Iraq: Security Council briefed on major milestones and ongoing challenges
“As you have heard many times by now, today’s Iraq is not the same as the Iraq of 20 years ago, or even five years ago. Iraq today is more secure, stable and open, despite the many obstacles facing the…
Gaza: No evacuation order given before hospital strike, says WHO
“All night, there was heavy bombing around the Kamal Adwan Hospital”, said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the UN health’s agency Representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Speaking from the enclave to journalists in Geneva via video, he reported that an Israel…
UN galvanizes regional migrant and refugee response amid persistent challenges
The Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V), co-led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced the 2025-2026 regional response plan to support over…
Russia takes villages in key areas of east Ukraine front
Moscow — Russia said Friday its forces had captured a village near the embattled supply hub of Pokrovsk and another near the industrial town of Kurakhove, gaining ground in two key areas of the east Ukraine front line. Moscow has…
Iran launches heaviest space payload into orbit: media
Tehran, Iran — Iran successfully launched on Friday its heaviest space payload, which includes a satellite and a space tug, using a domestically developed satellite carrier, official media reported. Weighing 300 kilograms, the payload consisted of the Fakhr-1 telecommunications satellite…
Journalists from Ukraine, Burkina Faso recognized for work
Ukrainian journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk was among the first people to investigate Russia’s abduction of children from Ukraine. At a ceremony in Washington, she was honored for her work, alongside journalists from Burkina Faso, Gaza, India and Belgium. From Washington, Liam…
From VOA Russian: How should the US, West approach peace talks in Ukraine?
The University of Michigan’s Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, in partnership with the Atlantic Council, hosted a panel discussion on how best to support Ukraine in negotiations with Russia, effectively rebuild the country and ensure its long-term stability once…
Ukraine looks back with regret at 1994 deal requiring it to give up nukes
This month marks 30 years since Ukraine signed an agreement to give up its nuclear arsenal, the world’s third largest at the time. With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearing the three-year mark, Kyiv now calls the agreement with Moscow…
Congo says it’s ‘on alert’ over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens
KINSHASA, CONGO — Public health officials in Africa urged caution Thursday as Congo’s health minister said the government was on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people. Jean Kaseya, the head of Africa…
Sierra Leone begins nationwide rollout of Ebola vaccine
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — Authorities in Sierra Leone on Thursday started a nationwide rollout of the single-dose Ebola vaccine, the first such campaign in West Africa, where a deadly outbreak 10 years ago resulted in the death of thousands. The…