Ukraine’s Westward drift since independence has been countered by the sometimes violent tug of Russia, felt most recently with Putin’s 2022 invasion.

A growing number of countries are legalizing same-sex marriage amid a steady advance in rights for LGBTQ+ people, but opposition remains strong in many others.

Brazil has long sought a greater role on the world stage, but political upheaval and other enduring challenges have complicated its efforts.

An escalating migration crisis is testing the European Union’s commitment to human rights and open borders.

The crisis has spiraled into conflict that has killed thousands and continues to feed tensions between Russia and Western powers over Moscow’s support for separatists.