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.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Ukraine last February, the Ukrainian Club of Kansas City knew it had to act. The community group came together to create Stand With Ukraine KC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing aid for Ukrainians both here and abroad.

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.

The Yeremenko family had no clue who the Kansas City Chiefs were seven months ago. They were focused on evading Russian bombs. With the help an Olathe family, they went from escaping death in their homeland to celebrating the Chiefs' Super Bowl title in Arizona.

When a life-threatening medical condition abruptly ended his professional basketball career, Marcus Walker was lost. It wasn’t until someone pushed him to take his skills back to the court that he founded Grindhouse Basketball, where he trains young girls and boys.

The International Institute of St. Louis is ready to welcome more Afghan families and refugees from other countries. Officials with the U.S. State and Health and Human Services departments and the International Nonprofit Immigrant Organization met with International Institute officials Monday.

Over 700 Missourians have applied to sponsor Ukrainians statewide. But Ukrainians don’t qualify for the benefits that other refugees receive, leaving local agencies and American sponsors scrambling to help them.

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.

Ukraine's National Opera was built to celebrate Russian opera at the height of the imperial era. Performances were suspended after the war began but have recently re-started.