Kremlin tries to cover its tracks in Kyiv children’s hospital bombing
As the bombing of a children’s hospital in Kyiv was being condemned worldwide, Russian officials denied their country’s responsibility for the attack and even tried to shift blame to Ukraine and its Western backers. Monday’s strike on the Okhmatdyt hospital…
US Federal Reserve’s Powell reminds lawmakers of Fed’s dual mandate
The head of the Federal Reserve reminded U.S. lawmakers Wednesday that the Fed operates under a dual mandate. “We’re not just an inflation-targeting central bank,” Jerome Powell told the House Financial Services Committee, “we also have an employment mandate.” Congress…
Russia’s missile attack leaves scores of Kyiv residents homeless
In Ukraine, Kyiv’s largest children’s hospital and some residential buildings were damaged by a Russian missile attack on July 8. The next day, residents were allowed to briefly go back to collect some personal belongings. Anna Kosstutschenko spoke to some…
Astronauts confident Boeing space capsule can safely return to Earth
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Two astronauts who should have been back on Earth weeks ago said Wednesday that they’re confident that Boeing’s space capsule can return them safely, despite breakdowns. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard…
Namibia struggles with growing seal population that threatens fishing industry
Windhoek, Namibia — Namibia will attempt to reduce the local seal population by 80,000 this year, officials recently announced, despite opposition from animal rights groups. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said the reduction is necessary to maintain balance…
Kenyan president warns of huge consequences over debt plan failure
NAIROBI, Kenya — The ballooning debt in East Africa’s economic hub of Kenya is expected to grow even more after deadly protests forced the rejection of a finance bill that President William Ruto said was needed to raise revenue. He…
US veteran killed in Ukraine finally laid to rest in California
American soldier Jericho Magallon went to fight in Ukraine in March 2022. He was killed in September near Bakhmut. In late June, his body was brought back home to California for a funeral. VOA’s Russian Service spoke with his mother…
UN rights council condemns Myanmar abuses, urges immediate action
In a resolution adopted without a vote, the Council strongly condemned all violations and abuses of human rights in Myanmar, particularly following the military coup in February 2021. It called upon Myanmar “to end immediately all violence and violations…
UN emphasizes gender-sensitive approach in response to Hurricane Beryl
The response plan, unveiled on Tuesday, estimates initial requirements at $9 million and targets support for about 43,000 people in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These estimates may change as detailed assessments are ongoing. The plan aims to…
Schools ‘bombed-out’ in latest Gaza escalation, says UNRWA chief
“Four schools hit in the last four days. Since the war began, two thirds of UNRWA schools in Gaza have been hit, some were bombed out, many severely damaged,” said Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X. In a statement…