Free Republic

When Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered up to 200,000 soldiers into Ukraine, his aim was to sweep into the capital, Kyiv, in a matter of days. He wanted to overthrow the pro-Western government and return Ukraine to Russia's sphere of influence. Putin failed, but more than three years on a fifth of Ukrainian territory is in Russian hands (Excerpt)

What happened in the Russia-Ukraine war this week? Catch up with the must-read news and analysis Every week we wrap up essential coverage of the war in Ukraine, from news and features to analysis, and more. [Excerpt] ‘Music is to me the light’ For this piece Charlotte Higgins sets the scene at the National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, where the stakes are very high for everyone on stage. Violinist Joshua Bell and conductor Dalia Stasevska are on an intensely focused mission to get the opening bars of a concerto just right – and not just any concerto, but one by...

An investigation into narcotics inside the Halawa prison revealed two deaths and at least 14 overdoses in the past eight months linked to the same designer drugAn investigation into narcotics inside the Halawa prison revealed two deaths and at least 14 overdoses in the past eight months linked to the same designer drug. Spice, also known as synthetic marijuana, hasn’t made too many headlines here lately. But officials at Halawa Correctional Facility say it’s a problem behind bars. Often sold in colorful pouches, spice can resemble marijuana. The psychoactive substance is also sold in a liquid form. Marketed in vials,...