All Europe
First LookRussia-Ukraine peace talks begin amid battle for KyivHigh-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 compassionVolunteers 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 alertUkraine 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 protestsGermany 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 heroWith 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 talksOn 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.
Putin tests ‘Nixon to China’ playbook to reassert Soviet-era cloutPutin has moved to strengthen political and military ties with China in a bid to force Washington to deal simultaneously with two geopolitical foes.
First LookRussia attacks Ukraine. Putin warns against military response.Russian troops rolled into Ukraine from Crimea and Belarus early Thursday. President Vladimir Putin deflected global condemnation and sanctions over a full-scale attack on Ukraine Thursday and chillingly referred to his country’s nuclear arsenal.
First LookUkraine under fire: Russia launches multipronged attackRussian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine early Thursday morning Moscow time. Loud explosions could be heard around major Ukrainian cities after Mr. Putin’s speech.
FocusAs Ukraine-Russia conflict looms, Donbass residents watch and waitPortraits of resilience: The fight over parts of Ukraine has left families divided, literally living and working on either side of the front lines.
‘We want to keep Ukraine free.’ Why women rise in Ukraine army.Some stereotypes persist, but gender roles have been evolving fast in Ukraine’s military, amid a conflict with Russia that has simmered since 2014.
First LookHas Russia ‘invaded’ Ukraine? Depends on who you ask.Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognized two breakaway areas of Ukraine as independent states before announcing the deployment of Russian “peacekeepers” to the rebel-held territories. There’s some debate about whether that’s an invasion.
First LookAmid utility hikes, Florence has a creative solution for retireesEnergy costs across Europe are soaring. As more people on fixed income scramble to pay for significant hikes in bills, leaders in Florence, Italy, have a solution: an “Adopt-a-Bill” fundraising campaign that helps retirees keep the lights on.
Diplomacy over? Russian troops enter Ukraine’s rebel regions.Russia President Vladimir Putin shut the door on several diplomatic outcomes in the Ukraine crisis Monday. War may be his intended next step.
First LookWorld leaders decide how to punish Russia for Ukraine invasionAs Russian President Vladimir Putin orders troops to separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, Western leaders are taking steps to fulfill promises of economic sanctions. Will they matter?
First LookRussia recognizes Ukraine separatists, US and EU respond with sanctionsRussian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine and called on Russian lawmakers to approve steps for open military support.
First LookFrance, seeking to avert war in Ukraine, brokers a Putin-Biden summitPresidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin have tentatively agreed to meet in person. Even as hotspots erupt, French President Emmanuel Macron is scrambling to prevent a war in Ukraine.
