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US falls below Russia in survey of global perceptions

US falls below Russia in survey of global perceptions

The global perception of the United States has fallen for a third consecutive year, now ranking several spots behind Russia, a survey commissioned by the Alliance of Democracies Foundations revealed on May 7.
Tensions mount in both Kyiv, Moscow ahead of Russia's Victory Day Parade

Tensions mount in both Kyiv, Moscow ahead of Russia's Victory Day Parade

Editor's Note: Read the latest developments on Victory Day and Trump's surprise 3-day ceasefire. Tensions have been mounting this week ahead of Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, with an apparent uptick in Ukrainian drone attacks prompting a flurry of speculation, ceasefire proposals, and threats of strikes and counterstrikes. What’s happening this weekend? If you take the rhetoric at face value, possibly a Ukrainian strike on Russia's most important parade of the year, and a massiv
How Ukraine defends Black Sea coast from Russian drones and mines
Video

How Ukraine defends Black Sea coast from Russian drones and mines.

The Kyiv Independent’s Kollen Post and Nick Allard embed with sailors of the Ukrainian Navy operating small mine-clearing vessels off the coast of Odesa. Using sea drones and sonar systems, these crews identify potential explosives and secure maritime routes — often under the threat of Russian drone and missile attacks.
Explainer: What’s the corruption controversy around drone maker Fire Point, and what should be done?
Politics

Explainer: What’s the corruption controversy around drone maker Fire Point, and what should be done?

Ukrainian drone maker Fire Point has been described as a crucial supplier for the country's army and contributor to the country's war effort. At the same time, the company has found itself at the center of Ukraine's largest corruption scandal — a $100 million scheme centered around the state nuclear monopoly Energoatom and defense procurement. This has prompted calls for auditing the company's contracts and owners and nationalizing it, as well as reviewing the rules of defense procurement. Fi
Could Europe take over Ukraine peace talks from Trump? Here's what officials say
 (Updated:  European allies

Could Europe take over Ukraine peace talks from US? Here's what officials say

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comments. The EU is not about to hold its own peace talks with Russia and has no concrete plans to do so, several bloc's leaders and diplomats have confirmed on May 8, following news reports that suggested otherwise. The discussions come as U.S.-mediated peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv remain stalled for more than two months, as Washington is focused on its war with Iran. Frustration among European capitals at the lack of progress
Why Russia can’t protect its oil refineries from Ukrainian strikes
 (Updated:  

Why Russia’s air defenses can’t protect its oil refineries from Ukrainian strikes

Since mid-April, Ukraine has struck the Tuapse oil terminal on Russia's Black Sea coast four times, triggering major fires at one of the country's key oil export hubs despite active air defenses and repeated Russian claims of intercepted drones. The attacks have caused days-long fires, halted refinery operations, polluted parts of the coastline, and forced authorities into prolonged emergency response efforts. This raises a question: If Russia maintains one of the largest air defense networks
Ukraine is already running out of time to prepare Kyiv for winter, officials warn
Energy

Russia will likely strike Ukraine’s energy grid again. Kyiv still isn’t preparing

As the springtime sun coaxes Kyiv’s residents outdoors, memories of a winter without reliable heat or electricity caused by Russian strikes are beginning to fade — creating a dangerous distraction from the government's failure to prepare for the upcoming season. Kyiv expects Moscow to launch another brutal campaign against its energy infrastructure this winter. But efforts to diversify Kyiv’s power generation and heating sources either started too late or not at all, several people in the energ