Jon Spier News Today

Russia’s assault on Ukraine, now in its second year, has set off alarms in neighboring countries. Lithuania is redoubling efforts to prepare for a confrontation that many now see as more possible than ever. Jon Spier narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.

Russia’s assault on Ukraine, now in its second year, has set off alarms in neighboring countries. Lithuania is redoubling efforts to prepare for a confrontation that many now see as more possible than ever. Jon Spier narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.

France decides on its next president April 24, when incumbent Emmanuel Macron faces his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in runoff elections — just as they did five years ago. For the past two decades, the small town of Chateaudun, southwest of Paris, has voted in line with the rest of the country. So which candidate will its citizens back this time around? For VOA, Lisa Bryant went to find out. Camera: Lisa Bryant Produced by: Jon Spier

Moldova is watching the war in neighboring Ukraine with special concern. Like Ukraine, Moldova is not a member of NATO or the European Union, and it has a very large Russian-speaking population - factors that for some Moldovans have sown fears of becoming the next target of Russian ambitions. Jon Spier narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in southern Moldova.

Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. secretary of state, died Wednesday at the age of 84. She leaves a legacy that shaped American foreign policy and served as an inspiration for many. VOA’s Salem Solomon takes a look at her extraordinary life and career. Producer: Jon Spier

Some of the three million of Ukrainian refugees who have managed to escape the war are now moving beyond Poland and Eastern Europe to the farthest stretches of the continent.That includes Spain which is already home to a community of 100,000 Ukrainians.Jon Spier narrates this report by Alfonso Beato

Full developments of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine  

Some of the three million of Ukrainian refugees who have managed to escape the war are now moving beyond Poland and Eastern Europe to the farthest stretches of the continent. That includes Spain which is already home to a community of 100,000 Ukrainians. Jon Spier narrates this report by Alfonso Beato in the Catalonia region.]]

The recognition by Russian President Vladimir Putin of two self-proclaimed republics within Ukrainian territory has created an uncertain scenario for Russians, as war and economic sanctions point to a troubled future. Along Russia’s border with eastern Ukraine, interviews with some members of the local population suggest some are eager to fight while others say there is less patriotic fervor this time than in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. Jon Spier narrates this report from the Russian city...

In eastern Ukraine, tensions over threat of a Russian invasion continue to rise, although in the eastern town of Avdiivka, along the frontlines facing Kremlin-backed separatists, the war has never ceased since 2014. For VOA, Ricardo Marquina traveled there and has this report narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff.