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

France can provide defense aid to Ukraine but should scale back financial support, Le Pen says

by Martin FornusekSeptember 17, 2026

"This is not an act of hostility towards Ukraine. We can continue to train their soldiers, their armies; we can continue to provide them with equipment so they can defend themselves," the co-leader of the French far-right National Rally (RN) party, Marine Le Pen, said on Sept. 16.

Politics

'Triumph for democracy' — US House passes Graham's Russia sanctions bill

by Martin Fornusek, The Kyiv Independent news deskSeptember 17, 2026

The bill passed with 262 votes in favor and 159 against.

Europe

Putin weaponizing migration to destabilize Europe, Kyiv says

by Martin FornusekSeptember 16, 2026

"The Black Sea blockade is part of his plan," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, as Russian strikes against ports and vessels in Ukrainian waters are choking off Ukraine's agricultural exports.

Politics

US House to take up Graham's Russia sanctions bill next week

by Martin Fornusek, Volodymyr Ivanyshyn, The Kyiv Independent news deskSeptember 11, 2026

The legislation passed with overwhelming support in the Senate in August but is expected to face stronger opposition in the House, with some House Democrats fearing it would grant U.S. President Donald Trump too much authority over tariffs.

Russia

Russia's Central Bank holds key rate for the first time since mid-2025

by Martin FornusekSeptember 11, 2026

The Russian Central Bank's board of directors on Sept. 11 decided to keep the key rate at 14%, the first time the regulator has opted not to cut it since mid-June 2025.

Politics

Lawmaker, formerly from Zelensky's parliament group, jailed for 9 years over 2020 graft case

by Martin FornusekSeptember 11, 2026

Oleksandr Yurchenko, then a member of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People parliamentary group, was charged in 2020 for soliciting bribes in exchange for legislative amendments.

Europe

Serbia's Russia-friendly president to resign in late September before running for PM

by Martin Fornusek, The Kyiv Independent news deskSeptember 11, 2026

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he would resign from office on Sept. 25 or 26 before focusing on his campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Russia

'Dialogue and diplomacy' are path toward ending conflicts, India's Modi tells Putin

by Martin FornusekSeptember 11, 2026

The two leaders met in New Delhi ahead of a BRICS summit held in India's capital between Sept. 12 and 13.

Europe

'Shameful and immoral' — Ukraine reacts to far-right Polish politician vandalizing UPA monument

by Martin FornusekSeptember 11, 2026

Polish far-right politician Grzegorz Braun published a video of himself damaging a memorial in eastern Poland, which commemorates UPA fighters killed while fighting the Soviet secret police.

Russia

Kremlin calls energy sector Ukraine's 'Achilles' heel' as it dismisses aerial truce

by Martin FornusekSeptember 10, 2026

The comments come as a rejection of the latest U.S.-Ukraine proposal for an aerial truce, which was put forward during the visit of U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv.

KI Disinfo Check

Fact check: Why is Russia claiming Western 'interference' in Duma elections?

by Martin FornusekSeptember 10, 2026

As the Russian legislative elections near, the Moscow propaganda is accusing the West of plotting to disrupt the vote — the same charge Western governments have repeatedly leveled against the Kremlin. Russia's upcoming elections for the State Duma, the lower house of the parliament, between Sept. 18 and 20 are seen by democracy watchdogs as little more than a rubber stamp for the regime's grip on power. Yet in recent months, Russian officials and media have stepped up claims that Europe plans

Politics

Trump calls with Putin after peace envoys visit to Moscow, Kyiv

by Martin Fornusek, Tim ZadorozhnyySeptember 8, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined his vision for the peace process and gave U.S. President Donald Trump his assessment of the war, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

Russia

Russia to close German consulate in St. Petersburg amid Leipzig drone attack dispute

by Martin FornusekSeptember 7, 2026

The step comes after Germany accused Russia of an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport in early August and said it was closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin.

Russia

Kremlin doesn't rule out restarting three-way peace talks with Ukraine, US

by Martin FornusekSeptember 7, 2026

The statement comes after U.S. envoy Jared Kushner said Washington hopes to resume negotiations in a trilateral format.

Russia

Russia has enough resources to wage war through 2028, Ukraine's military intelligence says

by Martin FornusekSeptember 7, 2026

Ukraine's military intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko said Ukrainian strikes are contributing to Russia's budget deficit, "which today stands at $82 billion."

Editors' Picks

The winter that will reach Russia's rear

Martin Fornusek

Articles

France can provide defense aid to Ukraine but should scale back financial support, Le Pen says

'Triumph for democracy' — US House passes Graham's Russia sanctions bill

Putin weaponizing migration to destabilize Europe, Kyiv says

US House to take up Graham's Russia sanctions bill next week

Russia's Central Bank holds key rate for the first time since mid-2025

Lawmaker, formerly from Zelensky's parliament group, jailed for 9 years over 2020 graft case

Serbia's Russia-friendly president to resign in late September before running for PM

'Dialogue and diplomacy' are path toward ending conflicts, India's Modi tells Putin

'Shameful and immoral' — Ukraine reacts to far-right Polish politician vandalizing UPA monument

Kremlin calls energy sector Ukraine's 'Achilles' heel' as it dismisses aerial truce

Fact check: Why is Russia claiming Western 'interference' in Duma elections?

Trump calls with Putin after peace envoys visit to Moscow, Kyiv

Russia to close German consulate in St. Petersburg amid Leipzig drone attack dispute

Kremlin doesn't rule out restarting three-way peace talks with Ukraine, US

Russia has enough resources to wage war through 2028, Ukraine's military intelligence says

Editors' Picks

The winter that will reach Russia's rear

Explainer: How a corruption scandal and loyalty to Zelensky brought down Ukraine’s prosecutor general

Explainer: What's behind the standoff between Ukraine's two intelligence agencies?

'Hanging by a thread' — Kyiv under psychological siege amid ceaseless strikes