Daniel Ofman is a staff reporter with The World based in Washington D.C. He’s reported extensively on Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. His reporting covers a wide range of subject areas, including geopolitics, diplomacy, defense, intelligence, security, economics, culture, and sports. You can reach Daniel at: Daniel.Ofman@theworld.org
Soviet spacecraft coming back to Earth
A Soviet spacecraft is expected to come hurtling back to Earth after being stuck in orbit for more than 50 years. The Kosmos 482 probe was intended to reach Venus, however, it never got to its destination. Instead, it’s been circling Earth since 1972, and gradually descending.
Ukrainian military chaplains tend to soldiers and others at risk amid the ongoing fighting
Peace talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine appear to have stalled. But far away from the negotiation table, Russian aerial attacks continue — and Ukrainians still fear for their lives, including soldiers and military chaplains, who visit front-line areas for their work.
Skepticism in Ukraine over potential ceasefire deal
In a highly anticipated phone call on Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the potential of a ceasefire in Ukraine. During a meeting last week with US officials in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine supported a proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. However, many Ukrainians, both military and civilian, are skeptical that Russia is at all interested in ending the war.
In wartime Ukraine, Jews embrace their Ukrainian-Jewish identity
Last week, Jewish communities worldwide celebrated Purim, a joyous holiday that includes dressing up in costume, giving charity, and exchanging gifts. In Ukraine, this was the third Purim Jews have celebrated since Russia’s full-scale invasion. With each year, the Jewish community feels more pride in their Ukrainian identity.
Anton Tymoshenko use jokes as a ‘defense mechanism’ as part of his wartime stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy has existed in Ukraine for less than two decades and has only recently become a mainstream form of entertainment. The comedians bringing stand-up culture to Ukraine are trying to figure out where comedy fits during wartime. For many, comedy is both therapeutic and a defense mechanism amid uncertainty.