Ukraine This Week

The Kyiv Independent

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

5 days ago

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 channel 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.

25 min
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.

28 min
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 Y our support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world.

21 min
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.

24 min
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 channel for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=weekly_show_223&utm_medium=223 Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world.

25 min
31 May

Ukraine’s mobilization problem

In this episode, Anna Belokur explains how mobilization actually works in Ukraine — and why the reality is far more complicated than viral videos often suggest. As Russia’s full-scale invasion is well into its fifth year, Ukraine faces the challenge of maintaining a military large enough to defend the country while balancing public concerns about fairness, freedom, and accountability. The episode explores how Ukraine’s mobilization system developed, why it became necessary, and how it operates today. It also examines the shortcomings of the system, the reforms under discussion, and the difficult choices facing a country fighting for its survival.

24 min
24 May

The dark truth about Russia’s African fighters

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines Russia’s growing recruitment of fighters from African countries — and the tactics used to lure vulnerable people into military service. As Russia struggles to sustain high battlefield losses in Ukraine, Moscow has intensified efforts to recruit abroad, targeting countries with high youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities. While some recruits knowingly sign military contracts, others report being promised ordinary jobs or education in Russia before being pressured into joining the army. The episode explores how these recruitment networks operate, why African workers are particularly vulnerable to coercion and deception, and what happens to many recruits once they reach the battlefield.

28 min
17 May

Has power changed Zelensky?

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency has changed over seven years in office, and whether he still represents the anti-establishment promises he campaigned on in 2019. Elected as a political outsider who vowed to fight corruption, Zelensky became the wartime leader who rallied the country after Russia’s full-scale invasion. But as his presidency stretches beyond its original term under martial law, growing scandals involving figures from his circle have intensified debate over corruption, accountability, and democratic reform. Featuring analysis from journalist Danylo Mokryk and reactions from Kyiv residents, the episode examines whether Zelensky’s government still reflects the political change voters demanded seven years ago.

31 min
3 May

New dangers of war reporting

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines why war reporting is becoming more dangerous in Ukraine. As drone warfare expands across the country, journalists are increasingly exposed to risks far beyond the front line. With these new dangers, questions have emerged about how best to protect themselves and whether journalists should carry and use guns while working on the front line. The episode also explores how war reporting has evolved during Russia’s war against Ukraine, from traditional foreign correspondents to today’s fragmented, often freelance-driven media landscape. This episode was originally published on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026.

33 min
8 Mar

Why the West struggles with Shahed drones

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Russia and its allies have rapidly expanded the use of long-range attack drones — and why much of the world remains unprepared to defend against them. Iranian-designed Shahed drones first appeared in Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2022. Since then, Moscow has scaled up production and developed its own improved versions, while launching mass drone attacks targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure on a near daily basis. The episode explains how these weapons work and why they are so difficult to down. As countries from the Middle East to Europe now confront similar threats, Ukraine’s battlefield experience has become one of the few real-world case studies of large-scale drone warfare.

27 min

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

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