Culture

The Hidden Canon: Discover Ukrainian literary classics

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Kateryna Zarembo in an undisclosed location in a photo posted on April 27, 2025.
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‘Still looking for my place’ — Ukrainian author Kateryna Zarembo on joining the military

by Kate Tsurkan

Kateryna Zarembo has spent years researching and telling important stories from Ukraine. As a researcher and writer, she famously captured the cultural and linguistic richness of eastern Ukraine through field work while Russian propaganda tried to erase it. Her book "Ukrainian Sunrise" stands as evidence that Donbas was never, as the Kremlin claimed, a "Russian" region but one with deep Ukrainian roots.   Then the full-scale invasion came, and the need to tell stories stopped. Today, Zarembo i

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Ex-Ukrainian ambassador to Poland: President Nawrocki disregards decades of reconciliation between Warsaw and Kyiv

In July 2024, serving as Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, I was honored to be decorated by President Andrzej Duda with the Commander's Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit. For the trust, the fellowship, and the years of honest partnership — I remain profoundly grateful to my Polish friends. And it is in that same spirit of honesty that I ask them to understand what conscience now requires of me. My devotion to the interests of the Ukrainian state, my duty to honor the dignity of Ukraine's

Polish President Karol Nawrocki (L) and President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) in Warsaw, Poland, Dec. 19, 2025

Analysis: Russia breaks into Kostiantynivka, opening battle for Donbas fortress belt

Amid a wave of positive headlines about Russian refineries in flames and logistics crippled, the battle for the legendary "fortress belt" of Ukraine's Donbas region has begun in earnest, with Russian forces breaking into the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast and steadily overrunning the urban area. As the summer campaign opens up, Russian forces are bucking the trend of offensive stagnation across the rest of the front line and making real headway into the heart of Ukrainian-controlled D

About Culture

Our reporting on literature, films, art, and traditions from Ukraine and the latest news on culture in Eastern Europe.

Ukrainian culture
Ukrainian culture has survived centuries of Russian attempts to appropriate Ukrainian art, silence Ukrainian artists, and erase the Ukrainian language. Modern Ukrainian writers, filmmakers, and musicians — some of whom are serving on the front lines — continue to develop Ukrainian culture and fight for Ukraine’s future.

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Key developments on June 20-21: * Ukraine strikes both sides of the occupied-Crimean Bridge in overnight drone attack, Zelensky says * Russia preparing 'new massive strike,' Zelensky warns * Zelensky mails revoked Polish medal back to Warsaw * Russian oil, gas sites in Crimea and Siberia hit by Ukrainian drones * At least 5 dead, 12 injured in Russian bombing in Zaporizhzhia Ukraine's army struck energy and military targets on both sides of the Crimean Bridge, Ukrainian President Volodymy

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