Team

Martin Fornusek

Reporter

Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

m.fornusek@kyivindependent.com

For media & speaking inquiries:
press@kyivindependent.com

Articles

Europe

EU approves major defense projects plan, with Ukraine featuring prominently

by Martin Fornusek, Chris PowersSeptember 28, 2026

The projects aim to address the EU's shortfalls in key defense areas, namely air defense, maritime security, space, drone and counter-drone capabilities, and security along the EU's eastern flank.

Europe

French far right gains ground in Senate months before presidential election

by Martin FornusekSeptember 28, 2026

France's National Rally (RN) party and its allies secured a record 14 seats in France's 348-seat Senate, a result RN co-leader Marine Le Pen hailed as a "historic victory."

British soldiers set up a mortar position near Warminster, England, on March 30, 2026.

Europe

'No longer hybrid' — As Russian sabotage grows bolder, Europe lacks red lines

by Martin FornusekSeptember 25, 2026

Moscow's shadow war on Europe grows bolder by the day, and no one can say how far the Kremlin is ready to go. Russia is no longer only meddling in elections or hacking networks: Germany found explosives-laden drones at its Leipzig Airport in an apparent Moscow-backed sabotage plot. Russian drone incursions in NATO airspace are now common. And a Russian warship shot flares at a Danish military helicopter. The rhetoric in Western capitals has hardened, with some saying this campaign is "no longe

Europe

Europe's crackdown halves shadow fleet ships sailing under false flags, report says

by Martin FornusekSeptember 25, 2026

Sanctions and detentions have forced 107 shadow vessels to join the Russian flag registry since January 2025, leaving them with few other options as open ship registries tighten oversight, a CREA report said.

Video

What Trump’s tariffs could mean for Russia and China

by Martin Fornusek, Nick AllardSeptember 23, 2026

How much pressure can Donald Trump’s new tariffs place on Russia’s war economy? A new U.S. law gives the president the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, while also strengthening sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet.

Politics

Ukraine 'ready for energy ceasefire,' Zelensky says after meeting Trump at UN

by Martin Fornusek, Abbey FenbertSeptember 22, 2026

"We are ready for any kind of format of energy ceasefire. ... I don't know the Russian position," Zelensky said after meeting directly with Trump at the U.N.

Politics

Trump says he'll use Graham bill's Russia sanctions 'if necessary'

by Martin FornusekSeptember 22, 2026

"Last week, in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress, providing me with enormous new tariff authorities," Trump said in his address at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. "And, if necessary, I will have to use them. It's time to stop the killing."

Politics

Lukashenko dampens Trump's hopes for Belarusian potash

by Martin FornusekSeptember 22, 2026

“Even if we wanted to supply (potash) to Western markets, we simply do not have those volumes — everything is contracted," Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko said.

Politics

Zelensky meets Macron to discuss air defenses, winter support

by Martin FornusekSeptember 22, 2026

"We are also ready to secure additional SAMP/T air defense systems and missiles for them using the financial resources available through the EU loan," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Politics

Zelensky arrives in US for high-stakes Trump meeting, UN General Assembly

by Martin FornusekSeptember 22, 2026

In addition to conferring with Trump, Zelensky said that around 20 other meetings with officials and organizations were planned. He also announced that a new deal concerning drones was ready to be signed.

Europe

Hungary not part of Ukraine's Carpathian initiative, Magyar says

by Martin FornusekSeptember 21, 2026

Speaking to the Hungarian parliament, Magyar said, "We had a good reason not to go."

Politics

US preparing 'massive' potash deal with Belarus, Trump says

by Martin Fornusek, The Kyiv Independent news deskSeptember 21, 2026

Trump said that the deal would be more advantageous than buying the fertilizer from Canada.

Europe

Exclusive: EU readies biggest-ever sanctions package targeting Russia's war machine

by Chris Powers, Martin FornusekSeptember 21, 2026

The proposal by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm, calls for adding 827 entities and 744 individuals to the bloc's sanctions list, marking the largest single package of listings to date.

Politics

Russia 'lost control' of its oil refining industry due to Ukraine's attacks, Trump says

by Martin FornusekSeptember 21, 2026

A large number of Russian "refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission," Trump said, urging an end to the fighting.

Europe

Romania's pro-Russian ex-presidential candidate investigated for fraud, media reports

by Martin FornusekSeptember 21, 2026

Romanian authorities are conducting searches at addresses linked to Calin Georgescu in connection with an alleged 1.1 million euro ($1.3 million) fraud scheme, Romanian media reported.

Editors' Picks

As Russia adapts to Ukraine's middle strikes, elite drone units stay ahead of the curve

Martin Fornusek

Articles

EU approves major defense projects plan, with Ukraine featuring prominently

French far right gains ground in Senate months before presidential election

'No longer hybrid' — As Russian sabotage grows bolder, Europe lacks red lines

Europe's crackdown halves shadow fleet ships sailing under false flags, report says

What Trump’s tariffs could mean for Russia and China

Ukraine 'ready for energy ceasefire,' Zelensky says after meeting Trump at UN

Trump says he'll use Graham bill's Russia sanctions 'if necessary'

Lukashenko dampens Trump's hopes for Belarusian potash

Zelensky meets Macron to discuss air defenses, winter support

Zelensky arrives in US for high-stakes Trump meeting, UN General Assembly

Hungary not part of Ukraine's Carpathian initiative, Magyar says

US preparing 'massive' potash deal with Belarus, Trump says

Exclusive: EU readies biggest-ever sanctions package targeting Russia's war machine

Russia 'lost control' of its oil refining industry due to Ukraine's attacks, Trump says

Romania's pro-Russian ex-presidential candidate investigated for fraud, media reports

Editors' Picks

As Russia adapts to Ukraine's middle strikes, elite drone units stay ahead of the curve

Russia's rigged election gives Putin a mandate for all-out war

As Putin edges towards mobilization, Russian reservists are already panicking

Investigation: Western machinery at the heart of Russian arms producers like Kalashnikov