Nicholas Hoult rehearses lines for 'The Great,' a Hulu comedy about Catherine the Great's rise to power. The series, set in East London, portrays a fictionalized Russian court.

The article discusses two female snipers, 'Charcoal' from Ukraine and 'Bagira' from Russia. It highlights their roles, historical context of female snipers, and personal fates including 'Bagira's' capture.

The International Criminal Court has started an investigation into potential war crimes by Russia in Ukraine. Challenges include gathering evidence and legal limitations preventing swift action against Russian leadership, including President Putin.

Despite current tensions, historical U.S.-Soviet cooperation during the Cold War on polio and smallpox eradication offers hope for renewed 'vaccine diplomacy'. Recent high-level U.S.-Russia dialogues suggest potential, but past conflicts and recent events like the Ukraine crisis and election interference complicate relationships.

The book explores socialist and post-socialist childhoods, blending personal memoirs with scholarly analysis. It challenges simplistic views through diverse, detailed accounts, contributing significantly to childhood studies and comparative education. The FreshEd Podcast

The European Parliament elections showed increased resilience against cyber threats, with effective defense mechanisms protecting electoral integrity. Lessons from Europe could guide the U.S. in enhancing cybersecurity for elections, emphasizing democratic rights and robust defense strategies. Theconversation.com

The article discusses Vladimir Putin's history of deceit and manipulation in Russian politics, highlighting his strategic use of lies to suppress opposition and maintain power, evidenced by cases like the apartment bombings in 1999 and the assassination of Boris Nemtsov in 2015. Theconversation.com

Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov celebrated his 80th birthday in Kyiv with concerts showcasing his avant-garde to melodic styles. The events highlighted his impactful works and the cultural reverence he commands, culminating in a politically charged performance of his Maidan-2014 cycle. A blog entry

Arizona State University's Critical Languages Institute has introduced Ukrainian language courses. Funded by federal agencies and donations, these courses aim to enhance national security by fostering proficiency in Ukrainian, among other critical languages. Inclusion.asu.edu

U.S. cities are reevaluating sister-city ties with Russian cities due to the Ukraine invasion. Decisions are tough, reflecting on decades of nonpolitical cooperation amidst geopolitical crises. Some U.S.-Russia partnerships persist, but many are inactive, while U.S.-Ukraine relationships grow.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for deporting Ukrainian children. This marks Putin as the third sitting leader indicted by the ICC. The interview discusses ICC's origins, challenges, and its authority, highlighting its non-UN, treaty-based nature.

The article examines the role of Russian private military security contractors (PMSCs), particularly the Wagner Group, in proxy wars in the Middle East and beyond. It explores their operations, legal status, and impact on Russia's international strategy and relations. Newamerica.org