Russian President Putin recognized two breakaway Ukrainian regions, escalating tensions. The U.S. and EU responded with sanctions. Historical grievances and strategic interests, including energy dependency and cyber warfare, underscore the conflict's complexity and depth. Theconversation.com

Lada Roslycky, an American Canadian of Ukrainian descent, remains in Kyiv despite potential Russian invasion, supporting Ukraine's drive for democracy and independence. Over $5.4 billion U.S. aid has been sent to Ukraine as tensions escalate with Russia. Cronkitenews.azpbs.org

The EU plans to establish a special court with UN support to prosecute Russian leaders, including Putin, for aggression in Ukraine. This court aims to address the challenges faced by international justice systems, exemplified by the Serbian leader Milosevic's trial. Theconversation.com

The article discusses Russia's use of Alexander Nevsky's historical image to foster a nationalistic narrative amid its conflict with Ukraine. Nevsky, a medieval prince and saint, is portrayed as a symbol in Russia's ideological and physical battles, influencing both historical perception and current political strategies. WilsonCenter.org

Olivia Arnold introduces the fall 2022 issue of Tactus, highlighting new columns and the power of choral music in connecting communities. She emphasizes empowerment, equity, and inclusion, and encourages community involvement and collaboration. Acdawestern.org/tactus

Pope Francis visited Kazakhstan to attend a religious congress, advocating for peace and religious freedom. His visit highlighted concerns for Kazakhstan's Catholic minority amidst regional tensions with Russia and ongoing persecution of smaller Christian denominations. Theconversation.com

Konstantin Goldman was arrested in Moscow for displaying Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' as a form of protest against Russia's military policies. Literature, historically central in Russian culture, is now a divisive tool in the ongoing cultural and political conflicts regarding Ukraine. zocalopublicsquare.org

Kyrgyzstan is witnessing a shift from its tradition of 'street democracy' to creeping authoritarianism under President Sadyr Japarov. Influenced by Putin's style, Japarov's government advances legislation reducing Parliament's role and curbing dissent, raising concerns about democracy's future in the country. theconversation.com

Alexander McConnell discusses Soviet antiwar activism with Olga Medvedkova, focusing on her 1983 arrest. They explore historical and contemporary antiwar movements in Russia, highlighting differences in political contexts and activist strategies. digitalscholarship.umich.edu

The article discusses how the Transcaucasian Trail fosters peace by connecting communities in the South Caucasus through conservation and trail-building. It highlights international cooperation despite regional conflicts and environmental challenges. Eurasianet.com

Lexical Conflict studies cross-linguistic lexical differences, presenting a taxonomy of terms and their equivalences. It covers over one hundred languages, offering solutions for lexicographic challenges in various fields including linguistics, anthropology, and international marketing.

Laurie Stoff's book examines Russia's 'Sisters of Mercy' during the Great War, highlighting their unprecedented engagement in traditionally male roles, challenging societal norms, and their critical yet underrecognized contributions to wartime medical services and social changes in early twentieth-century Russia.