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A night of storytelling, resilience and hope

Stories from Democracy's Front Line

Dec 9, 2025 • Ukrainian Institute of America, NYC

Kyiv Independent Team

Why We Gather

In an era where truth is under siege, independent journalism serves as a vital bridge. We invite you to join The Kyiv Independent for an evening of human stories that illuminate war, courage, and democracy.

A Shared Mission with Our Host

We are profoundly grateful to the Ukrainian Institute of America, whose dedication to showcasing Ukraine’s living culture resonates deeply with our own purpose. Like UIA’s commitment to sharing art, history, and identity with audiences worldwide, The Kyiv Independent strives to connect global communities with the realities of Ukraine—through fearless storytelling and uncompromised journalism.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Veselka for co-sponsoring the evening’s refreshments and sharing the warmth and generosity of Ukrainian hospitality.

Veselka
9dec

Tuesday, December 9th 2025

6:00 PM EDT

Ukrainian Institute of America

2 E 79th St, New York NY, 10075

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Veselka

What to Expect

No formal dialogue, no black-tie, —just authentic stories, genuine people, and meaningful connection.
Whether you arrive in jeans or a jacket, what matters most is that you’re with us.

  • 1

    Live storytelling offering firsthand accounts from the field, courts, and beyond.

  • 2

    Visual storytelling, featuring striking videos, photos, and documentary excerpts that bring our reporting to life.

  • 3

    Intimate witness, with appearances by survivors and investigators whose experiences embody resilience and hope.

  • 4

    Post-event gathering, an informal reception with drinks and light bites—an opportunity to converse openly with storytellers and fellow supporters.

Reserve Your Spot

Buy Tickets

Secure your place for an evening that matters — for journalism, justice, and Ukraine’s future.

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Become a Member

Join our growing global community who support English-language independent journalism from Ukraine.

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Make a Donation

Show your support with a tax-deductible donation via our partner, American Friends of The Kyiv Independent at Myriad USA.

Make a Donation

Sponsor the evening

Become part of the evening and support the Kyiv Independent's vital work. Please get in touch with Danica to discuss the benefits of sponsorship.

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Your impact

Your support empowers the War Crimes Investigations Unit—an esteemed team uncovering evidence of Russian atrocities to ensure justice and accountability.

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Who You’ll Meet

Join a community united by storytelling that matters.

  • Champions of press freedom and human rights

  • Diplomats, policymakers, and civic leaders

  • Media professionals and journalists

  • Members of the Ukrainian diaspora and global allies committed to truth and solidarity

About the Kyiv Independent

The Kyiv Independent was born out of a fight for freedom of speech. It was co-founded by a group of journalists who were fired from the Kyiv Post, then a prominent newspaper, as the owner attempted to take the newsroom under control and end its critical coverage of Ukrainian authorities.

Just three months after the Kyiv Independent was launched, Russia invaded Ukraine. Our team stayed in Ukraine and kept on reporting on what was now a war against their country.

The team’s resilience and uncompromising reporting quickly made the Kyiv Independent a key source of news from Ukraine for millions of people around the world.

We vowed to serve the principles of honest journalism even during an ongoing war. We have published investigations, including into misconduct within the Ukrainian military. It has solidified our readers’ trust in us as an independent news source. The Kyiv Independent has won multiple awards for its work.

We had to grow fast. Today, the Kyiv Independent is a dynamic organization producing stories, video reports, newsletters, documentaries, and more. In March 2023, we formed a separate unit within the team to investigate Russian war crimes.

The team has published ten documentaries so far, uncovered multiple war crimes, and seven international awards for its work.

Danica Stanciu

Questions? Contact us

Danica Stanciu,
Head of Fundraising

d.stanciu@kyivindependent.com

For press inquiries & accreditation

press@kyivindependent.com