The World

Russian President Vladimir Putin's lengthy speech on Tuesday laid out his view on the war in Ukraine. He said Russia would step back from its last major nuclear arms agreement with the US. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden focused on the US' unwavering support for its allies in an address given in Poland. And, Russia continues to throw men and munitions at Ukrainian forces in an effort to take control of more territory in the eastern regions of the country. Ammunition is running lower for both sides. Also, a new 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocked the already stricken Hatay province in southern Turkey on Monday evening, killing at least six people. Plus, feasts and festivals to celebrate the day before Lent begins.

Joe Biden showed up in the Ukrainian capital on Monday morning. The president's surprise visit to Kyiv coincides with the one-year anniversary on Friday of Russia's full-scale invasion. We'll hear from our team in the capital. Also, Poland has welcomed more than 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees since tanks rolled into Ukraine. But now, the Polish government plans to make some of them start paying rent. Also, Buckingham Palace has announced that Queen Consort Camilla, at the upcoming King's coronation, will not be sporting the Koh-i-Noor diamond in her crown. We'll hear about the history of the diamond that was seized by the East India Company in 1849.

Nigeria's central bank updated the country's currency, the naira. Now, ATMs are running short on the new bills, leading to frustration that's erupted into street protests this week. And, India is set to become the world's most populous country. However, the Indian government couldn't carry out its detailed 10-year census in 2021 due to the pandemic. Also, Armenia is going on the diplomatic defensive this week by reaching out to two of its neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan, in the hopes of achieving full diplomatic relations and peace. Plus, this displaced Ukrainian family visits their homeland.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has tried to argue that Western sanctions against it are hindering its aid efforts to help earthquake victims. But US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield says she isn’t buying it. And, Moldova, a small, landlocked nation that borders Ukraine, finds itself in a tussle between Russia and the West. Also, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai talks about the roots of misogyny and the plight of young women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Plus, Gingee frames Filipino American identity through percussion.

US crews have located pieces of the Chinese balloon shot down off the coast of South Carolina earlier this month. In the last week, four more objects were shot down by the US. China is now accusing Washington of its own balloon espionage, which the US has denied. And, Crimean Tatars called Crimea their homeland for centuries. Now, Tatars who fled after Russia's 2014 invasion — and illegal annexation — of Crimea, say they will return. Also, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's leader who advocated for its independence, announced her surprise resignation on Wednesday. Sturgeon said she no longer feels she can give the job her all. Plus, Malala Yousfzai discusses radical hate and her Oscar-nominated documentary, "Stranger at the Gate."

Following the earthquakes that devastated Turkey and Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has faced a mountain of criticism for his government's handling of the disaster. We hear why Turkish citizens in the country's southern provinces are upset with Erdoğan's government right now. And, as rescue teams cull through debris to locate victims in Turkey and Syria, families keep vigil by the side of the road. Many have no electricity, running water or a safe place to sleep. Also, love knows no boundaries, but international borders can keep even married couples apart for years. Thousands of married couples are waiting for the US Embassy in Pakistan to interview one partner in order to get a green card. Plus, what can birds teach us about love?

Deaths from the Feb. 6 earthquakes in Turkey have climbed to more than 35,000. The country’s vice president said on Sunday that arrest warrants have been issued for over 100 people said to be involved in the construction of buildings that collapsed across the region. And, the epicenter of the earthquakes was 25 miles from Syria's western border, leaving a wake of destruction. Most of the damage happened in the northwest, where rebel-held areas have received little assistance. Also, immigration authorities in Argentina are investigating the large number of pregnant Russian women who have recently entered the country to give birth, as a way to obtain citizenship. Plus, "Teraki," an Ethiopian app, seeks to grow podcasts and audiobooks.

Across southern Turkey, countless numbers of people are sleeping outside, in tents or in their cars, worried about more powerful aftershocks following Monday's earthquake. More than 22,000 people are now believed to be dead in Turkey and Syria. And, anger mounts as emergency aid for Syrians slowly trickles into the northwest of the country. Also, Greek lawmakers voted to ban political parties whose leaders have been convicted of crimes in an effort to curb the political influence of violent far-right and fascist groups in the country. Plus, Norwegian and Arabic music share some similarities.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited areas in southeastern Turkey hit hard by a powerful earthquake on Monday and described it as "the disaster of the century." The estimated death toll has climbed to more than 20,000 people. And, badly needed aid is beginning to trickle into Syria, with six convoys entering the northwest to provide some relief to areas under rebel control. Also, millions of voters in Nigeria will take to the polls later this month to vote for a new president. But the country has been plagued by growing insecurity that is causing big problems for electoral officials. Plus, the world says goodbye to songwriter Burt Bacharach, who died at the age of 94.

In Turkey, it's taken two days for government aid to reach some of the areas hardest hit by Monday's devastating earthquakes, leaving residents and volunteers to manage rescue and relief efforts. And much of the areas in northern Syria hit hardest by the disaster had already been devastated by years of civil war, making it even more challenging to bring in humanitarian relief. Also, this corner of the globe sits at the intersection of three tectonic plates, including the Arabian Plate moving northward into Europe. We learn about the science behind these massive quakes. Plus, a campaign in France targets "macho" driving.