Flashpoint Ukraine - Voice of America VOA English

World leaders gather for the second annual Democracy Summit Amid Russian Nuclear Threats. Ukraine’s President explains why backing down in the battle for Bakhmut is not an option. How "Bakhmut Salt" has become a rallying cry for Ukraine manufacturing.

Russia tests missiles in the Sea Of Japan while the Wagner Group steps up recruitment efforts in Moscow. Controversy in a Kyiv church and monastery, and a look at facial recognition technology in Moscow’s subway. Plus, a Belarusian opposition leader speaks to VOA.

What would having Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus mean for the war? What would it mean for Europe and NATO? A look at the horror of the more than 16,000 children forcibly deported from Ukraine to Russia, plus a look at Russian athletes in international competition.

Russian attacks on water treatment plants and reservoirs could be catastrophic. Russian long-range strikes kill at least 10 civilians and wounded 20 others in several areas of Ukraine. A team of doctors specializing in pediatric trauma train Ukrainian medics on how to treat child blast victims.

Deadly missile strikes throughout Ukraine upon President Xi’s departing Moscow. Plus a look at the origins of the war, and what has thousands of Russian women migrating to Argentina?

Russian missiles and an exploding drone strike a student dormitory and a nine-story apartment building. The White House expresses pessimism that Chinese talks with Russian President will pave the way to end the war. Latvia’s Russian minority struggles with a changing world.