BBC Radio 4 – From our own correspondent, Ukraine’s invasion of Russia’s borderlands

Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, Nigeria, the US, Ecuador and Italy.

Ukraine’s surprise attack on Russia’s western border region of Kursk prompted authorities there to declare a state of emergency. The incursion is now in its second week and is the deepest into Russian territory since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion. Steve Rosenberg has been following the reaction in Moscow and reflects on another major news event shortly after he first arrived in Russia.

Nigeria is in the grip of an economic crisis that led to 10 days of nationwide protests earlier this month. More than 700 protesters were arrested, 22 were killed and many more were injured. The marches eventually stopped, but the causes of their discontent show no sign of going away. Simi Jolaoso went to an open-air market in Lagos.

In some U.S. states, parents are offered school vouchers as a way to pay for their children to attend private school, if they choose, using public money that would otherwise be used for state-funded school placements. The voucher system has polarized communities in Arizona, says Mark Moran in Queen Creek.

In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa has taken steps to crack down on organized crime and drug cartels since coming to power amid a surge in violence. Danny Wiser visited Guayaquil, where the violence was at its worst, and learned how it affects key aspects of daily life.

The Italian city of Trieste has a complex identity, thanks to its history and geography. It was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Sara Wheeler discovered more about its past during a visit this summer.

Series producer: Serena Tarling
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

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