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The Week's Best

The Week's Best: 10 Stories And Videos You Shouldn't Miss

Photo: Amos Chapple (RFE/RL)
The Week's Best

The Week's Best: 10 Stories And Videos You Shouldn't Miss

We know you're busy and probably don't have the time to read all of our coverage each and every day. That's why we've put together The Week's Best. Here are some of the highlights produced in English by RFE/RL's vast team of correspondents, multimedia editors, and visual journalists over the past seven days.

How A Politically Connected Azerbaijani Tycoon Poured Secretive Millions Into British KFC Franchise

Azerbaijani tycoon Anar Mammadov earned a fortune linked to his father's political sway. RFE/RL reveals how he also used secretive offshore firms to invest millions into KFC restaurants and luxury properties in Britain. By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service

Ukrainian Moms Recall Attack On Kyiv Children's Hospital
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Ukrainian Moms Recall Attack On Kyiv Children's Hospital
by RFE/RL

No media source currently available

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Ukrainian Moms Recall Attack On Kyiv Children's Hospital

Two Ukrainian mothers were with their kids at the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv when it was hit on July 8 by a missile strike blamed on Russia. They spoke to RFE/RL about their experiences. By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Ray Furlong

Investigation: EU Shell-Production Capacity, Supplies To Ukraine Fall Far Short Of Promises

The European Union’s capacity to produce 155 mm artillery ammunition may be one-half to one-third of public estimates by senior EU officials, Schemes and its partners in a journalistic investigation found. And the EU has given Ukraine about half of the 1 million shells it promised by March 2024. By Anna Myroniuk and Valeria Yehoshyna

Iranian Film Casts Real Refugees To Show Plight Of Displaced Afghans
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Iranian Film Casts Real Refugees To Show Plight Of Displaced Afghans
by RFE/RL

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0:00 0:04:13 0:00

Iranian Film Casts Real Refugees To Show Plight Of Displaced Afghans

An Iranian writing-directing duo has filmed the story of millions of Afghans living for decades in Iran without fundamental rights. Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli cast real Afghan refugees as their characters, secretly shooting in locations where their cast cannot legally go. In the Land Of Brothers screened at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July, shedding light on a population of permanent refugees that began streaming into Iran in the 1980s during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Many are still eking out a living, taking on unofficial manual labor jobs while facing constant discrimination. By Will Tizard

Russian Government Moves To Stigmatize 'Extremist' Idea Of Not Having Children

Faced with a deepening demographic crisis aggravated by mounting war casualties and mass emigration, the Russian government is moving to label the nonexistent "international child-free movement" an extremist organization, likely tarring those who choose not to have children as unpatriotic or worse. By Robert Coalson

'Like A Dream': One Ukrainian's Journey From Belarusian Custody To Freedom

After months in a Belarusian jail on “totally made up” espionage charges and a fearful, blind ride in a police van with a bag over her head, Natalia Zakharenko’s ordeal ended with her release and return to Ukraine in a prisoner swap. Still shaken, she told RFE/RL her story. By RFE/RL's Belarus Service

Shining On: Ukrainians In Prague Celebrate Ancient Festival

On the bank of the Vltava River, Ukrainians gathered on July 8 to mark Ivan Kupala night amid news of horrifying Russian missile attacks across their home country. By Amos Chapple

France's Afghan Community 'Extremely Happy' As Far Right Denied Majority
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France's Afghan Community 'Extremely Happy' As Far Right Denied Majority
by RFE/RL

No media source currently available

0:00 0:03:21 0:00

France's Afghan Community ‘Extremely Happy’ As Far-Right Denied Majority

France’s far-right National Rally party failed to secure a majority in parliamentary elections on July 7 after being relegated to third place behind centrists and a left-wing alliance. Some in France's Afghan community expressed relief that the National Rally won't be in power to implement its anti-immigration platform that could have limited family reunions for refugees. A hung parliament could mean lots of political uncertainty ahead, but without a far-right majority President Emmanuel Macron is expected to be able to maintain France's support for Ukraine. By RFE/RL and Reuters

30 Years Since Capital Decision, Astana A Magnet For Kazakhstan's Transplants

It's been three decades since then-President Nursultan Nazarbaev decided to create a new capital for Kazakhstan, beginning the transformation of Astana into the 1.5 million megapolis that has become a magnet for internal migrants. While not everyone feels love for a city that "looks beautiful from the sky," many have come to appreciate it and even compare it favorably with the country's former capital, Almaty. By Chris Rickleton

Before The Missile: The Work Of Kyiv's Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital

Emergency and rescue personnel clear the rubble of a destroyed building on the campus of the Okhmatdyt children's hospital following a Russian missile attack in the Ukrainian capital on July 8.
1/11 Emergency and rescue personnel clear the rubble of a destroyed building on the campus of the Okhmatdyt children's hospital following a Russian missile attack in the Ukrainian capital on July 8.
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
An entertainer performs for patients and families outside the main building of Kyiv&rsquo;s Okhmatdyt children&#39;s hospital on May 31. &nbsp;<br /> <br /> A day after at least 43 people -- including a staff member of and a visitor to the Okhmatdyt children&#39;s hospital -- were killed in the deadliest wave of attacks in recent months, the Kremlin on July 9 denied that it had targeted civilian targets and blamed anti-missile fire for the destruction of the hospital, but analysts and several officials rejected Moscow&#39;s denial.
2/11 An entertainer performs for patients and families outside the main building of Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children's hospital on May 31.  

A day after at least 43 people -- including a staff member of and a visitor to the Okhmatdyt children's hospital -- were killed in the deadliest wave of attacks in recent months, the Kremlin on July 9 denied that it had targeted civilian targets and blamed anti-missile fire for the destruction of the hospital, but analysts and several officials rejected Moscow's denial.
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Beds in a newly renovated bomb shelter of the hospital in November 2023.<br /> <br /> The facility that became Kyiv&rsquo;s Okhmatdyt children&#39;s hospital was established in 1894 and then expanded under Soviet rule. Today it is Ukraine&rsquo;s largest and most advanced pediatric facility. Its name is a portmanteau of Maternity and Childhood Care (Okhorona Materinstva ta Ditinstva).
3/11 Beds in a newly renovated bomb shelter of the hospital in November 2023.

The facility that became Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children's hospital was established in 1894 and then expanded under Soviet rule. Today it is Ukraine’s largest and most advanced pediatric facility. Its name is a portmanteau of Maternity and Childhood Care (Okhorona Materinstva ta Ditinstva).
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
The July 8 strike killed Dr. Svitlana Lukyanchuk, a pediatric kidney specialist.<br /> <br /> Lukyanchuk was from the western Lviv region and dedicated her life to helping children after losing her own parents at a young age and growing up in an orphanage. A man who was visiting the hospital at the time of the strike was also killed in the blast and scores of people, including children, were injured.
4/11 The July 8 strike killed Dr. Svitlana Lukyanchuk, a pediatric kidney specialist.

Lukyanchuk was from the western Lviv region and dedicated her life to helping children after losing her own parents at a young age and growing up in an orphanage. A man who was visiting the hospital at the time of the strike was also killed in the blast and scores of people, including children, were injured.
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Women plant a garden in the Okhmatdyt hospital grounds in April 2024.<br /> <br /> Since the opening days of the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion, the Kyiv hospital and its staff have offered a safe space for children whose lives were upended by war.
5/11 Women plant a garden in the Okhmatdyt hospital grounds in April 2024.

Since the opening days of the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion, the Kyiv hospital and its staff have offered a safe space for children whose lives were upended by war.
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Sashko, an 11-year-old survivor of a shelling attack, being helped to use crutches by a staff member of the Okhmatdyt hospital in March 2024.<br /> <br /> In January 2024, Sashko was walking to his local shop in the Kharkiv region with his cousin Alina when a shell exploded nearby. The blast tore off the boy&rsquo;s leg and fatally wounded Alina, who died after 10 days in intensive care.<br /> &nbsp;
6/11 Sashko, an 11-year-old survivor of a shelling attack, being helped to use crutches by a staff member of the Okhmatdyt hospital in March 2024.

In January 2024, Sashko was walking to his local shop in the Kharkiv region with his cousin Alina when a shell exploded nearby. The blast tore off the boy’s leg and fatally wounded Alina, who died after 10 days in intensive care.
 
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Milana was six when a missile hit her family&rsquo;s house close to Hostomel, near Kyiv, killing her mother in front of her on February 28, 2022.<br /> <br /> Shrapnel from the strike badly wounded Milana&rsquo;s feet and legs. In her hospital bed between operations she drew pictures and wrote messages to &ldquo;my mom in the sky,&rdquo; such as the one seen above.
7/11 Milana was six when a missile hit her family’s house close to Hostomel, near Kyiv, killing her mother in front of her on February 28, 2022.

Shrapnel from the strike badly wounded Milana’s feet and legs. In her hospital bed between operations she drew pictures and wrote messages to “my mom in the sky,” such as the one seen above.
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Vova was 13 when he was rushed into the Okhmatdyt hospital on February 26, 2022. He was attempting to escape from Kyiv with his family when they reportedly ran into Russian soldiers. Vova&rsquo;s father and six-year-old brother were killed by gunfire. Vova was shot in the face and back but survived largely thanks to the care he received in the hospital.
8/11 Vova was 13 when he was rushed into the Okhmatdyt hospital on February 26, 2022. He was attempting to escape from Kyiv with his family when they reportedly ran into Russian soldiers. Vova’s father and six-year-old brother were killed by gunfire. Vova was shot in the face and back but survived largely thanks to the care he received in the hospital.
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Syemen was the first child victim of the 2022 invasion brought to Okhmatdyt on February 25, 2022. The five-year-old was severely wounded in the neck in an incident in which his father and sister were reportedly shot dead by Russian soldiers. Five days after being brought into the hospital, the boy died in intensive care. &nbsp;
9/11 Syemen was the first child victim of the 2022 invasion brought to Okhmatdyt on February 25, 2022. The five-year-old was severely wounded in the neck in an incident in which his father and sister were reportedly shot dead by Russian soldiers. Five days after being brought into the hospital, the boy died in intensive care.  
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
Kira was orphaned at the age of 12 when her father, a one-time captain of Ukraine&rsquo;s water polo team, was killed in Mariupol in March 2022. Her mother had died when the girl was a baby.<br /> <br /> As Kira attempted to flee Mariupol with her late father&rsquo;s girlfriend and some neighbors, a member of the group stepped on a mine, injuring Kira. After reaching Russian forces, Kira was taken to a hospital in Russian-held Donetsk. The girl&rsquo;s grandfather later traveled through Russia to claim Kira and return her to Ukraine. While recuperating in Okhmatdyt she <strong><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10756397/Ukraines-president-Zelensky-visits-hospital-delight-orphaned-children-giving-iPads.html">was visited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a></strong>. &nbsp;
10/11 Kira was orphaned at the age of 12 when her father, a one-time captain of Ukraine’s water polo team, was killed in Mariupol in March 2022. Her mother had died when the girl was a baby.

As Kira attempted to flee Mariupol with her late father’s girlfriend and some neighbors, a member of the group stepped on a mine, injuring Kira. After reaching Russian forces, Kira was taken to a hospital in Russian-held Donetsk. The girl’s grandfather later traveled through Russia to claim Kira and return her to Ukraine. While recuperating in Okhmatdyt she was visited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.  
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
A woman comforts a child outside the Okhmatdyt hospital after the July 8 strike.<br /> <br /> The Kremlin has claimed a wayward Ukrainian air-defense missile was to blame for the explosion in the hospital grounds, but images captured of the projectile <strong><a href="https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/07/09/russian-missile-identified-in-kyiv-childrens-hospital-attack/">show the distinctive silhouette of a Kh-101 cruise missile</a></strong>, a weapon used exclusively by the Russian military. Ukrainian authorities claim the missile hit &ldquo;the exact target it was programmed for&rdquo; amid a wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine that day.&nbsp;
11/11 A woman comforts a child outside the Okhmatdyt hospital after the July 8 strike.

The Kremlin has claimed a wayward Ukrainian air-defense missile was to blame for the explosion in the hospital grounds, but images captured of the projectile show the distinctive silhouette of a Kh-101 cruise missile, a weapon used exclusively by the Russian military. Ukrainian authorities claim the missile hit “the exact target it was programmed for” amid a wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine that day. 
Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8.
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Before The Missile: The Work Of Kyiv's Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital

Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital was in operation for over a century before a Russian cruise missile struck a building within its campus on July 8. By Amos Chapple

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