Culture

The Hidden Canon: Discover Ukrainian literary classics

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Zhanna Kadyrova stands next to her "Origami Deer" sculpture in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 12, 2026
Culture

In the eye of Venice Biennale's storm, Ukraine takes center stage

by Valeria Radkevych

Even before stepping onto the grounds of the Venice Biennale, visitors are met with a striking image visible from behind the gates: a concrete deer, suspended midair from the crane of a parked truck, its form secured by vivid orange lifting straps that crisscross its body. From a distance, the installation resembles a temporary construction site more than a national pavilion. People stop beneath it, trying to understand whether the structure is still being assembled, or whether this unstable su

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Ukraine war latest: Sweeping new reforms to terms of service announced in effort to ease manpower crisis

Key developments on June 12: * Ukraine announces landmark military service reforms with record pay raise for infantry * Russian rubber plant, oil refineries struck by Ukrainian drones in latest overnight attack, military confirms * Ukrainian drone maker Skyfall partners with Airbus on defense innovation * Sumy hit by morning artillery bombardment as Russian strikes across Ukraine kill at least 6, injure 52 over past day * 'High probability' of Russian missile launch from Oreshnik site over

When Ukraine takes key step toward Europe, Russian star will be performing next door

As Ukraine and Moldova move closer to the European Union on June 15, Russian opera star Anna Netrebko will take the stage at the Philharmonie Luxembourg next door. The contrast reflects a growing, worrying trend across Europe where some of the Russian cultural figures once boycotted after 2022 for their views are steadily being normalized again. Ukraine's embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg published a press release on June 10, expressing concern over Netrebko's planned performance. "For many y

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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