Biden seeking additional $24B to support Ukraine, replenish US weapons stockpiles
PENTAGON — President Joe Biden has asked Congress for an additional $24 billion to support Ukraine and replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles, two U.S. officials tell VOA, as the administration continued Monday to push out new aid packages from the last…
Transgender attorney to argue before Supreme Court, challenging health care ban for minors
WASHINGTON — When the Supreme Court this week wades into the contentious issue of transgender rights, the justices will hear from an attorney with knowledge that runs deep. Chase Strangio will be the first openly transgender attorney to argue before…
Ukraine’s reliance on trucks skyrockets, with few men to drive them
After nearly three years of full-scale war, Ukraine’s air links remain suspended and its reliance on surface transportation has doubled, creating new job opportunities for women as the demand for truck drivers skyrockets. From Kyiv, Lesia Bakalets reports on how…
Nigeria’s renewed crackdown on oil theft shows impact
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigerian security operatives recently recovered 1.2 million liters of stolen oil, destroyed scores of illegal refineries and arrested suspected thieves in the latest effort to address crude oil theft in Africa’s top oil producer. While many praise…
US unveils fresh export curbs targeting China’s chip sector
Washington — The United States announced new export restrictions Monday taking aim at China’s ability to make advanced semiconductors — used in weapon systems and artificial intelligence as competition intensifies between the world’s two biggest economies. “The United States has…
German FM urges China to stop backing Russia, work for Ukraine peace
Beijing — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday warned her Chinese counterpart that Beijing’s support for Moscow would impact ties and instead urged China to help end the Ukraine conflict. Speaking in Beijing, she said the over 1,000-day war…
Haiti’s children: Crisis demands urgent action
That was the stark message heard during a special session on Monday convened by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), where UN officials and humanitarian leaders highlighted the dire conditions in Haiti and called for immediate action to support its…
Myanmar: UN experts call for ‘course correction’ as civilian deaths reach 6,000
“There are now 6,000 reminders that the international community is failing the people of Myanmar,” the Human Rights Council-appointed experts stated in a news release on Monday. “It is time for a change, starting with moving this disaster out of…
UN chief calls for ceasefire amid sharp escalation in northwest Syria
Renewed fighting last week led by the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and other armed factions, has engulfed parts of Aleppo, Idlib and Hama, destabilising frontlines that had been in stalemate since 2020. “The Secretary-General is alarmed by the recent…
Rights chief calls on Georgian authorities to protect basic freedoms
The legitimate protests were dispersed using disproportionate and, in some cases, unnecessary force by the police in the capital, Tbilisi, according to the statement from High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Dozens of protesters and media workers were reportedly…