Culture

The Hidden Canon: Discover Ukrainian literary classics

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

Kyiv Independent recommends 5 translated Ukrainian books to look out for in late 2026 and early 2027

by Kate TsurkanSeptember 24, 2026

This November marks a milestone for Ukrainian literature in English translation — and especially for Ukraine's literary legend Yuri Andrukhovych. Andrukhovych's novel "Radio Night" will be the first contemporary Ukrainian novel published by New York Review Books, which boasts one of the most diverse and well-curated literary catalogs in English-language literature. They previously published his poetry collection "Set Change," which features verse from the 1980s and 1990s, in 2024. A publisher

Ukrainian Chess Federation blasts presidential aide after accepting FIDE position alongside a Russian, urges SBU probe

by Yevgeniya DoludaSeptember 28, 2026

Ukraine's Culture Ministry announces major fundraising initiative to help publishers struggling after Russian attacks

by Kate TsurkanSeptember 21, 2026

Award-winning director Andrey Zvyagintsev labeled 'foreign agent' by Kremlin

by Kate TsurkanSeptember 18, 2026

20-year-old sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ukrainian language advocate, ex-lawmaker Iryna Farion

by Kate TsurkanOctober 1, 2026

Kanye West's sold-out Russia concerts cancelled, organizers confirm

by Rebecka PiederOctober 1, 2026

How a dissident poet became Ukraine’s moral compass

by Kate TsurkanSeptember 18, 2026

'I'm Russian, and I support my country,' Ovechkin says after appearing in campaign ad for Putin's party

by Volodymyr IvanyshynSeptember 18, 2026

NewsLetters

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Thursday, October 1

05:13 PM

Russian drone strikes Kyiv nuclear institute housing research reactor

The strike, which occurred at around 6:18 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished. No one was injured in the attack, according to a statement.

05:11 PM

Russia's methodical use of starvation in Oleshky

The town of Oleshky and the surrounding district in southern Kherson Oblast in Ukraine are under a total blockade imposed by Russian occupation forces. Since May 26, 2026, no humanitarian aid has reached Oleshky. Residents are hanging signs on their fences reading "no food, we're starving too," emaciated animals have disappeared from the streets, and a three-liter jar of preserved bread crusts has become, in the words of one resident, worth its "weight in gold." Reports of civilians eating we

01:33 PM

Russian troop losses soared 46% since January, hit 2026 high in September, Ukraine says

The September figure surpassed previous summer highs of 42,860 in July and 42,020 in August.

03:38 PM

20-year-old sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ukrainian language advocate, ex-lawmaker Iryna Farion

The 60-year-old Farion was a prolific figure in Ukraine who devoted her life to popularizing and defending the Ukrainian language and culture. She was shot in the head near her home on July 19, 2024.

01:14 PM

Russian drones strike Kyiv school, key bridge linking eastern, western banks of city

The attack took place at around 11:30 a.m. local time, as cars and a metro train continued to cross the bridge.

02:53 PM

'Returning Russia's sick war to where it came from' — Ukraine marks Defenders Day

"Thank you to all our defenders who are working to return Russia's sick war to where it came from," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram.

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.

June 12, 2025‘I feel like I lost 3 years’ — Ukrainian author turned soldier Artem Chapeye on culture during war

June 11, 2025'Ukrainians have been stripped of illusion of control' — Filmmaker Kateryna Gornostai on Russia's war, cinema and reclaiming the narrative

March 26, 2025Explainer: Some Ukrainians speak Russian language — it doesn’t make them Russian

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Kyiv Independent recommends 5 translated Ukrainian books to look out for in late 2026 and early 2027

Ukrainian Chess Federation blasts presidential aide after accepting FIDE position alongside a Russian, urges SBU probe

Ukraine's Culture Ministry announces major fundraising initiative to help publishers struggling after Russian attacks

Award-winning director Andrey Zvyagintsev labeled 'foreign agent' by Kremlin

20-year-old sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ukrainian language advocate, ex-lawmaker Iryna Farion

Kanye West's sold-out Russia concerts cancelled, organizers confirm

How a dissident poet became Ukraine’s moral compass

'I'm Russian, and I support my country,' Ovechkin says after appearing in campaign ad for Putin's party

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NewsLetters

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Russian drone strikes Kyiv nuclear institute housing research reactor

Russia's methodical use of starvation in Oleshky

Russian troop losses soared 46% since January, hit 2026 high in September, Ukraine says

20-year-old sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ukrainian language advocate, ex-lawmaker Iryna Farion

Russian drones strike Kyiv school, key bridge linking eastern, western banks of city

'Returning Russia's sick war to where it came from' — Ukraine marks Defenders Day

About Culture

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