Team

Dmytro Basmat

Senior News Editor

Dmytro Basmat is a Senior News Editor for The Kyiv Independent. He previously worked in Canadian politics as a communications lead and spokesperson for a national political party, and as a communications assistant for a Canadian Member of Parliament. Basmat has a Master's degree in Political Management from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University.

d.basmat@kyivindependent.com

For media & speaking inquiries:
press@kyivindependent.com

Articles

Politics

FIFA set to provide World Cup payments to Russian clubs owned by sanctioned oil, gas companies, investigation finds

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 18, 2026

FIFA is set to disburse proceeds from the World Cup to a number of Russian football clubs owned by internationally sanctioned entities, including Russian oil and gas companies, an investigation by outlet Follow the Money published on July 18 found.

War

2 Russian logistics centers, oil depot hit as Kyiv launches hundreds of drones towards Moscow

by Dmytro Basmat, Kateryna HodunovaJuly 18, 2026

The latest attack on oil infrastructure in Russia's capital region comes exactly one month after Ukrainian forces launched their largest-ever drone attack on Moscow, striking the Moscow Oil Refinery on June 18.

Politics

'Looking forward to welcoming them back' — Ban on Russian, Belarusian handball teams lifted after IOC decision

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 16, 2026

"(T)he IHF looks forward to welcoming them back into the international handball community and hopes that, with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, the necessary steps will be taken to ensure a timely and effective return," the body said in a news release.

War

Russia's Engels air base reportedly struck in Ukrainian drone attack

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 16, 2026

Russia's Engels-2 air base in Saratov Oblast was reportedly hit by Ukrainian drones overnight on July 16, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

War

Key Russian oil refinery struck in Ukrainian drone attack

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 12, 2026

Ukraine's military reportedly struck a major Russian oil refinery in the city of Syzran in Samara Oblast overnight on July 12, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

War

Over 230,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 12, 2026

Since the media outlets' last update in mid-June, the names of 2,890 Russian soldiers have been added to the list of casualties.

Politics

Zelensky plans diplomatic changes amid air defense crisis

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 12, 2026

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 11 that he is preparing changes to Ukraine’s “diplomatic efforts” to accelerate weapons deliveries from allies, as Ukraine's stockpile of Patriot air defense missiles has run dry.

War

Key Russian oil refinery halts production following Ukrainian attack, Reuters reports

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 10, 2026

A key Russian oil refinery in the city of Saratov halted processing on July 8 following a Ukrainian drone strike on the facility, Reuters reported on July 9, citing undisclosed sources.

War

Ukraine strikes major Russian oil refinery, terminals, 18 vessels, General Staff confirms

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 10, 2026

Located roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory in Krasnodar Krai, the refinery is among the largest in southern Russia, producing nearly 6.6 million tons of fuel annually.

Politics

US, Iran trade strikes as Trump declares ceasefire 'over'

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 9, 2026

The United States renewed its strikes on Iran's military infrastructure, striking approximately 90 targets overnight on July 8-9, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a fragile ceasefire between the warring parties "over."

War

Ukraine strikes 2 Russian oil depots over 500 km away, SBU says

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 9, 2026

Ukraine's military continued their attacks on Russian oil infrastructure overnight on July 9, targeting oil depots in multiple regions, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

War

Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 6, 2026

Ukraine's military carried out an attack on the Russian city of Yaroslavl overnight on July 6, reportedly striking the city's oil refinery, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

A garage cooperative burns near a suburban residential area after a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 6, 2026.

War

For second time in 4 days, Russia targets Kyiv with mass missile attack, killing at least 26

by Dmytro Basmat, Polina Moroziuk, Tania Myronyshena, Asami Terajima, Yuliia TaradiukJuly 6, 2026

Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward Kyiv overnight on July 6, hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of yet another large-scale attack targeting the capital.

War

Zelensky confirms Ukrainian strike on St. Petersburg oil infrastructure

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 4, 2026

Ukraine's military reportedly carried out an attack on St. Petersburg in the early hours of July 4, striking an oil terminal in the city, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

War

Fires reported at ferry terminal, airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea as Ukrainian strikes continue

by Dmytro BasmatJuly 4, 2026

Ukraine's military continued its barrage of attacks on targets in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight on July 4, reportedly striking key infrastructure on the peninsula, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

Editors' Picks

President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, France, on July 13, 2026.

Dmytro Basmat

Articles

FIFA set to provide World Cup payments to Russian clubs owned by sanctioned oil, gas companies, investigation finds

2 Russian logistics centers, oil depot hit as Kyiv launches hundreds of drones towards Moscow

'Looking forward to welcoming them back' — Ban on Russian, Belarusian handball teams lifted after IOC decision

Russia's Engels air base reportedly struck in Ukrainian drone attack

Key Russian oil refinery struck in Ukrainian drone attack

Over 230,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation

Zelensky plans diplomatic changes amid air defense crisis

Key Russian oil refinery halts production following Ukrainian attack, Reuters reports

Ukraine strikes major Russian oil refinery, terminals, 18 vessels, General Staff confirms

US, Iran trade strikes as Trump declares ceasefire 'over'

Ukraine strikes 2 Russian oil depots over 500 km away, SBU says

Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl

For second time in 4 days, Russia targets Kyiv with mass missile attack, killing at least 26

Zelensky confirms Ukrainian strike on St. Petersburg oil infrastructure

Fires reported at ferry terminal, airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea as Ukrainian strikes continue

Editors' Picks

How Zelensky turned one of his biggest victories into one of his biggest blunders

Zelensky dismisses Defense Minister Fedorov, deepening turmoil in Ukraine's military leadership

Ukraine's pornography ban fuels corruption. Legalization could boost war funding

What's behind Zelensky's surprise government reshuffle?