries working to significantly bolster their border security significantly. VOA Eastern Europe chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from the Estonian border with Russia.

Russia and Ukraine reportedly launched mass drone attacks at each other’s territories for a over the weekend, one of which apparently targeted a Russian military airport. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv has the latest. U.S. Senate negotiators worked through the weekend in Washington, D.C trying to hammer out a deal to provide funding for Ukraine, while tightening up the U.S Southern border. Associated Press correspondent Jackie Quinn provides details. Ukraine has moved a step forward in its bid to join the European Union as leaders agreed late last week to start membership talks. But money to sustain its war effort against invading Russian forces hit a familiar roadblock with an ally of the Russia president in the EU. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi the story. Atlantic Council non fellow resident Doug Klain explains why EU membership is important for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington, where Monday he addressed U.S. military officers at the National Defense University. Tuesday, he is expected to go to Capitol Hill and meet with President Biden at the White House as part of a last-minute push to convince Congress to provide more money for weapons. Hungary said on Monday it would not bow to pressure from other European Union states to give the green light for accession talks with Ukraine, setting the stage for a showdown at an EU summit this week. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv updates us on a series of loud explosions rang out in Ukraine's capital Russia fired multiple ballistic missiles at Kyiv early Monday. A conversation with Tamara Demuria, Acting Country Director Ukraine for humanitarian organization Corus International about the enormity of the needs and the work to provide assistance.

Biden Administration warns Congress without approval of aid for Ukraine, Kyiv’s effort to defend itself from Russia’s invasion could grind to a halt. Allegations of Russian forces executing surrendering Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine pushes ahead with renewable energy plans, despite war.

Russia launched its largest drone strike to date on Ukraine over the weekend. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi provides details while correspondent Anna Chernikova in Kyiv tells us how the strikes led to a sleepless night for residents in the Capitol. As Ukraine's forces continue their counteroffensive, mines and explosives threaten its people in de-occupied regions. Myroslava Gongadze tells the story. A Russian woman who wants to run for president says the Kremlin should end the conflict in Ukraine, free political prisoners and undertake major reform to repair the division between Russia and the West. We’ll hear from Reuters correspondent Sean Hogan on the Russian woman who wants to run for president.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes surprise visit to Kyiv to reassure Ukrainian leaders continued American support. Ukraine suffers another wave of intensive Russian shelling. Russia increases its defense spending budget by record amount. A project to preserve Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

Russian forces have ramped up attacks in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to gain ground near two key front-line cities. A milestone on Ukraine’s road to EU membership, while Hungary remains a potential obstacle. Germany says it will massively expand aid for Ukraine next year.

Ukraine launches a criminal investigation into a Russian missile strike, killing 19 soldiers. European Commission President in Kyiv just days ahead of a key report on Ukraine’s membership into the EU. Ukrainian farmers say Russian drones have been targeting grain storehouses.

Russia launches a massive drone attack early Friday, hitting critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The U.S. is expected to deliver $425 million in new military aid to Ukraine. Archaeologists find hundreds of valuable artifacts in newly exposed areas where an explosion destroyed the Kakhovka Dam.

Ukraine’s top military commander on his concerns of a new phase of the war that could benefit Moscow. Russia’s ties to Hamas and what Moscow stands to gain in its war on Ukraine. The debate in Washington over aid for Ukraine. The massive task of demining Ukraine will take years and a lot of money.

The United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs says the war in Ukraine is hitting the youngest the hardest. Biden officials tell lawmakers aid for Ukraine and Israel is vital to U.S. national security. Ukrainian volunteers are sewing adaptive clothing designed to accommodate soldiers' injuries.

Protesters disrupt hearings in Congress as Biden administration officials make the case for continued Ukraine support. Ukraine’s parliament vote this week to ban Russian Orthodox church. Groups work to preserve Ukraine's history and heritage.

A weekend peace summit on ending Russia’s occupation in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. on the war’s future without American military aid. Anti-Israeli protesters storm a Russian airport. Ukrainian students studying in the U.S. are raising money to support their country’s armed forces.

A weekend peace summit on ending Russia’s occupation in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States on the war’s future without American military aid. Anti-Israeli protesters storm a Russian airport. Ukrainian students studying in the U.S raise money for their country’s armed forces.

The White House says Russia is executing its own soldiers for not following orders. Republicans are sympathetic to Israel, but will they support Ukraine? Fears are growing for the well-being of a Ukrainian journalist who has been missing for three months.

Ukraine orders more regions to evacuate children as fighting intensifies. Protesters gather in Brussels to call on EU leaders meeting in the city to strengthen sanctions against Russia and boost arms deliveries to Ukraine. Ukrainian police who lost limbs on the battlefield, get back to work.

Future congressional funding uncertain, as the U.S. provides previously approved military aid to Ukraine. Debris from Russian drone downs power lines near Ukrainian nuclear plant leaving thousands without power. Reports of Ukrainian attempted assassination on leader of Russian military.

Ukrainians gear up for another winter of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Kyiv says it will need some 44 billion dollars to cover wartime budget deficit next year. US aid in limbo as Republicans struggle to elect a speaker to lead a vote. Russia sees Middle East crisis to its advantage.

A deadly missile strike on a mail depot in the eastern city of Kharkiv as Ukraine reported a record number of bomb attacks in the southern Kherson region. Zelenskyy says Turkey plans to join a peace process this week. How DNA is being used to identify some of the thousands missing in Ukraine.

President Joe Biden makes a direct appeal to the American people to continue funding Ukraine war efforts. A pro-democracy group is working to shore up waning Republican support for US aid to Ukraine. A UN commission of inquiry finds additional evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

Russia's foreign minister proposed regular security talks with North Korea and China to deal with what he described as increasing U.S.-led regional military threats. As the war drags on, some severely injured Ukrainians who received medical help abroad are returning home.

Ukrainian forces used U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for the first time on two Russia occupied airfields. A deadly Russian attack Zaporizhzhia. The Pentagon's 'FrankenSAM' program cobbles together air defense weapons for Ukraine. Animals rescued from Ukraine's warzone find new homes in the U.S.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China to meet his counterpart. What could Moscow gain? The visit comes on the same day the Russian Duma took the first step in revoking the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Plus, Kyiv says its special forces struck airfields in Berdiansk and Luhansk.

The UN says civilians are suffering the most from Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Middle East, we learn about the unseen impacts. Ukraine is working to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from Gaza. The US says North Korea is providing weapons to Russia to support its depleted supplies.

Russian forces pummeled the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka for a fourth day of intense fighting. Polish parliamentary elections this weekend that could impact Ukraine and Europe as a whole. How Ukraine could benefit from use of something akin to Irael’s Iron Dome.

The Kremlin gives signs that it is weighing its role - and its relationships - with Israel, Hamas and Iran. While the world turns its focus on Israel, Moscow continued to pummel Ukraine with fresh missile strikes. The US announces a new military aid package for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brought his appeal continued support to NATO headquarters in Brussels Wednesday. The U.S. Defense chief announced an additional military aid for Ukraine. How Americans feel about continued support for Kyiv. Could North Korea be supplying weapons to Russia?

Ukrainians who fled one war only to be caught in another. Aid for Israel, and Congress in turmoil further complicate U.S. funding for Ukraine. What this weekend’s Polish election could mean for Ukraine. The work to reopen school in Ukraine, many which have been destroyed by Russian missile strikes.

Ukraine's capital Kyiv flashed Israel's national flag on advertising boards on Sunday signaling support. More Russian bombardments over the weekend amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The U.N. refugee agency chief sounds alarm over record number of displaced persons and major funding shortfall.

A Russian missile attack killed a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother, again in the Kharkiv region. With future of U.S. aid for Ukraine up in the air, President hopes to make the case to Congress and the American people. The G7 group of rich nations pushes for a ban on diamonds mined in Russia.

Russia conducted several massive attacks Thursday, including one that hit a cafe and killed at least 50 civilians. President Biden will address the nation to make the case for continued American support for Ukraine. Russian citizens who temporarily fled to Armenia may end up making it permanent.

President Joe Biden spoke with the leaders of allies offering assurances of continued support for Ukraine. Security risks of a Ukraine loss to its neighbors and U.S. national security. Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania agreed to a plan they hope will help expedite Ukrainian grain exports.

Despite cracks in Congress, the White House is determined to continue supporting Ukraine. The Pentagon warns The Pentagon is warning Congress that it is running low on money to replace weapons the U.S. has sent to Ukraine. How Russia is recruiting Cubans to fight its war in Ukraine.

The U.S. government averted a shutdown with little time to spare and without a deal on continuing aid for Ukraine. EU foreign ministers held their first-ever meeting outside the block, meeting in Kyiv as a show of support. The US Forest Service Helps Equip Ukrainian Volunteer Firefighters

The International Atomic Energy Agency convenes this week as leaders call for Russia to get out of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Vladimir Putin meets with senior commander of Wagner mercenary group. What Ukrainian troops are doing to ensure children in their future.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, on an unannounced visit to Kyiv Thursday, noting Ukrainian forces are gaining ground. Aid for Ukraine one of the main sticking points, as a U.S. government shutdown looms. Women in Ukraine’s military finally get their own unique uniforms.

Ukrainians prepare for another winter of Russia's invasion amid growing concerns over attacks on its energy infrastructure. Vladimir Putin reported to give his military leaders a deadline to stop Ukraine’s counteroffensive. Ukraine is not just using drones in combat; they're also saving civilians.

Independent U.N.-backed human rights experts say there is evidence Russian forces continue to commit war crimes. Ukrainian port and grain infrastructure attacked for a second night in a row. Ukrainian playwright’s production inspired by her 82- year –old mother debuts in a Washington DC theater

Ukraine officials say a Russian drone and missile strike near Odesa damaged port infrastructure, a grain silo and an abandoned hotel. Russia’s increasingly repressive crackdown on civil society. A significant step towards a compensation mechanism for Ukrainian victims of Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travels to Canada in his continuing campaign to shore up support from western allies. The U.S. announces an additional $328 million worth of weapons for Ukraine. Some families living near the frontlines, choose to stay despite the constant shelling.

Russian forces carry out multiple aerial attacks across Ukraine. President Zalensky visits Washington and makes his case to Congress for continued support in Ukraine's defense against Russian forces. U.S. funded research finds a disturbing campaign to force Ukrainians to become Russian citizens.

Ukraine's president says Russia is not just using conventional weapons - it's weaponizing other things against the world. The human rights situation domestically in Russia has “significantly deteriorated” according to a new UN report. How drones are playing a vital role on both sides of the war.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden denounces Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of the core tenets of U.N. Charter. Zelenskiy joins world leaders in New York. Russian drones hit warehouses with humanitarian supplies. A US Marine joins Ukraine's military.

President Joe Biden heads to the UN General Assembly while Ukraine’s leader will attend for the first time. As its counter offensive continues, Ukraine retakes more territory. Adoption of Ukrainian children by foreigners has slowed to a halt since Russia’s invasion.

Ukrainian forces recapture the village of Andriivka, near Bakhumt. We look ahead to the UNGA meeting and Volodomyyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington. And we learn what role friendship and empathy can play in political debates. Plus, a look at using seized Russian money to rebuild Ukraine.

A look at Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin’s meeting and what it might mean, and a look back at the G20. We meet a Ukrainian chef who has given up fine cuisine to feed soldiers on the front lines, and a look at Ukrainian military progress in Crimea. Plus U.S. diplomats expelled from Russia.

Kim Jong Un is in Russia to make a deal, will he get what he wants? We learn more about an attack on Russian forces in Sevastopol and discuss the relative strengths of the Ukrainian navy. Plus, we meet an American occupational therapist in Ukraine to help soldiers who have lost limbs.

Kim Jong Un is in Russia and looking to make a deal. Vladimir Putin accuses Washington of an ‘Anti-Russia’ bias and we meet someone who ran from Amsterdam to Kyiv to raise money to buy ambulances. Plus, a conversation about negotiating an end to the war: is it time?

The North Korean leader is on his way to Russia; what’s the context for a possible meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin? Plus, Kyiv responds to perceived criticism over the speed of the counteroffensive.

Ukraine is dividing opinions among participants in the G20 meeting now underway in India. Local elections are being held in occupied Ukrainian territory and President Zelenskyy’s hometown is attacked. Again. Plus, Nikki Haley’s stance on aid for Kyiv.

Antony Blinken is in Kyiv for more talks as Odesa is attacked, and Moscow accuses Kyiv of attacking its cities with drones. A possible alternative to the Black Sea Grain Deal is floated by a Ukrainian ambassador and a look at the coming session of Congress and what it means for Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian leaders. Sixteen killed and dozens injured in daytime missile attack on a public market in Kostiantynivka. We take a closer look at the Russia-North Korea relationship and we hear from the president of Romania.

Ukraine claims that Russian drones entered NATO territory in Romania. Vladimir Putin has wrapped up a meeting with President Erdogan, and he might be preparing for a meeting with Kim Jong Un. Plus Russia is looking for new soldiers in Cuba.

Ukraine will get a new defense minister after more than a year and a half of war. Poland is building up its own national defenses and the Grain Deal is on the table at a meeting in Sochi between Putin and Erdogan. Plus we talk to Amnesty International about a new Russian history textbook.

Ukraine launches drone attacks, deep inside Russia. We watch ships in Istanbul as the UN Secretary General attempts to revive the Black Sea Grain Deal. Plus we meet a woman whose husband was held captive in Moscow. And school begins amid bomb threats in Kyiv.

The United States is accusing North Korea and Russia of working towards a deal to supply Russia with more weapons. Mourners go to Prigozhin’s grave in St. Petersburg and Ukrainian refugees are going to a job fair in Denver. Plus, it looks like Ukraine will have a new Minister of Defense soon.

Was Prigozhin’s plane crash an intentional act? The White House seems to say ‘yes,’ while the Kremlin says ‘maybe.’ There were explosions in Kyiv and attacks on a Russian air base. Plus a look at the state of the Russian opposition to the right of Putin.

UNICEF says that more than 1300 schools have been destroyed in Ukraine. The Vatican is clarifying the Pope’s remarks on Russia’s history. A look forward to possible elections next year. Plus, the Russian film industry is making more propaganda films; but are audiences interested?

Russia announces they have confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death using “molecular genetic examinations,” and we’ll also meet one of the Wagner Group’s former Prisoners of War rehabilitating in the United States. An update from Kyiv plus a conversation about what it takes to learn how to fly an F-16

Ukrainian F-16 pilots will be trained in the U.S. More on the reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and what it means for Russia. Plus an update from the front lines in Makarivka and a look at Republican views on more aid to Kyiv; we’ll hear from Vivek Ramaswamy and Lindsey Graham.

Yevgeny Prigozhin killed in plane crash in Russia – Or was he? We’ve got reaction to the Republican presidential candidates debate and an update from Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations and news of more F-16 fighter jets.

As Moscow and Odesa both targeted by drones we examine their impact and effectiveness. The man referred to as “General Armageddon” has lost his job, and we get an update from Kyiv, where they’re preparing to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.

Russia’s Defense Ministry says it has thwarted four nighttime Ukrainian drone attacks as Ukraine liberates a strategic southeastern city. Plus, what happens to abandoned business assets when companies leave Russia?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Copenhagen and addressed parliament, where he thanked the Danish government for donating F-16s. And the number of foreign businesses that have left Russia during the nearly 18 months of war.

Now that Washington has approved the distribution of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, when will Kyiv get them?  Plus, what’s the broader impact of the rouble’s devaluation this week? And an update on American reporter Evan Gershkovich, who’s being held in a Russian prison.

Fighting rages on across Ukraine and both Kyiv and Moscow claim to have made advances. Plus, the challenges of using Russia’s frozen assets to pay for damages in Ukraine, and despite Russia’s renewed attacks on the Odesa region, its residents aren’t letting that stop them from enjoying the beach.

More grain facilities are damanged in the Odesa region from overnight attacks. A visit to Lithuania’s border with Belarus after the arrival of the Wagner Group escalates tensions. Ukrainian Farmers face the challenge of raising crops during wartime, the fight on the economic front also continues.

Hollywood actor Liev Schreiber, whose maternal grandfather was a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant to the United States, recently started a group to provide support to grassroots organizations helping Ukrainians.

Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine. One resident shares thier story of the bombardment. Plus, a new poll shows less than half of Americans support additional aid for Ukraine. And, how Russia is rewriting the history of its invasion of Ukraine.

Joe Biden asks congress for more money for Ukraine aid, Russia launches a rocket to the moon; Ukraine has a plan to secure grain shipments through the Black Sea, but will it work? Plus conversations with the head of Lithuania’s State Border Guard and presidential candidate Chris Christie.

VOA Talks with the governor of Rivne after it is attacked by Russian missiles. We learn about drones headed towards Moscow and more aid headed to Kyiv. Plus a conversation with a former ambassador about the recent peace talks in Saudi Arabia and we go to ComicCon to look at a special comic book.

Another drone attack in Moscow and a huge explosion at a factory that produces electronic equipment for the Russian military. Why might Belarus want to buy drones from Iran and a look back at the Belarusian election of August 9th 2020. Plus, Ukrainian books are popular in Washington.

Russian strikes in Ukraine’s east kill at least eleven, with scores left injured. Even as Russian grain exports are not directly sanctioned by the West, Russia still faces problems in exporting it’s agricultural products. Plus, a film about Ukrainian teens, escaping from Russian-Occupied territory.

A woman is arrested for apparently conspiring in an assassination plot targeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia continues attacks on Ukraine, striking a blood donation center as the Ukrainian navy strikes a bridge in Crimea. We chat with Human Rights Watch about possible war crimes in Lymann

Russian authorities blame Ukraine after a naval base is attacked, a look ahead to a possible upcoming battle in the counteroffensive. We talk to young Ukrainians in Portugal attending World Youth Day and a conversation about Ukraine and NATO.

Tensions increase along the Poland – Belarus border as a NATO country considers the possibility of a military incursion. Heavy shelling continues in Kherson, and another old church is damaged. Plus, National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby speaks to VOA.

Kyiv and ports in Southern Ukraine attacked overnight, and a look at how the ending of the Grain Deal is impacting poorer countries and farmers inside Ukraine. We meet a Ukrainian drone pilot who turned his childhood love of video games into a career and summer vacation on the beach.

Moscow is attacked by drones again amid brutal fighting in Kherson and Kharkiv. Who really benefits from the Russia – China relationship, and how long will it last? And we visit a café in Los Angeles, serving up Ukrainian home cooking.

Moscow was again targeted by drones. The Wagner Group has it’s sights set on Niger after a coup and Ukrainians seem to be using some weapons from an unlikely source on the battlefield, a conversation with a Nobel Prize winning champion of human rights. Plus, resolution to the Fencing controversy.

World food supply on the agenda as the Russia Africa Summit continues in St. Petersburg as Ukrainian Grain causes controversy in Eastern Europe. Plus the war’s affect on the young: we meet children in Ukraine and young adults starting out on their own in Moscow. And a sports controversy in Kyiv.

As the Russia Africa summit gets underway in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin promises to give six African countries grain and to export enough grain to make up for the lack of Ukrainian grain on the market. Plus, what is a U.S. President legally allowed to do if nuclear war breaks out in Europe?

Vladimir Putin prepares to meet African heads of state, and an in-depth look at what Putin was doing during the Wagner Group’s rebellion last month. Ukraine claims to have recaptured more land near Bakhmut, and we visit a hospital treating wounded soldiers. Plus, volunteers helping Ukraine's pets.

Landmines reported at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Kremlin says it will not return to the grain deal until they get what they want. Plus, the U.S. does not support the recent drone attack on Moscow, and we meet one of many children who have survived the horrors of war.

Moscow attacked by drones as Russia steps up its attacks on southern Ukraine striking an Orthodox cathedral in Odesa and ports on the Danube. African leaders prepare for a summit with Vladimir Putin and we learn about the the production and testing of drones for the Ukrainian military.