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Sonya Bandouil
North American news editorSonya Bandouil is a North American news editor for The Kyiv Independent. She previously worked in the fields of cybersecurity and translating, and she also edited for various journals in NYC. Sonya has a Master’s degree in Global Affairs from New York University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Houston, in Texas.
Articles
Ukraine's military denies claims that Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad encircled by Russian forces
Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces said on Dec. 5 that neither Pokrovsk nor its sister city Myrnohrad is encircled, stressing that defense units are expanding logistics routes and maintaining control over key positions in the area.
US Treasury extends waiver allowing Lukoil gas stations outside of Russia to operate, despite sanctions
The Trump administration on Dec. 4 extended a waiver that lets Lukoil-branded gas stations abroad stay in business, softening elements of the sanctions imposed on the firm in October.
Daughter of former South African president resigns from parliament amid investigation into Russian military recruitment scheme
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from parliament after being accused of helping lure 17 South African men to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine, her party announced on Nov. 29.
1 killed, 19 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast town
A Russian drone attack killed a man and injured 19 people in the town of Vyshhorod in Kyiv Oblast overnight on Nov. 30, local authorities reported.
Russia declares Human Rights Watch an 'undesirable organization'
Russia’s Ministry of Justice has designated Human Rights Watch an “undesirable organization,” effectively banning the group from operating in the country, on Nov. 28.
Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan damaged after Russia’s 'Soyuz' launch to the International Space Station
Russia’s Roscosmos space agency reported that the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan sustained significant damage during the Soyuz MS-28 launch to the International Space Station, according to multiple Russian media reports published on Nov. 27.
4 killed, 13 injured in Kharkiv amid Russian drone attack
Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Kharkiv on the evening of Nov. 23, killing at least four people and injuring at least 13, regional officials said.
Ukraine, US reportedly cut down peace plan to 19 points, but key decisions left for leaders
"I think we all recognize that part of getting a final end to this war will require for Ukraine to feel that it is safe and it is never going to be invaded or attacked again," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Zelensky pledges rapid reform of state energy firms amid major government scandal, calls for new leadership
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Nov. 15 that Ukraine is beginning a full "reboot" of its key state-owned energy enterprises, involving management overhauls and comprehensive financial audits.
'A new tragedy caused once again by the Kremlin' — Widow of Chornobyl's first victim killed by Russian attack on Kyiv 39 years later
Nataliia Khodemchuk, the widow of Valerii Khodemchuk, the first victim of the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, died in Kyiv overnight on Nov. 14–15 after suffering severe injuries in a mass Russian attack on the city.
Kyiv, Moscow reach deal on prisoner exchange to free 1,200 Ukrainians
As a result of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, the two sides have agreed to move forward with the Istanbul agreements and carry out the release of 1,200 Ukrainian prisoners, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said on Telegram on Nov. 15.
Ukraine strikes major Russian oil terminal in Novorossiysk with drones, SBU confirms
Ukrainian drones struck the Russian port city of Novorossiysk on Nov. 14, damaging an oil terminal and sparking a large fire, multiple Russian Telegram channels reported.
Explosions in Russia's Oryol Oblast following reported Ukrainian missile and drone attacks
Explosions were reported in the Russian city of Oryol overnight as authorities simultaneously declared missile and drone threats in the region, according to local residents and Russian media.
Congress votes to reopen government after longest shutdown in US history
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Nov. 12 to reopen the federal government and end a 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, multiple outlets reported.
Romania moves to take control of Lukoil assets ahead of US sanctions deadline
Romania must take control over the local subsidiary of Russia’s Lukoil to protect its national energy system and enforce international sanctions, Romanian Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan said on Nov. 12.
Editors' Picks
Ukraine is cautiously optimistic as Trump's son-in-law enters peace talks — here's why
'The key to ending the war is in Brussels' — Ukrainians react to Belgium's Russian asset loan opposition
Youth exodus — Ukraine's young people are increasingly quitting their jobs to go abroad
