Culture

Igor Pomerantsev in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, in September 2021.
Culture

‘A cult of death’ — Former Soviet dissident on Russia and authoritarianism's global rise

by Kate Tsurkan

In an authoritarian society, it’s free thinkers who are targeted by those in power. A book, a social media post, a private conversation — anything can be used against those who refuse to conform in a country ruled by intimidation, lies, and outright violence. This is why, in a world where authoritarianism appears to be on the rise, a free press is more important than ever. Few understand this reality better than Igor Pomerantsev, a veteran radio broadcaster, poet, and former Soviet dissident. H

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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 January 19-25. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. The World Economic Forum in Davos will take place from January 19 to 23. The most anticipated moment for Ukraine will be a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the forum, alongside the signing of an $

Inside Ukraine’s resistance under Russian occupation

In this exclusive interview, the Kyiv Independent’s Yuliia Taradiuk speaks with a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces' officer who helps organize resistance movements in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.

Inside Ukraine's AWOL and desertion crisis

Panic attacks have haunted Ukrainian serviceman Yaroslav since he returned home in the summer, leaving him gasping at night. Frustration with his commanders drove the 33-year-old to go absent without leave (AWOL), joining a growing number of Ukrainian soldiers who have left their units without permission. For Yaroslav, then a deputy platoon commander, it began with what he described as his leadership's "indifference" to soldiers' lives. Yaroslav said his command kept ordering missions that, in

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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