Rob Raffaele News Today

Turkey‘s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pledging to return as many as one million Syrians amid growing public animosity against the refugees. Their presence is a potential political liability for Erdogan but as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, his plan for the refugees’ repatriation is already drawing criticism Producer: Rob Raffaele

Tijuana has become one place where families and friends of Ukrainian refugees come to seek safety for their loved ones who have escaped the war. VOA News Celia Mendoza witnessed these efforts, a few meters from the United States port of entry, El Chaparral, at the San Diego, Tijuana, Mexico border. Camera: Celia Mendoza  Produced by: Rob Raffaele

With the European Union pledging to end its dependence on Russian gas, Turkey is positioning itself as a key bridge to alternative energy supplies from other nations. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Produced by: Rob Raffaele

Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a European Union summit later this week aims to assert the bloc's energy independence from Russia — and strengthen its collective defense. For VOA, Lisa Bryant reports from Paris. Camera: Lisa Bryant Produced by: Rob Raffaele

A radio program in Nigeria is helping break through cultural barriers by highlighting cases of Gender Based Violence, or GBV.   Even before the lockdowns, many women and girls were victims of GBV. Timothy Obiezu reports from Jos, Nigeria.  Camera: Emeka Gibson     Produced by: Rob Raffaele   

On a visit to Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured the people of Ukraine that the United States stands with them in the face of a potentially imminent Russian invasion. After meeting with Ukraine’s foreign minister Wednesday, Blinken spoke with VOA in Kyiv about the U.S. diplomatic effort to calm the situation. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. Producer: Rob Raffaele.

As cases of gender-based violence have increased in Tanzania during the pandemic, some women are learning ways to fight back — including using their fists. Charles Kombe in Dar es Salaam explains. Camera: Rajabu Hassan Produced by: Rob Raffaele

As cases of gender-based violence have increased in Tanzania during the pandemic, some women are learning ways to fight back — including using their fists. Charles Kombe in Dar es Salaam explains. Camera: Rajabu Hassan Produced by: Rob Raffaele

The Biden administration came into office vowing "America is back," with Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledging to work closely to boost ties with allies. But unexpected crises, coups and conflicts in Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine have also commanded the top U.S. diplomat's attention in 2021. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. Produced by: Rob Raffaele

The tale of two South Sudanese brothers recently rescued in the Mediterranean Sea is a common one among the many African migrants seeking better lives in Europe. The two men left Libya on a flimsy boat, but the engine broke down and they were eventually picked up by the Ocean Viking rescue ship. Reporter Ruud Elmendorp was on board the rescue vessel and has their story.  Producer: Rob Raffaele. Camera: Ruud Elmendorp.