Olena Goncharova

Canada

Canadian Correspondent at The Kyiv Independent

Journalist, fact-checker. Ukrainian. Ex-Canada Bureau chief of the Kyiv Post. Now - Kyiv Independent @KyivIndependent

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Articles

Yermak tells Reuters Zelensky may travel to Vatican for Pope Leo’s inauguration

2 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Olena Goncharova

President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend the inaugural Mass of newly elected Pope Leo at the Vatican this Sunday, if his wartime obligations allow, his chief of staff Andriy Yermak told Reuters on May 13. The event, taking place in St. Peter’s Square, will mark the formal installation of the new leader of the Catholic Church, who was elected on May 8. A number of global leaders are expected to be present.
Zelensky may travel to Vatican for Pope Leo’s inauguration, aide says

2 days ago | yahoo.com | Olena Goncharova

President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend the inaugural Mass of newly elected Pope Leo at the Vatican this Sunday, if his wartime obligations allow, his chief of staff Andriy Yermak told Reuters on May 13. The event, taking place in St. Peter’s Square, will mark the formal installation of the new leader of the Catholic Church, who was elected on May 8. A number of global leaders are expected to be present.
Despite growth claims, Russia’s war economy shows deep risks, Reuters reports

2 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Olena Goncharova

Russia’s economy faces mounting pressure due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, according to a new report from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) presented for talks of European Union finance ministers on May 13. While the Kremlin continues to project economic strength—citing GDP growth of 4.3% in 2024—SITE researchers warned that the apparent resilience is misleading.
Despite growth claims, Russia’s war economy shows deep risks, Reuters reports

2 days ago | yahoo.com | Olena Goncharova

Russia’s economy faces mounting pressure due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, according to a new report from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) presented for talks of European Union finance ministers on May 13. While the Kremlin continues to project economic strength—citing GDP growth of 4.3% in 2024—SITE researchers warned that the apparent resilience is misleading.
Vance says Russia 'asking for too much' in talks to end war

1 week ago | kyivindependent.com | Olena Goncharova

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on May 7 that Russia is "asking for too much" to end its war against Ukraine, highlighting growing frustration within the Trump administration over stalled peace efforts with Moscow. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, Vance said the U.S. remains focused on securing a long-term settlement after Russia dismissed a proposed 30-day ceasefire, according to Politico.
Vance says Russia 'asking for too much' in talks to end war

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Olena Goncharova

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on May 7 that Russia is "asking for too much" to end its war against Ukraine, highlighting growing frustration within the Trump administration over stalled peace efforts with Moscow. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, Vance said the U.S. remains focused on securing a long-term settlement after Russia dismissed a proposed 30-day ceasefire, according to Politico.
EU eyes new sanctions over Russian hybrid threats, chemical weapons use in Ukraine, Reuters reports

1 week ago | kyivindependent.com | Olena Goncharova

The European Commission has proposed adding 15 new individuals and entities to its sanctions framework targeting Russian hybrid threats and suspects linked to the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, EU sources told Reuters on May 7. In November 2024, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported evidence of tear gas use along the front line in Ukraine, though it did not assign responsibility.
EU eyes new sanctions over Russian hybrid threats, chemical weapons use in Ukraine, Reuters reports

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Olena Goncharova

The European Commission has proposed adding 15 new individuals and entities to its sanctions framework targeting Russian hybrid threats and suspects linked to the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, EU sources told Reuters on May 7. In November 2024, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported evidence of tear gas use along the front line in Ukraine, though it did not assign responsibility.
Kim Jong Un touts tank development as part of North Korea’s military modernization

1 week ago | kyivindependent.com | Olena Goncharova

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a major tank production facility, praising what he called "great progress in the core technology of Korean-style tanks," state news agency KCNA reported on May 4. Kim emphasized that developing advanced tanks and armored vehicles is central to strengthening the country’s conventional forces and reaching the ruling party's plan "for the second revolution in armored force," he said during the visit, according to Reuters.
France to ramp up AASM Hammer smart bomb production for Ukraine, media reports

1 week ago | kyivindependent.com | Olena Goncharova

France plans to manufacture 1,200 AASM Hammer guided air bombs in 2025, up from 830 units produced in 2024, Le Parisien, a French daily newspaper, reported on May 2. The French-made precision bombs are being transferred to Ukraine as part of ongoing defense support, and their use by Ukrainian fighter jets has grown significantly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.