Abounding Opportunities

Russia's nuclear forces are on high alert - what does that actually mean and how worried should we be?

Snake Island: Ukraine says troops who swore at Russian warship are alive

The 13 troops were believed to have died defending Snake Island after cursing a Russian warship.

Ukraine invasion: Videos show locals confronting Russian forces

Videos from social media show tanks retreating and locals telling soldiers to go back to Russia.

Moscow blames UK foreign secretary for nuclear alert

A Foreign Office source insists nothing Liz Truss has said warrants Russia's latest escalation.

Search for bodies after gunmen attack Mexico wake

Armed men reportedly shot dead a group of mourners but their bodies appear to have been removed.

Ukrainian sailor in Majorca tried to sink yacht of Russian boss

The man told a judge in Majorca that he had wanted to retaliate for the invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine conflict: Refugee's tearful description of why she fled

Zhanna Gavrilenko spoke to the BBC's Mark Lowen near the Ukrainian-Polish border.

Ukraine conflict: Putin's war prompts dramatic German U-turn

Germany's new chancellor announces a massive increase in military spending as anti-war crowds gather.

Ukraine invasion: Putin puts nuclear forces on high alert

The president blames "unfriendly" Western actions towards Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia central bank urges calm amid cash run fears

The Bank of Russia says it has enough liquidity to 'function smoothly' despite new sanctions.

Ukraine conflict: Citizen volunteers take up arms to fight Russian invasion

Thousands of Ukrainian citizens are volunteering to fight, including many with no military experience.

How badly will Russia be hit by new sanctions?

The latest financial measures against Russia for invading Ukraine had been seen as a 'last resort'.

Should the West arm a Ukrainian resistance?

Western nations are debating how far they should support a possible Ukrainian insurgency.

BBC Russian reporter in Kyiv: The day the war began

BBC Russian's Ilya Barabanov describes waking up in Kiev on the morning Russia invaded Ukraine.

Zelensky's defiant response to invasion... in 100 seconds

Ukrainian's President Volodymyr Zelensky is standing firm against Russian aggression.

Ukraine Crisis: Fleeing under the cover of darkness

The BBC's Fergal Keane watches a "constant procession" of cars and people.

Ukraine: 'No war please' message from Russian tennis star Rublev

Andrey Rublev writes a plea for peace on a camera lens at the Dubai Tennis Championship.

Ukraine crisis: President Zelensky - We will defend our state

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posts a video of himself walking around the streets of Kyiv on Twitter.

Ukraine: Kyiv residents spend night sheltering in basements and metro stations

Ukrainians tell the BBC how they spent the night sheltering from explosions and missile strikes.

Ukraine crisis: Missile strikes, tanks and buildings hit in Kyiv

Russia continues its full-scale assault on Ukraine, with troops said to be in the capital.

Ukraine conflict: Fleeing family's car breaks down between two armies

Frightened Ukrainians are having to decide whether to stay in Kyiv or seek safety elsewhere.

Ukraine: BBC Ukrainian journalist - 'My home has been bombed'

BBC Ukrainian's Olga Malchevska finds out her family home in Kyiv has been devastated.

Ukraine conflict: What is Swift and why are leaders divided on banning Russia?

The UK wants Russia banned from the Swift financial network, but other countries are resisting.

Russia bans British airlines from its airspace

Russia says the move is a response to the UK's 'unfriendly' decision to ban Aeroflot from the UK.

Ukraine conflict: 'My mother said war has started' - resident fleeing capital

People in Kyiv speak to the BBC as they leave the city for other parts of the country.

Ukraine: Explosions and gunfire heard after Russia launches invasion

Russian forces launch a major military assault, with reports of missile strikes and explosions near major cities.

Ukraine conflict: Sirens heard during BBC reporter's broadcast in Kyiv

Nick Beake reports from Kyiv after President Putin announces a 'military operation' in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

In pictures: Russia launches assault on Ukraine

Russian forces have crossed Ukraine's borders, bombing military targets near big cities.

Ukraine crisis: Russia's reputation as aggressor 'invented' - foreign ministry

The idea that Russia is to blame for the crisis in Ukraine is an invention by the West, Russia's foreign ministry says.

Hong Kong: What went wrong with its Covid plan?

The city saw early success with its zero Covid policy, but Omicron has brought it to its knees.

Migrants clash with police in Mexico border town

More than 20 people were injured in the confrontation in Tapachula, on Mexico's southern border.

US trucker convoys prompt National Guard deployment in Washington

Hundreds of unarmed troops will man traffic posts from Saturday ahead of the convoys' arrival.

Deforestation threat to Amazon indigenous areas if protected status changed - report

It is illegal to mine these areas of the rainforest but the government wants to change the law.

Ukraine: Putin tells Russia's spy chief to speak plainly

Russian president presses Sergei Naryshkin during a meeting with top security officials.

Ukraine crisis: Germany halts pipeline as nations sanction Russia

Countries react to Russia's order to send troops into rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine crisis: Uefa likely to move Champions League final from St Petersburg in Russia

Uefa is almost certain to switch the this season's Champions League final away from St Petersburg amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Colombia decriminalises abortion in first 24 weeks

No one will be prosecuted for having an abortion within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, a court rules.

Hong Kong orders compulsory Covid tests for all its citizens

All 7.5 million residents must undergo testing as the city battles surging infection rates.

US reveals claims of Russian 'kill list' if Moscow occupies Ukraine

The US says it has "credible information" that Russia is creating lists of Ukrainians to be killed.

Ukraine: Putin announces Donetsk and Luhansk recognition

President Putin says Russia will sign treaties of friendship and support with the breakaway Ukrainian regions.

Russia recognises Ukraine separatist regions

The move from Vladimir Putin raises fears that Russian troops could be sent into the regions in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine-Russia: Putin mulls recognising independence of breakaway regions

Russian recognition of the separatist areas as independent would escalate fears of an invasion.

Ukraine crisis: War, sickness and love in rebel-held Ukraine

Orla Guerin talks to people who cross military checkpoints for medical treatment and to see family.

Truth Social: Banned from Twitter, Trump returns with a new platform

The former president's platform, Truth Social, goes live on the US Apple App Store.

Ultrarunner breaks own 100-mile world record

American Camille Herron breaks her own women's world record in winning the USA Track and Field 100-mile Championships in Nevada.

Queensland man dies after allegedly having leg sawn off

A 36-year-old is charged with murder after allegedly sawing off another man's leg in an Australian park.

Lufthansa to suspend flights to Ukraine capital

The German airline will also halt services to Odessa as fears grow over a Russian invasion of Kyiv.

Brian Flores: Pittsburgh Steelers hire ex-Miami coach who is suing NFL

Brian Flores, the former Miami Dolphins head coach who is suing the NFL for racial discrimination, is hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Finland beat Russia to win first ice hockey gold

Finland win their first Olympic men's ice hockey gold with victory over the Russian Olympic Committee on the final day in Beijing.

Mali soldiers killed days after France announces exit

Eight soldiers died after in a rebel attack in the north-east of the country, the army says.

Australia accuses China of shining laser at warplane

The Australian defence ministry said the laser illuminated the plane, potentially endangering life.

Epstein: Model scout Jean-Luc Brunel found dead in jail

Jean-Luc Brunel faced trial over accusations of sexual harassment and the rape of minors in France.

Ukraine crisis: How are people coping with the threat of war?

Three Ukrainians tell the BBC how they have been dealing with life amid fears of a Russian invasion.

Ukraine conflict: US warns Russia of consequences if it invades Ukraine

US Vice President Kamala Harris has warned Russia of 'severe' consequences if it invades Ukraine.

Ferry fire: Search for 12 missing off Corfu continues

The 12 who are still missing are all thought to be truck drivers, according to authorities.

Ukraine conflict: Rebels declare general mobilisation as fighting grows

Men of fighting age are put on stand-by in Ukraine's breakaway territories amid high tensions.

Brad Pitt sues Angelina Jolie over vineyard where they got married

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie do battle over ownership of the French vineyard where they got married.

Malawi finds Africa’s first wild polio case in five years

Africa was declared free of wild polio in 2020 after a major continent-wide vaccination campaign.

Greece ferry fire: Hundreds rescued from blaze off Corfu coast

The Euroferry Olympia caught fire in the early hours of Friday morning.

Winter Olympics: Kamila Valieva treatment by entourage 'chilling' - IOC

It was "chilling" the way a distraught Kamila Valieva was treated by her coach and raises concerns for the future, says IOC president Thomas Bach.

Climate change: Covid shutdown linked to record rainfall in China

An abrupt drop in emissions due to the pandemic played a key role in record rainfall in China in 2020.

Canada protests: Police warn protesters to leave amid plans to clear blockade

Prime Minister Trudeau is defending his decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to end the protests.

Ukraine crisis: Liz Truss impressed by Ukrainians' fortitude

The UK foreign secretary is in Kyiv, speaking as tensions continue on the Russia-Ukraine border.

The dogs keeping gulls away from seaside diners in Sydney

An Australian cafe is deploying a canine patrol to keep seagulls away from diners.

Apple boss Tim Cook faces backlash to £73m pay package

A shareholder group says it has "significant concerns" over the size of Tim Cook's pay package.

Winter Olympics: Games official claims stories of human rights abuses are 'lies'

The Winter Olympics faces renewed political controversy after a Games official dismissed human rights violations among the Uyghur Muslim population as "lies".

Saudi Arabia: 28,000 women apply for 30 train driver jobs

It is the first time such jobs have been advertised for women in the conservative Muslim kingdom.

Ukraine-Russia: President Zelensky asked about dropping Nato ambitions

The country's president tells the BBC it's about "the future of the people" and independence.

BioNTech Covid vaccine plan to ship container labs to Africa

The so-called laboratory in a container is being developed by the firm behind the first MRNA vaccine.

Paislee Shultis: US girl missing since 2019 found alive in secret room

Police have charged three people over Paislee Shultis' disappearance in Saugerties, New York state.

Deadly landslides wreak havoc in Brazil's Petrópolis

Dozens of people were killed after torrential rainfall caused flash flooding in the hillside city.

Watch: The moment a sloth was saved from electrical wires

A sloth in Colombia found itself in an unusual and dangerous place, prompting a rescue mission.

Ukraine: How prepared is Russia for attack?

About 150,000 troops are positioned near Ukraine's border.

Four dead and 15 missing as Spanish trawler sinks off Canada

Three crew members have been found and rescue efforts are continuing for other survivors.

Juan Orlando Hernández: Police surround Honduran ex-leader's home

The US has asked for ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández to be extradited on drugs charges.

Qandeel Baloch: Court acquits brother of Pakistan star's murder

Muhammed Waseem confessed to killing Qandeel Baloch, saying she had brought shame on the family.

Putin critic Navalny put on trial again in Russia

The opposition leader, who has already spent a year behind bars, faces fresh fraud charges.

Novak Djokovic willing to miss Wimbledon to avoid jab

Novak Djokovic reveals exclusively to the BBC why he hasn't had the Covid vaccination.

Horses flee from flames in Texas grass fire

A local news station estimated the fire spread across 300 acres before it was brought under control.

Syria: Kidnapped boy released after video of beating sparks outcry

The abduction of Fawaz al-Qataifan, 8, sparked an outcry when footage emerged of him being whipped.

The 15-year-old Russian figure skater at the centre of a doping scandal

Kamila Valieva always wanted to win Olympic Gold, but is under the spotlight now in a different way.

Police kill man wielding knife at Paris station

French police shoot dead a man wielding a long-bladed knife at the Gare du Nord train station.

The 78-year-old Ukrainian grandmother preparing for a Russian invasion

From grandmothers to children, some Ukrainian civilians are preparing for a Russian invasion.

Mexico violence: Gunmen attack wake, then target funeral

After killing three people at a wake, gunmen shoot dead six mourners at the funeral of the same man.

Kodak Black 'stable' after shooting, lawyer says

His lawyer has said it was an "unprovoked attack" on someone the rapper was with.

Ukraine crisis: How is Russia shaping the narrative?

Several tactics are being used by pro-Kremlin sources to spread stories about Ukraine.

Goodbye Turkey, hello Türkiye

Why is Turkey is rebranding its internationally recognised name as “Türkiye”?

Ukraine seeks meeting with Russia within 48 hours to discuss build-up

Ukraine accuses Russia of ignoring requests to explain its troop build-up, and calls for a meeting.

Pakistan: Man accused of blasphemy killed by mob in Khanewal

More than 80 people are detained after a man accused of desecrating the Koran is killed in Khanewal.

Venice Carnival returns after two year absence

After being cancelled for two years due to the pandemic, the Venice Carnival is back.

Canada police in final push against bridge protesters

Police on the Canadian side of a key US border crossing begin clearing protesters.

Chinese sites accused of censoring LGBT content from Friends

Fans say key scenes have been deleted from the hit US sitcom, which has been re-released in China.

Cook Islands braces after Covid-positive traveller

The Pacific country fears the virus is now circulating there, despite a vaccination rate over 99%.

New Zealand plays Barry Manilow to repel parliament protesters

Protesters opposed to Covid-19 vaccine mandates remain camped outside parliament.

Ambassador Bridge: Police begin clearing Canada trucker blockade

Police in Windsor, Ontario, say they have commenced enforcement action at the Ambassador Bridge.

US to re-open Solomon Islands embassy in push against China

The decision to re-establish a diplomatic outpost follows China's increased presence in the region.

US father and son 'chased and shot' black FedEx driver

The FedEx driver is seeking hate crime charges against two men who shot at him while he was on the job.

Durham Police call handlers save woman in Canada

The woman in Durham, Canada, had typed "I need help, he is in the house" before falling silent.

Covid protests: Hundreds fined as convoy heads to Paris

Thousands of demonstrators opposed to France's coronavirus regulations are trying to enter the city.

Kakwenza Rukirabashaija: Ugandan author alleges torture by security services

Kakwenza Rukirabashaija alleges he was tortured at the hands of the security services.

Afghanistan conflict: US plans to use frozen funds for 9/11 victims and relief

The US has been holding the funds since the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year.

Ukraine tensions: Why this US English teacher is staying in Kyiv, for now

My colleagues and students are all very calm here and regular life goes on, says Juan Tec.

Trucker protests: Ontario calls state of emergency

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called on protesters to 'go home' and end the 'illegal occupation'.

3,000 NYC staff face lost jobs over vaccine rules

New York City announced its vaccine mandate last year, and the new mayor has said it stays.

Italy's Mt Etna volcano erupts for first time this year

Sicily's Mount Etna lights up the night sky in first eruption of 2022, billowing smoke and ash.

Adele promises Las Vegas shows will 'absolutely 100%' happen this year

"I've got plans for next year," she says. "Imagine if I have to cancel because I am having a baby!"

Macron refused to take Russian Covid test

A source says the health procedure was unacceptable amid reports France was protecting Mr Macron's DNA.

Angelina Jolie makes emotional speech about victims of abuse

The actress addressed the US Congress in support of the Violence Against Women Act.

Tesla sued over alleged racial discrimination

The electric carmaker says a lawsuit by a California regulator, claiming harassment, is "misguided".

Ukraine: How big is Russia's military build-up?

About 130,000 troops are positioned near Ukraine's border.

Freedom Convoy: Paris protest banned by police ahead of arrival

Paris police are taking no chances ahead of a Canada-inspired blockade to protest at Covid measures.

Russian gallery security guard accused of drawing eyes on painting

The painting was sent for restoration after the Russian guard allegedly drew eyes on it.

Hong Kong's tough Covid laws threatened by virus surge

Hong Kong has recorded more than 1,000 Covid infections for the first time since the pandemic began

SpaceX loses 40 satellites to geomagnetic storm a day after launch

A powerful magnetic storm takes out most of a batch of Starlink satellites the day after launch.

Bruno Aiub: Podcaster fired over call for Brazilian Nazi party

Bruno Aiub has apologised for the on air comments, saying he was "very drunk" when he made them.

Pakistan: Police hunt for 'healer' who hit nail into woman's head

The faith healer promised the woman that the practice would guarantee she gave birth to a baby boy.

Snowboarder wins Olympic gold 16 years after throwing it away

Sixteen years after throwing away gold, Lindsey Jacobellis finally reaches the top of the Olympic podium.

Lin-Manuel Miranda on Encanto success

'We Don't Talk About Bruno' made it to number 1 in the UK , the first original Disney song to do so.

Capturing a semi-submersible loaded with cocaine

The Colombian navy seize a vessel carrying four tonnes of narcotics worth $150m (£110m).

Australia: Grace Tame says caller 'threatened' against criticising PM

Sexual abuse survivor Grace Tame says a caller told her not imperil Scott Morrison's election chances.

Czech millionaire investigated over alleged 417km/h motorway drive in Germany

The Czech sports car owner posted videos of his trip in a Bugatti Chiron on the A2 last summer.

Crocodile with tyre around neck freed after six years

The wild reptile was helped by a local resident after a three-week rescue effort.

Canada truckers protest: Trudeau demands an end to trucker protest

The PM says Canadians are "shocked and disgusted" by the behaviour of some of the protesters in Ottawa.

Beijing 2022: Winter Olympics hit by deluge of complaints from athletes

Grievances range from having to compete in freezing temperatures to confusion over isolation rules.

Zhu Yi: US-born Chinese Olympic figure skater slated in China after falls

Zhu Yi fell during her team event sparking backlash from some social media users in China.

NSO Group: Israel launches inquiry into police hacking claims

Officers allegedly used sophisticated spyware to target public figures' phones without warrants.

Austria on high alert after series of deadly avalanches

Nine people are killed after more than 100 avalanches hit ski fields, with warnings of more to come.

Rayan: Morocco prepares to bury five-year-old who died trapped in well

A funeral will be held for five-year-old Rayan Oram, who died despite a painstaking rescue effort.

China's Tencent restores Fight Club ending after backlash

In a rare reversal, Chinese streaming giant Tencent undid massive cuts it had made to the original.

Afcon 2021: Senegal declares public holiday after historic win

Thousands of joyous fans pour onto the streets after Senegal wins its first ever Africa Cup of Nations.

Tunisia judges: Top legal body turns against president

The Supreme Judicial Council vows to continue working after the president orders its dissolution.

Cyclone Batsirai: Whole villages swept away in Madagascar

At least 10 people have been killed and nearly 50,000 displaced after Cyclone Batsirai tore through Madagascar.

Ukraine crisis: Macron says a deal to avoid war is within reach

France's leader calls for a "new balance" to protect European states while affording Russia respect.

Lata Mangeshkar: India bids farewell to beloved singer

Large crowds in Mumbai, India, pay their respects after the legendary singer's death at the age of 92.

Africa Union summit: Leaders complain about 'wave of coups'

The military has seized power in five countries in the past year, mostly in West Africa.

North Korea: Missile programme funded through stolen crypto, UN report says

Investigators say cyber-attackers stole over $50 million in digital assets between 2020 and mid-2021.

Moment bridge in Germany is blown up for safety reasons

Watch a controlled explosion destroy this bridge in Germany in a matter of seconds.

Queen's Jubilee: Her Majesty's journey through Africa

A look back through some of the archive footage of the Queen's visits to Africa.

Rayan: Moroccan boy trapped in well for four days has died

A royal statement announced the five year old's death shortly after the four-day rescue effort ended.

Cyclone Batsirai: Second storm in weeks hits Madagascar

Strong winds and heavy rain are reported as Cyclone Batsirai makes landfall.

Emir Abdelkader: French sculpture of Algerian hero vandalised

Vandals damage the depiction of Emir Abdelkader, once 'France's worst enemy', before its inauguration.

Morocco gripped by efforts to rescue boy trapped in well

The five-year-old boy, Rayan, has been stuck at the bottom of a 32m deep well since Tuesday.

Joe Rogan: Podcast star apologises over past use of racist language

A video shared online showed the podcast host using a racial slur on several occasions.

Meta moves to tackle creepy behaviour in virtual reality

Women describe their experiences but what can firms behind virtual-reality platforms do about it?

Winter storm disrupts travel and causes power blackouts in Texas

An ice and snow storm is causing travel chaos and power outages across Texas.

China joins Russia in opposing Nato expansion

Moscow and Beijing release a statement showcasing agreement on a wide range of geopolitical issues.

Saudi-backed Iran spies found guilty in Denmark

The three men are members of an Iranian opposition Arab group.

German anger as Russia shuts international broadcaster Deutsche Welle

Germany and the EU condemn a decision to shut down Deutsche Welle's bureau in Moscow.

Covid: South Africa makes its own version of Moderna vaccine

Scientists there say it could help increase very low vaccination rates across Africa.

Morocco well rescue for five-year-old grips nation

The five-year-old was with his father who had been fixing the well when the accident occurred.

Europe entering Covid pandemic 'ceasefire', says WHO

WHO Europe director Hans Kluge says the continent is entering "period of tranquillity" from Covid.

Djokovic thanks Serbian president for support amid Covid test doubts

Serbian prosecutors have hit back at claims he submitted falsified Covid test certificates.

The Enigma: Mysterious diamond from space up for auction

The mysterious gem, known as The Enigma, is believed to have come from outer space.

China: What does it want from the Ukraine crisis with Russia?

As Xi and Putin prepare to meet, China says it supports Russia's concerns - but doesn't want war.

Stolen Roman statue returned to France after 50 years

The statue of the god Bacchus is traced by a Dutch art detective and returned to a French museum.

Winter Olympics: What is China's Covid policy and does it work?

With the Winter Olympics just days away, China is sticking to its policy of suppressing all cases.

Ecuador: Rescue efforts after heavy rain triggers Quito landslide

At least 24 people have died after rainfall reaches 20-year-high in the capital, Quito.

DR Congo: Power cable collapse at Kinshasa market kills 26 in

Video said to be from the scene near the capital Kinshasa shows several victims in puddles of water.

Brazil violence: Three arrested over killing of Congolese migrant

Three people have been arrested over the killing on an upmarket beach that was captured on camera.

Winter Olympics: Torch relay gets under way in Beijing

More than 1,000 torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame before Friday's opening ceremony.

Global Covid response generating masses of waste, WHO says

The World Health Organization says discarded equipment is a threat to the environment and human health.

Denmark Covid restrictions lifted despite increase in cases

It is the first EU country to drop nearly all restrictions, despite relatively high case numbers.

All US federal prisons in lockdown after deadly gang fight

The rare nationwide lockdown of federal prisons comes after two inmates died in a fight in Texas.

Rio Tinto says 21 female workers reported sexual assaults

A report by the mining giant finds sexual assault, racism and bullying systemic in its Australia operations.

Moses J Moseley: 'Kind and wonderful' The Walking Dead actor dies at 31