The Kyiv Independent
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Independent English-language journalism in Ukraine
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The Kyiv Independent celebrates its 4-year anniversary and launches its largest membership campaign to reach 25,000 paying members by the end of 2025.
⚡️ 'Historical precedent' — Ukraine, UK sign licence agreement for Octopus interceptor drones.
The Octopus drone is one of several interceptor drones in development.
The Octopus drone is one of several interceptor drones in development.
'Historical precedent' — Ukraine, UK sign licence agreement for Octopus interceptor drones
The Octopus drone is one of several interceptor drones in development.
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:28 AM
⚡️ 'Historical precedent' — Ukraine, UK sign licence agreement for Octopus interceptor drones.
The Octopus drone is one of several interceptor drones in development.
The Octopus drone is one of several interceptor drones in development.
⚡️ US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:52 AM
⚡️ US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Nov. 27, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
November 27, 2025 at 6:11 AM
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Nov. 27, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
⚡️Russia has 'no say' over whether Ukraine can join NATO, Rutte says.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 26 that Ukraine's accession to the alliance depends on unanimous agreement among member states — not on Russian demands.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 26 that Ukraine's accession to the alliance depends on unanimous agreement among member states — not on Russian demands.
Russia has 'no say' over whether Ukraine can join NATO, Rutte says
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 26 that Ukraine's accession to the alliance depends on unanimous agreement among member states — not on Russian demands.
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:47 AM
⚡️Russia has 'no say' over whether Ukraine can join NATO, Rutte says.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 26 that Ukraine's accession to the alliance depends on unanimous agreement among member states — not on Russian demands.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 26 that Ukraine's accession to the alliance depends on unanimous agreement among member states — not on Russian demands.
Ukrainian lawmakers, soldiers, and experts told the Kyiv Independent that the leak proves Witkoff could be a tool of the Kremlin rather than a neutral mediator.
'Teaching murderers how to talk to Trump' – Ukrainians react to bombshell Witkoff leak
An explosive leak implicating top U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff in shady dealings with Russia has sparked shock and astonishment not only in the U.S. but also in Ukraine.
According to conversations l...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Ukrainian lawmakers, soldiers, and experts told the Kyiv Independent that the leak proves Witkoff could be a tool of the Kremlin rather than a neutral mediator.
Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts told the Kyiv Independent.
Splitting Europe's largest nuclear plant between Russia, Ukraine in peace deal won't work, experts say
Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts tol...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts told the Kyiv Independent.
Occupation of two villages highlights strain on Ukraine’s defenses as winter nears; Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn; Ukraine denies encirclement of troops on southern front amid heavy Russian assaults; and more.
Ukraine war latest updates: Two village losses highlight strain on Ukraine’s eastern defenses (6)
Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated (6) times today. Russian forces captured the villages of Promin in Donetsk Oblast and Vysoke in Zaporizh...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Occupation of two villages highlights strain on Ukraine’s defenses as winter nears; Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn; Ukraine denies encirclement of troops on southern front amid heavy Russian assaults; and more.
⚡️IMF to provide Ukraine with $8.2 billion over 4 years under extended agreement.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provide the embattled country with $8.2 billion over 4 years through a renewed agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provide the embattled country with $8.2 billion over 4 years through a renewed agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
IMF to provide Ukraine with $8.2 billion over 4 years under extended agreement
The International Monetary Fund (IFM) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provided the embattled country with $8.2 billion over 4 years through a renewed agreement under the Extended F...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:56 PM
⚡️IMF to provide Ukraine with $8.2 billion over 4 years under extended agreement.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provide the embattled country with $8.2 billion over 4 years through a renewed agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provide the embattled country with $8.2 billion over 4 years through a renewed agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
Fire Point did not exist prior to Russia's full-scale invasion and has in the interval become the biggest recipient of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's budget for drones. Its Flamingo cruise missile has likewise been saddled with the hopes for Ukraine's long-range strike program.
Mired in controversy, Ukraine's Flamingo missile maker steps into the limelight
Rapidly expanding drone maker Fire Point is under scrutiny over its opaque funding, ownership, and links to figures named in a major anti-corruption and money-laundering investigation.
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Fire Point did not exist prior to Russia's full-scale invasion and has in the interval become the biggest recipient of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's budget for drones. Its Flamingo cruise missile has likewise been saddled with the hopes for Ukraine's long-range strike program.
The trident (or tryzub, in Ukrainian) is the coat of arms of the modern Ukrainian state. With our new collection, we feature historic reconstructions alongside modern designs, turning a thousand-year-old emblem into a festive celebration of life.
Shop now: store.kyivindependent.com/collections/...
Shop now: store.kyivindependent.com/collections/...
November 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
The trident (or tryzub, in Ukrainian) is the coat of arms of the modern Ukrainian state. With our new collection, we feature historic reconstructions alongside modern designs, turning a thousand-year-old emblem into a festive celebration of life.
Shop now: store.kyivindependent.com/collections/...
Shop now: store.kyivindependent.com/collections/...
"If President Trump, at long last, wants to get a peace deal right and is prepared to push back on Putin to achieve it, the special envoy, even Steve Witkoff, can pass that stark message to the Kremlin and help land the win," writes former US Ambassador to Poland Daniel Fried in his recent op-ed.
When you want it bad, you get it bad: Steve Witkoff and the US push to end the war
"When you want it bad, you get it bad." That’s how one of my colleagues on the Clinton National Security Council staff described the problem when a U.S. administration chases after an objective so har...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:45 PM
"If President Trump, at long last, wants to get a peace deal right and is prepared to push back on Putin to achieve it, the special envoy, even Steve Witkoff, can pass that stark message to the Kremlin and help land the win," writes former US Ambassador to Poland Daniel Fried in his recent op-ed.
⚡️Moldova's Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country's airspace.
Moldova's Defense Ministry previously confirmed on Nov. 25 that six drones violated the country's airspace during the latest mass attack against Ukraine.
kyivindependent.com/moldovas-for...
Moldova's Defense Ministry previously confirmed on Nov. 25 that six drones violated the country's airspace during the latest mass attack against Ukraine.
kyivindependent.com/moldovas-for...
Moldova's Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country's airspace
"Such incidents are unacceptable. The Republic of Moldova has rejected and will firmly reject every attack against its security and territorial integrity," Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said ...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:26 PM
⚡️Moldova's Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country's airspace.
Moldova's Defense Ministry previously confirmed on Nov. 25 that six drones violated the country's airspace during the latest mass attack against Ukraine.
kyivindependent.com/moldovas-for...
Moldova's Defense Ministry previously confirmed on Nov. 25 that six drones violated the country's airspace during the latest mass attack against Ukraine.
kyivindependent.com/moldovas-for...
The EU is preparing a legal document to seal a reparations loan, jolting the long-stalled 140-billion-euro plan to back cash‑strapped Kyiv after rival peace plans put it in doubt.
The document is expected to be released within days, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources.
The document is expected to be released within days, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources.
Europe preparing legal groundwork for reparations loan to Ukraine
"The next step is that the Commission is ready to present the legal text," said Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, in a speech to European lawmakers in Strasbourg on Nov. 26.
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The EU is preparing a legal document to seal a reparations loan, jolting the long-stalled 140-billion-euro plan to back cash‑strapped Kyiv after rival peace plans put it in doubt.
The document is expected to be released within days, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources.
The document is expected to be released within days, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources.
⚡️Media investigation examines how 'neutral' Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin's war effort.
Regional branches of the RRC participated in organizing Zarnitsa 2.0, a nationwide military competition, according to the investigation's findings.
kyivindependent.com/media-invest...
Regional branches of the RRC participated in organizing Zarnitsa 2.0, a nationwide military competition, according to the investigation's findings.
kyivindependent.com/media-invest...
Media investigation examines how 'neutral' Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin's war effort
In mid-November, the RRC and the Movement of the First co-organized a first aid competition for children from across Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories.
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:05 PM
⚡️Media investigation examines how 'neutral' Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin's war effort.
Regional branches of the RRC participated in organizing Zarnitsa 2.0, a nationwide military competition, according to the investigation's findings.
kyivindependent.com/media-invest...
Regional branches of the RRC participated in organizing Zarnitsa 2.0, a nationwide military competition, according to the investigation's findings.
kyivindependent.com/media-invest...
⚡️As winter nears, Russia advances in two hotspots on Ukraine’s eastern front, DeepState says
Russian forces completed the capture of two villages, Promin in Donetsk Oblast, and Vysoke in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the Ukrainian analytical and mapping group reported on Nov. 26.
Russian forces completed the capture of two villages, Promin in Donetsk Oblast, and Vysoke in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the Ukrainian analytical and mapping group reported on Nov. 26.
Russian forces occupy 2 villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, DeepState reports
Russian forces have completed the capture of two villages, Promin in Donetsk Oblast, and Vysoke in Zapoirzhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian analytical and mapping group DeepState reported on Nov. 26.
With both...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM
⚡️As winter nears, Russia advances in two hotspots on Ukraine’s eastern front, DeepState says
Russian forces completed the capture of two villages, Promin in Donetsk Oblast, and Vysoke in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the Ukrainian analytical and mapping group reported on Nov. 26.
Russian forces completed the capture of two villages, Promin in Donetsk Oblast, and Vysoke in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the Ukrainian analytical and mapping group reported on Nov. 26.
⚡️ Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn
Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn
While leaked reports of a U.S.-proposed peace plan have sparked international debates about the future of Ukraine`s occupied territories and the people who live there, Russia is forging ahead, entrenc...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:14 PM
⚡️ Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn
The Kyiv Independent has no one single owner, but instead receives the majority of its funding from readers who pledge to contribute financially on a monthly or yearly basis.
Join us today and help power independent journalism from Ukraine. The link is here: kyivindependent.com/membership/?...
Join us today and help power independent journalism from Ukraine. The link is here: kyivindependent.com/membership/?...
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The Kyiv Independent has no one single owner, but instead receives the majority of its funding from readers who pledge to contribute financially on a monthly or yearly basis.
Join us today and help power independent journalism from Ukraine. The link is here: kyivindependent.com/membership/?...
Join us today and help power independent journalism from Ukraine. The link is here: kyivindependent.com/membership/?...
⚡️Top security official questioned in Ukraine's biggest corruption case.
Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, has been questioned by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in a corruption case.
kyivindependent.com/top-security...
Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, has been questioned by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in a corruption case.
kyivindependent.com/top-security...
Top security official questioned in Ukraine's biggest corruption case
According to the NABU, Timur Mindich, a close Zelensky associate, committed his crimes by influencing Rustem Umerov, former defense minister and current secretary of the National Security and Defense ...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
⚡️Top security official questioned in Ukraine's biggest corruption case.
Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, has been questioned by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in a corruption case.
kyivindependent.com/top-security...
Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, has been questioned by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in a corruption case.
kyivindependent.com/top-security...
A brutal year for Ukraine's farmers is driving up food prices, straining household budgets already hit hard by Russia's war.
Chart of the week: Food prices fuel inflation in Ukraine amid climate and power woes
A brutal year for Ukraine's farmers is driving up food prices, straining household budgets already hit hard by Russia's war.
In just one year, extreme heat, freezing temperatures, drought, and heavy ...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
A brutal year for Ukraine's farmers is driving up food prices, straining household budgets already hit hard by Russia's war.
Ukraine is facing its biggest wartime corruption scandal. The Kyiv Independent’s Dominic Culverwell explains how Energoatom — Ukraine's nuclear energy operator — became a breeding ground for corruption during the war, and what this crisis means for President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country.
How $100 million nuclear scandal derailed Zelensky
YouTube video by Kyiv Independent
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Ukraine is facing its biggest wartime corruption scandal. The Kyiv Independent’s Dominic Culverwell explains how Energoatom — Ukraine's nuclear energy operator — became a breeding ground for corruption during the war, and what this crisis means for President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country.
Poet Vasyl Stus (1938-1985) was one of the Soviet era's greatest Ukrainian dissidents.
The new exhibition "As Long As We're Here, Everything Will Be Fine" at Kyiv's Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural and art complex is open from Nov. 13 to Feb. 8 and celebrates Stus's legacy.
The new exhibition "As Long As We're Here, Everything Will Be Fine" at Kyiv's Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural and art complex is open from Nov. 13 to Feb. 8 and celebrates Stus's legacy.
The Soviets tried to silence Ukrainian poet Vasyl Stus. A new exhibition honors his legacy
While the Soviet authorities promoted their vision of ideological "universalism" — a homogenized identity that suppressed national cultures — dissenting voices were silenced through arrests, intimidat...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Poet Vasyl Stus (1938-1985) was one of the Soviet era's greatest Ukrainian dissidents.
The new exhibition "As Long As We're Here, Everything Will Be Fine" at Kyiv's Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural and art complex is open from Nov. 13 to Feb. 8 and celebrates Stus's legacy.
The new exhibition "As Long As We're Here, Everything Will Be Fine" at Kyiv's Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural and art complex is open from Nov. 13 to Feb. 8 and celebrates Stus's legacy.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Nov. 26, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
November 26, 2025 at 6:28 AM
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Nov. 26, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
⚡️Drones strike Russia’s Cheboksary, reports say electronic warfare plant hit again.
VNIIR-Progress is a Russian state institute involved in designing electronic warfare systems, including the Kometa antenna used to interfere with satellite, radio, and radar signals.
VNIIR-Progress is a Russian state institute involved in designing electronic warfare systems, including the Kometa antenna used to interfere with satellite, radio, and radar signals.
Drones strike Russia’s Cheboksary, reports say electronic warfare plant hit again
VNIIR-Progress is a Russian state institute involved in designing electronic warfare systems, including the Kometa antenna used to interfere with satellite, radio, and radar signals.
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:55 AM
⚡️Drones strike Russia’s Cheboksary, reports say electronic warfare plant hit again.
VNIIR-Progress is a Russian state institute involved in designing electronic warfare systems, including the Kometa antenna used to interfere with satellite, radio, and radar signals.
VNIIR-Progress is a Russian state institute involved in designing electronic warfare systems, including the Kometa antenna used to interfere with satellite, radio, and radar signals.
⚡️Trump walks back Ukraine deadline, says 28-point peace plan was 'just a map.’
U.S. President Donald Trump said that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Thanksgiving agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Thanksgiving agreement.
Trump walks back Ukraine deadline, says 28-point peace plan was 'just a map'
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Nov. 25 that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Tha...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:27 AM
⚡️Trump walks back Ukraine deadline, says 28-point peace plan was 'just a map.’
U.S. President Donald Trump said that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Thanksgiving agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Thanksgiving agreement.
⚡️Coalition of the Willing meets, agrees to develop 'robust security guarantees' for Ukraine amid peace talks.
Ukraine and its allies met on Nov. 25 for a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting to discuss security guarantees amid intensified efforts by the U.S. to broker a peace deal.
Ukraine and its allies met on Nov. 25 for a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting to discuss security guarantees amid intensified efforts by the U.S. to broker a peace deal.
Coalition of the Willing meets, agrees to develop 'robust security guarantees' for Ukraine amid peace talks
"The absolute condition for a good peace is a set of very robust security guarantees and not paper guarantees. Ukraine has had its share of promises that were shattered by successive Russian aggressio...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:42 AM
⚡️Coalition of the Willing meets, agrees to develop 'robust security guarantees' for Ukraine amid peace talks.
Ukraine and its allies met on Nov. 25 for a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting to discuss security guarantees amid intensified efforts by the U.S. to broker a peace deal.
Ukraine and its allies met on Nov. 25 for a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting to discuss security guarantees amid intensified efforts by the U.S. to broker a peace deal.