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Articles by Dmitry Zaks for AFP

cleared for passage

First Ukrainian Grain Shipment Sails Through Istanbul

The ship is being watched closely for signs of how well the first agreement signed by Moscow and Kyiv since Russia invaded can hold.
search for solutions

Russia and Ukraine Address Grain Crisis in First Talks Since March

The high-stakes meeting broke up after slightly more than three hours without any immediate signs of a breakthrough.
as resources allow

Ukraine Says ‘Everything’ Being Done to Defend Donbas From Russian Onslaught

An intensifying Russian offensive is prompting Kyiv to consider a strategic retreat from some key areas to avoid being surrounded.
'obvious policy'

Ukraine's Zelensky Accuses Russia of 'Genocide' in Donbas Onslaught

Invading forces are closing in on several cities, including Severodonetsk and Lysychansk.
‘Three months of heroism’

Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Western Unity as Russia Advances

Russia is now focused on expanding its gains in eastern Donbas, home to pro-Russian separatists, as well as the southern coast.
Pockets of resistance

Russia Intensifies Donbas Offensive as War Enters Fourth Month

Russia is now focused on securing and expanding its gains in Donbas and the southern coast.
Trial conclusion

War Crimes Verdict Looms as Russian Offensive Intensifies

The local governor said Russian forces were using scorched earth tactics in the eastern Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk.
captured city

Russia Says Mariupol Battle At End as Ukrainian Defenders Surrender

Moscow's flattening of Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes.
‘Not an exaggeration’

Ukraine Orders End to Defense of Mariupol

The defense ministry in Kyiv said Russian forces were preventing civilians in Donbas from fleeing to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Last holdout

Rescue Mission Under Way at Azovstal as Hundreds Evacuated

The Ukrainian army said the soldiers in Mariupol had stopped Russian forces from rapidly capturing the southern city of Zaporizhzhia.
long haul

Ukraine To Hold First War Crimes Trial as Moscow Says Kyiv Shelled Russian City

Ukraine said Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old Russian service member, is accused of killing an unarmed 62-year-old civilian.
Brent Renaud

U.S. Journalist Shot Dead in Ukraine

Papers found on the American reporter's body identified him as 50-year-old video documentary shooter Brent Renaud, of New York.
run for cover

'Immediately! Now!': Terrified Rush into Kyiv Basements

The Ukrainian capital is under siege.
fake news

Information War Rages Ahead of Feared Russian Invasion

The eight-year conflict in Ukraine's Russian-backed east has been accompanied by a disinformation battle to implicate the other side in grave crimes.
Nuclear capabilities

Russia Test Fires Missiles as U.S. Warns Moscow 'Poised' to Invade Ukraine

Putin oversaw the military test-firing its latest hypersonic, cruise and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles from the Kremlin.
reported drawdown

Russia Says Pulling Back More Troops Despite U.S. Claims

After previously announced withdrawals earlier this week, the United States, NATO and Ukraine all said they had seen no evidence of a pullback.
'impossible job'

Ukraine's Comedian-Turned-President Stars in Crisis

Volodymyr Zelenskiy became president of Ukraine in time to witness the gravest standoff between the Kremlin and Western powers since the end of the Cold...
de-escalation hopes

Russia Says Pulling Back Some Forces from Ukraine Border

The build-up of Moscow's army around Ukrainian borders has spurred fears of an invasion.
INSURANCE HEADACHES

Ukraine Vows to Keep Airspace Open Despite Russia Threat

Air travel has already been disrupted to Ukraine as warnings of an imminent Russian invasion reach fever pitch.
sabre-rattling

Russia Launches Belarus Military Drills as West Fears Ukraine Invasion

Responding to Western concerns, the Kremlin has insisted that it has no intention of leaving the troops permanently on Belarusian territory.
Election Meddling

Russian Tech Exec Sues Steele Dossier Author in UK Court

Alexej Gubarev claims that he has friends and business connections in Britain that have been damaged by Steele.
war of words

Italy and Russia Spar Over Alleged Coronavirus Spies

The unusual exchange came after an Italian newspaper story about the purportedly nefarious nature of Russia's aid mission.