Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

It's been 30 years since the first Chechen war when Moscow attacked the breakaway Chechen Republic, laying the capital, Grozny, to waste. Just as with the current war against Ukraine, Russia expected a quick victory and a receptive local population, but instead encountered strong resistance.

In a new clampdown on independent media, Tajikistan has jailed a veteran journalist for criticizing regional officials, while another reporter faces 17 years in prison on undisclosed charges.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the White House on February 4 as U.S. President Donald Trump's first guest since his inauguration, an honor that sends a clear message of support for Israel.

The rapid-fire response from Beijing came within minutes of Trump's 10 percent tariff across all Chinese imports coming into effect on February 4. The Chinese tariffs will impose 15 percent levies on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as 10 percent tariffs for crude oil, farm equipment, and some cars. China's Finance Ministry said that the measures will start on February 10.

Russian forces have launched a deadly missile strike on eastern frontline city of Izyum in the Kharkiv region, the head of the regional military administration said.

The Baltics states join the EU's electricity grid -- plus more sanctions on Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have renewed their trade war as they both announced new tariffs against each other's products. But, unlike the last time they sparred, Beijing is better prepared for a trade standoff with Washington.

Major international stories from outside RFE/RL's coverage region.

A Russian missile attack on Ukraine's eastern frontline city of Izyum in the Kharkiv region killed at least 5 people and wounded at least 34 others, including three children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, calling for increased sanctions and military pressure on Russia. A local resident told RFE/RL that a pregnant woman was among those killed in the strike.

The latest twist in U.S. President Donald Trump’s maneuvering to bring Russia’s war on Ukraine to an end? No more U.S. for Kyiv unless on it gives U.S. more access to its rare earth minerals. What exactly is a rare earth mineral and why does Trump want it?