World Photos

A series of Russian strikes hit a residential neighbourhood of Ukraine’s capital on March 15, igniting a huge fire and sparking frantic rescue efforts in a 15-story Kyiv apartment building.

Russia-Ukraine conflict | Everything you need to know about Chernobyl power plant, site of the worst nuclear disaster in history

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident is considered the worst nuclear disaster in history both in cost and causalities. With war breaking out between Russia and Ukraine, the site has once again resurfaced in the headlines.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Images capture widespread destruction

AP photographers captured scenes of devastation in Irpin and around Ukraine on March 13, the 18th day of the war. The shells of bombed-out buildings and a damaged kindergarten classroom in Kharkiv. Rubble in besieged Mariupol. Firefighters trying to douse flames in a ruined food storage facility in the capital, Kyiv.

COVID-19 Outbreak | 2 years of images tell the pandemic story

March 11 marks the two-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring the coronavirus a full-on pandemic, a pivotal moment in an outbreak that would go on to kill more than 6 million people around the globe.

Thailand makes green push with floating hydro-solar power project

A vast array of solar panels floats on the shimmering waters of a reservoir in northeast Thailand, symbolising the kingdom's drive towards clean energy as it seeks carbon neutrality by 2050.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Ukrainians fleeing war 'can't leave' pets behind

Everywhere amid the exodus of more than 2.3 million people fleeing Russia’s invasion are the pets people could not leave behind: birds, rabbits, hamsters, cats and dogs.

In Pics | World rallies for Women's Day under Ukraine war shadow

Protesters took to the streets worldwide for International Women's Day on March 8 with demonstrators clashing with police in Turkey and many rallies urging solidarity with war-torn Ukraine.

Beijing Paralympics 2022 | Half waythrough the games, Ukraine is the star

The Paralympics are being held without athletes from Russia or Belarus, who were banned by the International Paralympic Committee for their countries’ involvement in the war in Ukraine.

Supermarket panic buying, shortage of hospital beds: Scenes from Hong Kong's COVID-19 crisis

The fast-spreading omicron variant is overwhelming Hong Kong, prompting mass testing, quarantines, supermarket panic buying and a shortage of hospital beds. Even the morgues are overflowing, forcing authorities to store bodies in refrigerated shipping containers.

International Women’s Day 2022 | A look at some of the women-led unicorns in India

Every year, March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day. This year, the UN given theme is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” aims to recognize women who are working to build a more sustainable future. To celebrate the day honouring the efforts of women in every field of life, let’s take a look at some of the women-led unicorns in India.

Failed ceasefires, relentless bombing, trapped civilians in Ukraine

Russia announced new "humanitarian corridors" to transport Ukrainians trapped under its bombardment to Russia and its ally Belarus, a move immediately denounced by Kyiv as an immoral stunt. The announcement came after two days of failed ceasefires to let civilians flee the besieged city of Mariupol.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Russia sets ceasefire for evacuations amid heavy shelling

Even as Russia announced a ceasefire starting March 7 morning and the opening of humanitarian corridors in several areas, its armed forces continued to pummel Ukrainian cities, with multiple rocket launchers hitting residential buildings.

In Pics | Residents from Lviv, Ukraine seek comfort in Sunday Mass

The 17th-century church was silent during the ceremony, reflecting the moment laden with emotion and concern because of the ongoing Russian invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Tearful goodbyes at Kyiv train station during war in Ukraine

The UN says the fighting has sent more than 1 million people fleeing the country, a number that is already the swiftest exodus of refugees this century and one that could soon skyrocket even further.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | A look at the sanctions being imposed on Russia

The European Union, the United States, Britain and others have hit Russia with a wide range of sanctions after its invasion of Ukraine. Western leaders are relying heavily on sanctions to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia intensifies bombardment of Ukraine urban areas

Russia bombed a TV tower in Ukraine's capital on March 1 and rained rockets on the city of Kharkiv as Moscow intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian urban areas in a shift of tactics after its six-day invasion stalled.

In Pics | Inflatable labs in Hong Kong for mass COVID tests

Hong Kong has ramped up its testing capacity with the help of inflatable mobile laboratories, as the city grapples with tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases daily.

A look at what the Quad is and how it works

A virtual meeting of Quad leaders of countries – United States, Japan, Australia and India - is to be held on March 3. US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will take part in the meeting.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | India sends humanitarian aid to war-torn Ukraine

India has sent the first tranche of humanitarian assistance to war-torn Ukraine through Poland on March 1. The consignment comprised medicines, medical equipment and other relief material.

Russian troops land in Ukraine's second city Kharkiv

Russian forces landed in Ukraine's second-biggest city on March 2 and triggered clashes in the streets of Kharkiv, the military said, following Moscow's relentless air assault across the ex-Soviet state

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Sports world lets Ukrainian colours fly

Hugs and banners with “peace” and “no war” slogans in support of Ukraine have invaded pitches following Russia’s attack on its western neighbour, reminding the world of the power of sports to unite during the bleakest of times

UN Climate Report: 10 key climate change threats and their impact on various countries

From cities and small islands threatened by rising seas to regions facing extreme drought and deadly heatwaves, climate change threatens every part of the planet, the UN warned on February 28. Take a look at the 10 key climate change threats and their effect on various countries if emissions are not cut fast, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's new report.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | More than 500,000 refugees flee Ukraine into neighbouring countries

More than half a million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24. The United Nations' refugee agency, UNHCR, says it is planning to deal with up to four million if the situation worsens. But the European Union's crisis management commissioner says the figure could reach seven million.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | War doesn't spare children

For many, war has meant sheltering in basements and subway stations while Russian forces attack cities and street fights rage. For others, it has meant a scramble to escape, leaving homes and fathers, taking trains and buses or walking for miles with their families in hopes of crossing into a safer country.

Russia-Ukraine conflict | Exit out of Ukraine: Escape by foot, train and car

By car, train, foot and in at least one case office chair, tens of thousands of Ukrainian war refugees have sought safety in the bordering nations of Poland, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and the Czech Republic.

Russia-Ukraine war | Kyiv is torn between West and Moscow: An overview of the conflict

Sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, Ukraine has been torn between its former Soviet master and the West -- of which it wants to be a part -- since its independence in 1991.

In Pics: Major floods swamp Australia's east coast

Parts of Australia’s third-most populous city Brisbane were under water on February 28 after heavy rain brought record flooding to some east coast areas and killed eight people. Queensland emergency services warned life-threatening flash flooding was occurring in parts of Gold Coast.

In Pics | Russia attack Ukraine’s capital on second day of full-invasion

Day 2 of Russia’s invasion focused on the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian authorities used armored vehicles and snowplows to defend Kyiv and limit movement, and said Russian spies were seeking to infiltrate the city.

Protests erupt across the world against Russian invasion on Ukraine

Protests broke out across the world against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 launched a military operation in Ukraine ignoring global condemnation and cascading new sanctions as he unleashed the largest ground war in Europe in decades, and chillingly referred to his country’s nuclear arsenal.

In Pics | Russian attack shatters normality in Ukraine

Ukrainians’ uneasy efforts at normality were shattered on February 24, after Russia launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine, hitting cities and bases with airstrikes or shelling, as civilians piled into trains and cars to flee.

World leaders react on Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Following is a rundown of reactions from political leaders and other senior figures shaping events after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A look at how Russia-Ukraine crisis may impact wheat prices

Wheat prices surge after Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in a televised address on state TV on Thursday, explosions could be heard in the pre-dawn quiet of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

In Pics | Russia launches military attack in Ukraine

Big explosions were heard before dawn in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa as world leaders decried the start of a military operation that could cause massive casualties, topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government and threaten the post-Cold War balance on the continent.

Ukraine declares martial law after Russia invasion

Explosions heard in Kharkiv, a major Ukrainian city just south of the Russian border. Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its south coast on February 24, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declared martial law, urges Ukrainians no to panic, vows vistory.

Dubai's 'Museum of Future' is the latest addition to its flashy architecture

The seven-storey hollow silver ellipse decorated with Arabic calligraphy, touted as the world's most beautiful building promises to take visitors on a 'journey to the year 2071'

Five books to know about the Russia-Ukraine history

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine erupted after it became apparent that Russia was considering launching a military invasion in Ukraine. In the wake of escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis, here’re five books that explain the conflict between the two countries.

Life and work of global health champion Dr Paul Farmer

Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician, anthropologist and co-founder of the nonprofit health organisation Partners in Health (PiH), died at the age of 62 on February 21. PiH confirmed his death in a tweet. Farmer dedicated his life to improving healthcare for the world’s poorest people.

In Pics: Ukrainians start evacuating amid fears of Russian invasion

Ukrainians started evacuating amid fears of Russia invasion. Sporadic shelling across the line dividing Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in the east has intensified since February 17, with both sides trading blame.

In Pics | Life in Ukraine on the edge amid war fears

Ordinary Ukrainian civilians take part in military drills to prepare for possible war, handling automatic rifles or advancing in formation as the country lives under the threat of a feared Russian invasion.

A look at some odd pictures from around the world

Odd and unusual images from around the world this week.

This week in photos: The most stunning images from Asia

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and Pacific.

Sydney Shark Attack | A look at how, where and when sharks attack humans

Several beaches in Sydney have been shut down after a swimmer was killed in a shark attack – the first such fatality in the city in nearly six decades. Drum lines, which are used to bait sharks, have been set up near the attack site while drones have been deployed as officials search if the shark is still in the area.

Ukraine: On Unity Day, flags convey endurance, defiance

A 200 metre long Ukrainian flag unfolded at the Olympiyskiy stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, February 16. As Western officials warned a Russian invasion could happen as early as today, the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for a Day of Unity, with Ukrainians encouraged to raise Ukrainian flags across the country.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Russian troops leaving Crimea, ending drills

Russia's Defence Ministry released video on February 16, which showed its military vehicles being transported out of Crimea.

In Pics | See the massive military buildup by Russia near Ukraine

With Russia carrying out a massive military buildup near Ukraine and the West roundly rejecting Moscow’s security demands, a window for diplomacy in the crisis appears to be closing.

In Pics | A look at Russia-Ukraine military capabilities

Russia has mobilized a massive combat force – equipped with tanks, artillery, rockets etc., – near its border with Ukraine. How do the two countries stack up on military capabilities? In the wake of Russia’s troop build-up along the Ukraine border, here’s a comparison of Ukraine and Russia’s military strengths in 2022.

Timeline | Russia’s growing threat to invade Ukraine

Russia's massing of troops along the border with Ukraine has put Washington and Moscow into an increasingly tense Cold War-style stand-off. Here is a timeline of the spiraling situation.

Women In Boardroom | Key Takeaways from Deloitte's global report

The seventh edition of Deloitte Global Boardroom Program of the ‘Women in the boardroom’ report found that women hold just 19.7 percent of board seats globally. Here's how is diversity progressing in global and Indian boardrooms...

World's most congested cities- Mumbai at 5th spot, Istanbul tops the list

According to the latest Tom Tom Traffic Index, Mumbai was India’s most congested city in 2021. The study covers 404 cities across 58 countries and ranks urban congestion worldwide. Despite the COVID lockdown has kept number of vehicles off the road globally, the reopening the world has affected congestion in cities. The traffic saw an average decrease of 21 percent around the globe in 2020, congestion during rush hour was down by 28 percent. This shows that while traffic levels have increased since 2020, they’re still not back to pre-pandemic levels. However, most of those increases in congestion came as part of massive fluctuations in traffic levels, the result of cities going into and coming out of pandemic lockdown measures. Let’s take a look at the world’s ten most congested cities.

US-Canada border crossing blocked by Canadian truckers protesting pandemic control measures

Drivers demanding an end to federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border traffic began blocking the streets of Canada's capital, Ottawa, on Jan 28