Secure your place for an evening that matters — for journalism, justice, and Ukraine’s future.
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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
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, as well as the moments that never make it into print.
The evening will be dedicated to the work and support of our War Crimes Investigation Unit where journalists spend months investigating, traveling, and speaking with witnesses to document Russia’s crimes and give voice to the victims. Each Kyiv Independent documentary is a major independent project developed over months of work that requires professional tools for research, fact-checking, and information gathering, as well as equipment, studio rentals, design, graphics, sound, and music production.
By joining us, you help this work continue and make it possible for more people around the world to learn the truth.
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, and events behind the headlines
- 2
Photo exhibition with exclusive shots and video presentation of the newsroom's documentaries
- 3
Conversation with investigators, reporters and management team of the Kyiv Independent
- 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
Join our growing global community who support English-language independent journalism from Ukraine.
become a member
Show your support the Kyiv Independent with a tax-deductible donation via our partner, American Friends of The Kyiv Independent at Myriad USA.
Make a Donation
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.
get in touch
A Shared Mission with Our Host and partners
We are profoundly grateful to the Ukrainian Institute of America for hosting our event by. 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.
The event is possible thanks to the support of Nova Ukraine, a U.S. based nonprofit providing humanitarian aid and services, raising awareness about Ukraine.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Veselka for co-sponsoring the evening’s refreshments and sharing the warmth and generosity of Ukrainian hospitality.
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
Francis Farrell
Reporter
Olesia Bida
Investigative Reporter, WCIU
Olena Zashko
Videographer
Olga Rudenko
Editor-in-Chief
Daryna Shevchenko
Chief Executive Officer
Zakhar Protsiuk
Chief Operating Officer
Toma Istomina
Deputy Chief Editor
Irynka Hromotska
Photo editor
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.
For press inquiries & accreditation
press@kyivindependent.com