Features

• April 26, 2025

  Could Hungarian Cardinal Erdo Succeed Pope Francis?

  With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the speculation about who will succeed him as head of the Holy See is already in full swing. One of the front-runners, at least according to bookmakers, is Peter Erdo, the archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.

• April 26, 2025

  On Chernobyl Disaster Anniversary, Repairing Damaged Shield Poses 'Enormous Challenge'

  As Ukraine marks the 39th anniversary of the world's worst civilian nuclear accident at the Chernobyl power plant, engineers are struggling to find ways to repair the complex's protective shield more than two months after a Russian drone left a large hole in the structure.

• April 25, 2025

  Even With A Nuclear Deal, Iran's Sticking With China

  This edition of the Farda Briefing looks at how Iran is seeking to reassure China that, even with a nuclear deal in place with the United States, Beijing will remain a key partner for Tehran.

• April 25, 2025

  How Ukrainian Cities Were Wiped Out By Russian Glide Bombs And Artillery

  Russia’s use of air-dropped bombs equipped with glide kits and precision-guidance systems has brought staggering destruction to civilian areas in Ukraine

• April 25, 2025

  Has Trump Moved On From Dismantling Iran's Nuclear Program?

  As nuclear talks with Iran shift to a technical phase, some see signs that the United States is softening its stance. But analysts say dismantlement may still be on the table -- or used as leverage -- as Trump’s team eyes a foreign policy win.

• April 24, 2025

  Freed From 'Reeducation Camp,' Ukrainian Teen Describes Pro-Russian Indoctrination

  “There was absolutely nothing Ukrainian. It was a very large pro-Russian machine.” That’s how one Ukrainian teenager described a camp in Crimea where he was sent against his will and subjected to months of military-style training in Russian language and patriotic ideology.

• April 24, 2025

  China To Lift EU Sanctions In Move To Repair Ties With Brussels

  The discussions to lift the sanctions come as Beijing tries to make inroads against the backdrop of an unfolding trade war with US President Donald Trump’s administration.

• April 24, 2025

  As Russian Ruble Surges Against The Dollar, Central Asia Reaps Windfall

  As the US dollar tanks in value amid tariff turmoil, Central Asian migrant workers are benefitting from a surging Russian ruble -- bringing a huge boost in remittances sent home.

• April 23, 2025

  What’s On The Table: Ukraine Talks Get Downgraded As Top Officials Pull Out

  Will the US recognize Crimea as Russian? Is NATO membership out of the question for Kyiv? Will Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant end up in American hands? And what about those Ukrainian valuable rare earths that Washington is laser focused on?

• April 23, 2025

  Uzbek Farmers Say They're Being Forced To Surrender Land To Chinese Firms

  Farmers in Uzbekistan allege they are being forced to cede fertile land to Chinese businesses under pressure from local authorities, fueling fears of deepening economic dependence on Beijing and its growing influence across Central Asia.

• April 22, 2025

  'Evil Sasha' Brings Belarusian Stand-Up To Exile Performances

  Belarusian comedian “Evil Sasha” turns trauma into dark humor on stage in Vilnius. Scarred by a fire and injured in 2020 protests, she fled to Lithuania. Now her sharp jokes blend laughter with the discomfort of lived experience.

• April 21, 2025

  Outrage In Russian Media Over 'Black Widows' Seducing Soldiers For Death Benefits

  Russian bloggers and tabloids warn of “black widows” -- women allegedly marrying soldiers to claim death benefits if they die fighting in Ukraine. The claims are stoking public outrage and raising questions about fraud, exploitation, and military secrecy.

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