What’s it really like to live in a Ukrainian village during wartime? Masha Lavrova leaves the capital, Kyiv, and moves to a village to explore authentic Ukrainian rural life. She tries to survive for a month on a $500 budget — the average Ukrainian salary. Follow Masha’s bumpy journey to her new home in a village in Kyiv Oblast in the first episode.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, war has become a daily reality for thousands of Ukrainian children. Some Ukrainian military units, such as the Azov Brigade, offer boot camps for teenagers to teach them the basics of self-defense, first aid, dry firing, and other survival skills — helping them prepare for both the realities of today and the uncertainties of the future.

The U.S. media outlet Axios reported on April 23 that the U.S. President Donald Trump administration's final proposal for ending the Russia-Ukraine war included the U.S. de jure recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea and de facto recognizing its control of other occupied Ukrainian territories. We asked Kyiv residents for their reactions to the U.S. proposal.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s negotiation strategy in Afghanistan resulted in a capitulation to the Taliban and abandoning U.S. allies. As the world awaits a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, what could a deal brokered by Trump actually look like? The Kyiv Independent’s Masha Lavrova dives into the last time Trump sought to end a war and what it could mean for Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest comments about Ukraine are raising eyebrows — and spreading misinformation. He claimed that Ukraine was the one who started Russia's war, said that Ukraine had been “blown to smithereens,” and claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a 4% approval rating — none of which has a factual basis. How do actual Ukrainians feel about Trump’s words? The Kyiv Independent’s Masha Lavrova hit the streets of Kyiv to hear their raw, unfiltered reactions.

This Sunday, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down U.S. President Donald Trump’s first official call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the controversial comments made by Trump’s team that may spell out an ominous warning for Ukraine. We’re also joined by our reporter Martin Fornusek, who is reporting directly from the Munich Security Conference this weekend.

In the sixth episode of Dare to Ukraine, we gain rare access to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, known globally as the site of the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster and one of the most radioactive places on Earth.

In the fifth episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we explore Kharkiv, a city that embodies resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. As Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv is renowned for its diverse architecture and vibrant arts scene.

In the fourth episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we journey to Kyiv, the heart of Ukraine. Known for its ancient history, iconic landmarks, and revolutionary spirit, Kyiv has stood at the center of Ukraine’s struggles and triumphs for centuries.

Despite being scarred by Russia’s full-scale war, the city continues to draw locals and tourists to its lively streets, sunny beaches, and legendary nightlife.

In the second episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we venture into the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, a region known for its majestic landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and rich cultural heritage.

For the first episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we journey to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, known for its magnificent architecture, lively streets, and delicious cuisine. Join our host, Masha Lavrova, as she uncovers the many layers of this captivating city.

As Russia's war in Ukraine rages on, millions have been forced to flee their towns, leaving behind their homes and communities. In Lviv, one center for internally displaced persons brings people together and rebuilds bonds through street culture.

Sasha Maslov is a Ukrainian-American photographer who divides his time between Kyiv and New York. At the start of the full-scale invasion, he returned to Kyiv to document the war. His work, which has been showcased in galleries and art spaces across Europe and the United States, includes regular contributions to prominent magazines and publications. But Maslov's most recent work is the photo book “Saints.” The book captures the stories of individuals during the Russian war against Ukraine from

Every weekend, Ukrainians rally to support the families of prisoners of war and advocate for the release of those still in Russian captivity. We spoke to former prisoners of war and relatives of POWs at one of the recent protests in Kyiv.