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.
Explainer
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
How do some Western anti-war protests help Russia?
The so-called “anti-war” rallies in Europe and the U.S. have marched against arming Ukraine, which in the demonstrators’ view would bring an end to Russia’s war of aggression. In reality, such protests play into Russia’s hands.
How Russian propaganda fuels genocide against Ukrainians
Russia's massive attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure come as no surprise. The Kyiv Independent's Iryna Matviyishyn explains how pro-Kremlin propagandists have encouraged the attacks and incited genocide against Ukrainians.
Why Russian relocation of Ukrainians is not an evacuation
On Oct. 18, Moscow-installed proxies in occupied Kherson announced an organized relocation of Ukrainians to the Dnipro River’s east bank, away from the city. Many media, even some in Ukraine, called it an evacuation. The Kyiv Independent’s Iryna Matviyishyn explains why it’s a dangerously wrong label.
What Russia's 'partial' mobilization means for Ukraine
On Sept. 21, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced a "partial mobilization." Russia aims to draft at least 300,000 new soldiers. The Kyiv Independent explains why the mobilization doesn't appear to be "partial" as Putin claims and what it could mean for Ukraine.
(UPDATED) Yermak travels to Paris, meets Normandy Format advisors amid Russian escalation
Representatives of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany met on Jan. 26 in Paris for low-level talks amid Kremlin's growing military buildup. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak praised the renewed talks between the Normandy Format countries upon his arrival to Paris. In Paris, Yermak met with Russian
Three years of reporting, funded by our readers.
Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 10,000 readers makes a financial contribution. For our third birthday this November, we're looking for 1,000 new members to fund our mission and to help us prepare for what 2025 might bring. We’re relying on you.
Help us get 1,000 new members!
(Updated: )
Most popular
Editors' Picks
Kremlin finds new enemies to target — Russians without kids
With Scholz's government in shambles, conservative rival touts more decisive Ukraine strategy
Ukraine reacts warily to Trump appointments as Russia’s war rages on
