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People leave the aid camp at the Poland-Ukraine border in Medyka, Poland. Adam Lach for NPR hide caption

People leave the aid camp at the Poland-Ukraine border in Medyka, Poland.

MEDYKA, Poland On a warm, windy day in the middle of May, Harry Scrymgeour is hard at work breaking down a humanitarian relief tent that helped thousands of Ukrainians during the height of Europe's refugee crisis.

"Of course, the sort of great joy in tearing down this camp is that it has been useful. It is no longer useful," Scrymgeour says.

That's because the flow of refugees from Ukraine has actually reversed at the Polish border crossing in Medyka, where his group is based, with more people now going into Ukraine than out.

Scrymgeour is part of Siobhan's Trust, a small Scottish charity named after his late mother. They have been here since the start of the war, back when temperatures were below freezing and the refugee intake was high.

Harry Scrymgeour works at a humanitarian relief tent, part of Siobhan's Trust, a small Scottish charity named after his late mother. Adam Lach for NPR hide caption

During the peak of the crisis, 1,500 Ukrainians were crossing into Poland every hour at Medyka, and humanitarian workers rushed to the Polish side of the border to help.

Today, Siobhan's Trust receives more requests for pizza from other aid workers passing the time than refugees themselves. And in response, people like Scrymgeour, and another aid group Humanity First U.K., are adapting new strategies.

Three days after the war began, Humanity First U.K. set up medical tents on both sides of the Poland-Ukraine border. Back then, they would provide around-the-clock medical care. These days, the tent is filled with more staff than patients.

"We're not seeing as much of the medical influx that we used to," says Dr. Aziz Hafiz, the chairman of Humanity First U.K.

Aid organizations provide food for refugees coming from Ukraine at the border in Medyka, Poland. Adam Lach for NPR hide caption

They have treated more than 26,000 people since the war started, and while they are still helping some refugees, they have shifted focus to supporting their efforts inside Ukraine, where they provide medication to orphanages and hospitals.

Because while the scene at Medyka is one of relative calm, the violence and death continues in the south and east of Ukraine as Russia now focuses its attack there. More than 6 million people have left Ukraine since the war began, and another 6 million or so are displaced within the country.

"So it's essentially a base point until the war is over," Hafiz says of Medyka, "Where we can actually then shift camp into cities and villages where needed."

The location next to the border is convenient for his team to cross and deliver medical supplies, while also still treating issues like cardiac arrest, diabetes and high blood pressure from those who do leave Ukraine.

Dr. Aziz Hafiz is the chairman of Humanity First U.K. Adam Lach for NPR hide caption

"People that have become refugees do not have their basic medical supplies that they will usually carry with them," Hafiz says.

"There's a lot of tooing and froing, as families are struggling to juggle lives on both sides."

Back at Siobhan's Trust, volunteers dish out coffee and churn out the last few pizzas before they shut down their tent at Medyka and turn elsewhere.

"We wanted to keep this alive just in case we could react to a new wave of refugees that might need our help," Scrymgeour says. "But right now, all our resources are going towards delivering food to places where there are refugees who are going to be there for the medium time."

Volunteers from the World Central Kitchen prepare food for Ukrainian refugees crossing the Polish border in Medyka, Poland. Adam Lach for NPR hide caption

For Siobhan's Trust, this isn't the end of the war or their ability to help it's the start of the next phase that could continue for months or even years to come.

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Aid groups plan for the next phase as the flow of refugees leaving Ukraine slows - NPR

What starts as a simple walk through the countryside quickly turns into a scene out of Dantes Infierno. While it may seem like just another of the many forests that surround Kyiv, it is the site of one of the Russian armys greatest defeats in Ukraine. Not only did the Kremlins troops fail to take the Ukrainian capital after the February 24 invasion, but on the night of March 27, they were the victims of a fierce counterattack. At 11pm, according to some locals, the local Ukrainian army destroyed part of the huge camp that the invaders had set up between the towns of Bucha and Borodianka.

The bombing was so intense it wiped out everything within a 200- to 300-meter radius. There is no information on how many Russian soldiers were deployed at the camp, but based on its size it spread over numerous hectares it could have been home to thousands of troops. None of the locals in the area know how many of the soldiers died in the shelling or in the explosions caused by the strike. It seems that corpses are the only thing authorities have taken away.

At the beginning of the track leading to the site, there are traces of civilization. One might think it is trash left behind by campers: a boot, a piece of plastic, a piece of clothing, food scraps... A few hundred meters ahead, the scene changes and its obvious that no camper could have been responsible for such wreckage. Its also clear this is no place for a leisurely stroll. Several signs nailed to the edge of the path warn of the possible presence of mines.

Huge trenches the size of garages begin to appear one after the other. The ramps leading into them suggest that they were used to camouflage vehicles. Some of these holes, covered with logs and branches, have been turned into underground bunkers. Some still even have sleeping mats in them. There are also hut-like structures, made from branches and tarpaulin, which look like they could have been used for toilets. There are more clothes and boots, makeshift clotheslines, green wooden and metal boxes. These contain ammunition. Through the pine trees, the first burned-out military vehicle appears. Its difficult to conceive what nature is hiding ahead.

There is no trace of human life, only death. Two sticks tied together to make a cross are placed over a grave. It belongs to a Russian soldier, says Slava, a local who is acting as a guide. Further on, there are six empty graves next to what appear to be the remains of other makeshift crosses. These were Ukrainians and they were dug up, he adds. These victims got a second, less undignified farewell. After a while, Slava says that the worst of the destruction is coming up. Slava takes a certain pride in being able to show proof of the Russian defeat, announcing it as though telling tourists at the cathedral of Notre Dame that they were about to see the main attraction, the temples famous gargoyles.

But first, there are washing machines, television sets and other household appliances that have been devoured by the flames. These are the remains of what Russians were stealing from houses and left behind, says Slava with a touch of hatred. Other locals from villages under Russian occupation also say that Russian troops looted their homes, sometimes even robbing clothes to combat the harsh winter weather and morsels of food to drive away their hunger.

Food, however, did reach this forest camp. Remnants of individual rations with the Russian Army logo on the package can be seen strewn about. There is even a copy of Russias official government newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda or Red Star from Friday, March 18. Vladimir Putin: We will fight for the right to be and continue being Russia, is the main headline on the front page, which appears next to a photograph of President Vladimir Putin. Other articles in the newspaper speak of Goebbels-style Western fabrications and the historical roots of Ukrainian Nazism.

Up ahead, the attack has left a circular clearing in the woods. Some of the trees are burned out, others are split in half or splintered almost artistically. And just a short walk on, the scene turns into something from a war movie.

Strewn across the forest are the charred remains of dozens of trucks and other vehicles. Some are a hunk of scrap metal. Others are more recognizable, but have been hit so hard by the shelling that light passes through them like water through a sieve. Ammunition and shells of all calibers are scattered across the ground, as well as documentation that miraculously escaped the flames, the remains of uniforms, burnt metal trunks...

Russian forces had razed this area to the ground and occupied it for a month. When Putin failed to seize control of Kyiv, the troops prepared to withdraw at the end of March. But a bitter farewell awaited them. It was in the midst of these preparations, on March 27, when the Russian troops were met with a fierce counterattack. According to Slava, it lit up the night as if it were daytime.

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Ground zero of one of the Russian armys greatest defeats in Ukraine - EL PAS in English

Retired Navy Capt. Hung Cao prevailed in Saturdays 11-way Republican nomination in Virginias 10th Congressional District.

As of Sunday afternoon, the district Republican committee had yet to post numerical results from the firehouse primary. The party posted that Cao won around 2 a.m.

Cao's campaign later stated he won by 18 percent in the crowded field.

Cao, who served in U.S. special operations for more than 25 years, is an immigrant from Vietnam who spent seven years in Africa before moving to the U.S. and joining the Navy.

Cao will be on the ballot with incumbent Democrat Jennifer Wexton this November. Politico rates the 10th District as "likely Democratic."

Last year, Virginians sent a clear message when they elected Governor Youngkin to lead our state in Richmond, and now, we are ready to send another message by electing a common-sense conservative outsider to represent this district in Washington, Cao said in a news release. The Biden-Wexton agenda has failed our district in more ways than one, and its time we hold them accountable for the record crime rates, out-of-control inflation, botched foreign policy, and indoctrination of our children in the classroom.

Eleven candidates were vying for the nomination. In addition to Cao, they were Loudoun County School Board member John Beatty, David Beckwith, Mike Clancy, Manassas City Councilor Theresa Coates Ellis, John Henley, Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson, Caleb Max, Jeff Mayhugh, Brandon Michon and Brooke Taylor.

In a statement Sunday, Lawson thanked her volunteers and supporters and endorsed Cao.

It is critical that we defeat Jennifer Wexton and her extreme agenda this fall, and I will be proud to support Hung in doing just that, she said.

Wexton was first elected to Congress in 2018. Before that, she served in the Virginia General Assembly.

Ive spent my career in public service working to improve the lives of the children and families in our community, and I am excited to continue sharing my record of bipartisan success delivering for my constituents throughout this reelection campaign," Wexton said in a statement Sunday.

In Rappahannock County, which joined the 10th district after redistricting, turnout was higher than party leaders anticipated.

As the polls were nearing closing on Saturday afternoon, Rappahannock County Republican Committee Chair Terry Dixon said close to 300 Republican voters cast their ballots in the canvass. He had only expected between 100 and 200 party members to show up.

Dixon attributed the higher than expected turnout to Republican resentment with rising inflation and interest rates, as well as newfound energy in the base over the increasing likelihood that the U.S. The Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade and strip Americans of abortion rights. Republicans have the energy right now and theyre mad and thats what it takes, he said. You know, people gotta be angry and mad to get something done.

Campaign representatives for Cao, Beckwith, Beatty and Clancy were stationed outside the polling place, located at Rappahannock County Elementary School.

Campaign volunteer Ed Timperlake stands at the Hung Cao tent in Rappahannock County during the GOP's 10th District firehouse primary Saturday.

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Cao wins Republican nomination in 10th District | Headlines | insidenova.com - Inside NoVA

Opinion: Matt Salmon is the last remaining high-profile Republican in Arizona with any combination of guts, morals and common sense. Which voters used to think of as good things.

They are either cowards or comrades.

Its difficult to tell which is worse, and it includes every prominent Republican in Arizona … with the exception of gubernatorial candidate Matt Salmon.

Among elected members of the GOP, and those seeking nominations for the states highest offices, the only person publicly condemning Republican state Sen. Wendy Rogers for her vile comments and her unhinged advocacy of false, specious conspiracies the only one saying she should resign from office is Salmon.

Sadly, he is apparently the last remaining high-profile Republican in Arizona with any combination of guts, morals and common sense.

That is a tragedy.

Every political party, team, social club or service organization occasionally includes someone that you absolutely do NOT want on your side. Someone whose moral compass has reversed its polarity, north pointing south, truth pointing to lies, civility pointing to cruelty, reality pointing to fantasy.

Like when Rogers called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a globalist puppet for Soros and the Clintons and claimed that half of the combat footage taken in the city of Kyiv was a video game.

Or when she suggested that people she proclaimed to be traitors should be publicly hanged. Or when she threatened to personally destroy the career of any Republican who partakes in the gaslighting of me.

Or when she called the white nationalists at the America First Political Action Conference in Florida patriots. And sang the praises and expressed love for the groupsracist, anti-Semitic leader, Nick Fuentes, who told attendees at the gathering, Now, theyre going and saying, Vladimir Putin is Adolf Hitler, as if that isnt a good thing.

It goes on.

Most recently, Rogers has been peddling the white nationalist replacement theory, which suggests that Democrats and elites are trying to flood the U.S. with brown and Black immigrants in order to secure political power. And she went so far as to suggest that the Buffalo shooting may have been a false flag event directed by the federal government.

What kind of people would what such a person in their political party?

Republicans, it seems.

Former TV news reader and Republican candidate for governor Kari Lake is thrilled to have Rogers endorsement. The two have a back and forth Twitter lovefest.

As when Lake tweeted:

Senator Wendy Rogers is a proven fighter whether it was 20 years in the Air Force or going against the woke political left and their media activists constantly trying to take her down. I cannot wait to fight alongside her for the America First agenda!

Likewise, GOP governor candidate Karrin Taylor Robson has bragged about helping Rogers get elected. She tweeted:

As Chairwoman of Arizonas Republican Legislative Victory Fund, I was proud to support @WendyRogersaz who overcame millions of dollars in attacks from the Left to win and help us protect our one-seat conservative majority!

Is truth an attack?Or is it, simply, truth?

Last week, on KTARs The Mike Broomhead Show, Matt Salmon said, I think that this conspiracy theory she (Rogers) has, that the federal government is behind the latest horrible attack, that it was a red flag issue, its completely bogus. And I reject that and I reject her, and I believe that she should step aside.

Salmon has spoken out about Rogers before.

He told Broomhead, The last time around when she said that anybody that disagreed with her, she was going to come after them and that that the people that she disagreed with should be hung on the gallows, I called on her to resign at that time. And thats the strongest thing that I can possibly say, and I reiterate that again now.

Without naming Lake or Robson he added, I think its sad that … one of them helped her (Rogers) get elected and is proud of that and says that all the time. The other one pals around with her all the time and takes her pictures with her and has endorsed her and has been endorsed by her.

Hes right. That is sad.

Sadder still is the reason Salmon is on an island in his condemnation of Rogers.

Its because all those other high-profile Republicans know that being honest, showing a little integrity and a little guts, will hurt youwith Arizonas Republican base.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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Why is Matt Salmon the only GOP governor candidate trashing Sen. Wendy Rogers? - The Arizona Republic

Allan Fung, a Republican House candidate in Rhode Island, is positioning himself to benefit from a red wave nationally that could wash over even the deep blue Ocean State.

Congressional Democrats have long weathered red waves in Rhode Island, which in 2020 voted 59% for President Joe Biden to 39% for former President Donald Trump. But the surprise announcement in January by 21-year congressional Democratic veteran Rep. Jim Langevin that he will retire from the states lighter blue of its two districts, in a fraught year for Democrats, has given the GOP a pickup opportunity.

The 2nd Congressional District covers southern and western Rhode Island. House Republicans need to net five seats in the 435-member chamber to reclaim the majority the party lost in 2018.

Fung brings to the race ample name recognition from his 2009-2021 tenure as mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island's second-largest city, and a reputation for governing as a centrist.

TOP RHODE ISLAND REPUBLICAN ENTERS RACE THAT COULD FLIP CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

'Im not running to be hyperpartisan in this election or bring even more hyperpartisanship to Washington, D.C., Fung told the Washington Examiner. I want to be a voice of moderation, just like I've been in Cranston, addressing the problems that are really hitting us in our wallets and pocketbooks.

Fung, who ran unsuccessfully for Rhode Island governor in 2014 and 2018, does not have the Republican nomination to himself. He'll face former state Rep. Bob Lancia, who ran unsuccessfully in 2020 against Langevin for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Redistricting made minimal changes to apportionment in the state.

Fung is likely the most electable Republican candidate in a state that still favors Democrats.

The thing that he offers is, he offers a respectable, middle-of-the-road Republican alternative, Maureen Moakley, political science professor emeritus at the University of Rhode Island, told the Washington Examiner. It's an uphill battle, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.

The last Republican to represent the district was former Rep. Claudine Schneider, from 1981-1991. Lincoln Chafee was the last Republican the state sent to Washington. He was a senator for seven-plus years but was ousted by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in the 2006 Democratic wave. Chafee was subsequently elected governor as an independent and then became a Democrat.

Moakley believes Democrats risk losing the seat if they move too far left. Polling indicates that General Treasurer of Rhode Island Seth Magaziner is the clear front-runner in the Democratic primary, which takes place on Sept. 13 along with the Republican contest. Magaziner is a battle-tested politician who handily won two statewide elections to become treasurer.

Fung lost both of his statewide bids for governor to Democrat Gina Raimondo, which took place the same years as Magaziners victories. Fung is hoping to learn from that experience and emphasized that he did extremely well in the 2nd District during those elections.

As a candidate, Fung has staked out centrist positions on some key issues. He has expressed opposition to late-term abortions but also total bans and has sought to paint himself as a consensus-builder, highlighting his cooperation with Democrats when they controlled the Cranston City Council.

RHODE ISLAND REPUBLICAN DROPS CONGRESSIONAL BID, CLEARING WAY FOR FUNG

Ironically, Fung began his political career as a Democrat. He had been a member of the College Democrats of America and approached the party about running for a seat on the Cranston City Council in 2002 at the age of 32. But the party rebuffed him, informing him that they did not have a slot for him.

Fung was distraught with the way his hometown Cranston was being managed. The city had a rapidly deteriorating financial outlook at the time, with Fitch Ratings downgrading its credit rating. Fung was eager to attain a seat on the council to help right the ship. After being cast aside by the Democrats, he had coffee with Randy Valenti, a Republican Party official who talked Fung into running for the council as a Republican.

I've always been, you know, fiscally conservative, especially coming from a small business background, Fung said. A lot of those principles is what Randy and I shared. We had a good discussion, and thats what I see in what I delivered during my time as mayor.

Fung went on to win that race, planting the seeds for his rise to mayor in the 2008 election. As mayor, Fung took aim at the citys fiscal woes, addressing pension funding and other politically dicey issues. By 2016, the city had made the Wall Street Journals list of Americas 50 Best Cities to Live for the third time in a row.

Now, he sees a similar situation with the countrys fiscal picture and hopes to help tackle the unbridled inflation and surging energy prices stinging the nation.

I see a lot of similar fiscal problems facing this crisis, with a lot of policies that have been put in place by not only the Biden administration but by the Pelosi Congress, Fung said. With the basic cost of living crisis, where we're paying skyrocketing gas prices, home heating oil prices, groceries, and theres even labor shortages.

Fung is also concerned about elevated crime, particularly in urban regions of the country. When he visits friends in New York City, he refrains from using the subway due to concerns over anti-Asian violence in the city and opts for an Uber instead.

It's an eerie feeling. You know, when you're there. It's a different feeling, and I'm more cautious and guarded because of what is still happening in some of our urban areas, Fung said. I think it's a lot of these crazy, extreme progressive policies where they're focusing on defund the police. I will always do what's right to make sure that there's the proper investments in our law enforcement.

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Magaziner has swiped at Fung over a photo of him wearing a winter beanie at Trump's inauguration in 2017. The image has haunted him, as the former president remains deeply unpopular in the state. Fung has sought to steer clear of political food fights with the former president but has not been an ardent supporter of him publicly either.

He is putting that out there because he wants to distract from the real issues that are on the minds of people, Fung said. I have not heard of any sound solutions to really help many of our residents, and that's why he wants to roll, you know, that old photo out.

Magaziner raised roughly $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2022, dwarfing Fungs $502,000, per the Providence Journal. If Fung is able to pull off an upset victory, it would mirror his wife Barbara Ann Fenton-Fungs 2020 triumph, in which she ousted Democratic Speaker Nick Mattiello in a state House race. It was the first time a sitting speaker of the General Assembly had suffered an electoral defeat in over 114 years.

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Rhode Island GOP House hopeful Fung sees Republican wave hitting the Ocean State - Washington Examiner