We reported on the battle for the Dnipro River, from southern Ukraine: Here's what you helped us accomplish in the last week (Patreon)

Dear Kyiv Independent community members,

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope that your 2026 is off to a good start so far.

We'd like to give a warm welcome to the 168 new members who joined this week. We truly wouldn't be here without members like you and we're proud to be a reader-funded news organization.

Thank you for your support of independent journalism in Ukraine — and no matter if you joined our community in 2021 or in 2026, you make a real difference for the Kyiv Independent, and we're grateful you're with us.

Here's what you helped us accomplish at the Kyiv Independent this week:

We reported on the battle for the Dnipro River, from southern Ukraine. Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko embedded with Ukraine’s forces in Kherson Oblast, following FPV drone and night bomber teams tasked with defending river islands. Pictured above is a still from the video report.

We reported on what was lost in Pokrovsk. Russian troops control most of Pokrovsk, including the center — and the city is now the site of some of the fiercest fighting at the front, as capturing the city would give Russia a springboard toward two of the largest remaining Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk Oblast. Yuliia Taradiuk's article tells the stories of Pokrovsk residents and what they've lost because of Russia's full-scale war.

We interviewed Keith Kellogg's daughter on why Trump hasn't ended Russia's war. Tim Zadorozhnyy sits down with Meaghan Mobbs, the daughter of Trump's outgoing Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, to discuss the risks of U.S. disengagement and the dangers of treating the war as a transactional deal.

We also interviewed a former Soviet dissident on Russia and the global rise of authoritarianism. Kate Tsurkan talks with Igor Pomerantsev, a veteran radio broadcaster, poet, and former Soviet dissident, who has witnessed firsthand how authoritarian regimes attempt to silence dissent. In the interview, Pomerantsev discusses the vital role of institutions like RFE/RL in upholding press freedom — and what its loss could mean for regions starved of independent journalism.

We published an explainer on Malanka, Ukraine's ancient winter ritual to prevent evil in the coming year. Kate Tsurkan's explainer takes a close look at the New Year's folk celebration, and what the costumed processions, skits, and satire mean. You can find all of the "Explaining Ukraine" articles, including topics from Carol of the Bells to Russia's annexation of Crimea — as well as sign up for Kate Tsurkan's newsletter Explaining Ukraine — here.

In case you missed it, our weekly video show Ukraine this Week ended with a year-end wrap-up. Host Anna Belokur looks back at the moments that defined 2025 from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and domestic political upheaval in Ukraine this Year. We'd also like to say thank you to all the members that sent in questions to be answered this year — it's been a segment of the show our team really looks forward to filming!

Finally, to end on a positive note, we recently sent the holiday edition of "How to Help Ukraine" newsletter, sharing with you a few different organizations that accept material aid or other opportunities for non-monetary support. Thank you to everyone who reads and shares the newsletter — and donates to help Ukraine. In 2025, our community raised over $100,000, according to the organizations featured. It's thanks to you that this newsletter and this level of support exists. Thank you for being a part of our community!

Thank you for standing by our side as we bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world.