Europe

The Ukrainian border town of Krasnopillia, in the country's northeast, is near the only open checkpoint between Ukraine and Russia. When Ukrainians are freed from Russian captivity, or when the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers are returned, they usually come through the town. Our correspondent visited and found the returning countrymen are always welcomed by residents and the staff from the town's scrappy local newspaper.

The Biden administration has given Ukraine permission to use certain U.S. weapons to strike inside of Russia near Kharkiv for “counter-fire purposes,” according to two U.S. officials.

Hackers with ties to Russia planned to launch a massive phishing campaign against Ukraine, taking advantage of the recently lifted moratorium on evictions in the country.

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with David Wessel about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions against Russia. Wessel is director of the Hutchins Center at the Brookings Institution.

Russia's war on Ukraine is deepening divisions among people across Europe. Over a third of Latvia's population are Russian-speakers. Some now face pressure to prove they're loyal -- or leave.

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, about Russia's attempts to consolidate its influence around the world.

Russia's war in Ukraine is deepening divisions across Europe. One example is the Baltic nation of Latvia, formerly part of the Soviet Union. One third of those living in Latvia are Russian speaking and now some elderly residents, who may have lived there for decades, are being forced to prove their loyalty or leave.