Russia Ukraine conflict

The US and Europe are celebrating the victory of pro-European parties in Ukraine’s presidential election, saying it’s clear sign that Ukraine wants to modernize and move away from Moscow. But just how much of Ukraine’s partially-occupied east is on board?

It’s tough being gay in Russia. That’s why an anonymous Russian exchange student sought asylum in the US on the basis of his sexual orientation. Though nobody was supposed to know about his application, an American official recently outed the teen in a piece for the New York Times.

Sushi has taken Russia by storm during Vladimir Putin’s 12-year reign as president and prime minister. But Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine is making it more difficult for Russians to get their sushi fix.

Much of the news coming out of Ukraine these days is about the ongoing war against separatists and the violence that has ruined small towns near Donetsk. Then along comes an animated music video by a Kiev-based band called Brunettes Shoot Blondes that’s impressed people around the world.

The parliament in Kiev has approved an autonomy deal for Ukraine’s pro-Russian east, accompanied by a limited amnesty for rebels there. But in Donetsk, shelling continues despite a ceasefire. And rebels say Kiev is just too late in making concessions.