New Belarusian Assault Rifle Production Enabled By Iran, Sources Say
A visit to a weapons manufacturing plant by Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko on August 18 highlighted an assault rifle Minsk is claiming was made entirely inside Belarus.
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty is an international news organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries
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Deadly Russian Missile Barrage Hits Kyiv
More than a dozen people were killed in overnight Russian ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities on August. 20. The large-scale barrage injured more than 30 as apartment buildings were hit, sparking fires as emergency teams tried to rescue victims.
Russia Launches Major Missile Attack On Kyiv And Surrounding Region, Killing At Least 17
Russia launched a large-scale barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones on Kyiv and its surrounding region, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 30 others, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Lovable Misfit Or 'Lunar Demon'? Cheburashka Turns 60
Russia marks Cheburashka’s 60th birthday on August 20 amid both enduring love for the creature and debate over his morality and even his “ethnicity.”
Fevered Political Moves In Ukraine Amid Anti-Corruption Raids, Fedorov Challenge
Ukraine's anti-corruption agency has announced new investigations focusing on lawmakers and people from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office, a day after popular former Defense Minister Mykhaylo Fedorov issued a video calling for him to hold new elections .
Crackdown On Iran's Popular YouTube Channel Could Herald More Restrictions
Iranian authorities have moved against the popular online platform Azad, accusing it of publishing “falsehoods” and signaling what an Iranian political activist and commentator says could be a broader crackdown on independent Persian-language YouTube channels.
Russian Drivers Stalled By Another Wave Of Fuel Shortages
Russian drivers are facing more long waits and lines at gas stations in several regions amid continuing Ukrainian air attacks on refineries. They describe another wave of fuel shortages and Kremlin-imposed limits on gas station sales.
One Of Russia's Youngest Political Prisoners Turns 18. And He Faces New Charges.
Arseny Turbin was 15 when he was arrested in 2023, and was described as Russia's youngest political prisoner. He turned 18 on August 19. He was given a 5-year sentence in 2024 -- and may now face new charges. RFE/RL's Russian Service spoke to family members about his life behind bars.
US Vows 'Toughest Sanctions In History' Against Iran
As the conflict in the Persian Gulf continues to impact and shape the region, journalists from RFE/RL's Central Newsroom and Iranian service, Radio Farda, deliver ongoing updates and analysis.
As Ukrainian Strikes Hit Hard, Moscow Seeks Deeper Defense Ties With Central Asia
As the war in Ukraine drags on, the Kremlin is looking beyond its borders for help sustaining its military machine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently ordered negotiations to revise military cooperation agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.