The article explores the conflicting narratives surrounding a recent battle in eastern Ukraine, highlighting the discrepancies between the Ukrainian government and the Donetsk People's Republic. It delves into the experiences and opinions of soldiers, medics, and civilians on both sides, revealing a complex and often contradictory picture of the events. The piece underscores the challenges of discerning truth in a conflict marked by misinformation and propaganda, while also touching on the broader implications for the ongoing war and the fragile ceasefire.

In the village of Bystrets, Ukraine, families mourn the loss of loved ones who died fighting against Russian forces. Hanna Potiak, whose son Stepan was killed in battle, reflects on the grief shared by many in her community. The article highlights the cultural and emotional toll of the war, with local traditions and family histories deeply affected. Despite the distance from the front lines, the impact of the conflict is felt profoundly in this remote village. The resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people are underscored, as they continue to fight for their country's sovereignty and cultural heritage.

The journalist recounts their journey from the Ukrainian border to the UK, reflecting on the proximity of the war to Europe. They describe the resilience and struggles of Ukrainian refugees, including Nataliya Shvedova's family, who are planning to move to Germany, and a web developer named Halushka, whose family's home was looted and who continues to work remotely. The article also touches on the changing perceptions of Russians among Ukrainians due to the war and the ongoing challenges faced by those displaced, including the bureaucratic hurdles in receiving aid. The journalist reflects on the normalization of air raids and rockets for those still in Ukraine, and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Olly Lambert documents two months on Ukraine’s southern front, capturing the efforts of volunteer special forces as they prepare to retake Kherson, a strategic move that could alter the war's course. In Mykolaiv, despite ongoing rocket attacks and the threat of Russian advancement, Ukrainian resistance remains strong. Civilians, including an architect named Alexei, contribute to the war effort by building drones. Lambert meets Roman Kostenko, an MP and former Special Forces officer, who leads volunteer units on the front line. Despite their inexperience, these volunteers, including a carpet salesman and a kebab shop owner, engage in mortar missions against Russian tanks. The arrival of heavy US artillery bolsters the Ukrainian forces, leading to a planned offensive on Kherson. Lambert observes the strategic planning and execution of operations, noting the combination of foreign weaponry, tactical army maneuvers, and a vast volunteer force, all united by a relentless will to win.

The article discusses Russia's recruitment of Syrian mercenaries for the war in Ukraine, drawing parallels with their previous deployment in the Central African Republic. It highlights the strategic shift from using unvetted fighters to recruiting elite, battle-hardened Syrian soldiers loyal to the Assad regime. The piece underscores the potential human rights abuses and geopolitical implications of this strategy, noting the economic incentives for Syrian fighters and the possible strain on Russia-Syria relations due to casualties. The Wagner Group's involvement and the broader context of Russia's foreign policy goals are also examined.

The article details the harrowing experiences of Mariupol residents amid relentless Russian shelling, highlighting personal stories of courage, survival, and the humanitarian crisis. It underscores the severe impact on civilians, the challenges of evacuation, and the emotional toll on those with loved ones trapped in the besieged city. The narrative is marked by accounts of bravery, loss, and the hope for eventual rebuilding despite the ongoing devastation.

Hundreds of people in Kharkiv, Ukraine, are facing the difficult decision of whether to stay or flee as Russian shellfire intensifies. Many, like Stepan Golovatiy and his girlfriend Anna, are attempting to escape to safer areas within Ukraine, while others are crossing into neighboring countries. The United Nations estimates that the number of Ukrainian refugees could rise to 5 million. The situation is dire, with dwindling supplies and increasing violence. Ukrainian troops are defending the city, but fears of Russian infiltration and further assaults loom large. The article highlights the personal struggles and broader implications of the ongoing conflict.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, Dnipro, and Odessa with cruise and ballistic missiles. The invasion, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has led to significant destruction and civilian casualties. In Kharkiv, residents are preparing for an assault, with some choosing to stay and others uncertain about their next steps. Ukrainian forces are actively defending against the Russian military, which is also receiving support from Belarus. The situation remains fluid, with the next 24 hours being critical in determining the extent of the conflict.

Avdiivka, a city in Ukraine, faces the imminent threat of war as Russian forces advance and President Vladimir Putin recognizes breakaway territories. Sanctions from the UK, EU, and US follow, but analysts doubt their effectiveness in deterring Russia. Local residents express fear and uncertainty, while international bodies prepare for potential humanitarian crises. The situation remains tense with the possibility of a full-scale invasion looming.

The Holovatenko family in Avdiivka, Ukraine, navigates the looming threat of war with Russia, balancing political divisions and familial love. As artillery strikes intensify, family members express differing views on NATO, past Ukrainian leadership, and the current geopolitical situation. Amidst escalating tensions and propaganda, the family remains rooted in their home, preparing for potential conflict while maintaining hope and resilience. The article highlights the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential for a large-scale war in Europe and the impact on local communities.

In Kyiv, a small gathering marked Ukraine's government-declared Unity Day amid widespread indifference and the looming threat of a Russian invasion. Despite U.S. intelligence warnings and Russia's military buildup, life in the Ukrainian capital remains calm, though psychological strain is evident among residents. Russian President Vladimir Putin's coercive diplomacy has led to mixed reactions, with some Ukrainians preparing for the worst while others remain dismissive. Western leaders remain skeptical of Russia's claims of troop withdrawals, and NATO officials report continued military buildup. The situation remains tense, with uncertainty and psychological stress affecting both Kyiv and front-line areas like Donetsk.

A new carbon capture facility in Iceland, named 'Orca', aims to remove 4,000 tonnes of CO2 annually by transforming it into rock. As world leaders discuss climate solutions at COP26, this technology is seen as a potential tool to achieve net-zero emissions. However, its high cost and energy demands raise concerns. Proponents argue for a mass rollout of such facilities, while critics, including Greenpeace, view it as an expensive and unproven distraction from reducing emissions. The debate highlights the need for a combination of technological and natural solutions to address climate change.

The melting Arctic is causing a cycle of uncontrolled heating as permafrost thaws, releasing greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide. This feedback loop accelerates climate change, with the Arctic already over 2C above pre-industrial averages. The region is heating at twice the global rate, with permafrost thawing 70 years ahead of projections. The release of gases from permafrost and Arctic Ocean hydrates is not fully accounted for in global projections, underestimating the urgency to reduce emissions. Local communities face a humanitarian crisis with collapsing ground and disrupted ecosystems. Ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, scientists emphasize the need for immediate global emission cuts to minimize further permafrost carbon release.

The East Coast Boxing Club in Kampala's Naguru slum, known for taking young men from poverty to the Olympics, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The club, founded by Hassan Khalil, served as a beacon of hope for many, including refugees like Jackson Muhiyi and local talents like Miiro Juma. However, the pandemic's restrictions halted training, competitions, and income sources, leaving the club and its boxers in a precarious situation. Despite the challenges, Khalil remains hopeful for the future of his boxers and the club.

In the Central African Republic (CAR), Russian mercenaries and federal troops are using brutal tactics, including secret jails, to suppress rebel sympathies, leading to severe human rights abuses and exacerbating the conflict. Despite initial military successes, Russia's heavy-handed approach is destabilizing the region further, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, is heavily involved, and their actions are drawing international criticism. The situation is deteriorating, with increasing violence, arbitrary arrests, and a crackdown on political and media freedoms, raising concerns about the future stability of CAR.

A panel of international lawyers and campaigners is set to publish a legal definition of 'ecocide' to hold leaders and corporate chiefs criminally responsible for environmental destruction. The draft law aims to treat ecocide on par with genocide and other international crimes, enabling prosecution through the International Criminal Court. The movement has gained support from figures like Pope Francis and Greta Thunberg, and countries like Vanuatu and the Maldives. The law's development faces challenges in defining the crime and identifying responsible parties. The process involves amending the ICC's Rome Statute and requires a series of approvals from member states. The law seeks to act as a deterrent for large corporations and has the potential to affect corporate behavior and investment decisions.

The article delves into the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, focusing on the dangers posed by unexploded cluster munitions and landmines following the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It highlights the efforts of the HALO Trust and other organizations in demining the region, the challenges faced by returning civilians, and the broader implications of the conflict on regional stability and reconstruction efforts.

Fanny Balekossi, a radio broadcaster at Radio Ndeke Luka in the Central African Republic (CAR), is part of a larger effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 in a country with limited medical resources. As of April 22, CAR had 14 confirmed cases, but the lack of testing and medical equipment may be hiding the true number. The country faces significant challenges, including a weak healthcare system, large areas controlled by armed groups, and a population skeptical of the virus's existence. International aid, including donations from Alibaba's Jack Ma, has provided some relief, but the healthcare infrastructure remains fragile. The UN and organizations like the WHO and Doctors Without Borders are concerned about the potential rapid spread of the virus in CAR. The government has implemented containment measures, but enforcement is difficult, especially in rebel-held territories. The economic impact of lockdowns is also a concern in a country where most people live on just over $2 a day. The UN peacekeeping force's reduced mobility and the risk of the virus spreading in overcrowded camps add to the challenges faced by CAR as it braces for the impact of COVID-19.

The article discusses the efforts and challenges faced by major corporations in meeting their commitments to stop using ingredients that contribute to deforestation. The Tropical Forest Alliance 2020, supported by companies like Mars, Nestlé, and Walmart, was established to assist the Consumer Goods Forum in achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2020. Despite the pledge, significant deforestation has occurred, and many companies admit they will not fully meet their goals. Nestlé claims a high percentage of its commodities will be deforestation-free by the end of 2020, while Mars has set a target for 2025 for some ingredients. Kellogg's acknowledges falling short of the goal, and Walmart cites complexities in certain supply chains. Other companies like Mondelez, PepsiCo, and Unilever have not provided data or declined to comment.

Chinko, a wildlife reserve in the Central African Republic, is under threat from poachers, illegal miners, and cattle herders, exacerbated by the country's civil war. Rangers, including park manager David Simpson, are working to protect the diverse species within the park, which is nearly twice the size of Yellowstone. Despite the challenges, including confronting harrowing scenes of slaughtered wildlife, the rangers remain determined to stop the commercial-scale poaching and preserve the reserve.

Chinko, a large wilderness reserve in the Central African Republic, is under threat from militarized poachers and the effects of a civil war that has prompted UN warnings of genocide. The reserve, rich in biodiversity and home to endangered species, is being protected by a group of conservationists led by David Simpson. Despite the challenges posed by armed cattle herders, illegal miners, and the Lord’s Resistance Army, Chinko has become a sanctuary for wildlife and a source of employment and order in a region marked by instability. African Parks, a conservation nonprofit, supports the reserve, which has seen a resurgence of wildlife and provides essential services to local communities, including medical care and education. The article highlights the complex interplay between conservation efforts and the socio-political dynamics of the region.

The article details the experiences of Larisa Lisnyak, an undercover journalist in rebel-held Donetsk, Ukraine, who faced threats and was eventually forced to flee due to her pro-Ukraine reporting. It discusses the broader context of press freedom in Ukraine, the propaganda efforts by the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR), and the challenges faced by journalists in the region. The piece also includes an account of the author's own interrogation by DNR officials, illustrating the repressive media environment and the use of propaganda as a tool in the conflict.

Ukrainian military pilot Nadiya Savchenko was sentenced to 22 years in jail by Russia for the alleged murder of two Russian journalists, in a trial widely criticized by the West and dismissed as a sham. Despite evidence suggesting her innocence, the Russian court found her guilty, sparking international outcry and diplomatic tensions. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko denounced the verdict and offered a prisoner exchange for Savchenko's release. The case has become emblematic of the ongoing conflict and propaganda war between Russia and Ukraine.

The article provides an in-depth look at the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on the experiences of soldiers in the 58th Mechanized Brigade. It highlights the routine nature of the war, the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, and the impact on soldiers' lives. The conflict, now in its third year, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with little progress towards peace. The article also touches on the geopolitical implications, including the strained relations between Russia and the West, and the role of international organizations like NATO and the OSCE.

A report from the Kuwait News Agency claimed that a multinational cell aiding the Islamic State was dismantled in Kuwait, with arrests made and allegations that the cell brokered arms deals in Ukraine, including anti-aircraft missiles. However, experts and interviews suggest that the claims of Islamic State acquiring weapons in Ukraine are implausible, citing the lack of evidence and Ukraine's own statements denying involvement. The article explores the possibility of misinformation or other motives behind the claims, while acknowledging the complexity of the arms trafficking networks and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Crimea experienced a major blackout after suspected anti-Russian saboteurs destroyed electrical transmission towers, affecting nearly 2 million people. Ukrainian nationalists, including the Right Sector militia, are believed to be behind the explosions. The incident has escalated tensions in the region, with Crimea still dependent on Ukraine for utilities despite Russian annexation. The blackout has impacted critical infrastructure, including Russia's naval port in Sevastopol. Ukrainian President Poroshenko has met with Tatar leaders to address the situation, while western leaders consider extending sanctions against Russia.

The article provides an in-depth look at the lives of Ukrainian soldiers in the 2nd Platoon, highlighting their struggles and frustrations amid a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with pro-Russian separatists. It details the soldiers' experiences, the impact of the war on their lives, and their disillusionment with both their own government and the West. The article also touches on the broader geopolitical context, including the involvement of Russia and the challenges faced by international monitoring organizations like the OSCE.

A massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Svatovo, Ukraine, caused widespread devastation, with emergency services struggling to contain the blaze and manage the fallout. The incident, which resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, has sparked a terrorist investigation by the Ukrainian Security Service, though some locals suspect negligence. The explosion has raised questions about the decision to place a major weapons depot near residential areas, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

Ukrainian frontline soldiers marked Independence Day with modest celebrations amidst ongoing conflict. While Kiev celebrated with parades, soldiers in Donetsk faced a starkly different reality, surrounded by ruins and ongoing threats. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko compared pro-Russian rebel-held territories to Mordor. Despite fears of renewed offensives, the day remained relatively quiet. Soldiers expressed frustration at the deadlock, while civilians like Anatoli and Svetlana, caught between warring sides, yearned for peace.

In the separatist stronghold of Donetsk, students like 19-year-old Ruslan Protsyenko are caught between their education and serving as soldiers in the conflict with Ukraine. With over 6,700 lives lost, the war has disrupted the education of many, forcing them to balance frontline duties with studies. Some students have joined the pro-Russia rebels, while others, like Sergey Filonich, have been thrust into intense battles. Despite the challenges, they remain determined to continue their education, with some, like Ruslan, aspiring to join the Russian army, and others, like Sergey, planning to rebuild their city post-war. The Donetsk People's Republic's blockade has pushed some to rely on the internet for education, while the war's emotional toll is evident in Sasha's inability to return home and see his family, only connecting through Skype. College directors lament the loss of students to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of education over warfare.

A visitor to El Museo de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba, discovers an unexpected photo of Hollywood actor Robert Pattinson among exhibits celebrating the Cuban Revolution. The image appears photoshopped, and its presence raises questions about its relevance to the museum's theme. The article explores the possibility of Fidel Castro's past Hollywood connection and speculates on reasons for Pattinson's photo in the museum, including a potential unpublicized visit, a designer's oversight, or a prank. The Cuban Ministry for Culture and Pattinson's manager did not comment on the matter.