Yandex co-founder calls war ‘barbaric’ signaling dismay in Russian elite
Arkady Volozh became the second prominent Russian business executive to publicly denounce Russia's invasion, saying 'I am horrified about the fate of people in Ukraine.' #press
Who are the U.S. citizens being held in Iran?
At leas three U.S. citizens are either in prison in Iran or barred from leaving the country. #press
Assassination upends once-peaceful Ecuador days before election
The South American nation, wedged between Colombia and Peru, was already emerging as a new battlefield for drug traffickers. With the killing of Fernando Villavicencio, the violence has reached the highest levels of politics. #press
Who was Fernando Villavicencio, Ecuador’s assassinated presidential candidate?
Villavicencio, a vocal opponent of drug trafficking groups and government corruption, was shot dead at a rally in Quito. Here's what to know and what happens next. #press
Climate change may worsen spread of West Nile virus: What to know
Health experts worry that rising temperatures could mean West Nile, a mosquito-borne virus, will become more prevalent in less common places. #press
Soccer shocker: Australians, a nation of rugby league fans, fall for football
Australians are watching the women's World Cup games in numbers that surpass even the rugby league and "Aussie rules" finals. #press
Ukraine live briefing: Dozens of Leopard tanks bought for Ukraine; more drones target Moscow
It was not clear when the refurbished tanks from OIP Land Systems would reach Ukraine or who bought them. #press
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/10/russia-ukraine-war-news/?utm_source=press.coop
Slow counteroffensive darkens mood in Ukraine
Nearly 18 months after Russia's invasion engulfed Ukrainians in a brutal war, the national narrative of unity and perseverance is beginning to fray. #press
As economy stumbles over judicial push, Israel banks on an energy boom
Natural gas has transformed Israel into a regional energy powerhouse. Now, the country is looking to increase exports to Europe to offset its economic woes. #press
China’s falling prices are a more profound problem than U.S. inflation
The United States and China are the world’s two most important economic powers. But the biggest economic problems they face are polar opposites. #press
Ecuadoran presidential candidate killed in attack at campaign rally
Fernando Villavicencio, a member of the National Assembly before it was dissolved in May, was a leading candidate to succeed President Guillermo Lasso. #press
Senior State Dept. official visits Niger to negotiate with junta
Acting deputy secretary of state Victoria Nuland called the talks "difficult." Meanwhile, backroom negotiations continue over the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum. #press
Russians tied to Putin or military sidestep sanctions and draw protest
Some politicians and activists are calling for tougher punishment of wealthy Russians who live in Europe and have not faced penalties over the war in Ukraine. #press
Australian aid policy to focus on climate — and countering China
With its new approach to aid, Anthony Albanese's government is trying to present Australia as an alternative to China, known for "debt-trap diplomacy." #press
98 arrested in child sex abuse probe launched after FBI agents’ killing
The arrests in the United States and Australia came two years after FBI agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger were killed investigating child sex abuse. #press
‘Hostile actors’ hacked British voter registry, electoral agency says
The August 2021 breach, discovered in October 2022, “has no impact” on voters’ “ability to take part in the democratic process,” the government said. #press
Ukraine live briefing: Russian strikes kill 14, officials say, including first responders
Deadly Russian assaults in at least four regions across Ukraine damaged homes and farms, officials said. Children and rescue workers were among many injured. #press
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/08/russia-ukraine-war-news/?utm_source=press.coop
Williamson Murray, military historian who peered beyond battles, dies at 81
Dr. Murray studied the intersections of military strategy, politics and industry in World War II and other conflicts. #press
Niger is slipping away from the West
The junta in Niger is withstanding regional pressure to stand down, while support for their coup carries a distinctly anti-Western sheen. #press
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/09/niger-france-west-coup/?utm_source=press.coop
Panda skeleton discovered in 2,000-year-old Chinese emperor’s tomb
The first full skeleton of a giant panda found in a tomb sheds light on ancient burial rituals and status symbols. There were also remains of a tiger, a yak and a bull. #press