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Igor Pomerantsev in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, in September 2021.
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‘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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Trump wants Venezuela's oil — markets may not care

U.S. President Donald Trump made no secret of his plan for Venezuela. "One of the things the United States gets out of this will be even lower energy prices," Trump said in a Jan. 9 meeting with energy executives. “Our giant oil companies will be spending at least $100 billion of their money (in Venezuela),” the president said. Darren Woods, head of oil giant Exxon Mobil, wasn’t sold on Trump’s idea. “We’ve had our assets seized there twice, and so you can imagine that to reenter a third tim

The El Palito refinery is seen at dusk in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, on Dec. 18, 2025.

Zelensky orders final review of US security guarantees; White House source praises 'tremendous progress' in ending war

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 12 that he instructed Ukraine's negotiating team to finalize a security guarantees document with the U.S. and submit it for review "at the highest level." In his evening address, Zelensky added that Ukraine "is coordinating meeting schedules with U.S. President (Donald) Trump's representatives — our documents are largely ready for signing." No further details were provided by the president. The directive comes amid growing indications that Washington

‘The situation now is the worst’ — Kyiv’s energy crisis deepens after Russia pounds power grid

As Kyiv faces prolonged blackouts and subzero temperatures, officials and energy experts warn that the city's infrastructure is nearing its limits. Although the number of buildings without heat has decreased since the Jan. 9 mass missile and drone attack, the broader impact of the crisis on daily life is only deepening. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, about 800 residential buildings in the capital remain without heating as of Jan. 12 — a significant drop from the 6,000 buildings left

People cross a street during a power outage caused by recent Russian attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 11, 2026.

Ukraine war latest: Khartiia Brigade raises flag over Kupiansk city council building, releases video

Hello, this is Asami Terajima reporting from Kyiv on day 1,419 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story: Ukraine's Khartiia Brigade on Jan. 12 said it had recaptured the city council building in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, and flown the country's flag from its roof. A video accompanying the announcement on social media shows intense street fighting as the unit makes its way into the building. 0:00/1× "The Kupiansk operation proves that thanks to planning, training of comm

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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