State of Ukraine

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With reporters on the ground, conversations with politicians and officials, and breakdowns of what's going on, we'll bring you everything you need to know about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple times a day. We'll discuss the conflict's past, its possible futures, and what each new development means for the rest of the world.

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    • Jul 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    • 994 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from State of Ukraine

    Lesotho Declares State of Disaster After U.S. Tariffs. Rescissions Impact U.N.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 9:52


    The southern African nation's garment industry is being gutted by U.S. tariffs. And United Nations peacekeeping and UNICEF are amongst the agencies facing major cuts after a new U.S. funding rollback.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Israeli Ground Troops Enter Central Gaza And Chile's Musical High Desert Fiesta

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 10:30


    In Gaza, one of the last relatively safe zones is now under fire, as Israel expands its military ground operation into the central city of Deir al-Balah. And we visit the tiny desert village in Chile that fills with music for Fiesta de La Tirana.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    One Doctor's Story After Another Violent Weekend in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 8:38


    Many injured in Gaza while seeking food at distribution sites are sent to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. NPR speaks with Dr. Nick Maynard, a British surgeon volunteering there.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Downstream Effects of China's Rare Earth Mining

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 6:17


    China has nearly cornered the market in rare earth minerals, which are a necessary component to much of our technology today. But China sources some of those rare earths and other heavy metals from neighboring Myanmar. And the ramped up in production there is causing downstream environmental concerns in Thailand. We go to Thailand to understand the issue.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 2:01


    Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    China's Stranglehold on Coveted Rare Earth Minerals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 5:51


    The U.S. once controlled the market on rare earth minerals, sought after for the production of cell phones, computers, electric and hybrid vehicles, and more. But in the last few decades, China has cornered that market and surpassed the US. We explore how.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Impact of Fewer Babies Being Born in Countries Around the Globe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 7:27


    More families around the world are choosing to have fewer children or none all. Many countries, including the U.S., now face a rapidly aging population that could begin to shrink. We look at why this is happening and what it could mean for the future.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Childhood Stamp Collection Opened a Reporter's Eyes to the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 7:43


    Clearing out a closet, attic or garage can be a chore. Old photographs, clothes and books can create clutter, or take up space that's sometimes needed for something else. But every so often, the heirlooms or mementos that you find retain some value: if that's emotional value, it can be hard to part with them. If it's financial, that can make it easier, as Willem Marx hoped it would be with his childhood stamp collection in London.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Syrians in Turkey Decide Whether to Return Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 6:02


    Millions of Syrians fled their country during the civil war that lasted more than a decade. Now the dictator has been deposed and the country is trying to recover. Many ex-pat Syrians, including a large number in Turkey, are looking at what they have left in Syria and deciding whether to return. This reporting was sponsored by the Pulitzer CenterLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Russia Intensifies Its Air War in Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 5:22


    Russia ratcheted up air attacks by drones and missiles on Ukraine this week. The increase comes as President Trump has expressed frustration at Russian President Vladimir Putin's seeming unwillingness to enter talks to end the war. Trump indicated the U.S. would resume shipments of weapons to Ukraine that had previously been suspended. Our correspondent in Kyiv gives us the latest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Syria, Six Months After a Dictator Departed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 6:42


    Our correspondent goes back to Syria six months after the ouster of dictator Bashar Al-Assad to see the country's growing pains in its new era.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Who Will Become the Next Supreme Leader of Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 5:23


    Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is 86 years-old and his political power is weakened following the short war with Israel. Our correspondent explores who, or what, could replace Khamenei upon his death.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What a Long Lost Typewriter Says About Chinese Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 6:13


    A typewriter recently discovered in a basement in upstate New York holds important clues about the origins of Chinese computing. And brings up questions about language and culture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    In Nigeria, Farmers and Herders Battle Each Other for Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 5:56


    In the fertile central region, the fights between herders and farmers for land access has become violent. We go to one village where over 160 people were killed in what villagers say was an effort to drive them off their farms.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    China Works to Dominate in AI and EV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 8:35


    The reality of China's efforts to lead in two important tech sectors. In artificial intelligence, control of the data needed to train new models could dictate where the industry is able to expand fastest. And a price war in China's electric vehicle industry.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    A Dangerous Quest for Food in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 9:07


    An NPR journalist in Gaza describes his harrowing experience seeking food from a distribution site run by private American contractors. He found himself facing Israeli military fire, crowds fighting for rations, and masked thieves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    A Crackdown Inside Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 9:14


    With a shaky truce between Israel and Iran holding, activists say the Iranian government is hunting for people it suspects of collaborating with Israel. Iranian state media reports hundreds have been taken into custody in the last two weeks and some are fleeing into neighboring countries, including Turkey. We hear from some. And, during the air war with Israel, one young Iranian woman turned to Chat GPT for information and comfort.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Russia's Largest Bombardment of Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 5:38


    Russia attacked Ukraine with over 500 drones and missiles over the weekend, it was the largest air assault since the Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago. The barrage included targets in Western Ukraine, a region far from the front lines that doesn't often see bombardments. We get the latest from our correspondent in Kyiv.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How Russia Sees Itself in the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 6:35


    Ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the majority of western countries have been working to marginalize Russia by imposing sanctions and moving away from dependence on Russian oil. This week NATO announced most member countries would dramatically increase defense spending, a move they said was meant to counter threats posed by Russia. But Russia is eager to show it still has many partners around the globe and quash talk of a possible economic recession at home. Our correspondent takes us to an international conference in Saint Petersburg where the Russian government is putting it's best face forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Evita Sings for the People in London; Gangs in Peru Target Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 9:56


    As part of a broader crime wave in Peru that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, gangs have begun targeting private schools in poorer neighborhoods for extortion. We hear how administrators and parents are dealing with the threats. And in London's West End, you don't need a ticket to witness the soaring signature song for the musical Evita. It is performed nightly in the street. We attend a recent performance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Germany Rearms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 6:07


    NATO is wrapping up it's meeting and most members are pledging to increase defense spending to counter threats posed by Russia. Among the countries expanding their military is Germany, which is aiming to field the largest army in the European Union with massive investment. Our correspondent in Berlin shows us how Germany plans to accomplish that goal.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    A Possible Iran-Israel Ceasefire and Why China is Watching the War Closely

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 9:22


    President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on social media and the agreement was immediately tested. We'll hear the latest. And China has been watching developments in the war closely because gets much of its crude oil imports from Iran through a "dark fleet" of vessels to evade American sanctions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Were U.S. Strikes On Iran's Nuclear Program Successful?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 8:01


    The U.S. entered Israel's war against Iran over the weekend, dropping bombs and firing missiles on three Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. We hear from some experts on whether they think the attacks were successful in damaging or destroying Iran's ability to make a nuclear weapon. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long had sights on attacking Iran but until recently that ambition seemed to be sidelined by President Trump. Now Netanyahu's basking in the moment after the U.S. joined in on the war against Iran. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What Does the Israel-Iran War Mean for the Middle East?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 9:33


    As Israel and Iran continue missile attacks against one another, we look at how countries in the Middle East are viewing the conflict. Whether that war could spread and if other powers in the region are bracing for a wider conflict. And we hear from some residents of Tehran weighing the decision of fleeing the Iranian capital as President Trump commanded or staying and taking their chances.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Can War Games Prevent Actual War?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 5:03


    Though low tech, table top war games can give experts an understanding of how a real-world conflict could play out. With increased global instability there is increased demand for these exercises, even among those with access to classified information. We watch one such war game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What We Know About Iran's Nuclear Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 6:55


    Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says Iran is "marching very quickly" toward a nuclear weapon. The U.S. intelligence community says Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program decades ago. We hear from two NPR correspondents who are watching this very closely to find out who is right.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What is the Future of the Israel-Iran War and Will the U.S. Get Involved?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 9:39


    The war between Israel and Iran shows no signs of slowing down. There were traffic jams in Tehran with people fleeing after President Trump suggested on social media everyone there evacuate. We talk to a longtime Iran analyst about where the war might go and what the U.S. role in the conflict might be. And we go to the neighboring countries in the region to see how people are reacting to missiles flying overhead. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Air War Between Israel and Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 8:55


    For days Israel has been attacking Iran with airstrikes, which they say is an effort to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran has been responding by firing missiles at Israel. We'll hear what has been hit and what targets may be next. And we compare the two countries' ability to defend against these types of attacks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Paris' Iconic Opera House Celebrates 150 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 7:18


    Commissioned by Napoleon, the opulent Opera Garnier is named after its architect, Charles Garnier. Garnier rose from the Paris slums to design one of Europe's most celebrated venues. Opera Garnier eventually became the inspiration for the novel and musical, "Phantom of the Opera."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What Does Pakistan's Use of a New Chinese Fighter Jet Mean for the Future?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 5:51


    Pakistan and India traded cross-border military strikes in May, a four day flare-up in a long running conflict between the two nuclear-armed countries. Among the significant developments in the brief conflict was the first time a Chinese made fighter plane saw combat. Our correspondent in Mumbai says that debut might have a long term impact.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    A New Militia Emerges in Gaza, Backed By Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 6:28


    A new powerful group has risen in Gaza and they are being armed by Israel. The militia calls itself "The Popular Forces" and they are presenting themselves as a counter to Hamas' rule of the territory. Our correspondent tells us what we know about this new armed power.For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdatesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Students from India and China Rethink Studying in the U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 8:05


    The United States hosts many students and scientific researchers from the world's two largest countries, India and China. The U.S. is seen as one of the best places to get and education and on the cutting edge of innovation. But a series of moves by the Trump administration, including greater scrutiny of those applying for student visa and, in the case of China, threats to revoke some visas, are making some rethink their plans.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    A Family in Gaza Struggles to Get By

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 5:41


    Amid Israel's expanding war in Gaza and its restrictions on aid entering the territory it's getting harder and harder for civilians to find enough to eat. A U.N.-backed report warns half a million people in Gaza are facing starvation. We hear what life is like there for a mother and her eight children.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    World Reaction to the Latest U.S. Travel Ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 8:10


    President Donald Trump has issued a new travel ban, barring travelers from 12 countries and partially restricting travelers from seven others from coming to the U.S. We hear from reporters in Asia, Latin America and Africa to hear how targeted countries might be affected.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Some Israelis are Shifting their Views on the War in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 4:56


    Since the war against Hamas in Gaza began, there have been protests in Israel pressuring the government to end the war so that the hostages being held there can be released. But lately, as the number of casualties in Gaza mount and food entering the territory has been restricted, it is becoming less taboo to speak out about the plight of Palestinians. We go to one protest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How a Damascus Firehouse Illustrates Syria's Divisions and Hope for the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 8:02


    After being on opposite sides of Syria's war, former regime firefighters and members of the White Helmets in a Damascus firehouse are learning to trust each other and work side-by-side.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Russia and Ukraine Meet Following Massive Attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 8:01


    Representatives from Russia and Ukraine gather for peace talks in Istanbul. The meeting comes after the two countries each launched large-scale drone attacks on one another over the weekend, including an audacious Ukrainian strike on Russia's bomber aircraft fleet. We hear the latest from the talks and about how Ukraine's drone capabilities have evolved.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Remembering a Ballet Legend in Russia; a Monkey Census in Nepal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 7:43


    Russians remember the longtime artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, who died recently. Yuri Grigorovich held the position for the last three decades of the Soviet Union and staged productions that were wildly popular at home and projected soft power overseas. And in Nepal, people have complained of monkey's stealing food from their property for years. Now, the government is holding its first-ever monkey census to understand exactly how bad the problem is.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why Germany's Government Can Spy on a Political Party

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 6:32


    Germany's biggest opposition political party, the nationalist and anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party, has been designated "extremist" by the country's domestic intelligence agency. That means the German government can tap party members' phones and hire informants to monitor them, in a measure meant to ensure that the party is not a threat to democracy. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both criticized this move. But it is something the German constitution allows and that constitution was shaped by the United States. Our correspondent in Germany looks into how and why this came about.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Healthcare System Collapses in Sudan's Capital

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 5:12


    The civil war in Sudan has been ongoing for more than two years causing some fifteen million people to be displaced and the collapse of the country's healthcare system in many places. In the capital Khartoum, there were once nearly 100 public and private medical facilities, now none are operational. We go to Khartoum to see how residents are coping with the lack of medical care.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Reckoning with the Past in Colombia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 5:45


    Colombians suffered through a decades-long guerilla war in which hundreds of thousands died. According to the country's truth commission, approximately 80% of those killed were civilians. Now some former army soldiers accused of atrocities during the war are trying to make amends. They are helping to locate and exhume the remains of innocent civilians executed by the Colombian military. We go to one of the sites.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Inside a Drone Factory in Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 5:32


    Throughout the more than three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, drones have been a key tool and weapon used by both sides in the conflict. Because of this, Ukraine is at the cutting edge of drone innovation, churning out some two million unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, last year. These flying drones come in all sizes and they're produced in factories large and high-tech, as well as small and shoestring. In today's episode, NPR's Eleanor Beardsley takes us inside a drone-making operation in Kyiv.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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