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

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.

War

Russian overnight attack damages 25 homes in Kharkiv, hits Izmail port infrastructure

by Sonya BandouilMay 19, 2026

Russia launched overnight strikes across southern and eastern Ukraine early on May 19, hitting infrastructure and residential areas in Odesa Oblast and Kharkiv, according to local authorities.

Culture

Ukraine's Svitolina wins third Italian Open title

by Sonya BandouilMay 17, 2026

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina won the WTA 1000 Internazionali BNL d’Italia tournament in Rome, securing one of the biggest titles of her recent career.

War

Ukraine attack on Moscow region 'completely fair response,' Zelensky says

by Sonya Bandouil, Tania MyronyshenaMay 17, 2026

A large-scale drone attack targeted the Moscow region overnight on May 16–17, with Russian officials and local residents reporting multiple explosions across the area.

War

Russian attack damages infrastructure in Odesa Oblast and Kharkiv

by Sonya BandouilMay 16, 2026

Russian forces launched overnight strikes targeting critical and civilian infrastructure across parts of Ukraine on the night of May 15–16, with attacks reported in Odesa Oblast and Kharkiv, according to regional authorities.

War

Drone strike reportedly hits major Russian fertilizer plant linked to explosives production

by Sonya Bandouil, The Kyiv Independent news deskMay 16, 2026

Andrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, described the facility as "a critical component" of Russia's defense-industrial complex.

Politics

Umerov, Witkoff to meet in Miami for talks in coming days

by Sonya BandouilMay 7, 2026

Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, is expected to meet U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami as early as this week, Bloomberg reported on May 6.

War

Zelensky announces plan to establish private military companies in Ukraine

by Sonya BandouilMay 6, 2026

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 6 that Ukraine is preparing legislation to legalize private military companies, as Kyiv looks to create new postwar opportunities for veterans and expand its role in the global security sector.

War

Belarus develops military training grounds and logistics routes in cooperation with Russia, border officials say

by Sonya BandouilMay 5, 2026

Belarus continues expanding military-related infrastructure that could support Russian operations, even though Moscow does not currently have enough troops stationed there to launch a new offensive against Ukraine, Kyiv's State Border Guard Service said on May 4.

War

Zelensky announces earlier ceasefire starting May 6, ahead of Russia's 'Victory Day truce'

by Sonya BandouilMay 4, 2026

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 4 that Ukraine is proposing a ceasefire beginning at midnight on May 6, saying Kyiv is prepared to halt hostilities if Russia reciprocates.

Editors' Picks

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar during an interview in Vienna, Austria, on May 21, 2026.