russia

Georgian lawmakers approve a divisive foreign influence bill that sparked weeks of protests

By Sophiko Megrelidze, Associated Press

Georgian lawmakers have approved a "foreign influence" bill that sparked weeks of mass protests. Critics see it as a Russian-style threat to free speech and the country's aspirations to join the European Union.

Putin visits China to discuss with Xi 'cooperation in various fields'

By Associated Press

The two continent-sized authoritarian states are increasingly in dispute with democracies and NATO while seeking to gain influence in Africa, the Middle East and South America.

Blinken says U.S. arms are helping Ukraine as nation faces a new Russian offensive

By Matthew Lee, Associated Press

Analysts have called this moment one of the most dangerous for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Thousands protest in Tbilisi as Georgia faces 'Russia-style' law on media freedom

By Associated Press

The bill would require media and nongovernmental organizations and other nonprofits to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad.

After thousands flee Russian onslaught, only a few hundred remain in Ukrainian border town

By Illia Novikov, Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his troops are locked in intense battles with the advancing Russian army in two border areas.

Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as secretary of Russia's national security council amid cabinet reshuffle

By Katie Davies, Samya Kullab, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Associated Press

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed replacing Sergei Shoigu as defense minister and appointed him as secretary of Russia’s national security council.

Heavy fighting rages along Ukraine's northeast front line as civilians flee Russian onslaught

By Samya Kullab, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Associated Press

Thousands more civilians have fled Russia's renewed ground offensive in Ukraine’s northeast that has targeted towns and villages with a barrage of artillery and mortar shelling, officials said Sunday.

More than 1,700 civilians flee northeast Ukraine as Russia renews assault on region

By Vasilisa Stepanenko, Evgeniy Maloletka, Associated Press

The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday that Moscow's forces have captured five villages as part of a renewed ground assault in northeastern Ukraine.

Ukraine says Russia is trying to break through its defenses in the northeastern Kharkiv region

By Illia Novikov, Associated Press

It's a tactical switch in the war that Kyiv officials have been expecting for weeks. Officials said Friday that intense nighttime shelling targeted Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region and less than 5 kilometers or 3 miles from the Russian border.

U.S. announces a new $400 million package of weapons for Ukraine

By Lolita C. Baldor, Matthew Lee, Associated Press

The announcement Friday comes as Kyiv struggles to hold off advances by Russian troops in the northeast Kharkiv region. This is the third tranche of aid for Ukraine since Congress passed supplemental funding in late April after months of gridlock.