All Europe
- First LookCash flow freeze: Russians struggle under sanctions, question attack
Russians are starting to feel the economic impact on their daily lives from global sanctions. While facing the challenges of surging food prices and inoperable payment systems, many are also concerned about Russian troops in Ukraine.
- First LookKherson becomes first major Ukrainian city to fall to Russia
On the eighth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia continued advancing along Ukraine’s coastline. So far, Russia has taken over Kherson, a Black Sea port, and encircled another port city on the Azov Sea, leaving residents without electricity.
- Ukrainian refugees push westward, feeling both relief and sorrow
In Lviv, a crush of refugees is relieved to find safety in Ukraine but anguished about all they’ve left behind as they rush toward the unknown.
- A new Iron Curtain? How Russia’s invasion will reshape the world.
It will likely create a new Iron Curtain, but one that will be as much a mental divide as a geographical barrier.
- First LookCulture institutions close curtain on Russia over Ukraine
From the Venice Film Festival to the Munich Philharmonic to Hollywood board rooms, culture organizations are the latest to take a stand against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
- NATO’s balancing act: Deter a militant Russia without provoking a fight
With Ukraine and Russia exchanging fire, NATO must signal the Kremlin that it is not an aggressor and deter westward advance by Russian forces.
- First Look'Fortress Europe' opens for Ukrainian refugees but keeps others out
European nations are openly welcoming Ukrainian refugees – a starkly different picture from the way West African and Middle-Eastern refugees were treated in the past. As E.U. leaders continue to support Ukrainians, tones of racism and Islamophobia persist.
- First LookUkrainian hackers call for volunteers before cyberwar heats up
Russia has a long history of damaging Ukraine’s internet infrastructure through malware. But Ukrainians are assembling volunteer hackers worldwide to launch counterattacks on their Russian foe.
- First LookRussia strikes Ukraine’s 2nd largest city and advances on Kyiv
On Tuesday, Russian troops attacked Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and military convoys continued to advance on Kyiv. Both administrative and residential areas were hit by explosions in Kharkiv.
- As war in Ukraine rages, Russians look on with increasing dismay
The backlash at home against the war in Ukraine suggests a moral split and loss of trust between the Russian public and its leadership.
- Conciliatory no more: Germany’s new toughness on Russia
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany has ended a long-standing arms-export policy and vowed to rearm itself, while urging EU solidarity.
- First LookRussia-Ukraine peace talks begin amid battle for Kyiv
High-level talks on Ukraine crisis began Monday on the Belarusian border, the first bilateral talk since the war began. Ukraine demands immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of Russian troops while the Kremlin declines to comment on Moscow’s aim.
- First LookPutin's nuclear threat: What does 'special' combat readiness mean?
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his top military officials to put their nuclear forces in a “special regime of combat duty." A look at what that threat might mean.
- First LookUkraine refugees met with outpouring of compassion
Volunteers are stepping up to help refugees with free food and lodging. The U.N. said Sunday about 368,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries.
- First LookUkraine updates: Putin puts nuclear forces on high alert
Ukraine and Russia officials plan to hold talks in Belarus, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin put his nuclear forces on increased alert on Sunday.
- First LookUkraine roundup: German weaponry, fleeing refugees, spreading protests
Germany had long stuck to a policy of not exporting deadly weapons to conflict zones, including Ukraine. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
- First LookUkraine leader Zelenskyy’s wild ride: Jewish comedian to national hero
With grace under fire that has rallied Ukrainians and impressed his Western counterparts, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stayed in Kyiv even though he says he has a target on his back from the Russian invaders.
- Find safety or defend home? No easy choices in besieged Kyiv.
With the war for Ukraine nearing, residents of Kyiv are being forced into a hard choice: flee to safer territory or ride out the danger at home.
- First LookRussian forces press closer to Kyiv, Zelenskyy calls for talks
On Friday, Russian forces pressed closer to the Ukrainian capital as a barrage of airstrikes targeted cities and military bases. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer to designate Ukraine a non-aligned country met a mixed reception in Moscow.
- War has begun in Ukraine. What’s Putin’s plan, and do Russians back him?
Russia has launched its invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s intentions will determine what happens next – and whether the Russian public will support him.