Culture

The Hidden Canon: Discover Ukrainian literary classics

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Zhanna Kadyrova stands next to her "Origami Deer" sculpture in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 12, 2026
Culture

In the eye of Venice Biennale's storm, Ukraine takes center stage

by Valeria Radkevych

Even before stepping onto the grounds of the Venice Biennale, visitors are met with a striking image visible from behind the gates: a concrete deer, suspended midair from the crane of a parked truck, its form secured by vivid orange lifting straps that crisscross its body. From a distance, the installation resembles a temporary construction site more than a national pavilion. People stop beneath it, trying to understand whether the structure is still being assembled, or whether this unstable su

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Macron invites Zelensky to upcoming G7 summit

Zelensky's participation "is very important for us because we need to rebuild consensus within the G7 in support of Ukraine on the various aspects of the war," French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 10.

'Disappointing' — Russian Arctic LNG imports to EU rise despite ban as loophole persists

EU imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Yamal project increased by nearly 18% in the first five months of 2026, according to a report by environmental and sanctions-monitoring NGO Urgewald shared with the Kyiv Independent. The figures show the challenges facing EU's effort to end its dependency on Russian energy, despite the bloc's phased ban on Russian gas imports. While Brussels has introduced restrictions on Russian LNG imports, loopholes in the current scheme have allowe

Ukraine war latest: Russian-occupied Mariupol port no longer operational after Ukrainian strikes

Key developments on June 10: * Russian-occupied Mariupol port no longer operational after Ukrainian strikes, Azov Corps says * Chonhar Bridge linking Crimea to Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast destroyed after Ukrainian drone strike, Ukraine says * Ukrainian Flamingo missiles strike military plant in large-scale attack on Russia, Zelensky confirms * 'Time to sit at the negotiating table' — Bulgaria to stop sending arms to Ukraine Ukrainian forces have disabled the Russian-occupied port of Ma

Ukraine's political and military prospects for 2026 - KI Insights at URC

KI Insights is coming to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk! Join us at a networking event on the eve of URC, on June 24, 2026. We will be hosting a discussion on the new power mapping of Ukraine and the key roadblocks to reform. The briefing will feature exclusive insights and research from across our research programs. It will cover how key political risks in Ukraine, the EU reform trajectory, and the military situation are viewed from Kyiv. The event will be followed by a historical

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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