Life

Ukrainian forces have managed to largely halt the Russian advance around the capital, but shelling and air strikes persist, driving up civilian and military casualties caused by Russia's large-scale invasion launched in Feb. 24. © Anastasia Vlasova/Getty Images

Ukraine: The Clinic in an Underground Car Park

Volunteer medical centre can provide everything from dressings to surgery.

18 May 22

Following Russia's retreat from areas around the Ukrainian capital, signs of normal life have returned to Kyiv, with residents taking advantage of shortened curfew hours, businesses reopening, and foreign countries promising to return their diplomats. © Alexey Furman/Getty Images

Kyiv Residents Defy Risks to Return

“We are incredibly happy; we love our life, our country and this city."

13 May 22

Ukraine Crisis Imperils Abkhazia

Experts believe that Moscow is now aiming to divert resources, given the heavy costs of its ongoing invasion.

9 May 22

Turkmenistan's authorities have introduced severe restrictions on women's appearance, banning beauty practices like dyed hair, manicure and fake nails and eyelashes. Since April, women are also no longer allowed to sit in the front seat of taxis and male drivers are barred from offering rides to women who are not family members. © Igor Sasin/AFP via Getty Images

Turkmenistan: Car and Beauty Bans Further Erode Women’s Rights

Fresh prohibitions have crushed hopes that newly appointed 40-year-old president Serdar Berdymukhamedov would pursue a more enlightened path.

9 May 22

Thursday, 28 April '22 in Kharkiv, Ukraine

"Sometimes, the pounding from the bombs is so hard, it feels like the house is dancing."

5 May 22

A row of buildings destroyed in Mariupol.

Besieged Mariupol: How I Got Out of Hell

Survivor describes heavy bombing, food shortages and intense loneliness of the siege.

5 May 22

Tajik Society Divided Over Russian Invasion of Ukraine

With authorities remaining tight-lipped, emotions run high in Tajikistan as citizens argue over the ongoing conflict.

28 Apr 22

Saving Ukraine’s Abandoned Animals

As Ukrainians flee the Russian invasion, volunteers are rescuing left pets stranded in Kyiv and the capital’s suburbs.

27 Apr 22

Easter in Kyiv, Sunday 24 April '22

"I wish us the expulsion of Russian foreign occupiers from our homeland and, of course, victory."

24 Apr 22

Lilit Martorysyan is Armenia's most propminent transgender activist. In 2019 she addressed the Parliament, calling for protection and respect for her community. Her brief and healt-felt speech prompted political and diplomatic arguments, but it also marked a landmark step for LGBTI rights in the country. © Mania Israyelyan

Armenia: “I Was Born in a Body That Was Not Mine”

Country’s most prominent transgender activist describes her struggle to protect her community from discrimination and violence.

31 Mar 22

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