The origins and meaning of the tryzub, the Ukrainian coat of arms
The trident, known in Ukrainian as tryzub, is instantly recognizable as the central element of Ukraine's modern coat of arms.
Explaining Ukraine
The world has yet to hear Ukraine’s complete story. With “Explaining Ukraine,” the Kyiv Independent is illuminating its path.
Animation by dukhovne lychko
When did the war in Ukraine start? A timeline of Russia's aggression
Russia's war against Ukraine began immediately following the end of the EuroMaidan Revolution in February 2014, when Russia swiftly moved to annex and occupy Crimea
How Russia fueled and weaponized a 2014 Odesa fire that left over 40 dead
On May 2, 2014, a tragic incident occurred in Odesa that would become one of the most exploited narratives in Russian propaganda.
Ukraine’s struggle for independence
Ukraine’s long fight for sovereignty — from the 1918 Battle of Kruty to today — reveals a nation’s enduring quest for freedom.
Could Ukraine have stopped Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014?
Russia built up its military presence in Crimea for decades, allowing it to swiftly capture the peninsula amid revolution in Ukraine.
The 2014 annexation of Crimea — How Russia stole Ukraine's peninsula
Russia seized Crimea in February 2014 amid the deadliest days of Ukraine’s EuroMaidan Revolution, and has occupied the peninsula ever since.
What's inside a Ukrainian Easter basket? The answer isn't chocolate eggs
Central to Ukraine's week-long preparations for the holiday is the Easter basket, known as sviachene, meaning “that which is blessed.”
What were the Minsk Agreements and why did they fail to bring peace in Ukraine?
Kyiv, under pressure from allies and a difficult battlefield situation, was forced to sign unfavorable deals.
Kyiv, not Kiev — How Ukrainians reclaimed their capital's name
English speakers the world over long referred to Ukraine’s capital as Kiev, not realizing they were using the Russian name for the city.
Carol of the Bells — the classic, and Ukrainian, Christmas song
The timeless classic was first performed during a Christmas concert by the student choir of the University of Kyiv in 1916.
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
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Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
Ukraine is interesting not only for its heroic actions, but also for its history, culture, and identity.
What is Explaining Ukraine project?
The world is full of distorted versions of Ukrainian history. The Kyiv Independent wanted to make sure readers had a reliable source of information about important Ukrainian historical events, figures, and cultural traditions.
The articles featured here are thorough and detailed pieces that span centuries to the current day and include topics from Ukraine’s presidents to the country’s culinary traditions.
Editors' Picks
These people just escaped Russian-occupied Ukraine — but some say they need to go back
Orban's unexpected headache — Trump's offensive against Russian energy
Analysis: 5 lessons on air defense and underground architecture from Kharkiv
