Culture

The Hidden Canon: Discover Ukrainian literary classics

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Zhanna Kadyrova stands next to her "Origami Deer" sculpture in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 12, 2026
Culture

In the eye of Venice Biennale's storm, Ukraine takes center stage

by Valeria Radkevych

Even before stepping onto the grounds of the Venice Biennale, visitors are met with a striking image visible from behind the gates: a concrete deer, suspended midair from the crane of a parked truck, its form secured by vivid orange lifting straps that crisscross its body. From a distance, the installation resembles a temporary construction site more than a national pavilion. People stop beneath it, trying to understand whether the structure is still being assembled, or whether this unstable su

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Mobilization in Ukraine: reform prospects, battlefield impact — next KI Insights monthly briefing

Mobilization has consistently been one of the weakest elements of Ukraine's military response to Russia's full-scale invasion. The system is widely hated by the public, plagued by corruption, and has often failed to meet targets needed to ensure the country's defense. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has proposed bold new plans to reform the system, but is facing opposition from within the military and Ukraine's top leadership. This private briefing will explore the following questions: * Wh

Power dynamics in Russia's regions: into local politics on NATO's border — KI Insights special briefing

KI Insights is planning to expand coverage of Russian political and economic issues. The current briefing is aimed to be the first in a series. If you are interested in learning more or would be open to supporting this direction of work, please contact us at insights@kyivindependent.com. Russia's legislative elections are just 4 months away. Years of full-scale war are increasingly being felt, presenting a challenge to domestic political and socio-economic stability. However, those dynamics are

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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