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 war latest live: Russia tops global ranking for internet shutdowns in 2025, Top10VPN reported

Hello, this is Tania Myronyshena reporting on day 1,416 of Russia's full-scale invasion from Kyiv — a city shaken by a massive overnight Russian attack and now struggling without heat and power. Today's top story so far: Russia ranked first worldwide for internet censorship and shutdowns in 2025, according to Top10VPN’s report by Top10VPN, an independent digital privacy and VPN comparison platform tracking global internet disruptions. Russia began mass internet shutdowns in May 2025 under the

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 11-18. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. President Volodymyr Zelensky may travel to the United States next week to meet with Donald Trump to finalize a Ukraine–U.S. security agreement. The Ukrainian side says the document is ready and is awaiting approval from Trump. Zelensk

2 Ukrainian ministers resign, await reappointment

Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov submitted their resignations to the Ukrainian parliament on Jan. 9 amid an ongoing political reshuffle.

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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Of all the images that emerged from the U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, one of the most surreal was the sight of a fleet of American helicopters flying unchallenged over the skies of Caracas. Video from Caracas, Venezuela shows U.S. military helicopters, including CH-47 Chinook and V-22 Osprey aircraft, operating over Caracas alongside multiple explosions. The cause and context of the blasts remain unconfirmed. pic.twitter.com/owOx9X7DPP — George

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