Life

Ekaterine Marikashvili, a sergeant and a senior sapper of the EOD group. © Photo courtesy of E. Marikashvili

Georgia: Women in the Army

“When I put on my uniform for the first time, I felt so strong and proud.”

15 Oct 22

Volunteers at the support center for residents of temporarily occupied territories in Zaporizhzhia. The centre was set up by residents of Tokmak, a city in Zaporizhzhia region, which fell under Russian control in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. It is one of the many grassroots initiatives that have been providing the core of the humanitarian support to Ukrainians directly affected by the war. © Zaporizhzhia Centre of Investigations/incentre.zp.ua

Grassroots Groups Lead Ukraine's Aid Efforts

Informal volunteer initiatives receive a fraction of donations but provide the bulk of humanitarian assistance.

4 Oct 22

The town of Alaverdi in northeastern Armenia, near the border with Georgia, crossed by the Debed river. A criminal case was filed in late July, following a complaint that the river, a source of irrigation for some two dozen villages, had been polluted by Nahatak tailings. © Mania Israelyan/IWPR

Armenia: Mining Leaves Toxic Legacy

Activists call on government and local industry to respond to recent research revealing major hazards.

3 Oct 22

In late September, the LGBTI community in Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kharkiv defied ongoing shelling to hold a week of Pride events under the slogan, United as Never Before. © KharkivPride

Ukraine: Amid War, LGBTI People Fight for Equal Rights

The issue of same-sex marriage has been thrown into focus by the ongoing conflict.

3 Oct 22

A village in the Leylek District of the Batken region after conflicts. © State Border Guard Service

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Violence Spurs Calls for Compromise

Complex geography and domestic politics mean a solution remains elusive.

21 Sep 22

Andrey Kolioglo came out in March 2018 and faced widespread harassment. Since March 2022 he lives in France, where he was granted asylum in the wake of the discrimination he faces in his native Moldova.

Coming Out in Gagauzia’s Conservative Society

“Living life with a constant feeling of fear; this is what you have to get used to here if you are gay.”

15 Sep 22

In this handout photo released by the telegram channel of Sevastopol mayor Mikhail Razvozhaev on July 31, 2022, Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Vladimirovich Razvozhayev, center, stands at the scene of explosion at the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea.

Fear Spreads in Crimea

Drone strikes and unexplained explosions prompt Moscow-controlled administration to urge citizens to hunt for possible saboteurs.

14 Sep 22

Moldovans Face Bomb Threats and Cyberattacks

Attacks are tracked to pro-Kremlin forces as tools to put pressure on Chisinau in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

5 Sep 22

Thousands of university places remained vacant as Armenia recorded unprecedented low results in the admission exams. © Dato/Wikimedia

Armenian Universities’ Lost Applicants

Thousands of places remain vacant as students fail entry tests due to low quality education and fewer applicants.

31 Aug 22

Maxim, an eight-year-old copper-coloured Maine Coon cat.

How a Ukrainian Cat Escaped Russian Captivity

Amid multiple tales of looting and destruction, a rare happy ending.

29 Aug 22

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