The United Nations is launching talks between "all key civilian and military stakeholders" in a bid to solve a political crisis triggered by the October military coup.

The UN made the "biggest ever appeal" for humanitarian aid for a single country on Tuesday. It wants $4.4 billion (€3.9 billion) for Afghanistan to prevent the "world's most rapidly growing humanitarian crises" from deteriorating further.

The new year began in Kazakhstan with the government lifting its price cap on fuel, virtually doubling the cost for people to fill up their cars. Protests spread across the nation of 19 million inhabitants and soon transformed into violent unrest and a bloody crackdown. Over 100 people were killed and thousands were arrested. At the request of Kazakhstan's president, Russia sent paratroopers to help "stabilise" the country. We take a closer look at the former Soviet republic.

As tensions simmer and troops amass along on both sides of the border, DW's Nick Connolly visited eastern Ukraine. Close to the Russian border, in the town of Milove, he spoke with locals about what it's like to live there.

The birth rate in the world's most populous country, China, has fallen for a fifth consecutive year to hit a record low. The population is ageing and the workforce is shrinking. Despite ending the decades-long one-child policy, the baby boom officials had hoped for never materialised. These rapidly changing demographics foreshadow a crisis that could undercut the country's economic and social stability.

Lebanon's healthcare system is crumbling amid an economic crisis that has led to an exodus of thousands of doctors and nurses, forced private hospitals to close some departments and put further strains on the already stretched state sector.

The Taliban representatives are discussing humanitarian aid in Oslo, their first official talks in Europe since they seized power. Their arrival prompted protests.

For two years, Bulgaria has blocked North Macedonia's bid to open accession talks with the EU because of a historical row. But with new governments in Skopje and Sofia, there is hope that compromise can be reached.

Food security is deteriorating quickly, with more than half the population of Afghanistan – a record 22.8 million people - facing acute food insecurity, among which 8.7 million are teetering on the brink of famine. WFP reached more than 15 million people with assistance in 2021, compared to 9 million in 2020.

The EU has said it could withdraw financial aid from Burkina Faso and hit coup leaders with sanctions if "constitutional order" is not restored.

Since taking control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have been trying to project a more moderate image to the rest of the world. They claim to have changed, in a bid to obtain financial aid and international recognition. However, this stance does not seem to match reality on the ground, where Sharia law is progressively edging its way into Afghans' everyday lives. Yet some business owners and women are trying to oppose the new rules. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Jennie Shin.

Moscow and regional allies want to send a message of unity to the Islamist insurgents with the so-called Collective Security Treaty Organisation. DW's Juri Rescheto reports from Tajikistan where anti-terrorism drills have been taking place at the border.