Despite the war, Ukrainian culture is booming
Ukrainian culture is booming amid the war with Russia. That’s despite the constant rocket attacks and damage to almost 500 heritage sites, according to UNESCO. Experts say Ukrainians have never been as interested in their own culture as they are…
Senate committee advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination to be health secretary
Washington — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial environmental lawyer turned public health critic, cleared his first hurdle on Tuesday to become the nation’s top health official when the senate finance committee voted to advance his nomination for a floor…
DR Congo: UN call to reopen Goma airport ‘lifeline’, as crisis deepens
“Goma airport is a lifeline,” said Bruno Lemarquis. “Without it, the evacuation of the seriously injured, the delivery of medical supplies and the reception of humanitarian reinforcements are paralyzed.” Growing casualties The M23 armed group, supported by Rwandan troops, seized…
Why have UN peacekeepers been in DR Congo for 65 years?
DRC gained independence in 1960 and since then the UN has played a crucial role in the country, notably through the deployment of three peacekeeping missions. Here are four essential things to know: 1. A UN presence since independence The…
Russian missile attack kills 4 in Kharkiv
A Russian missile attack Tuesday killed at least four people in the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine, officials said. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram the missile hit the central part of the city of Izyum and also injured…
France pitches AI summit as ‘wake-up call’ for Europe
PARIS — France hosts top tech players next week at an artificial intelligence summit meant as a “wake-up call” for Europe as it struggles with AI challenges from the United States and China. Players from across the sector and representatives…
Trump suggests Ukraine’s rare minerals as condition for continued support
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would possibly be interested in continuing U.S. aid to Ukraine in exchange for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re…
Uganda begins Ebola vaccine trial
Uganda began a vaccine trial Monday against the Sudan strain of Ebola that has killed one person in the outbreak declared last week. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday in a post on the X social media…
Botswana, De Beers reach diamond sales agreement after years of negotiations
Gaborone, Botswana — The government of Botswana and South African diamond firm De Beers say they have reached a new, 10-year sales agreement following talks that had dragged on since 2019. Analysts say the diamond industry is sure to welcome…
US foreign aid freeze sends shockwaves through Ukraine
The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze most foreign aid has left Ukrainian organizations that provide humanitarian aid and other services scrambling. Myroslava Gongadze has the story from Warsaw, with reporting from Anna Chernikova in Kyiv. VOA footage…