Brian Mann

Ukrainian officials have vowed to retake the strategic city of Kherson. But the battlefield "gray zone," spanning more than 100 miles, is confusing — and danger can come in many forms.

A 29-year-old battalion commander is leading 600 men, fighting in Ukraine's counteroffensive near Kherson. "This is war," Col. Serhiy Shatalov says. "You cannot predict nothing, absolutely nothing."

Could Ukraine's army retake the strategic southern city of Kherson? Officers and soldiers near the front line say the counter-offensive is already underway.

A 29-year-old battalion commander is helping lead Ukraine's counteroffensive near Kherson. He says the fight is costly but his troops have already won ground.

President Zelensky on Sunday abruptly fired two top officials — the spy chief and the top prosecutor — after an investigation found dozens of employees in those departments collaborated with Russia.

This week's violence produced another tragic symbol of Ukraine's resistance to Russia. Images of a young girl who died in a missile strike have galvanized anger and strengthened resolve.

US officials say there's also growing evidence Russia is forcibly relocating hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians from territory they've captured.

More than 20 people were killed when Russian missiles hit several buildings in Vinnytsia, a central city that has become a major logistical hub for humanitarian aid and military operations.

An NPR reporter takes an early mountain trip up one of New York's Adirondack mountains. (This piece originally aired July 6, 2022, on All Things Considered.)

For decades, the fire towers in New York's Adirondack Mountains defended the wilderness against fires. The soaring structures offer a vantage point high above summits to take in beautiful sunrises.

For decades, the fire towers in New York's Adirondack Mountains defended the wilderness against fires. The soaring structures offer a vantage point high above summits to take in beautiful sunrises.

In the West Virginia case, the federal judge ruled that three drug distributors are not responsible for paying to clean up the addiction crisis. It's a major victory for the drug industry.

Russia has won significant ground on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine but a growing number of experts say the growing costs to Moscow's military, economy and stature far outweigh the gains.

Military women say the end of legal abortion in many of the states where they are ordered to serve will lead to devastating choices for active duty service members and spouses.

The Supreme Court ruling that negates New York's concealed weapons law has divided the state. Some say it will endanger more people, others applaud the court's support of Second Amendment rights.

It's tradition in Switzerland to follow "wander" trails. We hear what it's like to walk along a gorgeous river valley in the hills above Zurich.

The Biden administration says it has a plan to curb fatal overdoses by 13% by 2025. But as more synthetic opioids reach the U.S., there's skepticism interdiction can slow the flow of deadly drugs.

While New York's governor has toughened gun laws in a bill signing, Tennessee's governor is focusing on "hardening" schools — showing how differently states are addressing gun violence.

A third of Ukrainians have called Russian their mother tongue. Russian statues and cultural markers abound. Are these influences inherently toxic? The war is prompting emotional conversations.

Overdose deaths have risen sharply across Canada in the past five years, with deaths linked to fentanyl doubling. Officials hope decriminalization will make more users willing to seek medical care.