Author

Nick Allard
VideographerNick Allard is a videographer at the Kyiv Independent. Prior to this role, he worked as an independent filmmaker and freelance videographer. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of California, Berkeley.
Articles

One night with interceptor drone squad hunting Russian Shaheds
As winter approaches and Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system intensify, a small unit from the 3rd Army Corps spends sleepless nights hunting long-range Shahed drones on the front line in Kharkiv Oblast — before they reach Ukrainian cities.

Tomahawks could force Putin to end Ukraine war, expert says
The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York sits down with U.S. defense expert Tom Karako to discuss how the potential provision of the Tomahawk — the U.S.’s most advanced cruise missile — to Ukraine could affect the course of Russia’s war and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculations.

Foreign fighters at the front of Ukraine's drone war
In Donetsk Oblast, volunteers from across the world serve in the International Battalion of Ukraine’s Azov Corps. On the battlefield dominated by drones, constant surveillance, and high-risk rotations, they navigate daily life and combat in one of the war’s most dangerous sectors.

Tomahawks for Ukraine and Nord Stream investigation | Ukraine This Week
In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down renewed U.S. discussions about supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles — and Russia's reaction.

Europe believes Russia responsible for drone sightings, Dutch PM says
The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York speaks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof about Europe’s security and dependence on U.S. support within NATO to deter Russian aggression.

Ukraine's nuclear plants at risk, Russian drones in Europe | Ukraine This Week
In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur reports on the wave of unidentified drone sightings across Europe — from Denmark to France — that have sparked airport closures, military investigations, and renewed calls to shoot them down.

Inside Ukraine's fight to stop Russia near Kupiansk as war evolves
The city of Kupiansk has become a focal point of Russia’s renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. After crossing the Oskil River, Russian forces have begun infiltrating Ukrainian lines in small assault groups, while the battlefield becomes increasingly dominated by swarming drones.

Ukrainian teen’s escape from Russian-occupied territory
In this exclusive interview, a Ukrainian teenager shares the harsh realities of growing up under Russian occupation.

High-stakes autumn for Ukraine | Ukraine This Week
This week on Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur covers the ongoing response to the Sept. 9 violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones — the first instance of NATO engaging Russia militarily on its own soil since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine can make Russia seek peace, commander says
The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell sits down with Kyrylo Veres, commander of the K-2 regiment, a Ukrainian unit of the Unmanned Systems Forces that has evolved from an infantry battalion into a drone-led, multi-role force on the front line.

Exclusive: Boris Johnson calls for NATO troops in Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York sits down with former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to speak about Europe’s role in Ukraine’s defense, Russia’s attacks on NATO territory, and the risks of escalation.

Is Poland ready for war with Russia?
Poland, NATO’s eastern frontline state, is facing its most serious security challenge in decades. Western officials have warned of the risk of a direct confrontation with Russia in the coming years, but are Poland — and NATO — truly prepared for such escalation?

China backs Russia as Trump's peace talks stall | Ukraine This Week
In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur looks at the two summits that took place in China and France, delivering two starkly different messages about the future of Russia’s war — and the world.

Ukraine won't give up its land, Azov commander says
Oleksii "Leo," a Ukrainian battalion commander with the legendary Azov Brigade, discusses Russia's rapid advances in the east, Ukraine's manpower shortage, and potential scenarios for the future of the war.

Russia yet to achieve breakthrough in Ukraine, expert says
Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, assesses the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine three and a half years into the full-scale invasion.



