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
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5
Ukrainian Moms Recall Attack On Kyiv Children's Hospital
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
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5
Iranian Film Casts Real Refugees To Show Plight Of Displaced Afghans
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
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5
France's Afghan Community 'Extremely Happy' As Far Right Denied Majority
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
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