Ukraine This Week

The Kyiv Independent
  • 5.0 (2)
  • News
  • Updated weekly

Ukraine This Week brings you the most important stories from Ukraine and beyond.

  1. 6 days ago

    Could Nord Stream turn Germany against Ukraine?

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines Germany’s allegations that a Ukrainian-led team sabotaged the Nord Stream pipelines on Kyiv’s orders—claims that Ukraine continues to reject. The episode explains why Nord Stream, a German-Russian energy project, became one of Europe’s most controversial, what German prosecutors allege, what evidence is publicly available, and how the case could reshape Ukrainian-German relations. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membershi... Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro 01:12 Why Nord Stream mattered 02:03 Russia's response 03:58 Why the case is so complicated 08:51 Support independent journalism in Ukraine 09:29 Germany's main suspect 10:48 Ukraine rejects the allegations 13:12 Why this matters for Europe 15:43 Member Q&A 17:09 Outro

  2. 20 Jul

    The first foreign victims of Russia’s war against Ukraine

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines the legacy of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, 12 years after the passenger plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine with a Russian Buk missile, killing all 298 people on board. Drawing on testimony from journalist Evgeniy Maloletka and interviews with the Dutch ambassador to Ukraine, Alle Dorhout, and representatives of the MH17 memorial foundation Stichting Vliegramp MH17, the episode explores who shot down MH17, why the plane was flying over a war zone, how the international investigation held Russia responsible, and how the tragedy continues to shape aviation safety, international justice, and Russia’s war against Ukraine. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membershi... Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro02:00 Why MH17 flew over Ukraine10:32 Support independent journalism in Ukraine11:09 Who shot down MH17?14:39 The fight for justice17:16 Why MH17 still matters24:33 Member Q+A27:37 Outro

  3. 13 Jul

    Will Ukraine cut off Crimea?

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines Ukraine’s escalating campaign to isolate Russian-occupied Crimea. Once promoted by the Kremlin as a symbol of Russia’s resurgence and a premier tourist destination, the peninsula now faces mounting pressure from Ukrainian drone strikes targeting military infrastructure, logistics, and supply routes. Thousands of Russians are reconsidering whether to live and vacation on the occupied peninsula. Is Ukraine’s strategy in Crimea working to weaken Russia’s grip on one of Vladimir Putin’s most prized territorial gains? Visit our merch store: https://store.kyivindependent.com/col... Subscribe to our channel for more independent reporting from Ukraine.Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membershi... Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 01:11 - Why the focus on Crimea now?06:08 - Become a member!06:46 - Growing pressure07:52 - Interview with expert Mykola Bielieskov11:26 - New merch collection12:03 - Paradise lost?12:31 - Toll on tourism16:01 - Interview with former resident of Crimea19:59 - Ask the team Q&A24:35 - Outro

  4. 6 Jul

    How adult content could help Ukraine's war effort

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Kateryna Denisova examines one of Ukraine's most unusual legal contradictions. Numerous adult content creators pay taxes to the state while risking criminal prosecution for the very work that generates their income. As Ukraine searches for every possible source of wartime revenue, platforms like OnlyFans have become part of the country's digital economy. Yet creating adult content remains a criminal offense, leaving many creators caught between paying taxes and protecting themselves from prosecution. The episode explores why efforts to decriminalize pornography have stalled, what the current law means for ordinary Ukrainians, and whether parliament is finally ready to change it. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=weekly_show_227&utm_medium=227 Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro00:52 Legal contradiction09:55 Criminalizing creators16:29 Support independent journalism in Ukraine16:54 Why creators are leaving20:38 Will the law change?22:09 Member Q&A24:59 Outro

  5. 30 Jun

    Ukraine debates LGBTQ rights as thousands serve in the military

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Kateryna Denisova examines how Ukraine's attitudes toward LGBTQ people have changed — and why the country's laws have struggled to keep pace. Public support for LGBTQ equality has grown dramatically since Russia's full-scale invasion, while thousands of LGBTQ Ukrainians now serve in the military. Yet many still lack basic legal protections, including the right to have their relationships legally recognized. The episode explores how Ukraine's democratic transformation, its path toward European Union membership, and the realities of wartime have reshaped the debate over LGBTQ rights. Subscribe to our channel for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=weekly_show_226&utm_medium=226 Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro00:49 Changing attitudes04:47 Kyiv Pride in 202611:52 Support independent journalism in Ukraine12:26 Why legal reforms stalled14:37 LGBTQ soldiers' rights15:34 Barriers to civil partnerships21:33 Political responsibility24:09 Member Q&A27:20 Outro

  6. 22 Jun

    The Russian oligarch behind Ukraine peace talks

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines the surprising return of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to the center of efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Known internationally as the former owner of Chelsea FC, Abramovich has quietly played a role in negotiations since the earliest days of the full-scale invasion. The episode explores Abramovich’s relationship with the Kremlin, his history as a behind-the-scenes negotiator, and why Ukraine is now publicly signaling its willingness to work with him. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=weekly_show_225&utm_medium=225 Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro 00:53 From Moscow to London 04:15 Support independent journalism in Ukraine 04:48 Abramovich behind the scenes 09:00 Holding the cards 11:33 What Abramovich can do 16:29 Member Q+A 20:36 Outro

  7. 15 Jun

    Russia’s war has transformed North Korea

    In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur explores the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea nearly two years after the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement. From North Korean troops fighting on Russia’s behalf to billions of dollars flowing into Pyongyang’s economy through arms sales and military support, the war has reshaped North Korea’s influence, economy, and military capabilities. But Kim Jong Un's growing relationship with Vladimir Putin has risen some concern with their mutual ally – China. Audio dubbing provided by an AI-generated voice. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membershi... Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro 01:07 Russia-North Korea deepening friendship 03:45 Transformation of life in North Korea 07:10 Support independent journalism in Ukraine 07:55 China worried? 10:25 Trump seeks to meet with Kim 12:00 Larger geopolitical shifts 19:20 Member Q+A 23:20 Outro

  8. 8 Jun

    Hunger and death in Russian-occupied Oleshky

    In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, three years after Russia destroyed the Kakhovka Dam, causing major flooding in the area. Once home to more than 24,000 people, Oleshky has endured occupation, flooding, food shortages, and increasing isolation since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The episode explores how conditions in Oleshky have deteriorated over time, why evacuations remain so difficult, and what the situation in the town reveals about Russia's broader goals in Ukraine. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membershi... Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro 01:29 Oleshky under occupation 06:42 Support independent journalism in Ukraine 07:21 Oleshky's humanitarian crisis 09:17 Escaping Oleshky 11:55 What officials know 14:51 Is it genocide? 21:40 Member Q+A 24:10 Outro

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About

Ukraine This Week brings you the most important stories from Ukraine and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    The Kyiv Independent
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Kyiv Independent
  • Show Website
    Ukraine This Week