Russia

Pianists Mikhail Voskresensky and Stanislav Ioudenitch join Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance for an extended conversation about Mikhail's life and music ahead of his performance in Kansas City. Mikhail shares the story of his harrowing escape during a Nazi attack when he was six years old, and how that experience helped motivate his choice to leave Russia in protest of their 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

As the war in Ukraine passes its one year mark, former Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst says sending U.S. weapons can speed the end of the fighting.

John Mearsheimer, professor of political science at the University of Chicago, believes the priority of the U.S. in Ukraine should be de-escalation, and that it should shift its focus to China, which he calls the bigger threat.

A grant from the U.S. Russia Foundation will fund free online Russian language classes for Kansas high school students. The courses also explore Russia’s history, culture and politics.

Religious institutions generally avoid taking a stance during election cycles, but the anti-abortion amendment in Kansas' August primary offers a rare chance for churches to make their positions known. Plus, a drought in Kansas is devastating this year's wheat harvest, even as prices are at a historic high.

Prairie Village developed a sister city relationship with Dolyna, Ukraine, in the early 2000s. The western Ukrainian city is now acting as a hub for the collection of humanitarian aid during the Russian invasion.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created high prices for wheat. But between drought and costly inputs, wheat farmers might not benefit from the booming market.

Volunteer aid efforts continue throughout the metro, but one journalist with experience in Kansas City worries how price hikes in the U.S. might divert attention from the war.

A group of Kansas City musicians is getting together to honor a woman who lived through the most turbulent years of the 20th century and is considered "one of the greatest women poets of all time.”

Most recently, the Lenexa, Kansas-based humanitarian aid organization sent $15 million in medical supplies to a warehouse in Slovakia, where a local organization will deliver it across the border to Ukraine.

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Russians living in Kansas City have been walking a fine line. Many fear backlash from the Kremlin if they speak out against war, but not speaking out could mean harassment here. Plus, 50 years into show business, musician Lonnie McFadden opened his own Kansas City nightclub to call home.

Many fear backlash from Russia if they speak out against war — but silence could mean harassment here at home.