We know you're busy and probably don't have the time to read all of our coverage each and every day. That's why we've put together The Week's Best. Here are some of the highlights produced in English by RFE/RL's vast team of correspondents, multimedia editors, and visual journalists over the past seven days.

How A Politically Connected Azerbaijani Tycoon Poured Secretive Millions Into British KFC Franchise

Azerbaijani tycoon Anar Mammadov earned a fortune linked to his father's political sway. RFE/RL reveals how he also used secretive offshore firms to invest millions into KFC restaurants and luxury properties in Britain. By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service

Ukrainian Moms Recall Attack On Kyiv Children's Hospital

Two Ukrainian mothers were with their kids at the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv when it was hit on July 8 by a missile strike blamed on Russia. They spoke to RFE/RL about their experiences. By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Ray Furlong

Investigation: EU Shell-Production Capacity, Supplies To Ukraine Fall Far Short Of Promises

The European Union’s capacity to produce 155 mm artillery ammunition may be one-half to one-third of public estimates by senior EU officials, Schemes and its partners in a journalistic investigation found. And the EU has given Ukraine about half of the 1 million shells it promised by March 2024. By Anna Myroniuk and Valeria Yehoshyna

Iranian Film Casts Real Refugees To Show Plight Of Displaced Afghans

An Iranian writing-directing duo has filmed the story of millions of Afghans living for decades in Iran without fundamental rights. Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli cast real Afghan refugees as their characters, secretly shooting in locations where their cast cannot legally go. In the Land Of Brothers screened at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July, shedding light on a population of permanent refugees that began streaming into Iran in the 1980s during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Many are still eking out a living, taking on unofficial manual labor jobs while facing constant discrimination. By Will Tizard

Russian Government Moves To Stigmatize 'Extremist' Idea Of Not Having Children

Faced with a deepening demographic crisis aggravated by mounting war casualties and mass emigration, the Russian government is moving to label the nonexistent "international child-free movement" an extremist organization, likely tarring those who choose not to have children as unpatriotic or worse. By Robert Coalson

'Like A Dream': One Ukrainian's Journey From Belarusian Custody To Freedom

After months in a Belarusian jail on “totally made up” espionage charges and a fearful, blind ride in a police van with a bag over her head, Natalia Zakharenko’s ordeal ended with her release and return to Ukraine in a prisoner swap. Still shaken, she told RFE/RL her story. By RFE/RL's Belarus Service

Shining On: Ukrainians In Prague Celebrate Ancient Festival

On the bank of the Vltava River, Ukrainians gathered on July 8 to mark Ivan Kupala night amid news of horrifying Russian missile attacks across their home country. By Amos Chapple

France's Afghan Community ‘Extremely Happy’ As Far-Right Denied Majority

France’s far-right National Rally party failed to secure a majority in parliamentary elections on July 7 after being relegated to third place behind centrists and a left-wing alliance. Some in France's Afghan community expressed relief that the National Rally won't be in power to implement its anti-immigration platform that could have limited family reunions for refugees. A hung parliament could mean lots of political uncertainty ahead, but without a far-right majority President Emmanuel Macron is expected to be able to maintain France's support for Ukraine. By RFE/RL and Reuters

30 Years Since Capital Decision, Astana A Magnet For Kazakhstan's Transplants

It's been three decades since then-President Nursultan Nazarbaev decided to create a new capital for Kazakhstan, beginning the transformation of Astana into the 1.5 million megapolis that has become a magnet for internal migrants. While not everyone feels love for a city that "looks beautiful from the sky," many have come to appreciate it and even compare it favorably with the country's former capital, Almaty. By Chris Rickleton

Before The Missile: The Work Of Kyiv's Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital

Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8. By Amos Chapple