Culture

Igor Pomerantsev in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, in September 2021.
Culture

‘A cult of death’ — Former Soviet dissident on Russia and authoritarianism's global rise

by Kate Tsurkan

In an authoritarian society, it’s free thinkers who are targeted by those in power. A book, a social media post, a private conversation — anything can be used against those who refuse to conform in a country ruled by intimidation, lies, and outright violence. This is why, in a world where authoritarianism appears to be on the rise, a free press is more important than ever. Few understand this reality better than Igor Pomerantsev, a veteran radio broadcaster, poet, and former Soviet dissident. H

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Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 43

Editor’s note: This is issue 43 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from Jan. 1–Jan. 12, 2026. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. IMF benchmarks and soft commitments Ukraine moves forward in competition for customs head On Jan. 17, Ukraine will hold the first stage of an open competition to select the next head of the State Customs Service.

Ukraine calendar: What will happen this week

Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' public newsletter, The Week Ahead, covering events from January 19-25. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. The World Economic Forum in Davos will take place from January 19 to 23. The most anticipated moment for Ukraine will be a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the forum, alongside the signing of an $

Inside Ukraine’s resistance under Russian occupation

In this exclusive interview, the Kyiv Independent’s Yuliia Taradiuk speaks with a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces' officer who helps organize resistance movements in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.

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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