Ukraine is looking to reform its conscription policies to help bolster troop numbers after nearly two years of war, fueling fears among some civilians who don't want to fight.

A ski resort in Kyiv offers a respite during a war that has lasted nearly two years. "We are looking forward to victory but we cannot put our lives on stop," says a parent who brought her family here.

Russia recruits Nepali men with promises of citizenship and enticing wages. But after news of at least 10 Nepali troops killed, Nepal's government and families want to bring their soldiers home.

The Russian defense ministry said two missiles were fired from Ukrainian territory at the IL-76 military transport aircraft. It said 65 Ukrainian POWs were on board, headed for a prisoner swap.

Russian missiles targeted Ukraine's two biggest cities on Tuesday morning, damaging apartment buildings and killing at least six people.

Russian-installed authorities in Donetsk said that the shells had been fired by the Ukrainian military and called it a "terrorist attack."

Ukraine's economy is battered by Russia's full-scale invasion, but its consumer economy is still running — especially the country's popular sushi restaurants, where cream cheese is a key ingredient.

Ukrainian authorities said 230 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home in the first exchange in almost five months. Russia's Defense Ministry said 248 Russian servicemen have been freed.

Russia launched dozens of attack drones and missiles — including its advanced Kinzhal ballistic missile — according to Ukrainian officials.

Several large Ukrainian cities were attacked, including the capital, Kyiv, as well as Dnipro, Lviv, Odesa and Kharkiv.

NPR's Greg Myre has been covering both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas fighting. He looks at where both these wars stand and the prospect for a permanent solution.

Russia launched 122 missiles and 36 drones against Ukrainian targets, officials said Friday, killing at least 18 civilians across the country.

Belarus' authoritarian president attended a government-organized meeting with children brought from Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine, openly defying an international outrage over such deportations.

The U.S. announced military aid of up to $250 million. It could be the final package of military aid to Ukraine unless Congress approves supplemental funding legislation now stalled on Capitol Hill.

In a stark rebuke of Russia, Ukraine joins the West in celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 instead of Jan. 6-7 as it traditionally has done.