Ukraine news

News Feed

Russia's cinemas may lose their backdoor access to Hollywood blockbusters

After years of illegal screenings, Russians may soon lose access to major foreign films in their cinemas. Since 2022, "pre-screening entertainment" — as the practice is known locally — has allowed Russian cinema-goers to watch Hollywood blockbusters, even as these cannot be legally distributed due to international sanctions imposed after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "Essentially, people buy tickets for a domestic film, but are shown an American blockbuster, technically f

About Ukraine

The Kyiv Independent delivers reliable news, context, and on-the-ground reporting from Ukraine. The largest country located entirely in Europe, Ukrainian territory covers 603,628 square kilometers (233,062 square miles), and is bordered by seven countries, namely Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. Ukraine traces its history back to the medieval state of Kyivan Rus.

News Feed