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People celebrate the first anniversary of Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian Oblasts in Moscow, Russia, on Sept. 29, 2023.
Opinion

Putin, the people, or both? The unresolved question of responsibility in Russia

by Archil Jangirashvili

About the author: Archil Jangirashvili is a Georgian lawyer and academic specializing in law, political ethics, and human rights. The question of whether Russian society bears responsibility for Vladimir Putin’s actions has been raised repeatedly since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This debate is not confined to Eastern Europe; it also actively circulates in Western political and academic circles. Often, it produces a comforting illusion: the source of today’s threa

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Monday, December 22

Ukraine war latest: 'Extremely difficult' situation as Russian forces attempt to cross Siverskyi Donets River

Hello, this is Chris York reporting from Kyiv on day 1,398 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story so far: The situation near Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, is "extremely difficult" as Russian forces continue to attempt crossings  the Siverskyi Donets River, Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps said on Dec. 22. Russia’s renewed offensive on the front-line city of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast has sparked weeks of heavy fighting, even as Moscow has claimed that the city has already fall

With his right-hand man gone, Zelensky learns to rule Ukraine alone

It’s been nearly a month since President Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to oust his right-hand man. Unable to immediately find a due successor, the president is now running the country alone. Being second only to the president, former President's Office Head Andriy Yermak has gathered unprecedented powers over the years, having a say in who becomes the country's prime minister and general prosecutor, and heading Ukraine's delegation in the U.S.-led peace talks. According to a source in the Pres

President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 12, 2025.

Kyiv Independent’s community has raised over $100,000 for Ukraine in 2025

‌‌‌Earlier this year, the Kyiv Independent launched its “How to Help Ukraine” newsletter — a membership benefit created in direct response to our community’s requests for more ways to help Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion. ‌‌In the first six months since the newsletter’s launch, our community has raised over $105,300, according to the organizations we featured. ‌‌

A dark Christmas looms in Odesa Oblast as Russia hammers energy facilities, bridges, ports

Russian attacks have plunged Odesa Oblast into darkness and cold just days before Christmas, cutting power to more than 120,000 residents after strikes on three energy facilities on Dec. 22. Russia has stepped up attacks in Odesa Oblast this December, targeting ports, roads, energy infrastructure, and homes. Frequent strikes have caused widespread power outages and delayed repairs, leaving some residents without electricity and entire areas cut off due to disrupted transportation networks. "I

A generator is installed on a street in Odesa, Ukraine, on Dec. 15, 2025, after Russian shelling

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