Culture

The Hidden Canon: Ukraine's Literary Iconoclasts

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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Artist Zhanna Kadyrova (R) and curator Leonid Marushchak pose with the "Origami Deer" sculpture in Prague on March 12, 2026.
Culture

When security guarantees fail: Ukraine's message at the Venice Biennale

by Valeria Radkevych

The 61st Venice Biennale is now underway, with the world's premier international art event having been in the spotlight not for its showings, but for its controversy and internal strife. On April 30, just days before the opening of the festival, the jury collectively resigned in protest over Russia and Israel's planned presence in the event, declaring that with a "responsibility toward the historical role of the Biennale," they could not judge art from countries whose leaders are charged with c

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Ukraine war latest: Zelensky orders military response after Russian mass attack on Kyiv kills at least 24

Key developments on May 14: * Zelensky instructs military to prepare response to Russia's deadly Kyiv attack * Russia 'ripping off' Ukraine's drone forces success, Unmanned Systems Forces commander says * Ukraine's military now 'strongest, most powerful' in Europe, Rubio says * 'Teachers told children Ukraine does not exist' — Kyiv brings back 8 children from Russian-occupied territories Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the latest casualty count as provided by Ukraine'

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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