Author: Olena Goncharova

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited a Pennsylvania ammunition factory to thank workers for producing crucial munitions for Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces. The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, which manufactures 155 mm artillery shells, has increased production from 24,000 rounds to 36,000 per month. These shells are essential for howitzer systems capable of hitting targets 24 to 32 kilometers away. Zelensky expressed gratitude to the workers, highlighting their crucial role in protecting lives. Following his visit to the U.S., Zelensky plans to address the U.N. General Assembly and meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. His visit aims…

Canadian broadcaster TVO recently faced backlash for deciding not to air a controversial documentary, “Russians at War,” directed by Anastasia Trofimova, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film, portraying Russian soldiers’ perspective on the invasion of Ukraine, sparked protests in Toronto, leading TVO to respect community feedback and pull the film from airing. Funded with $250,000 from the Canada Media Fund, the documentary received criticism from government officials like Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland for using public funds to support a contentious project. Initially defended as an “antiwar film,” TVO eventually backtracked on airing “Russians at War,” citing a…

Canadian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, are criticizing the use of public funds to support the controversial documentary “Russians at War.” Directed by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, the film received funding from Canadian public broadcasters and government grants, as well as private funding from the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund. Despite concerns from the Ukrainian community and calls to remove the film from the Toronto International Film Festival lineup, organizers proceeded with its screening. Freeland, a vocal critic of Russia’s actions, expressed solidarity with the concerns raised about the film. Trofimova defended her project, emphasizing its focus on…

Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova has stirred controversy with her documentary “Russians at War,” which she admits to making by entering Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories without official permits. Despite acknowledging Russia’s invasion as unjustified, she focused on Russian soldiers in the film, prompting debate over its content and funding sources. Trofimova’s decision to embed with Russian soldiers has sparked backlash, with criticisms that the documentary may be whitewashing Russian war crimes. The film received funding from the Canadian Media Fund, drawing further criticism from Ukraine’s consul-general in Toronto. In defense, Trofimova stated that the film is an anti-war production made at great…

North Korea recently showcased its strong ties with China and Russia through a paramilitary parade in Pyongyang honoring its 75th founding anniversary. The event emphasized leader Kim Jong Un’s efforts to bolster alliances with Moscow and Beijing amidst escalating tensions with Washington. Speculation is rife that Kim may visit Russia soon for discussions with President Vladimir Putin, especially regarding North Korean arms sales to support Russia’s activities in Ukraine. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong and a Russian military ensemble participated in the celebrations, hinting at the growing cooperation between the three nations. With rumors of a forthcoming Kim-Putin summit, possibly…

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Volodymyr Zelensky are united in their push to involve Russia in future peace negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the conflict enters its third year, Kyiv plans to invite Russia to a second conference to present a peace plan based on Zelensky’s formula and international input. Scholz emphasized the urgency of resolving the war and the need to accelerate efforts for peace. This diplomatic push comes amid political challenges for Scholz at home, as populist parties opposing military support for Ukraine gain ground in state elections, adding pressure to his coalition…

In the midst of Russia’s ongoing attack on Ukraine, at least six civilians were injured in Lviv, including a 10-year-old boy. Explosions were heard, causing buildings near the central railway station to catch fire. First responders rushed to the scene as the city remained a frequent target for Russian drone and missile attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force issued warnings of potential drone and missile threats, urging caution across multiple regions. Though Russian drones have breached Polish airspace during attacks, the Polish government has been advised to exercise restraint by NATO allies. Despite NATO’s opposition, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized…

In recent attacks by Russia on Ukraine, at least six people were injured in Kharkiv Oblast, including a pregnant woman. The regional governor reported several damaged buildings and a fire. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two drones were downed, injuring a 72-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man. The attack resulted in fires damaging power lines, a gas station, high-rises, homes, and a warehouse. Ukrainian cities frequently face Russian attacks, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, particularly to energy systems. Russia’s recent attacks have forced energy consumption restrictions after a period of restoration of energy capacity over the summer. Government estimates suggest that…

In a recent development, Ukraine has captured at least 247 Russian soldiers in Kursk Oblast since August 6, as reported by the Washington Post. The captured soldiers were identified through visual evidence from photos and videos shared on social media. These captures verify Ukrainian claims of mass prisoner intake during the ongoing conflict. The soldiers captured in Kursk region, bordering Sumy Oblast in Ukraine, include conscripts aged 18-30, raising doubts about Russia’s military capabilities. These conscripts, inexperienced and unpaid, were filmed being escorted across various locations on the border, depicting their surrender en masse. The footage reveals the social and…

French authorities have extended Pavel Durov’s detention following his arrest for alleged offenses related to the Telegram messaging app. Durov, the renowned founder of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget airport, marking a significant turn of events in his career. The extension of his detention could last up to 96 hours as investigators delve into accusations including fraud, drug trafficking, and cyberbullying. Durov, who left Russia in 2014 due to government pressure, has a net worth of $15.5 billion. Telegram, known for its end-to-end encrypted messaging and popular use in the former Soviet Union, emphasizes neutrality and adherence to EU…