While the diamond industry markets itself as a beacon of luxury, the complex web of global trade hides dark, brutal reality. Despite sanctions and growing scrutiny, Russian diamonds continue to enter the global market, funding Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has already announced the first appointments for his cabinet, who will advise him on everything from foreign policy to national security. We break down how these individuals may influence Trump's policies on Ukraine and Russia.
With Donald Trump's U.S. presidential win set to shape the future of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent examines the current situation on the battlefield, where Russia is making its fastest gains since the early days of the full-scale invasion.
The Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell explains what we know about Ukraine's operation so far and what this might mean for the future of the war.
Russia's Su-57 is marketed as one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets. Yet, no foreign countries are interested in purchasing the jet. This failure highlights broader issues and trends within Russia's military-industrial complex.
For the past few weeks, thousands of protesters have gathered every night in front of the Georgian parliament in opposition to the controversial foreign agents law that the ruling Georgian Dream party is attempting to pass. The final vote is set to take place on May 14. The law would
The Kyiv Independent’s business reporter Dominic Culverwell explains how confiscating the assets could be used to help Ukraine and why it hasn’t happened yet.
The Kyiv Independent’s Alexander Khrebet and Oleksandr Karasiov from the Ukrainian military and tactical clothing brand, M-TAC, examine several samples of Russian military uniforms.
It's been five years since Volodymyr Zelensky, then the country's best-known comedian, became Ukraine's president. Outside Ukraine, few remember the wild campaign that landed Zelensky a seat in the president's office. Watch the Kyiv Independent's recap of Zelensky's funny, groundbreaking campaign that resulted in a landslide victory for the now
Ukraine officially asked Berlin to provide one of the most powerful long-range missiles at the end of May 2023 but heard uncertainty in response and, later — consistent refusals.
Russia is holding a so-called presidential election on March 15-17. However, it is not entirely fair to call this an "election." The Kyiv Independent's Oleg Sukhov explains why.
Zelensky recently announced that 31,000 Ukrainian troops have died in the war, after keeping this number a secret for more than a year. Why did he release them now? What do these numbers tell us? Why were they a secret? And what do we still not know?
Feb. 24, 2024, marks the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine. Look back at the key moments that defined Ukraine’s modern history from the EuroMaidan Revolution to the present day.
As Russia's all out war in Ukraine races towards its third year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his Commander-in-Chief. The Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell here with everything you need to know.
Following months of reports about a rift in Ukraine's political and military leadership, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who had led Ukraine's military since before the full-scale invasion. Zelensky replaced Zaluzhnyi with General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had previously served as the commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces and the
At a time when the front line in Russia’s war against Ukraine has not moved much in the last year, success in the Black Sea has been a major silver lining for Ukraine’s military campaign. How does Ukraine manage to do that? The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell
A simple 4-note motif, Carol of the Bells is one of the most iconic sounds of the Christmas season. But did you know it was born in Ukraine, with roots in ancient times? How did it reach the world and help Ukraine fight for independence?
What is it like living in Kyiv during the war? We at the Kyiv Independent often hear this question from our friends and readers abroad. In this video, our reporter, Daria Shulzhenko, will guide you through everyday life in the Ukrainian capital amidst the full-scale invasion.
Polish truckers are blocking three border crossings with Ukraine, protesting the unrestricted access for Ukrainian truck drivers entering Poland. The blockade has caused major delays for cargo carriers and threatens Polish-Ukrainian relations.
The Russian offensive in Avdiivka has been an undisputed failure so far. Russian gains have amounted to little more than a handful of treelines on the flanks. The Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell explains how it happened and what to expect in the future.
From alternative history at school to training in combat skills, Moscow has employed its military-patriotic education both on Russian and Ukrainian children in occupied territories.
Oleksiy Sorokin, deputy chief editor of the Kyiv Independent, explains how the ATACMS provided to Ukraine work, how they differ from other long-range missiles, and what will now change on the battlefield.
Parliamentary elections were held in Poland on Oct. 15, with the opposition receiving 53% of the total vote. After eight years of conservative rule, the liberal pro-EU opposition will have a chance to form a government.
Since Ukraine proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, a large share of its industries has been controlled by oligarchs like Rinat Akhmetov, Victor Pinchuk, Petro Poroshenko, Ihor Kolomoisky, Viktor Medvedchuk and Dmytro Firtash.
Throughout Russia's brutal war, Ukraine has actively sought assurances from NATO regarding its future membership in the Alliance. Why does Ukraine aspire to be a part of NATO? What are the prospects for this accession, and how might NATO also benefit from it?
Russians, who are Vladimir Putin's enemies and condemn the war, are not necessarily friends of Ukraine. Who Ukrainians describe as "good Russians," and what does the term mean?
After over a year of pleading to get long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) from the U.S., Ukraine might finally receive this much desired weapon. Though to Ukraine’s disappointment it was not included in the latest military aid package worth $325 million announced by Washington on Sept. 21,
On Sept. 19, just under three years after the end of the last major war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Baku moved decisively to finish what it started in 2020. Shortly after the announcement of the launching of “anti-terrorist” measures by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry,
After Russia’s relentless attacks in 2022, the port city of Mariupol in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast was left in ruins. Yet this has not stopped Russians from buying up houses and flats in Mariupol, or even trying to exchange them for their property in Russia.
Russian war crimes extend beyond human suffering. The environmental impact of this war might take Ukraine decades to recover. Officials have already labeled this destruction of nature as "ecocide." So, what exactly is ecocide? Find out in our explainer.
Ukraine has been campaigning for F-16 fighter jets since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. But why are the F-16s so significant? Could they dramatically change the course of the war?
On Aug. 24, 2023, Ukraine marked its 32nd Independence Day. But is Ukraine really just 32 years old? The Kyiv Independent addressed this question to historians. Everything you didn’t know about Ukraine’s flagAt a small exhibit at the National History Museum in Kyiv on Ukraine’s flag, one
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