In Russia, restrictions on LGBT people are tightening. Last month, the Russian Parliament passed a new law banning so-called ‘LGBT propaganda’ amongst all age groups. Officials have linked the new clampdown with the war, saying Russia is also fighting Western culture and LGBT values in Ukraine. From St Petersburg, the BBC’s Will Vernon reports…

BBC: Russian LGBT under attack

One of Ukraine’s most senior military commanders has admitted its offensive is not going as fast as he’d like. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who’s in charge of military operations in eastern Ukraine, told the BBC that quick results were proving to be “practically impossible” because of well-prepared Russian defences. But General Syrskyi said he hopes Ukraine will be able to recapture the city of Bakhmut – which Russian forces seized control of earlier this year. Our Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale reports from Eastern Ukraine…

BBC: on the frontlines of Ukraine's counteroffensive

The General in charge of Ukraine’s offensive in the South has told the BBC that the Russian military has displayed professional qualities by preventing his forces from advancing quickly. General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said Russia has created multi-layered minefields and fortified defensive lines which were making it difficult for military equipment, including western tanks and armoured vehicles, to move forward. Ukraine’s much-anticipated counter-offensive, launched at the beginning of June, involves thousands of troops trained by NATO countries, including the UK.

BBC: Ukraine's stuttering counteroffensive

Ukrainian forces are continuing to make advances around the city of Bakhmut in the east of Ukraine. Over the weekend, President Zelensky visited troops on the frontline near Bakhmut, and praised them for their "heroic tasks." Russia captured the city earlier this year after almost a year of intense fighting. The BBC was given exclusive access to a team of elite snipers, the Ghosts of Bakhmut, who are conducting night raids close to the city. Our Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale sent this report...

BBC: The Ghosts of Bakhmut

It’s a year and a half since President Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed in the war, and Russian forces have been replenishing their ranks with convicts released from Russia’s notoriously brutal prisons. Some are dangerous criminals who are then sent home to Russia – where they commit more serious crimes. From Moscow, the BBC’s Will Vernon reports…

BBC: Dangerous Russian prisoners released from prisons

It’s a year and a half since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, there have been big changes inside Russia: new western sanctions have been applied, prominent opposition activists have been arrested and independent media silenced. It’s getting increasingly difficult now to find out what ordinary Russians think and what’s really going on inside the country. The BBC’s Will Vernon has been travelling around Moscow gauging the mood among people there.

BBC: Mood in Moscow

The incredible story of Neta, who survived a massacre in a kibbutz in southern Israel on 07 October.

BBC: Israel massacre survivor speaks

Analysis and results from the South Carolina Republican primary 

Correspondent: Will Vernon
Producer: Jonathan Csapo

BBC: "Donald Trump is not a king and is not a god"

"Politics is a bloodsport here," "South Carolina's answer to Margaret Thatcher" and the man who's been to 81 Trump rallies. 

📻 You can listen to my report from South Carolina on BBC Radio 4's 'From Our Own Correspondent' here.

BBC: South Carolina report

“A national epidemic” - that’s how mental health experts are describing an increase in the rates of suicide in the United States, with a particularly steep rise among young people. Specifically, a number of university campuses have seen increased numbers of students taking their own lives, mystifying experts. In response, several colleges are introducing additional mental health measures for students. Last year saw the highest number of suicides on record in the US, with the previous high reached in 2022. The BBC’s North America Correspondent Will Vernon went to North Carolina to investigate why the deaths are happening, and a warning that Will’s report contains material some may find upsetting…

If you are suffering distress or despair and need support,  details of help available in the UK can be found at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Help and support outside the UK can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

BBC: South Carolina report

Will Vernon

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