From Ukraine With Love

Since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s early campaign days, many wondered how the former star comedian would handle the critical public eye once in a position of political power. Unfortunately, much like his predecessors, as president, Zelensky hasn’t been the most forthwith when journalists press him for answers on corruption and reform. He can be dismissive, demeaning, and sometimes outright hostile to the press. This week we sit down with editor in chief Brian Bonner to discuss Zelensky's rhetoric toward the press, and why it continues to occur in a country where journalists have been murdered for seeking the truth. Read our editorial: "Misplaced aggression" at kyivpost.com

It's the anniversary of Ukraine’s 30th Independence Day, and the Kyiv Post's print issue is dedicated to the holiday. We’ve selected a few of the topics that are featured in the Independence Day issue and sat down with our journalists. Starting with Ukraine’s three major uprisings with Anastasia Lapatina, dominant figures that have shaped Ukraine in the past 30 years with Alexander Query and Max Hunder, debunking common misconceptions about modern Ukraine with Asami Terajima, and how technology improves Ukraine’s image with Daryna Antoniuk. Full transcript available at kyivpost.com

Belarusian dissident Vitaliy Shyshov, Head of the Belarusian House in Ukraine, who was found hanged in a Kyiv park on August 3. Shyshov provided assistance to Belarusian refugees fleeing from persecution. Police have launched a criminal investigation saying that they are looking into a potential murder framed as suicide. This week we are joined by staff writer Oleksiy Sorokin. Full transcript available on kyivpost.com.

This week we are discussing what’s been on everyone’s minds, the recently announced deal between the US and Germany giving a greenlight to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Joined by staff writer Max Hunder.

June, the month of Pride, has come to an end. Kyiv Post producer Elina Kent gives a snapshot of what it is like to be a part of the queer community in Ukraine with Ukraine Pride founder Sofia Lapina and LGTBQ activist Yura Dvizhon. Full transcript available at kyivpost.com

In this episode of Kyiv Culture, the Kyiv Post examines Kyiv's rising electronic music scene that has already given it some reputation in the world of techno. However spaces for raves, creatives, and partygoers have been increasingly policed, and not because of any illegal activities.  Kyiv Post producer Elina Kent is joined by Lifestyle editor Toma Istomina and Copwatch Ukraine activist Nazariy Sovsun. Full transcript available at kyivpost.com 

It has been just over seven years since the start of Russia’s invasion and aggression in Eastern Ukraine. The war has slowly dragged on with no end in sight. Meanwhile, children in occupied Donbas swallow pro-Kremlin propaganda on a daily basis. Kyiv Post journalist Anastasiia Lapatina and producer Elina Kent discuss how teenagers from the occupied territories of Donbas are affected by Russia’s efforts to eradicate Ukrainian identity in the region and how it affects their education and hopes for the future. Full transcript available on kyivpost.com

Vaccination in Ukraine began on Feb. 24 at a snail pace, with only 2 people receiving a full dose by mid April. But by May 7 a total of 821,768 people had received the first dose of the vaccine, while 428 people received two doses of the vaccine. Most recently Ukraine saw a jump in vaccinations, jumping from the average 15,000 to almost 70,000 a day. What is the vaccination process in Ukraine? How does one feel after receiving the Astrazeneca dose? We sit down with Deputy Editor Olga Rudenko who got her first vaccine does just last week. Full transcript available on kyivpost.com

President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered the National Security and Defense Council to draft legislation to limit the powers of Ukrainian oligarchs on April 15. For decades, oligarchs have used their economic might and political influence to bend governments to their will and win privileges. Now, in the president’s words, the oligarchs must become law-abiding business people. Joining the podcast to discuss his article and the Kyiv Post's cover story “The other war: Is Zelensky willing, able to tame Ukraine’s oligarchs?” is journalist Oleksiy Sorokin. Full transcript available on kyivpost.com

This week the Kyiv Post continues to look at Russia’s aggression, specifically the recent build up of Russian forces on the Eastern Ukrainian border, with more troops than ever since the start of the conflict in 2014. To discuss this situation journalist Elina Kent sat down with Former Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor and Former Assistant Secretary for European Affairs and Sanctions Coordinator Daniel Fried about Russian aggression and steps the West could and should take. Full transcript available on kyivpost.com