Join The World’s Carolyn Beeler for a conversation with Ukrainian environmental scientist Kateryna Polyanska and Doug Weir from The Conflict and Environment Observatory.
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.
With a tentative ceasefire in effect in Ukraine, NATO leaders are taking action to deter further Russian aggression. Their steps includes setting up a multinational, rapid reaction force that could be sent to places like Ukraine within hours — though some wonder if it will be strong enough to hold back Russia.
With Russia's military intervening in Ukraine, NATO has plenty to discuss at this week's summit. But one aspect of the conflict with Russia goes beyond Ukraine. It lies in cyberspace. And NATO is set to ratify a measure that would directly confront Russian and others on the virtual battlefield.