Free Republic

Russia hit Kiev with missile strikes during the visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Ukraine's officials said on Thursday, adding that the strikes hit residential areas, leading to a fire and causing three casualties.“Missile strikes in the downtown of Kiev during the official visit of @antonioguterres. The day before he was sitting at a long table in the Kremlin, and today explosions are above his head. Postcard from Moscow? Recall why Russia still takes a seat on the UN Security Council?” the Presidency’s office tweeted.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “Russia… [struck] Kiev with cruise missiles right when UN Secretary...

Iranians fear an even more painful squeeze on living costs after additional U.S. sanctions take effect on Monday, from businesses struggling to buy raw materials to the sick and elderly unable to afford life-saving medicines. Iran’s clerical rulers have played down the U.S. move, but many ordinary Iranians appear apprehensive. “All the prices are going higher every day ... I cannot imagine what will happen after 13 Aban (Nov. 4). I am scared. I am worried. I am desperate,” said elementary school teacher Pejman Sarafnejad, 43, a father of three in Tehran. “I cannot even buy rice to feed my...