All Europe
- First LookIs Russia 'weaponizing' winter? Europe scrambles to keep Ukraine warm.
As Russia zeroes in on Ukraine's power grid, European countries are doing what they can to keep the lights and heat on in Ukraine through the cold winter months.
- A Kazakh Gorbachev? Why some expect change from new leader.
Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan is set to redefine its foreign relations. While Astana cannot sever its ties with Moscow, it now has an opportunity to engage more broadly with the world.
- First LookPoland, NATO find no evidence of intentional Russian missile attack
Preliminary Polish findings attribute Tuesday’s missile, which killed two in a Poland farming village, to Ukrainian air defense systems. The NATO military alliance echoed the findings that cited no sign of intentional Russian engagement.
- First Look'Crisis situation': Russian missile strike crosses border to Poland
As darkness fell Tuesday, a Russian missile barrage on the Ukrainian power grid also hit Poland and cut electricity to much of Moldova. It marks the first time in the war that Russian weapons have come down on a NATO country.
- Even as shells fall, Ukraine’s deminers work to make the land safe
Even when the fighting is over in Ukraine, danger still lurks in the form of unexploded ordnance. Ukrainian deminers work to make explosives safe.
- First LookIn liberated Kherson, no water and no power – but finally hope
Russia's parting gifts were the destruction of infrastructure and the seeding of booby traps. Yet hope and happiness are back in liberated Kherson.
- First LookKherson retreat: Russia reports troop withdrawal, Ukraine wary
The Russian Defense Ministry reported forces were retreating from Kherson Thursday, in what would represent a consequential setback in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has neither confirmed or denied the withdrawal.
- Farming fog for water? Canary Islands tap a new reservoir.
A lack of usable water is becoming a problem in areas where it wasn’t before, due to climate change. But in the Canary Islands, locals are finding that fog can make up for shortfalls on farms.
- First LookMigrant ships are denied in Italian ports. Who is responsible?
Italy’s new far-right government is blocking humanitarian ships from accessing ports, saying it is not responsible for taking on rescued migrants. Experts say coastal nations are required to provide a place of safety for migrants to disembark.
- How can British Conservatives get on the same page with the public?
New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may have brought a calm back to No. 10, but the ruling Conservatives remain out of touch with much of the British public. How do they get back in sync?
- First LookNo dirty bombs: UN aims to defuse Russia's claims against Ukraine
At the request of Kyiv, U.N. experts are investigating Russia’s allegations that Ukraine has placed two “dirty bombs.” These accusations have been made after battlefield setbacks for Russia, and Western nations reject the claim as “transparently false.”
- The Kremlin got its 300,000 troops. But how did Russian society fare?
Russia’s chaotic mobilization of troops has ended, its goals largely met. But the public is still coming to grips with the psychological stresses of the process – and of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- First LookRussia halts Ukraine grain deal over alleged drone attack on ship
Russia says one of its ships in Sevastopol was damaged in what it says was a Ukrainian drone attack. Kyiv denied involvement, and claimed that Russian mishandling of its weapons was to blame.
- ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’: A German retelling for a modern time
German filmmaker Edward Berger’s version of “All Quiet on the Western Front” is an effort to help his native country continue its discourse about war and responsibility.
- First LookBattle for Bakhmut: Russia aims to prove itself in fight for key city
As Russian soldiers make small gains around the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, Moscow’s heightened attention to the region shows its need for a battle victory amid repeated setbacks. If taken, Russia could rupture key Ukrainian supply lines.
- Displaced by war, Ukrainians accept trauma care – warily
Psychologists seek to persuade stoic Ukrainians fleeing the front lines not to repress – but to confront – their painful memories.
- In Ukraine’s liberated areas, weight of Russian occupation lingers
For Ukrainians in liberated territory, the memory of Russian occupation is fresh as they seek to reclaim their dignity. Accounts of abuse are still emerging.
- First LookGriner appeal rejected in Moscow court, 9-year sentence upheld
A Russian court has rejected WNBA star Brittney Griner’s appeal of a nine-year sentence for drug possession. The Biden administration has explored bringing Ms. Griner home by way of prisoner swap but says Russia has not responded productively.
- Facing blackouts, Ukrainians seek candles and camping stoves
Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian energy facilities are forcing blackouts on more than a million households. Citizens are girding for a cold, dark winter.
- First LookRishi Sunak will become Britain’s new prime minister
Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak will become Britain’s third prime minister this year, after his only rival conceded. Mr. Sunak is the country’s first leader of color, and faces many challenges amidst a turbulent U.K.