Russian troops set their eyes on Ukraine’s once-peaceful town of Toretsk
The Hindu
Galyna Poroshyna's life in Toretsk, Ukraine, drastically changed as Russian assaults target the town, highlighting the ongoing war's impact.
Compared to others in war-scarred east Ukraine, Galyna Poroshyna had been lucky to live in Toretsk, a mining town nestled in a relatively sleepy sector of the front line.
Then, suddenly, the Russian assaults began, and life in the town, some 40 kilometres north of Donetsk city, deteriorated drastically.
As rockets and air strikes started raining down on shaken residents this month, Ms. Poroshyna and her neighbours sheltered in basements, emerging between barrages to assess the damage.
The Internet and electricity shut off. A shell landed near Ms. Poroshyna’s home. Ukrainian forces struggled to hold positions that had been under their control for months.
Like her mother and grandmother, the 63-year-old was born and raised in Toretsk. She married there. Her son was born and buried in the town after succumbing to an illness.
“This is the kind of bond that is very hard to break. I can’t leave and go away. I can’t,” the 63-year-old said.
That Russia now has Toretsk in its sights underlines a worrying trend for Kyiv as the war grinds through its third year.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan granted bail in graft case, but remains in prison with multiple charges pending.
Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament to ban children younger than 16 from social media.
Florida man arrested for plotting to bomb New York Stock Exchange to "reboot" U.S. government, detained for trial.
Apple asked a federal judge to dismiss the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust case against the iPhone maker.
The Sri Lankan parliamentary elections have, more or less, cleansed the 225-member Parliament, purging the country’s arrogant old guard
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
U.N. Security Council votes 14-1 for ceasefire resolution, U.S. veto prevents adoption due to hostage release demand.
Bangladesh interim government cancels passports of 22 security officials under investigation for abductions during previous presidency.
U.S. policy shift allowing Kyiv to use ATACMS missiles sparks furious response from Moscow, risking major war.
Taliban authorities are removing "un-Islamic" and anti-government literature from circulation by checking imported books and distributing lists of banned titles.