Author

Masha Lavrova
TikTok and Video CreatorMasha Lavrova is a TikTok producer and video host at the Kyiv Independent. She honed her digital marketing and PR skills while working in Australia and freelancing for various global companies. Masha also studied directing and producing for film and TV. She earned her bachelor's degree in screen media and communication from Western Sydney University in Australia.
Articles

A village feast in Ukraine | Dare to Ukraine: Village Ep. 5
In Episode 5 of “Dare to Ukraine: Village,” Masha’s journey reaches its final chapter. Before leaving, she brings everyone together for a shared meal, stories, and moments that reflect her month-long experience.

Ukrainian history vs. Russian propaganda | Dare to Ukraine: Village Ep. 4
In Episode 4 of “Dare to Ukraine: Village,” Masha’s quiet rural routine is interrupted by a new mission: uncover the local history and debunk Russian propaganda myths about Ukraine.

Tarot, cows, and village secrets | Dare to Ukraine: Village Ep. 3
In episode 3 of “Dare to Ukraine: Village,” host Masha Lavrova discovers that village life is about more than chores — it’s about earning the trust of the community.

First taste of Ukrainian village life | Dare to Ukraine: Village Ep. 2
In episode 2 of “Dare to Ukraine: Village,” host Masha Lavrova faces her first full day of village life. With a surprise letter from producer Valeriia, she’s tasked with managing household chores, exploring a local greenhouse, and starting her own little homestead.

Will She Make It? | Dare to Ukraine: Village Ep. 1
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.
How Ukrainian teens are training for war
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.
Ukrainians react to US proposal of recognizing Crimea as Russian
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.

How Trump ends wars
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.

Ukrainians react to Trump’s shocking accusation about the war
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.

Russian drone hits Chornobyl nuclear plant as Munich Security Conference begins | Ukraine This Week
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.

Chornobyl: An exclusive look at the exclusion zone during war | Dare to Ukraine
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.

Dare to Ukraine | Kharkiv: The city that refuses to be broken
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.

Dare to Ukraine | Kyiv, the heart of a war-torn country
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.

Dare to Ukraine | Odesa: Summer by the sea during war
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.

Discovering the majesty of the Carpathians | Dare to Ukraine
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.



