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How Steve Witkoff pushed Ukraine sympathizers out of White House, and led the US into Russia's arms
 (Updated:  Trump & Russia

How Steve Witkoff pushed Ukraine sympathizers out of White House, and led the US into Russia's arms

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is running a shadow operation inside the White House in an effort to sideline pro-Ukraine officials, the Kyiv Independent has learned. Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no diplomatic background before his appointment — has emerged as one of the central architects of a new Washington peace proposal that Ukrainian officials say revives the Kremlin's most sweeping demands. A source in Ukraine's President's Office earlier said that Witkoff is shaping the plan in d
When superpowers break the rules
Opinion

When superpowers break the rules

Manifest expansionist ambitions of the three most powerful countries in the world — China, the United States, and Russia — are undermining the current world order. Since its founding, the People's Republic has expressed interest in Taiwan; Beijing may now be on the verge of attempting to conquer the island. In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to incorporate Canada and Greenland into the United States. The most consequential development that has led to the erosion of th
The story behind the Kyiv Independent
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The story behind the Kyiv Independent.

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Everything we know about Trump’s 28-point peace plan for Ukraine
 (Updated:  

28 points later: Why Trump's latest peace plan for Ukraine is different

U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing Ukraine to accept a new peace proposal built around sweeping Russian demands, giving Kyiv until Nov. 27 to decide whether it will accept the demands or lose American support. The push marks Trump's latest attempt to end Russia's all-out war, now approaching its fourth year, and as President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 21, "Ukraine may soon face an extremely difficult choice. Either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner." The Kyiv In
'Capitulation and betrayal' — Ukraine rages at controversial US peace plan, piles pressure on Zelensky
 (Updated:  Trump & Russia

'Capitulation and betrayal' — Ukraine rages at controversial US peace plan, piles pressure on Zelensky

Amid mounting pressure from the White House, Kyiv is now grappling with a U.S. 28-point peace plan that many in the country view as a "capitulation." Ukrainian activists, lawmakers, soldiers and veterans warn that the proposal could strengthen Russia's position, leading to further conflict rather than resolution — and not just on the front lines, but on the streets of Ukraine. Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker with the opposition European Solidarity party, said that the leaked plan appears to be "a
Ukraine calendar: What will happen this week
 (Updated:  KI Insights

Ukraine calendar: What will happen this week

Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' public newsletter, The Week Ahead, covering events from November 23-30. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. The United States is pressuring Ukraine to sign a peace agreement by Thursday 28 November - the date of the US ‘Thanksgiving’ national Holiday. The 28-point proposal was drafted by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff together with Russia
Exclusive: Ukraine’s foreign legion to be effectively dismantled, volunteers sound alarm

Exclusive: Ukraine’s foreign legion to be effectively dismantled, volunteers sound alarm

Ukraine plans to effectively dismantle one of the main structures that has brought foreign volunteers into its ranks, the International Legion under the Ground Forces, according to sources, leaving legionnaires worried they will lose the unit's hard-won identity and be scattered into unfamiliar structures in a way they say could cost lives. “Our biggest worry is just that we'll be moved around and units will be pulled apart, and we'll basically be funneled into where they feel like they need to
New US peace plan pushes Ukraine toward capitulation — here's what we know so far
 (Updated:  Trump & Russia

New US peace plan pushes Ukraine toward capitulation — here's what we know so far

* Ukrainian officials say the plan closely mirrors Russia's maximalist demands and revives previously dropped concessions. * The framework calls for Ukraine to cede Donbas, halve its military, suspend NATO ambitions, and grant certain political concessions to Russia. * Kyiv and European partners were largely excluded from drafting the plan, though President Volodymyr Zelensky has received the draft. * A senior U.S. official said some reported elements could still change. * The negotiations
Zelensky appears to hold on to embattled chief of staff Yermak, faces weakened grip on parliament as a result
Politics

Zelensky appears to hold on to embattled chief of staff Yermak, faces weakened grip on parliament as a result

Volodymyr Zelensky's hold over parliament has apparently weakened following a major corruption scandal that hit close to the president. The president's meeting with his parliamentary faction on Nov. 20, which could have gone either way, ended up without any result, according to lawmakers present at the meeting. Hours before the meeting, reports began to emerge that the president would not oust his Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, despite growing calls from lawmakers to do so. Around 10 pro-gover
Ukraine war latest: Russia will test NATO's Article 5 soon, top Swedish general warns
 (Updated:  

Ukraine war latest live: Russia will test NATO's Article 5 soon, top Swedish general warns

Editor's note: This was Ukraine war latest for Nov. 20. Read the latest edition here. Hello, this is Chris York reporting from Kyiv on day 1,366 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story: Russia will soon test NATO's Article 5 collective defense treaty and Europe must be prepared to use force to deter Moscow, Swedish Chief of Defense Gen. Michael Claesson has said. "I'm sure and I'm convinced that they would be ready to test Article 5 of NATO at any point in the Baltic st