What's happening with Russia's assets frozen in the West?
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.
Explainer
Russian military uniforms reveal inequality between forces
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.
How Zelensky became Ukraine's president in 2019
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
Why is Scholz blocking provision of Taurus for Ukraine?
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.
4 reasons why Russian elections are fake
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.
Ukraine released its military losses. Why now?
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?
Russia’s war against Ukraine, in 5 minutes
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.
Why did Zelensky fire Zaluzhnyi?
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.
Who is General Syrskyi, Ukraine's new chief commander?
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
How Ukraine destroys Russia's Black Sea Fleet one ship at a time
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
Famous Christmas carol you didn't know was Ukrainian
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?
How Russia's war changed everyday life in Ukraine's capital
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.
Explaining Polish trucker protests at Ukrainian border
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.
Understanding Russia's offensive on Avdiivka
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.
Putin's youth army: How Russia is turning kids into soldiers
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.
Ukraine uses ATACMS. Will it change the war?
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.
Polish opposition wins election. What does this mean for Poland, Ukraine, and EU?
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.
Ukraine’s most powerful oligarchs: Where are they now? (VIDEO)
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.
Does Ukraine need NATO or does NATO need Ukraine?
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?
'Good Russians.' Who are they?
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?
US will reportedly give ATACMS to Ukraine. Will it change the war?
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,
Russia’s ‘peacekeeper’ act crumbles as Azerbaijan overwhelms Nagorno-Karabakh
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,
How Moscow replaces Ukrainians with Russians in occupied territories
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.
Russia is committing ecocide in Ukraine, here’s how
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.
Could F-16s be a game changer for Ukraine?
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?
How old is Ukraine?
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
Ukrainian flag and emblem: Controversies and facts
Ukrainian flag — with blue on top and yellow on the bottom — is now recognized internationally. But has it always looked like this? In this video, we are digging into the history of Ukraine's flag and emblem. Everything you didn’t know about Ukraine’s flagAt a small exhibit at the
Why Ukraine is getting rid of Soviet remnants
Thirty-two years after Ukraine proclaimed independence, it replaced the Soviet emblem from the country's tallest statue, the Motherland Monument in Kyiv, with Ukraine’s coat of arms, the trident.
Art under attack: How Russia destroys Ukraine’s cultural heritage
Launched in February last year, Russia’s war against Ukraine has taken a toll on Ukraine’s culture. Russia has razed to the ground many museums and churches, destroying priceless works of art.
Cotton, raccoons, and washing machines: Understanding Ukrainian war memes
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, Ukrainians have created a countless number of witty memes online. A jar of tomatoes, cotton, sunflower seeds, and a raccoon — these are just some of the objects that have been at the center of iconic war-related memes.
What is Russia’s Wagner Group and why does Moscow use it?
The Wagner Group — a Russian private military company owned by oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin — has been at the forefront of Russia’s efforts to capture the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast. What is it, and why does Moscow use it?
Who pays for US weapons sent to Ukraine and why it’s worth it
Among all of Ukraine’s allies, the U.S. has been the most generous in providing military assistance during the full-scale Russian invasion. While its weapons have been crucial in helping Ukraine withstand Russian aggression, some Americans have spoken out against their country “paying” for the war. But is this
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