Struggling artists bring smiles in war-weary Yemen

The warring parties in Yemen have laid down their weapons in the first nationwide truce since 2016. Seven years of war have left hundreds of thousands dead – and millions displaced.

The warring parties in Yemen have laid down their weapons in the first nationwide truce since 2016. Seven years of war have left hundreds of thousands dead – and millions displaced.

The first day of Ramadan brought hope to Yemen with the start of a two-month truce. But a few days in, warring sides have already traded accusations of ceasefire violations. Nonetheless, the fragile truce offers the best hope in years for ending what the UN has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Now in its eighth year, the war in Yemen has killed nearly 400,000 people and left millions on the brink of famine. For more on this story, we speak to Dr Elisabeth Kendall, a senior research fellow at Oxford University.

The United Nations is appealing for emergency funds for an operation to prevent an oil spilling in the Red Sea from a tanker moored off Yemen.

As the war in Ukraine continues, one Parisian NGO is using art as a force for unity. The "Agency of Artists in Exile" is currently inundated with requests from both Ukraine and Russia. The agency is building bridges and collaborations between artists from both countries, all of whom are united in their opposition to Vladimir Putin's war. Our team reports.

The first nationwide truce since 2016 has brought a drop in civilian casualties as airstrikes and ground fighting have significantly reduced. Flights out of Sana'a airport have recommenced and fuel ships have been able to enter Hudaydah port while negotiations continue for re-opening of the road to the city of Taiz.

Ugandan musician and politician Bobi Wine says culture can flourish with freedom. He was part of a group of African artists invited to a DW panel to discuss opportunities for Africa's creative scene.

Unpronounceable volcanoes, Björk, Vikings, Game of Thrones – these are some of the things you might think of relating to Iceland. This remote and fascinating island, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a population of 360,000 people, is one of the most creative nations in the world. Is it due to isolation, the inspiration from nature or its centuries-old folklore legends? Eve Jackson goes to the land of ice and fire to find out why Iceland has such an exceptional and disproportionate amount of artists.

The Yemeni government and Houthi rebels have once again renewed their truce at the very last minute. Attempts to expand the measures in the agreement, however, failed.

Heavy rain and flash floods have added to the problems caused by Yemen's civil war. Despite the current truce, the humanitarian situation remains dire, and the next catastrophe might be already looming off the coast.

In Russia, artists who speak out against the invasion of Ukraine are being blacklisted. A State Duma commission formed to investigate "anti-Russian cultural activities" is targeting artists, musicians and other prominent figures in the cultural sphere.