Culture

The Hidden Canon: Ukraine's Literary Iconoclasts

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Artist Zhanna Kadyrova (R) and curator Leonid Marushchak pose with the "Origami Deer" sculpture in Prague on March 12, 2026.
Culture

When security guarantees fail: Ukraine's message at the Venice Biennale

by Valeria Radkevych

The 61st Venice Biennale is now underway, with the world's premier international art event having been in the spotlight not for its showings, but for its controversy and internal strife. On April 30, just days before the opening of the festival, the jury collectively resigned in protest over Russia and Israel's planned presence in the event, declaring that with a "responsibility toward the historical role of the Biennale," they could not judge art from countries whose leaders are charged with c

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Analysis: How Ukraine gained the upper hand in the drone war

More than four years into a full-scale war Russia started but has no clear plan to win or even stop, the balance of power in the drone war has taken a significant shift in favor of Ukraine. Ukrainian drone programs at every level have begun to outperform Russia’s, and in a war that is increasingly defined by these unmanned platforms, this shift has started to produce tangible results not only on the battlefield, but also now in the skies above Russia. "Moscow from now on never sleeps," Robert

A Ukrainian soldier prepares a Baba Yaga drone before a flight in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine, on March 23, 2026.

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian positions in northern Pokrovsk 'almost cut off' amid mounting Russian pressure

Key developments on May 18: * 'Hide-and-seek with death' — Ukraine details grim situation in Pokrovsk * Ukraine claims control of Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, military intelligence says * Belarus starts nuclear drills with Russia days after Zelensky warns of attacks on Ukraine, NATO * Ukraine develops 1st domestically produced guided glide bomb, ready for combat use * Russia calls for Ukraine peace talks to resume after months of downplaying them * At least 2 killed, 51 injured 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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