Culture

The Hidden Canon: Ukraine's Literary Iconoclasts

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Artist Zhanna Kadyrova (R) and curator Leonid Marushchak pose with the "Origami Deer" sculpture in Prague on March 12, 2026.
Culture

When security guarantees fail: Ukraine's message at the Venice Biennale

by Valeria Radkevych

The 61st Venice Biennale is now underway, with the world's premier international art event having been in the spotlight not for its showings, but for its controversy and internal strife. On April 30, just days before the opening of the festival, the jury collectively resigned in protest over Russia and Israel's planned presence in the event, declaring that with a "responsibility toward the historical role of the Biennale," they could not judge art from countries whose leaders are charged with c

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Justice for the crime of aggression — the Special Tribunal must put Ukrainian victims center stage

After four years of brutal, all-out war in Ukraine, the Council of Europe met on May 15 to establish a long-awaited pillar of accountability: the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (The Tribunal). The Tribunal fills an important gap. The International Criminal Court lacks jurisdiction for aggression — what judges at Nuremberg called the "supreme international crime." It seeks to hold the architects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, most senior Russian officials, account

Ukraine war latest: Drone strike reportedly hits major Russian fertilizer plant linked to explosives production

Key developments on May 16-17: * Drone strike reportedly hits major Russian fertilizer plant linked to explosives production * Kyiv repatriates 528 bodies that Russia claims are fallen Ukrainian soldiers * 'Justified response' – Zelensky releases footage of Ukrainian strikes on Russian aircraft, other targets deep behind enemy lines * Ukraine attack on Moscow region 'completely fair response,' Zelensky says A fire likely broke out at the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant in Russia's southern Stavrop

Has power changed Zelensky? | Ukraine This Week

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency has changed over seven years in office, and whether he still represents the anti-establishment promises he campaigned on in 2019.

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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