crimea: the war before the war

watch documentary now

Team

Kateryna Denisova photo

Kateryna Denisova

Politics Reporter

Kateryna Denisova is the reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in Ukrainian politics. Based in Kyiv, she focuses on domestic affairs, parliament, and social issues. Kateryna began her career in journalism in 2020 and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Before joining the team, she worked at the NV media outlet. Kateryna also studied at journalism schools in the Czech Republic and Germany.

Articles

Zelensky picks a fight with Kyiv Mayor Klitschko as mismanagement, Russian attacks push city to the brink

Ukraine's capital Kyiv, home to over 3 million people, has rarely been prepared for winter. Frozen, icy sidewalks, bursting pipes, and year-long infrastructure collapse have been a key feature of the city under Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Now, following Russia’s Jan. 9 attack, Kyiv has been pushed into a humanitarian crisis, leaving residents without heating, hot water, and electricity through the coldest winter in years. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been open about who he holds to blame. Zel
Yuliia Tymoshenko in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 16, 2026.

Rise and fall of Yulia Tymoshenko, the 'founding figure of Ukrainian populism'

It’s hard to imagine Ukraine’s political scene without Yulia Tymoshenko. A veteran politician, Tymoshenko has held a variety of government posts, serving as the country’s prime minister twice, being defeated in a presidential runoff back in 2010, and leading the country's opposition at different times. On Jan. 14, Tymoshenko was charged with bribery — the third trial of her tumultuous 30-year political career. Tymoshenko, now the 65-year-old leader of the Batkivshchyna party represented by 25

Zelensky meets Ukraine's ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi, prominent volunteers as part of 'new policy'

by Kateryna Denisova
In an unexpected move, President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with several popular public figures in recent days, with the latest being Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.K. and former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi. "I thanked (Zaluzhnyi) for his work as part of Ukraine's team," the president said on Jan. 15. "We discussed the diplomatic tasks that are relevant now and could strengthen all of us — Ukraine, our resilience." A source in the President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that Zaluz
President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 9, 2026.

Is Ukraine's parliament becoming a problem for Zelensky?

by Kateryna Denisova
Strong opposition and constant brawls have made Ukraine's parliament a staple of the country's thriving democracy. Since the start of the all-out war, however, the parliament has seen its independence, powers, and popularity erode. Criminal proceedings against lawmakers became routine. Nearly 70 lawmakers have been charged since the last election, according to Oleksandr Salizhenko, editor-in-chief of the political watchdog Chesno. The latest charges have been handed to political veteran Yulia T

Parliament fails to appoint energy minister; Vacancy left open for months as energy crisis deepens

Parliament failed to appoint former Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal as the country's next energy minister. The nomination failed to gather enough support, stopping 16 votes short. The energy ministry remains without a head for nearly two months, as Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions are facing a dire energy situation, with Russia targeting the country's critical infrastructure. The parliament convenes on Jan. 13 to vote on a proposed government reshuffle initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky's new inner circle: The power shift behind Ukraine's latest reset

by Kateryna Denisova
The new round of peace negotiations felt different. Not because of the substance of the talks, rather due to the people leading them. In early January, President Volodymyr Zelensky conducted a major reshuffle of Ukraine's leadership, signaling a new approach to governing the country going forward. For key positions, Zelensky picked popular officials and military figures, many of whom had previously been sidelined by former President’s Office Head Andriy Yermak. The negotiations team now featu