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

Iveta Silova analyzes Latvian textbooks pre, during, and post-Soviet era, focusing on education transformations after socialism. The FreshEd Podcast

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.

North Macedonia's elections are pivotal for EU accession and reflect great power dynamics in the Western Balkans amid COVID-19. Political divisions and online disinformation campaigns heighten the stakes, with potential shifts in governance and regional influence. Canadian Macedonian Historical Society

The article discusses Colt's history and the enduring impact of its firearm designs, particularly the AR-15, highlighting their influence and the challenges the company faced, including market pressures and bankruptcy. Slate.com

The article discusses Russia's historical view of Ukraine as part of its empire, influencing Putin's refusal to acknowledge Ukrainian sovereignty. The term 'Little Russia' and policies suppressed Ukrainian identity, supporting Russia's contemporary claims and actions towards Ukraine. Theconversation.com

Discussion covered identity themes among Armenians and Azerbaijanis, highlighting deep-rooted national stereotypes and efforts to redefine education and identity through decolonial and border perspectives. Involved experts from Turkey and the USA, emphasizing dialogues and virtual exhibitions to foster understanding. Bright Garden Voices

Calls for prosecuting Russian President Putin for war crimes in Ukraine are increasing. Despite skepticism, history shows successful prosecutions occur when leaders lose power. International courts face challenges without enforcement powers, yet political pressure and incentives can lead to trials. Theconversation.com

The article discusses the split in the Orthodox Church due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, contrasting responses from Patriarchs Bartholomew and Kirill. It provides insights into the structure, history, and theological distinctions of Orthodox Christianity, including its autocephalous churches and ecumenical relations. Theconversation.com

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a major religious and cultural force in Ukraine, supports millions during the Russian invasion. This church, blending Orthodox and Catholic elements, has historically supported Ukrainian identity and independence, notably during Soviet oppression. 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