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Cossacks: News

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Fact check: Russia turns to AI to push fakes about 'women's draft' in Ukraine

Russian disinformation yet again targets the sensitive topic of mobilization in Ukraine — this time, pushing falsehoods about an alleged forced draft of women. Pro-Kremlin social media accounts and Russian media have spread AI-generated images alleging that Ukrainian women are being lured to join the Armed Forces by targeted recruitment posters, while others claim they are being outright called up for military service. But though tens of thousands of Ukrainian women enlisted in the army as vol

Servicewomen of Ukraine’s “Fighting Witches” mobile air defense group practice shooting in Kyiv Oblast on Nov. 2, 2024.

Letters to the editor: Readers question Trump's Russian diesel deal and US sanctions policy

This week's letters come from readers questioning the Trump administration's decision to purchase Russian diesel fuel amid rising prices in the United States. An American reader argues the deal benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin at Ukraine's expense, a scholar questions whether a U.S. sanctions bill will meaningfully pressure Moscow, and a British reader raises concerns about Washington's turn to Russian oil. Got an opinion on anything you've read in the Kyiv Independent? Send it to lett

About Cossacks

Cossacks were semi-nomadic military groups that emerged in the 15th century across the steppes of what is now Ukraine. The Cossack Hetmanate existed as an independent state from 1648 to 1764, before Russian imperial authorities abolished Cossack autonomy and suppressed their cultural identity. Modern Ukraine recognizes Cossack heritage as a foundational element of national identity and resistance against foreign domination.

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