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

Next months may be 'critical,' Tusk says amid reports of planned Russian provocation against Poland

by Martin FornusekJuly 3, 2026

The Polish media outlet Onet reported on June 30 that, according to five undisclosed sources, Moscow may be preparing a limited military provocation aimed at Poland.

Europe

Poland should be cautious in promising further Ukraine aid at NATO summit, PM Tusk says

by Martin FornusekJuly 3, 2026

"Not because I believe Ukraine does not need financial assistance, but because I believe Poland has very significant responsibilities related to the entire eastern EU border," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on July 3.

Europe

Ukraine's sanctions chief lambasts last EU shipyard servicing Russia's LNG fleet

by Martin Fornusek, The Kyiv Independent news deskJuly 2, 2026

Denmark's Fayard shipyard is helping Russia sustain its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports by servicing its specialized tanker fleet, said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, a presidential advisor for sanctions policy.

Europe

Zelensky arrives in Ireland as country's EU presidency begins

by Martin FornusekJuly 1, 2026

"And we hope that during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will be able to achieve tangible progress on the path to membership and open all negotiating clusters," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Europe

Denmark announces $670 million defense aid package for Ukraine

by Martin FornusekJune 30, 2026

About 1.3 billion Danish kroner ($200 million) have been allocated to the so-called "Danish model," a mechanism under which a partner country provides direct funding to Ukrainian arms manufacturers.

Europe

Hungary opposes scaling down EU protections for Ukrainian men

by Martin FornusekJune 30, 2026

Even if the decision is adopted at the EU level, it will not prevent Budapest from accepting ethnic Hungarians fleeing Ukraine because of the war or mobilization, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said.

Europe

UK unveils landmark defense plan, incorporating lessons from Ukraine

by Martin FornusekJune 30, 2026

The plan, backed by 300 billion pounds ($400 billion) in funding over four years, is part of a drive toward a more "European NATO" and will help the British forces deter the Russian threat, outgoing U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

Europe

EU sends Ukraine 3.9 billion euros for drones under major support loan

by Martin FornusekJune 30, 2026

The payment is part of the initial 6-billion-euro ($7-billion) tranche dedicated to drone procurement under the 90-billion-euro ($103 billion) Ukraine Support Loan.

Europe

Ukraine backed out of MiGs-for-drones deal, Polish minister claims

by Martin FornusekJune 30, 2026

"I proposed what I believe was a very fair, partnership-based approach: MiGs in exchange for drones," Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said. "The Ukrainians initially accepted it but did not follow through, so there are no MiGs for Ukraine because there are no drones, or drone capabilities, for Poland."

Politics

Kuwait approves defense deal with Ukraine amid fresh Iranian strikes

by Martin FornusekJune 28, 2026

Kyiv has been deepening security partnerships across the Gulf region, offering to bolster local defenses against Iranian drones.

Politics

Ukraine says 'Spirit of Anchorage' is 'dead,' Russia must face reality in peace talks

by Martin Fornusek, The Kyiv Independent news deskJune 28, 2026

"If the 'Spirit of Anchorage' even existed, it is certainly dead now," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, mocking Russia's claims about an "understanding" reached during last year's summit with the U.S. in Alaska.

Politics

Rubio says no Ukraine agreement reached at Alaska summit, contradicting Moscow's claims

by Martin FornusekJune 25, 2026

"There was no agreement in Alaska. There was a proposal, but there was no agreement," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. "If there had been an agreement, we would have had an end to the war."

President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, Poland, on Dec. 19, 2025.

Europe

Polish PM Tusk caught between Kyiv and Warsaw as Ukraine rift deepens

by Martin FornusekJune 24, 2026

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is in a tough spot. The liberal pro-EU, pro-Ukraine prime minister is looking at a country increasingly at odds with both. In recent weeks, ties between Kyiv and Warsaw have sharply deteriorated after President Volodymyr Zelensky named a military unit in honor of the World War II–era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), prompting his Polish counterpart to revoke the country's highest state honor previously awarded to the Ukrainian president. The unfolding row saw Z

KI Disinfo Check

Fact check: Russian disinformation takes aim at Poland-Ukraine rift

by Martin FornusekJune 23, 2026

A Russian-linked disinformation operation seeks to fan Polish-Ukrainian tensions amid the latest rift over historical grievances, a monitoring group told the Kyiv Independent on June 23.

Politics

In joint appeal, Ukrainian and Polish media sound alarm over crisis in relations

by Martin FornusekJune 23, 2026

Six Polish and Ukrainian media outlets issued a rare joint appeal on June 23, warning that escalating tensions between the two countries risk playing into Russia's hands.

Editors' Picks

'We know more is to come' — Pro-Ukrainians in Crimea greet strikes on Russian logistics

Martin Fornusek

Articles

Next months may be 'critical,' Tusk says amid reports of planned Russian provocation against Poland

Poland should be cautious in promising further Ukraine aid at NATO summit, PM Tusk says

Ukraine's sanctions chief lambasts last EU shipyard servicing Russia's LNG fleet

Zelensky arrives in Ireland as country's EU presidency begins

Denmark announces $670 million defense aid package for Ukraine

Hungary opposes scaling down EU protections for Ukrainian men

UK unveils landmark defense plan, incorporating lessons from Ukraine

EU sends Ukraine 3.9 billion euros for drones under major support loan

Ukraine backed out of MiGs-for-drones deal, Polish minister claims

Kuwait approves defense deal with Ukraine amid fresh Iranian strikes

Ukraine says 'Spirit of Anchorage' is 'dead,' Russia must face reality in peace talks

Rubio says no Ukraine agreement reached at Alaska summit, contradicting Moscow's claims

Polish PM Tusk caught between Kyiv and Warsaw as Ukraine rift deepens

Fact check: Russian disinformation takes aim at Poland-Ukraine rift

In joint appeal, Ukrainian and Polish media sound alarm over crisis in relations

Editors' Picks

'We know more is to come' — Pro-Ukrainians in Crimea greet strikes on Russian logistics

Behind the lies of the latest guest on Tucker Carlson's podcast — a criminal Russian arms dealer

How Ukraine's ultimatum changed the equation for Belarus

Zelensky-Nawrocki feud fails to overshadow Ukraine’s biggest recovery conference yet