The Kyiv Independent

The Kyiv Independent is an English-language news platform in Ukraine, founded by a group of journalists who were dismissed from the Kyiv Post for standing up for editorial freedom. The Kyiv Post, which served as Ukraine's global voice, ceased operations on November 8, 2021, just a few days after marking its 26th anniversary of continuous publication. The owner decided to close the publication in an attempt to gain complete control over the newsroom that had always prioritized editorial independence. However, the dedicated editorial team of the Kyiv Post was determined not to be muted. Instead of preserving the brand, they chose to uphold its core values.

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Despite the hype, EU's latest Russia sanctions 'not as strong as they should be'

1 day ago | kyivindependent.com | Alex Cadier

The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on May 14, is being hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, insisting it would "keep the pressure high on the Kremlin."But outside the EU bubble, critics see it as another incremental move that fails to match the urgency of the moment, and behind closed doors, even EU officials acknowledge the package was watered down during negotiations.
Russia killed Ukrainian author Victoria Amelina - but not her words or quest for justice

1 day ago | kyivindependent.com | Kate Tsurkan |Oleksandra Matviichuk

Ukrainian author Victoria Amelina never got to finish writing her book “Looking at Women, Looking at War.”After she was killed in a Russian missile strike on Kramatorsk in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk Oblast in 2023, it fell upon her closest friends and colleagues to do what they could to make sure it would still be published.
As Ukraine, Russia peace talks loom, all eyes are on Putin's next move

1 day ago | kyivindependent.com | Chris York |Martin Fornusek

With just two days to go before Russian-proposed peace talks might begin in Istanbul, the Kremlin is still refusing to confirm whether or not President Vladimir Putin will attend the event. President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said he will meet Putin there, a move that puts the ball very much into the Kremlin's court.
'Not what Putin was expecting' - What we know (and don't know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

2 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Chris York |Martin Fornusek |Alex Cadier |Oleksiy Sorokin

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15.
'Like a game of tennis' - Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure

2 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Asami Terajima

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15. A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he'll be waiting for Putin in Turkey. "We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet," Zelensky said. The statements by Moscow and Kyiv caught the attention of the main viewer — U.S. President Donald Trump.
'Ready for all options' - Ukraine gears up for possible Zelensky, Putin talks

2 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Chris York |Oleksiy Sorokin

Ukraine is "ready for all options" as it gears up for a possible meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin of Russia in Istanbul this week, a source close to the President’s Office told the Kyiv Independent on May 12. After a flurry of diplomatic developments over the weekend, Putin rejected an immediate ceasefire called for by Kyiv and its European allies, instead suggesting direct peace talks be held in Istanbul on May 15.
EU to unveil new sanctions against Russia on May 14, source says

3 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Martin Fornusek |Alex Cadier

The EU plans to unveil on May 14 its next package of sanctions imposed against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity. The European bloc has previously announced 16 separate sanctions packages since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The measures have targeted individuals, companies, and state institutions involved in supporting Russia's war machine in Ukraine.
US to continue working 'with both sides' to end war in Ukraine, Trump says

4 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Abbey Fenbert

U.S. President Donald Trump "will continue to work with both sides" to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Trump said in a social media post on May 11. Trump's comments come shortly after Ukraine and Europe put forth a proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning May 12. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not agreed to the plan, but has invited Kyiv to resume direct talks in Istanbul on May 15.
Putin's proposed talks 'a first step, but not enough,' Macron says

4 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Abbey Fenbert

Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct peace talks with Ukraine is "a first step, but not enough," French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 11. Putin earlier extended an invitation to hold direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, saying "Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions." "An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations," Macron told reporters at the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to Agence France Presse (AFP).
'We'll judge Russia by actions, not words' - US State Department spox calls for ceasefire

4 days ago | kyivindependent.com | Abbey Fenbert

Russia and Ukraine must come to a ceasefire agreement in order for the U.S. to "move forward" in negotiating an end to the full-scale war, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on May 10. Bruce's comments come as Ukraine and European allies demand Moscow accept their proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12. "We'll judge Russia by actions, not words," Bruce wrote on X. "We've struck a deal with Ukraine for critical minerals and energy to fund their rebuilding.