How does Putin stay in power?
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to sweep to power in another illegitimate election. How does he maintain his grip and what does it mean for Ukraine and NATO?
World
Mar 15
U.S. can now seize Russian assets and use them for Ukraine. What to know
The big U.S. aid package for Ukraine signed Wednesday allows the administration to seize Russian state assets located in the U.S. and use them for the benefit of Kyiv.
U.S. News
May 10
Russia warns of nuclear weapon drills to ‘cool down’ West. Is it bluffing?
The U.S. later said it would not be changing its nuclear posture in response, underscoring the continued belief that Russia is unlikely to actually use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
World
May 7
Ukraine has retaken half of territory lost at start of war: NATO
NATO’s top soldier said Ukraine’s flag 'will be hoisted in front of (NATO’s) headquarters' one day. The United States' top soldier said allies are rushing to get arms to Kyiv.
U.S. News
May 16
Billionaire who wants off Canada’s Russia sanctions list denounces Putin
The Canadian government alleges Igor Makarov benefited from Russia's "oligarchy system."
Canada
Apr 22
Russian state-backed TikTok posts surge as U.S. election nears: report
TikTok accounts linked to the Russian state are targeting wedge issues ahead of the upcoming U.S. election, a new report is warning. Here's how.
U.S. News
May 3
U.S. is sending Ukraine longer-range weapons with new aid. Why it matters
Yet soon after Biden signed the legislation, U.S. media reported the administration had secretly shipped the powerful missiles to the warfront already — and that they've been used.
World
Apr 24
G7 countries pushing for Iran sanctions over attack on Israel
Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, has been among the chorus of European and U.S. leaders urging Israel to de-escalate tensions and not retaliate for Tehran’s attack.
World
Apr 17
Bombardier, Airbus get exemptions from Canadian sanctions on Russian titanium
Canada is the first Western government to ban Russian supplies of titanium as part of a package to mark the second anniversary of Russia's Ukraine invasion in February.
Canada
Apr 25
Extreme flooding in Russia, Kazakhstan force more than 100K to evacuate
Floods engulfed cities and towns across Russia and Kazakhstan on Wednesday after Europe's third-longest river burst its banks, forcing about 110,000 people to evacuate.
World
Apr 10
Israel, Iran likely to avoid more escalation after latest strikes: expert
Iran has downplayed Friday's incident and said it does not plan to retaliate, a response that one Middle East expert says Israel likely planned for.
World
Apr 21
The West Block Transcript – Episode 33, Season 13
Buying essential, like groceries, is becoming increasingly out of reach for many Canadians. Ottawa said they have a plan, so where are the results?
Politics
Apr 28
UN approves resolution that grants Palestine new rights, revives membership bid
The U.N. General Assembly approved the Arab and Palestinian-sponsored resolution by a vote of 143-9 with 25 abstentions, including Canada.
World
May 10
Russian skater tried to blame grandpa’s strawberry dessert for failed doping test
Kamila Valieva was just 15 years old when she found herself at the centre of a drug scandal at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Sports
Feb 8
Former Ukrainian soldiers move to Kelowna in search of better life
“We decided to move to Canada to bring our baby to a more safe place than Ukraine is now,” said Andrew Filipoviych.
Canada
May 1
Ukraine faces Russian ‘meat storms,’ military chiefs warn as U.S. aid stalls
Top generals in Canada and the U.S. say Russia could overtake Ukraine within weeks if further U.S. aid doesn't break through a legislative logjam.
World
Apr 11
Calgary fatal stabbing victim ‘gave himself’ to help those fleeing war in Ukraine
Joel Clark, who died in a stabbing in Calgary on April 8, is being remembered as someone who dedicated his life to helping others, particularly Ukrainians.
Crime
Apr 22
How Israel’s Iron Dome works as officials say it blocked 99% of Iran strikes
Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday, according to an Israeli official, and 99 per cent were intercepted.
World
Apr 15
Terror threat in Canada ‘elevated’ after Moscow attack, says Petraeus
David Petraeus told The West Block host Mercedes Stephenson that the scale of Moscow's attack makes the current state of extremism and terrorist capabilities “very worrisome.”
Canada
Mar 31
Lostwave: The most mysterious music genre in the world
Have you ever searched for the identity of a song only to reach a dead end at every turn? Welcome to the lostwave universe.
Entertainment
May 12