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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the nation in a state television broadcast in Tehran, Iran, on June 18, 2025.
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As Iran erupts, Washington threatens, and Moscow watches in silence

by Oleg Sukhov

Over the past several years, Iran has witnessed a number of popular uprisings, varying in both scale and demands. The ongoing mass protest movement that swept across the country in the closing days of 2025, however, is seen as the one that may actually topple the country’s autocratic regime. The Jan. 8 demonstrations in Iran were the largest in years and more violent than many previous protests. A number of buildings were set ablaze, while protesters have been clear in their demands — "Death t

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Chart of the week: Ukraine's missile interception rate slides lower as Russian attacks plunge country into crisis

Ukraine's missile interception rate slid lower in the first two weeks of 2026, as Russia continued its months-long bombing campaign against the country's energy infrastructure. Ukraine's Air Force reported downing 26 of the 73 missiles launched by Russia in the first two weeks of January, according to data compiled by Dragon Capital — an interception rate of 36%. The average monthly rate since October 2022 is 60%. In an overnight attack targeting several cities across Ukraine on Jan 12–13, Ukr

Ukraine says it's preparing for elections, referendum. Is it realistic?

In recent weeks, President Volodymyr Zelensky began actively promoting the idea of holding a referendum and potentially presidential elections immediately after a ceasefire is reached. The goal of these preparations is to convince U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine is serious about a potential peace deal. However, there are many obstacles to holding an election and a referendum before the official end of the war. First and foremost, Russia has shown no indication of agreeing to any ceas

polling station near the frontline close to Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on March 31, 2019.

About Russia

The Kyiv Independent’s coverage of news on Russia. Spanning eleven time zones across Eastern Europe and Asia, Russia has an estimated population of 146 million people. Russia’s capital city is Moscow, which is home to almost one in 10 Russians. Russia’s official currency is the Russian Ruble.

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