Team

Sonya Bandouil

North American news editor

Sonya 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.

s.bandouil@kyivindependent.com

For media & speaking inquiries:
press@kyivindependent.com

Articles

Politics

Lukashenko says Belarus poses no military threat to Ukraine, apologizes to Zelensky for past remarks

by Sonya BandouilJune 16, 2026

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus poses no military threat to Ukraine and apologized to President Volodymyr Zelensky for previous harsh remarks, according to an interview with Al Arabiya.

Culture

Ukrainian boxing champion Usyk visits White House, meets with Trump

by Sonya BandouilJune 13, 2026

Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on June 12, according to a post shared by presidential communications adviser Margo Martin on X.

Business

UK sets 2027 deadline for full import ban on Russian diesel and jet fuel

by Sonya BandouilJune 13, 2026

The U.K. announced on June 12 that it will fully phase in its ban on diesel and jet fuel produced from Russian crude oil by Jan. 1, 2027, as part of broader efforts to cut off revenue streams funding Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Business

IMF staff reaches agreement with Ukraine on $690 million disbursement under aid program

by Sonya BandouilJune 12, 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ukraine have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review of Kyiv's four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, potentially unlocking approximately $690 million in additional funding, the IMF announced on June 12.

Politics

Security Council officials condemn attacks on civilians at emergency UN session

by Sonya BandouilJune 9, 2026

The United Nations Security Council convened on June 8 to discuss Russia's recent large-scale attacks on Ukraine, as U.N. officials warned that civilian casualties and destruction have reached some of the highest levels seen in the war in recent months.

Politics

Zelensky discusses Moscow's intentions, peace efforts in 'positive' call with US envoys

by Sonya BandouilJune 9, 2026

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a "very positive" phone call with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on June 8.

Europe

France, Germany end joint fighter jet development project amid reported industry dispute

by Sonya BandouilJune 8, 2026

France and Germany have decided to abandon the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet program, according to multiple media reports citing French and German government sources.

Russia

Russian pollster stops publishing Putin's 'open trust' figures as ratings slide, report says

by Sonya BandouilJune 8, 2026

The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), a state-controlled pollster, has reportedly stopped publishing President Vladimir Putin's "open" trust rating after it fell to its lowest level since the start of the full-scale war, the Moscow Times reported on June 8.

Europe

Swedish court rules seized ship linked to stolen Ukrainian grain may be handed over to Kyiv

by Sonya BandouilJune 6, 2026

A Swedish court has ruled that the cargo vessel Caffa, seized after allegedly transporting grain stolen from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, may be handed over to Ukraine, Reuters reported on June 5.

War

Explosions reported across Russia, occupied Crimea overnight, including near bomber unit airbase

by Sonya BandouilMay 27, 2026

Explosions and fires were reported overnight on May 27 across multiple regions in Russia and occupied Crimea, with smoke reportedly visible near a military airfield in the southeastern Russian city of Voronezh.

Europe

Norway pledges $45 million to bolster Ukraine’s energy system ahead of winter

by Sonya BandouilMay 27, 2026

Norway will provide Ukraine with 425 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $40–42 million) to support its energy sector under a new agreement with the EU, the Norwegian government announced on May 26.

War

Russian airstrike on central Kramatorsk injures at least 12

by Sonya BandouilMay 26, 2026

Russia carried out an airstrike on the center of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast on May 25, injuring at least 12 civilians, regional authorities reported.

Politics

Starmer reaffirms support in call with Zelensky, after easing of Russian sanctions prompts backlash

by Sonya BandouilMay 21, 2026

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 20, reaffirming London’s continued support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing war.

Ukraine

Ukraine repatriates OUN leader Melnyk’s remains from Luxembourg, for reburial near Kyiv

by Sonya BandouilMay 21, 2026

On May 19, the ashes of Andrii Melnyk, a key leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, and his wife Sofia were exhumed in Luxembourg during an official ceremony attended by Ukrainian state representatives.

War

Ukraine says it struck major Russian oil refinery, pumping station

by Sonya BandouilMay 19, 2026

Explosions were reported in the Russian city of Yaroslavl on the morning of May 19, according to local Russian media and officials, following a reported drone attack.

Editors' Picks

Why Ukraine’s nuclear corruption cleanup is taking so long

Sonya Bandouil

Articles

Lukashenko says Belarus poses no military threat to Ukraine, apologizes to Zelensky for past remarks

Ukrainian boxing champion Usyk visits White House, meets with Trump

UK sets 2027 deadline for full import ban on Russian diesel and jet fuel

IMF staff reaches agreement with Ukraine on $690 million disbursement under aid program

Security Council officials condemn attacks on civilians at emergency UN session

Zelensky discusses Moscow's intentions, peace efforts in 'positive' call with US envoys

France, Germany end joint fighter jet development project amid reported industry dispute

Russian pollster stops publishing Putin's 'open trust' figures as ratings slide, report says

Swedish court rules seized ship linked to stolen Ukrainian grain may be handed over to Kyiv

Explosions reported across Russia, occupied Crimea overnight, including near bomber unit airbase

Norway pledges $45 million to bolster Ukraine’s energy system ahead of winter

Russian airstrike on central Kramatorsk injures at least 12

Starmer reaffirms support in call with Zelensky, after easing of Russian sanctions prompts backlash

Ukraine repatriates OUN leader Melnyk’s remains from Luxembourg, for reburial near Kyiv

Ukraine says it struck major Russian oil refinery, pumping station

Editors' Picks

Why Ukraine’s nuclear corruption cleanup is taking so long

Investigation: How EU machinery keeps feeding Russian missile makers

Tulsi Gabbard's last pass to Russia

Meet the Ukrainian drone team that demolished NATO forces in war game in Sweden