Ukraine

Russians try to subdue Ukrainian towns by threatening, kidnapping mayors

By Yuras Karmanau, Associated Press

As Russians seized parts of eastern and southern Ukraine in the opening stages of the war, mayors, civilian administrators and others say they have been abducted, threatened or beaten to force their cooperation.

Russian shelling damaged power lines at Europe’s largest nuclear plant, Ukraine says

By Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press

Ukraine's nuclear state operator says Russia has shelled and damaged power lines connecting Europe's largest nuclear power plant to the Ukrainian grid.

Russian invasion displaced 14 million Ukrainians, according to U.N. report

By Edith Lederer, Associated Press

The U.N. refugee chief says Russia's invasion of Ukraine has driven some 14 million Ukrainians from their homes in "the fastest, largest displacement witnessed in decades."…

White House says North Korea is covertly shipping artillery to Russia

By Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller, Associated Press

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday the U.S. believes North Korea is "trying to make it appear as though they're being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa."…

WATCH: State Department applauds peace deal in Ethiopia

By Associated Press

The 2-year conflict produced hundreds of thousands of victims and enormous challenges lie ahead, including getting all parties to lay down arms or withdraw.

Russia rejoins grain deal after Ukraine agrees to not attack safe shipping corridor

By Andrew Meldrum, Suzan Fraser, Associated Press

Diplomatic efforts have salvaged a wartime agreement that has allowed Ukrainian grain and other commodities to reach world markets.

Ships carrying grain sail from Ukraine despite Russia suspending deal

By Courtney Bonnell, Associated Press

Ships loaded with grain are still departing Ukraine despite Russia suspending its participation in a U.N.-brokered deal that ensures safe wartime passage of critical food supplies.

Rolling blackouts continue in Ukraine as government works to repair, stabilize grid before winter

So far, Russia has destroyed about 40 percent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, affecting 16 regions, according to the Ukrainian government.

WATCH: State Department spokesperson Kirby speaks on Somalia sanctions, Iran missiles in Russia

By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby confirmed the Treasury Department is imposing sanctions against a weapons trafficking network affiliated with the Islamic State group in Somalia and the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group.

WATCH: Pentagon says Saudis believe Iran is prepping an attack on kingdom

By Associated Press

Saudi Arabia has shared intelligence with American officials that suggests Iran could be preparing for an imminent attack on the kingdom, three U.S. officials confirmed on Tuesday.