Article in Atlantic claims The Blue Fighter was artificially generated, days after it won Caine prize for African writers

The Zimbabwean writer Simbarashe Kundizeza has denied using AI to write a prize-winning short story after an article in the Atlantic said software had flagged it as almost completely AI-generated.

Kundizeza’s story The Blue Fighter was announced as the winner of the prestigious Caine prize for African writers on 6 October. Five days later, The Atlantic published an article by the author and journalist Vauhini Vara titled: “Yet Another Literary prize winner Seems to Be AI.”

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© Photograph: pr image

© Photograph: pr image

© Photograph: pr image

A new dress-code dispute in Azerbaijan’s public schools has sparked protests by parents and students after reports that girls wearing hijabs, or Islamic headscarf, were turned away from classes. The protests come after a new ban on clothing deemed incompatible with the secular nature of education.

Ukraine is increasingly using artificial intelligence in drones and other battlefield systems to track, identify, and attack targets. Military officials say humans still remain in control of lethal decisions, but developers warn that fully autonomous weapons are moving closer to reality.

Azerbaijan’s new school-uniform rules have sparked protests after reports emerged of schools turning away girls wearing hijabs, renewing debate over religious freedom and secular education.

The European Union is working on multiple fronts to limit the number of Russian citizens that can enter the bloc, including the nuclear option of a total ban on all non-essential travel into the club’s Schengen zone.

Russia shows no sign of letting up on its escalating aerial campaign against Ukraine’s apartment buildings, bridges, power plants, electricity grid, and other targets. As fall gives way to winter, Kyiv residents are racing to prepare.

Deadly Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine pounded civilian and energy sites across the country, leaving hundreds of thousands without power despite a cease-fire previously announced by US President Donald Trump.

A Ukrainian drone sergeant who volunteered for the infantry held a frontline position for six months, ArmyInform reported. He saved three soldiers in that time, and in one fight he stopped a Russian advance after contact with command was lost. The agency did not say where or when.

Senior Sergeant Dmytro, call sign Berezen “March”, spent 20 years as a television director before the invasion. In the 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade, he served as chief sergeant of a drone platoon, worked with three crews, and trained soldiers. When the need arose to reinforce the infantry, he volunteered to switch. ArmyInform did not say what created that need.

“I didn’t come here to a sanatorium. I’m in my third year of fighting, I know what this is. It was my choice,” Dmytro said

Two wounded, one firefight

One comrade was hit by a mine and lost a leg. As Dmytro treated him, Russian troops began moving toward the position. Another wounded soldier was trying to reach them, and contact with command was lost. He killed two Russian soldiers and halted their advance, ArmyInform reported. He said he barely thought about himself, because a breakthrough could have hurt the soldiers holding positions behind him.

Not everyone could be saved. One wounded comrade was about 200 meters away. Dmytro heard his voice on the radio but could not leave his position mid-fight. Over the six months, he saved three soldiers. Two left the position with him, and the third was evacuated wounded. No money, he said, is worth blood.

Satellite imagery sourced by RFE/RL confirms Taliban claims they have completed a road that leads up to China's remote border with Afghanistan. However there is no indication Beijing intends to open the militarized boundary any time soon.

Russia launched overnight missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other regions. At least four people were killed in Kharkiv. The attacks came amid a US-proposed energy cease-fire that Moscow has not confirmed.

In this week's briefing, RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak drills down on one issue: the upcoming EU summit, with a focus on Ukraine, Russia sanctions, and EU enlargement.

After four years of speculation, leaks, and briefings by anonymous sources, the world is finally hearing evidence given publicly under oath in a German courtroom about how the Nord Stream gas pipelines were blown up -- in a case that could prove politically explosive.

US President Donald Trump, in the face of sharp criticism from officials in Ukraine, Europe, and even his Republican party, defended his decision to allow Russian diesel exports and insisted an energy cease-fire between Kyiv and Moscow is in place despite a lack of confirmation from either side.

A prominent human rights lawyer and activist has been arrested in Iran, sources close to him told RFE/RL’s Radio Farda.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine's recent attacks on Russian tech giant Yandex’s data centers have resulted in fewer Internet bots promoting pro-Kremlin hate, a claim that has been disputed by many technology researchers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of striking an energy plant after US leader Donald Trump's surprise announcement of an “energy cease-fire,” while Moscow remained silent on any suggestion of a truce.

Central Asian nations are increasingly turning to India, China, Turkey, and Europe for military equipment to reduce their dependence on Russia. Analysts note that this diversification offers greater political flexibility but could create long-term logistical and operational challenges.

Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick plans to force a House vote on legislation blocking Russian oil purchases, challenging President Donald Trump's decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports as lawmakers warn the move could help finance Moscow's war against Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a stalemate in negotiations with Moscow, as Russian strikes on Ukraine killed at least 20 people, damaging apartment buildings and energy sites.

Is Russia about to attack the Baltic states? There are no signs of an imminent conventional invasion, but concerns are growing that Moscow could test NATO in other ways.