Ukraine celebrates a second Independence Day with parts of the country occupied by Russian forces. However, Ukrainians are united and victory is "close," presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak told DW.

After not attending the BRICS summit in South Africa, Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to travel to India for the G20 summit, the Kremlin says.

Russian investigators have confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent military figure in the Ukraine war and a close ally of Vladimir Putin, is dead. It comes two months after he staged a mutiny against the miltary.

Ukraine is known as one of Europe's biggest grain producers. But it also possesses highly valuable natural resources such as iron ore and coal — which Russia is keen to exploit.

Their impact is comparatively small, but Ukrainian drones are increasingly attacking targets in Moscow. Experts say Kyiv is pursuing several goals simultaneously, and expect the campaign to escalate.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is urging Russia to return to a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain, easing a global food crisis. However, Moscow is seeking concessions that only the West can offer.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, the Netherlands granted refugee status to everyone fleeing — regardless of nationality. But that policy is now being argued in court, leaving thousands unsure about their futures.

After corruption allegations in the defense ministry, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy is bringing in a new leader. Rustem Umerov has strong links to Crimea — and to Turkey.

For weeks, Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive at the southern front seemed stuck. Now, troops have managed to break through Russia's first line of defense. Experts believe this is a dangerous time for Russia.

Nigeria's presidential election tribunal on Wednesday rejected challenges by opposition rivals to Bola Tinubu's win in February's disputed vote, following a pattern seen in previous election years in Africa's most populous country.

The first round of the presidential election in the Maldives will take place on Saturday, September 9. Incumbent Ibrahim Solih is running for re-election against Mohamed Muizzu, who has emerged as the main opposition candidate. The polls are taking place against a backdrop of China and India competing for strategic control of the region. Both are seeking to consolidate their economic and political power by financing large infrastructure projects and are actively supporting rival candidates. Our regional correspondents report.

The US has announced it will supply Ukraine with uranium anti-tank rounds. Russia says these are "inhumane." Experts say the hazards for health and the environment have yet to be clarified.