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Team

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Tim Zadorozhnyy

Reporter

Tim Zadorozhnyy is the reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in foreign policy, U.S.-Ukraine relations, and political developments across Europe and Russia. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations and the European Studies program at Lazarski University, offered in partnership with Coventry University. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa in 2022. After relocating to Warsaw, he spent a year and a half with the Belarusian independent media outlet NEXTA, initially as a news anchor and later as managing editor. Tim is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

Articles

Peace plan drama — Ukraine and Europe hand US revisions as Trump grows 'sick of meetings'

by Tim Zadorozhnyy
Ukraine and its European partners have handed Washington their revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework aimed at ending Russia's war, the Kyiv Independent has learned. The move comes amid growing U.S. pressure to advance negotiations and fresh accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump that President Volodymyr Zelensky is the one refusing to agree to the American plan. The next round of discussions is expected on Dec. 13, though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt signaled imp

Europe's dilemma: Supporting Trump's Ukraine peace plan while hoping he walks away

U.S. policy choices are forcing Europe into a strategic moment it long tried to avoid. As Washington sidelines allies, rewrites its National Security Strategy, and negotiates peace proposals for Ukraine, the foundations of the continent's security are shaking. For many in European capitals, the realization is sinking in: Europe may soon need to protect itself in ways it has never had to since World War II. Experts say the understanding is already there. What's missing is unity — and time. "T

How do Ukraine, Russia still communicate? Inside the secret backchannels

by Tim Zadorozhnyy
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, Ukraine cut diplomatic relations with Moscow, formally severing the main line of communication. Yet, as the war enters its fourth year, discreet communication between Ukraine and Russia has continued — through humanitarian contacts, backchannels involving officials and… oligarchs. While no diplomatic ties exist, multiple unofficial communication tracks have emerged. "An official communication channel is something we need, and it e

Trump's new security doctrine gives Putin exactly what he wants

The new U.S. National Security Strategy stunned Washington's allies, casting doubt on the entire post-Cold War security order in Europe. The document takes a direct shot at the EU and questions some of the main principles of NATO, two pillars of Europe's political and security architecture. It also signals a retreat from the U.S.-led unipolar world while refocusing on the Western Hemisphere. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the document notably avoids criticism of Russia, which has already

Ukraine is cautiously optimistic as Trump's son-in-law enters peace talks

by Tim Zadorozhnyy
As U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner takes on a more active role in the latest peace push, Ukrainian officials say they are cautiously optimistic about his involvement. Kushner joined U.S.-Ukraine negotiations in Geneva on Nov. 23 and in Florida on Nov. 30, and then traveled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 2. "The very fact that Trump added Kushner is a good sign," Oleksandr Merezhko, the chair of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee