https://www.rferl.org Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty is an international news organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries https://www.rferl.org/Content/responsive/RFE/en-US/img/logo.png https://www.rferl.org en Copyright 2026 - RFE/RL, Inc. 60 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:58:50 +0200 Pangea CMS – RFE/RL A Ukrainian photojournalist captured life near the front lines as the Russian invasion into eastern Ukraine persists despite Kyiv's successful drone strikes deep inside Russia. https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-invasion-ukraine-evacuations-photographer-witness/33787789.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-invasion-ukraine-evacuations-photographer-witness/33787789.html Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:31:46 +0200 Russia Invades UkraineFeaturesUkrainePhoto GalleriesThe Rundown Stories Recent photos from a key Russian logistics route highlight the growing impact of Ukraine's efforts to stifle Russian operations. https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-war-logistics-drone-highway-crimea/33786426.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-war-logistics-drone-highway-crimea/33786426.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:41:30 +0200 UkraineRussiaPhoto GalleriesRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories Vice President JD Vance said "good progress" was made in negotiations on a framework toward reaching a final peace deal within 60 days, including the guarantee of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, an end to fighting in Lebanon, and Tehran's acceptance of visits by IAEA inspectors. https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-united-states-burgenstock-roadmap-war/33786170.html https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-united-states-burgenstock-roadmap-war/33786170.html Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:16:39 +0200 IranNewsThe Rundown HeadlineMiddle East Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea have suspended fuel sales to private individuals and businesses amid a severe fuel shortage and a weak tourist season, as Ukrainian drone strikes continue to disrupt Russia's oil and transport infrastructure. https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-war-crimea-fuel-shortage-drone-strikes/33785662.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-war-crimea-fuel-shortage-drone-strikes/33785662.html Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:58:23 +0200 NewsRussiaUkraineRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories High-level talks are now under way between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian representatives at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, launching what could become the most consequential diplomatic effort yet to stabilize the Middle East after near four months of war. https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-talks-switzerland-hormuz/33785567.html https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-talks-switzerland-hormuz/33785567.html Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:26:41 +0200 IranNewsThe Rundown HeadlineMiddle East A Tajik couple was forced to abandon the name they chose for their newborn child after officials said it was not on an approved registry. The case highlights Tajikistan's controversial effort to promote Persian-rooted names and curb visible Islamic influences. https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-baby-names-approved-list/33784703.html https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-baby-names-approved-list/33784703.html Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:59:20 +0200 TajikistanFeaturesThe Rundown Stories Iranian-born author Marjane Satrapi, who wrote the hit graphic novel Persepolis, was laid to rest on June 19 in Paris amid tributes honoring her work. Her graphic novel was later adapted into a Cannes-winning animated film. Known for her wit, provocative and irreverent storytelling, and outspoken positions on human rights, Satrapi was buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery amid commemorations from international artists. https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-france-marjane-satrapi-funeral-persepolis-radiation-cannes-human-rights-film-animation/33784759.html https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-france-marjane-satrapi-funeral-persepolis-radiation-cannes-human-rights-film-animation/33784759.html Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:33:02 +0200 IranVideo ArchiveVideosHuman Rights A massive Ukrainian strike on a Moscow oil refinery on June 18 is set to exacerbate a worsening fuel shortage that is spreading throughout Russia. https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-fuel-crisis-ukraine-war-drone-campaign-oil/33783797.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-fuel-crisis-ukraine-war-drone-campaign-oil/33783797.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:52:06 +0200 RussiaUkrainePhoto GalleriesPhoto GalleriesRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories Multiple Ukrainian drones hit a Moscow oil refinery on the morning of June 18, according to Russian officials, in what was the second attack this week on the largest fuel supplier to the Moscow region. At least 16 people were injured in the attack, according to authorities. https://www.rferl.org/a/massive-ukrainian-drone-strike-targets-moscow-region-s-largest-fuel-supplier/33783664.html https://www.rferl.org/a/massive-ukrainian-drone-strike-targets-moscow-region-s-largest-fuel-supplier/33783664.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:52:30 +0200 VideosRussiaVideo Archive US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict that has roiled the Middle East since late February. https://www.rferl.org/a/uran-us-sign-deal-trump-pezeshkian-hormuz-nuclear/33783570.html https://www.rferl.org/a/uran-us-sign-deal-trump-pezeshkian-hormuz-nuclear/33783570.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:01:01 +0200 IranNewsThe Rundown Headline US President Donald Trump said the United States could resume military action against Iran if he is dissatisfied with the implementation of the memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran. https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-us-iran-deal-talks/33783001.html https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-us-iran-deal-talks/33783001.html Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:41:02 +0200 IranNewsThe Rundown StoriesMiddle East Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have pledged their "unwavering support" for Ukraine and agreed to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions and weapons supplies to Kyiv amid signs Washington is turning its focus back toward ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. https://www.rferl.org/a/g7-support-ukraine-us-pressure-kremlin-russia-trump-putin/33782886.html https://www.rferl.org/a/g7-support-ukraine-us-pressure-kremlin-russia-trump-putin/33782886.html Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:18:47 +0200 NewsRussiaUkraineRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories Dozens of soccer fans displayed Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag during the country’s World Cup opener against New Zealand in defiance of FIFA, which won a court hearing allowing it to prohibit the symbol inside venues. The Lion and Sun flag, flown over Iran before the Islamic Revolution in 1979, has become a symbol of resistance to decades of repressive theocratic rule in the country. It is also widely displayed by Iranian monarchist exiles. https://www.rferl.org/a/pre-revolutionary-flags-fly-at-iran-s-world-cup-opener-defying-fifa-ban/33782275.html https://www.rferl.org/a/pre-revolutionary-flags-fly-at-iran-s-world-cup-opener-defying-fifa-ban/33782275.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:11:28 +0200 VideosIranVideo Archive US President Donald Trump said a framework agreement to be signed with Iran this week makes it "loud and clear" that Tehran will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons as the two sides try to move toward ending their war. https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-deal-iran-nuclear-weapons/33782189.html https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-deal-iran-nuclear-weapons/33782189.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:38:48 +0200 NewsIranThe Rundown HeadlineMiddle East Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange air attacks on June 14, as indefinitely paused peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv appear to be overshadowed by developments on the battlefield. https://www.rferl.org/a/33780158.html https://www.rferl.org/a/33780158.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:38:21 +0200 NewsRussiaUkraineRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that European Union member states have agreed to advance accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, boosting the countries' membership bids after two years of stalled progress. https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-moldova-eu-membership/33779301.html https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-moldova-eu-membership/33779301.html Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:19:27 +0200 NewsMoldovaUkraineThe Rundown Stories The director of US National Intelligence (DNI) has released evidence that her office says shows "longstanding" United States government funding for more than 120 biolabs in over 30 countries where research on biological pathogens, some dangerous, is conducted. https://www.rferl.org/a/us-biolabs-ukraine-funding-evidence-gabbard-dni/33779274.html https://www.rferl.org/a/us-biolabs-ukraine-funding-evidence-gabbard-dni/33779274.html Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:46:06 +0200 NewsRussiaUkraineRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories US President Donald Trump claimed that a “great settlement” has been reached with Iran to end the Middle East war and that the agreement could be signed as early as this weekend, perhaps in Europe, with the US vice president attending the session. https://www.rferl.org/a/us-iran-strikes-trump-hormuz-escalation/33778143.html https://www.rferl.org/a/us-iran-strikes-trump-hormuz-escalation/33778143.html Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:46:59 +0200 IranNewsMiddle East US armed forces launched a second night of air strikes on Iran late on June 10, just hours after President Donald Trump warned Tehran it would be hit "very hard" if a deal aimed at ending more than three months of war is not finalized. https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-us-air-strikes-iran/33777784.html https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-us-air-strikes-iran/33777784.html Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:16:03 +0200 IranNews President Donald Trump said the ⁠United States is going to attack Iran “very hard” if a deal aimed at ending the three-month war is not finalized. https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran-war-negotiations/33777713.html https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran-war-negotiations/33777713.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:15:58 +0200 NewsIranThe Rundown HeadlineMiddle East