In Munich, U.S. officials urge ‘transatlantic renaissance’

(Christof Stache / AFP/Getty Images)

Kerry, Hagel press European allies to step up efforts to address an array of political and security challenges.

Abducted Ukrainian protester: I was crucified

Abducted Ukrainian protester: I was crucified

Missing a week, an organizer tells his friends he was crucified by his captors, who had Russian accents.

Should Leningrad have surrendered? Don’t ask.

Should Leningrad have surrendered? Don’t ask.

An Internet TV channel strays from the heroic war narrative — and finds itself in hot water.

European fighters in Syria prompt alarm in the West

European fighters in Syria prompt alarm in the West

Security services worry fighters will return determined to carry out attacks at home.

Ukraine repeals anti-protest laws; prime minister resigns

Ukraine repeals anti-protest laws; prime minister resigns

Parliament invalidates harsh laws that set off violent protests last week; president offers concessions.

In Ukraine, a death and the thread of history

In Ukraine, a death and the thread of history

Where Soviet dissidents once marched, a protest is relived.

Minimum-wage hike gets broad support in Britain

Minimum-wage hike gets broad support in Britain

Unlike in the U.S., political consensus emerges in United Kingdom that working poor deserve higher pay.

Falling ruble crushes middle-class spirits in Moscow

The food, clothes and phones that Russians like to buy are getting more and more expensive.

Building pressure, Ukraine protesters enlarge territory

Building pressure, Ukraine protesters enlarge territory

Opposition protesters build new barricades in Kiev and seize buildings in other cities.

Photos from around the region

Russia’s first Olympic event: Race against time

Much remains to be done as the opening of the Sochi Games nears.

Geneva II peace talks on Syria

Representatives of Syria’s government and the opposition are meeting.

The Amanda Knox trial

An Italian court again convicts American in the 2007 slaying of her roommate.

Boulder disaster in Italy

Two giant boulders wreak havoc on a vineyard in northern Italy.

Protests against Ukraine government continue

Parliament considers amnesty for those arrested during demonstrations that have gone on since November.

The cathedral made of salvaged materials

A former Trappist monk has been building his own cathedral since 1959.

Ukraine’s president scraps anti-protest law

The decision is reached after a meeting with top opposition figures; prime minister also resigns.

Protests expand in Ukraine

In Kiev, anti-government protesters built new barricades; demonstrators in other cities seized administration buildings.

In Ukraine, violence persists amid protests

Days after hundreds of opposition supporters tried to storm parliament, Russia urges Europe not to interfere in Kiev.

Some of the world’s coldest places to live

These places don’t need a polar vortex to get frigid.

2014 Winter Olympic Games preparation

Appearances notwithstanding, most of the Olympic venues in Sochi, Russia, have been declared ready.

Ukraine demonstrators keep up protests

Protesters are upset over financial assistance from Russia and an attack on a popular journalist who is an opposition activist.

Santas around the world

Santa Claus seems to be spending less and less time at the North Pole.

Rifle designer Mikhail T. Kalashnikov dead at 94

The weapons designer for the Soviet Union is immortalized in the name of the world’s most popular firearm.

Protests in Ukraine

Hundreds of thousands fill streets of Kiev, turning their attention to recasting their country’s frayed and corrupt political system.

Thousands continue protests in Ukraine

Ukrainians call for their president’s resignation after the government suspends an E.U. partnership agreement.