Ukraine Insights
Ukraine Insights is a podcast by KI Insights, the analytical unit of the Kyiv Independent. It offers in-depth analysis of Ukraine's politics, security, economy, and the Russia-Ukraine war from the perspective of on-the-ground researchers. The podcast provides expert commentary and detailed reports on current events in Ukraine.
Епізоди
Good Health in Wartime: WHO Official on Staying Healthy During War
Four years into the full-scale war, Ukraine's health system has cut the number of people needing emergency support from 12 million to 1.5 million. Yet challenges keep evolving: worker shortages, damaged facilities, and rising chronic disease among frontline residents. WHO Ukraine Representative Dr. Jarno Habicht explains how the country adapts every few months, what personal resilience looks l
Election Speculation Is Back in Ukraine: Why Now, and What Comes Next?
Ukraine’s next elections are already shaping political debate, despite there being no confirmed date. In this episode Alex Fynn and Jakub Parusinski examines whether elections could realistically happen soon, the challenges of organizing voting after years of war and displacement, and how potential candidates such as Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Kyrylo Budanov may position themselves
Key Ukraine Events (13-19 July): EU sanctions, Ukraine’s defence producers under investigation
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 14 July. Webinar: How should Ukraine prepa
How Moscow Targets Europe Before Propaganda Begins
Russia’s war against Europe is not only military or informational. In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Dr. Elena Davlikanova explains how Moscow’s “mental warfare” aims to shape identity, values, fear, and political memory before people even make decisions. The episode explores why Europe remains vulnerable, how Ukraine challenges the myth of Russian invincibility, and why supporting Ukraine is a
Key Ukraine Events (6-12 July): NATO summit, European Parliament plenary
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 6-12 July, Berlin. Offline event: Berlin D
Who Will Pay to Rebuild Ukraine? Recovery, War & Political Tensions
Ukraine’s recovery is no longer just about rebuilding roads, cities, and infrastructure. After the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the bigger question is becoming harder to avoid: who will actually pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction — and what happens if the war lasts into 2027?In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Alex Fynn and Jakub Parusinski unpack the mood at URC, the fallout in Poland–Ukraine rela
Ukrainian Marine Veteran: The Drone Lessons Generals Ignored
What does the war in Ukraine really look like now — and why did drones become central to survival on the battlefield?What does the war in Ukraine really look like now — and why have drones become central to survival on the battlefield?In this episode of KI Insights, host Mykolaj Suchy speaks with Yevhenii Malik, a Ukrainian Marine veteran, Mariupol defender about how the battlefield has changed si
Key Ukraine Events (22-28 June): Ukraine recovery conference, Russian Central Bank meeting
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 23 June, Gdansk. Offline event: 3D Recover
Ukraine Changed Modern Warfare: Is NATO Learning Fast Enough?
Ukraine’s war has become a war of adaptation. Drones, unmanned systems, deep strikes and sea denial are changing how both Ukraine and Russia fight — and forcing Europe and NATO to rethink the future of warfare.In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Mykolaj Suchy speaks with Commander Anders Puck Nielsen about Ukraine’s battlefield innovations, Russia’s adaptations, the Black Sea, maneuver warfare, a
Russia’s Cognitive War: How Putin Exploits Europe’s Divisions
Russia’s information war is not only about fake news. It is about creating an alternative reality — one that exploits Europe’s historical traumas, political divisions, fears about migration, and doubts about Ukraine’s future.In this episode of Ukraine Insights Adam Sybera speaks with Lessia Bidochko, policy fellow at EPIK, about how Russia uses propaganda, cognitive warfare, far-right networks, Te
Key Ukraine Events (8-14 June): Peace talks proposal, EU accession progress, reforms prospects
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 6 June, Riga, Latvia. Charting a path to U
Why Ukraine Pushes Back Against Associate EU Status
Ukraine’s EU path is entering a critical moment. In this episode, host, KI Insights Research Editor, Alex Fynn speaks with Ivan Nagornyak, a policy fellow at EPIK and pro bono adviser on Euro-Atlantic integration, about why Kyiv rejects proposals for “associate membership,” how the fall of Orban reveals deeper challenges to accession talks, and why EU reforms will reshape Ukraine’s tax system, bus
Key Ukraine Events (1-7 June):Russia’s Economic Forum, IMF programme review, Magyar-Zelensky meeting
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 4 June. Online event: Better legislation —
Ukraine’s Political Crisis: Corruption, Parliament Chaos & Zelensky’s Power Struggle
Ukraine is facing one of its most complicated internal political moments since the start of the full-scale war.In this episode of the Ukraine Insights Jakub Parusinski and senior political researcher Anatolii Oktysiuk break down Ukraine’s growing political and institutional tensions — from corruption scandals and NABU investigations to the crisis inside the Rada, elite reshuffling around Zelensky,
Key Ukraine Events (18-24 May): EU Parliament plenary, "Mindichgate 2.0" developments
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 20 May, Kyiv. Offline event: II Ukraine Fi
Ukraine’s EU Future: Germany, Hungary, and Europe’s Security Crisis
Ukraine’s EU ambitions are colliding with Europe’s political realities. While Kyiv pushes for faster integration, major EU states remain cautious over reforms, corruption, and the future of the Union itself.In this episode, Adam Sybera speaks with geopolitical analyst Stefan Meister, Visiting Policy Fellow at EPIK, about Ukraine’s EU path, Germany’s position on enlargement, Orbán’s decline, rising
Key Ukraine Events (11–17 May): Victory Day ceasefire fallout, EU ministers on Ukraine
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 12-13 May, Warsaw. Offline event: PISM Str
Ukraine’s Corruption Crisis: What Mindichgate Means for Zelensky
Ukraine is facing a new political crisis as fresh “Mindichgate” revelations expose alleged corruption, internal power struggles, and growing instability around President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle.In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Jakub Parusinski speaks with senior political researcher Anatoly Oktysiuk about the fallout from the latest tapes, the weakening of Zelensky’s power vertical a
Is Ukraine the EU’s Security Anchor? Ukraine’s Strategic Shift | Pavlo Klimkin
Ukraine’s foreign policy has evolved from crisis management in 2014 to actively shaping Europe’s security architecture today. But growing global ambitions, mounting pressure for negotiations, and internal fatigue are creating new strategic risks.In this episode, Adam Sybera speaks with former Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin about how Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy has changed since Russia
Key Ukraine Events (27 April – 1 May): EU Parliament Session, Loan Disbursement, Peace Talk Signals
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 26 April, Kyiv. Offline event: B4 Ukraine
The Drone War – How Ukraine Is Reshaping Modern Warfare
War in Ukraine is no longer defined by artillery — it has entered the drone phase.In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Preston Stewart explains how drones are reshaping the battlefield, transforming tactics, and redefining the role of traditional firepower and maneuver. As rapid innovation unfolds on the frontlines, Ukraine is emerging as a real-time laboratory for the future of warfare.What does
Key Ukraine events (20-26 April): EU meetings, talks expectations, elections in Bulgaria
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days. Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.Upcoming events: 19-20 April, Washington. Offline event: Ukraine Action Summit. One of the largest g
Ukraine’s EU Path: Progress, Obstacles, and What Comes Next
Ukraine’s EU accession has accelerated since 2022, but full membership remains uncertain.In this episode, Olena Yermakova, Head of Research at KI Insights, speaks with Fredrik Wesslau, Director of EPIK, about what has changed in the EU’s approach to Ukraine, the key political and structural obstacles still in place, and what realistic pathways forward could look like — including scenarios that mov
Orbán Defeated: Power Shift in Hungary and What Comes Next
Hungary has entered a new political chapter.After more than a decade of Viktor Orbán’s rule, a decisive election result opened the door to structural change — from constitutional reform to foreign policy reset.In this episode, we speak with Botond Feledy about what this shift means in practice. Can Hungary move from obstruction to cooperation within the EU? Will relations with Ukraine improve? And
Key Ukraine events (13-19 April): Easter ceasefire, security agreements with Gulf countries, possible peace talks
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 14 April. Online event: Leveraging Logisti
Oil Prices, Sanctions, and War: What the US–Iran Conflict Means for Ukraine
The US and Israel’s war in Iran is reshaping the economic foundations of the war in Ukraine. Rising oil prices are giving Russia’s war economy short-term relief, boosting revenues and easing pressure from sanctions.Despite the provisional ceasefire announced on April 8, uncertainty remains — and the economic consequences of the conflict are already being felt across global energy markets.Economist
Hungary elections, new US strikes on Iran – key events for Ukraine next week
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 14 April. Online event: Leveraging Logist
EU Foreign Ministers in Bucha, OPEC meeting – key Ukraine events next week
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.👉Upcoming events: 31 March. Online event: Ukraine's media space amid rising political competition.
Words That Kill: This Is How Propaganda Changes Soldiers
In this episode of Ukraine Insights, we speak with lawyer Anna Vyshniakova about the real, measurable impact of Russian propaganda and information warfare in the Russia–Ukraine war.Drawing on the “Words That Kill” study—based on interviews with over 1,000 Russian POWs—we move beyond assumptions and into evidence. This episode explores how Russia’s propaganda machine operates at scale, how disinfor
Global gas crisis, the fate of the Druzhba pipeline – key events for Ukraine next week
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.👉Upcoming events: 25-26 March, Kyiv. Offline event: GREEN:EXPO 2026. The event is designed to create a
Ukrainian drones in the Middle East, EU loan package: Key Developments to Watch | March 16–22, 2026
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.👉Upcoming events: 19 March. Online event: “Ukraine’s next elections: Preparations, Politics, and Pitfa
From Ukraine to the Middle East: Drone Warfare and Changing Battlefield Tactics | Dr. Omar Ashour
Dr. Omar Ashour, Professor of Security and Military Studies, joins Ukraine Insights to discuss what the Russia–Ukraine war is teaching the world about modern warfare. From drone innovation and hybrid warfare to NATO’s future and the role of resistance movements, we explore how Ukraine is reshaping military doctrine.This episode was recorded on 2026.02.23.Produced by KI Insights, the analytical uni
What the Iran War Means for Ukraine | Oil Prices, Weapons, and Aid
What does the war in Iran mean for Ukraine? In this episode, Jakub Parusinski and Anatoliy Oktysiuk discuss how the new conflict could affect Ukraine — from oil prices and military supplies to diplomatic attention and the wider international situation. They also look at why Ukraine’s experience in countering Iranian-style drone attacks may now become relevant beyond Ukraine’s own battlefield.Produ
Middle East crisis, tensions with Hungary — key events for Ukraine next week
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.👉Upcoming events: 12 March. Online event: How to make Ukrainian CRM projects bankable. This online eve
Peter Pomerantsev on How to Win an Information War
In this episode of Ukraine Insights, we speak with Peter Pomerantsev about Russia’s information strategy in the war against Ukraine, the export of chaos as a geopolitical tool, and why the battle for truth today is no longer about facts alone, but about identity, emotion, and narrative.The conversation moves beyond theory into practice: what actually works against disinformation? Can democratic so
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (March 2–8, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.👉Upcoming events: 1-3 March, Lviv. Offline event: 2026 ANZ-Ukraine Forum. Organized by the Ukrainian c
President Petr Pavel on 4 Years of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
"There is no other outcome than sovereign Ukraine within Europe, ideally within the EU and eventually in NATO." - President PavelFour years into the full-scale Russia–Ukraine war, are peace talks moving anywhere? In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Czech President Petr Pavel discusses negotiations with Russia, military support for Kyiv, Europe’s long-term security, and Ukraine’s path toward EU an
Russia-Ukraine War After 4 Years: Ceasefire Talks, Zelensky’s Future & What 2026 Could Bring
Four years into the Russia-Ukraine war, is a ceasefire finally possible? In this episode of Ukraine Insights, Jakub Parusinski speaks with political analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk about battlefield realities, Russia’s weakening economy, U.S. pressure under Trump, and Ukraine’s political future. They examine Zelensky’s re-election prospects, the role of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in negotiati
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Feb 23– March 1, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.👉Upcoming events: 26 February, Kyiv. Offline event: Forbes Agro 2026. A conference for agribusiness pr
Russia-Ukraine War 2026: Battlefield Strategy and Scenarios for War’s Endgame
Russia is advancing — but slowly. Negotiations continue — but without breakthrough. In this episode of Ukraine Insights, KI analyst Mykolaj Suchy speaks with Glib Voloskyi, analyst at the Initiatives Centre of Come Back Alive, to examine the battlefield realities shaping the Ukraine war in 2026.They discuss theories of victory, Ukraine’s strategy of attrition, mobilization challenges, economic pre
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Feb 16–22, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.Upcoming events: 19 Feb. Ukraine Battlefield Update: Strategic, Operational, and Technological Evoluti
Dominik Hašek on the IOC, Russia, and the 2026 Winter Olympics
Are the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan turning into a commercial for Russia’s war?Hockey legend Dominik Hašek joins us to discuss the IOC’s double standards toward Ukrainian athletes, how sport is being used to normalize Russian aggression on the global stage, the wider implications of Vladyslav Heraskevych and other Ukrainian athletes being barred, and the role of Russian athletes in state propaga
How the Russia–Ukraine War Reshaped Ukrainian Society — and What's Next | Prof. Andrew Wilson
The Russia–Ukraine war has transformed Ukraine’s politics and its relationship with Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow is exporting its “political technology” to influence politics across Europe.Prof. Andrew Wilson joins Olena Yermakova to discuss how Ukraine has evolved since 1991, the impact of the full-scale war, and why a peace deal with Vladimir Putin could prove dangerously unstable.Produced by KI In
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Feb 9–15, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisUpcoming events: 19 Feb. Ukraine Battlefield Update: Strate
How Influence, Money, and Networks Fuel Propaganda
This episode of Ukraine Insights unpacks how modern propaganda actually works — not through slogans, but through networks, funding streams, manipulation, and automation. Host Adam Sybera speaks with investigative journalist Dave Troy about how Ukraine became a testing ground for information warfare tactics now spreading globally, why fact-checking often backfires, and how AI is accelerating influe
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Feb 2–8, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.Upcoming events: 17–19 Feb. NAHB International Builders’ Show 2026Registration:https://bit.ly/NAHB2619
Ukraine’s New Wartime Cabinet: Budanov, Fedorov, and What Changes Next
“The main problem of the Ukrainian government was that they thought this war would end soon.” — Anatoliy OktysiukAs Ukraine approaches the fifth year of the full-scale war, KI Insights experts discuss Kyiv’s new wartime cabinet reshuffle — including Budanov’s move to lead the Office of the President and Fedorov’s appointment as defense minister.We examine what the reshuffle signals about wartime g
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Jan 26– Feb 1, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.#Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysis👉 Sign up for the extended newsletter version of this weekl
What 2025 Tells Us About How the War Will Look Like in 2026
What did 2025 change — and what might 2026 bring? Rob Lee joins KI Insights to break down Russia’s evolving tactics, the drone-driven battlefield, Ukraine’s manpower constraints, and the variables that could shape the year ahead — from the Donetsk front to foreign support.Produced by KI Insights, the analytical unit backed by the Kyiv Independent.***We’re launching Defence Analytics!KI Insights’ n
Greenland, Ukraine, and Trump’s New World Order
“Ukraine is an obstacle for Trump’s big game plan in Europe.”—Anatoliy OktysiukIn this episode of Ukraine Insights, we explore how Trump’s second term is reshaping geopolitics, why Greenland has emerged as a new pressure point on Europe, and how the fracturing Euro-Atlantic alliance will affect Ukraine.Join KI Insights Director Jakub Parusinski and Senior Political Analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk as the
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Jan 19–25, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war. #Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #UkraineAnalysisGet the extended Ukraine Calendar newsletter:https://mailc
Ukraine’s Week Ahead — Key Developments to Watch (Jan 9 – 18, 2026)
Welcome to Ukraine’s Week Ahead, a weekly briefing by KI Insights on the key political, security, and diplomatic developments in Ukraine to watch in the coming days.Each episode highlights upcoming events, policy decisions, and international developments shaping Ukraine and the Russia–Ukraine war.Check out our research and analytical products and services:https://insights.kyivindependent.com/ Sign
What does Venezuela mean for Russia-Ukraine?
What is the fallout of the US’ unprecedented actions in Venezuela? The operation and its aftermath are being closely watched in Kyiv, Moscow, and across Europe. We spoke to Dr. Christopher Sabatini, Senior Fellow for Latin America at Chatham House to understand the regional context and the impact for Ukraine and Russia.See more of Chris’ work here 👉 https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people
Geneva talks & NABU crisis: Has Zelensky bought time?
American Thanksgiving has come, the war is still going, and Dmitriev's 28 points remain unsigned. Things look very different from what Trump promised. Join us as KI Insights Director Jakub Parusinski and Political Expert Anatoliy Oktysiuk discuss the events of the last two weeks and the looming domestic and international threats for Ukraine.
The Scandal That Can Cost Ukraine The War?
Director of KI Insights Jakub Parusinski and Senior Political Expert Anatoliy Oktysiuk guide you through the first 100 days of Svyrydenko's government and the largest corruption scandal of Zelensky’s term. What did it reveal about the inner workings of Ukraine’s political elite? Is the scandal a sign of systemic weakness, a test for anti-corruption institutions, or a turning point in governanc
Ukraine’s Business Battleground
In this episode of Ukraine Insights, former Canadian Ambassador and Business Ombudsman to Ukraine Roman Washchuk joins the Kyiv Independents business reporter Lili Bivings to unpack how war, sanctions, and shifting global markets are reshaping Ukraine’s economy. From the resilience of local entrepreneurs to the challenges of attracting postwar investment, the discussion dives deep into what’s driv
Hybrid Threats and Resilience in Europe
In this episode, Adam Sybera visits MEP Markéta Gregorová at the European Parliament to find out how the European Union defends democratic mechanisms in an era of hybrid threats. They explore what works—and what doesn’t—in countering disinformation, from EU legislation to civil society initiatives. The conversation delves into the broader challenges of hybrid warfare and how cooperation with Taiwa
Russia's Road From Propaganda to a Death Cult
In the latest episode of the KI Insights podcast Adam Sybera and Jessikka Aro talk through Russia’s evolving disinformation tactics since 2014. From targeted messaging for Western and Ukrainian audiences to AI-driven campaigns. How effective Russia has been in shaping European opinion, what are the most promising countermeasures, common Western missteps, and why disinformation is more than “fake n
How Ukraine’s MilTech is Reinventing Defense
In this episode, Jakub Parusinski and Myko Suchý guide you through the swift transformation of Ukraine’s MilTech sector. With guest Roman Sulzhik, they explore how the industry has evolved since 2022, shaped by urgent battlefield demands, international investment, procurement challenges, and close cooperation between the military and technology innovators.
Russia's Disinformation War
Adam Sybera talks with Vojtěch Boháč, Chief Editor of Voxpot, about his investigation into Russian disinformation networks - how they operate, why Moscow relies on them, and what this means for the future of democracy. Why are governments hesitant to confront the threat, and does inaction risk letting Kremlin propaganda reshape the EU's political landscape?
Battlefield update: Drone Tactics and the Dobropillya Advance
In this episode, Adam Sybera is joined by The Kyiv Independent’s war reporter Francis Farrell to explore Russia’s recent tactical penetration near Dobropillya. How did months of preparation and new drone innovations enable Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s ground lines of communication, achieve the effects of battlefield air interdiction, and tilt the balance on this critical sector of the front?👉 To ex
India's Global Tightrope
India is navigating tough choices in a fast-changing world. KI Insights editor Alex Fynn speaks with political analyst Sana Hashmi about New Delhi’s response to Trump-era tariffs, its enduring energy ties with Russia under sanctions, and its stance on the war in Ukraine. The conversation unpacks the strategic decisions—and risks—shaping India’s foreign policy future.👉 To explore more of our work,
Inside Ukraine’s 2nd International Battalion
In this episode, KI Insights Senior Research Analyst Adam Sybera speaks with Ruslan "Santa" Myroshnychenko, the former commander of Ukraine’s 2nd International Battalion, about the legion's history, what drives foreign volunteers to join the fight, and how the battalion operates on the frontlines. 👉 To explore more of our work, visit insights.kyivindependent.com📢 Follow us on socia
From Reporting to Resistance
Featuring Oleg Petrasiuk, press officer of Ukraine’s 24th Mechanized Brigade, KI Insights analyst Mykolaj Suchy, and the Kyiv Independent defense reporter Kollen Post, this episode offers a sharp, on-the-ground look at how documenting war changes when journalists become combatants, how technology reshapes both reporting and battlefield communication, and why narrative control is central to the inf
Cabinet Shifts & Political Rifts
Director of KI Inisights Jakub Parusinski and Kyiv-based political analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk examine the recent reshuffle of the Ukrainian government. What’s behind the changes? Is this a move toward reform, consolidation of power, or crisis management by substitution? 👉 To explore more of our work, visit insights.kyivindependent.com📢 Follow us on social media for updates and analysis:X (Twi
Ukraine: From a charity project to an investment case?
Olena Yermakova, Head of Research at KI Insights, sits down with Dominic Culverwell, business reporter at the Kyiv Independent, to break down the key takeaways from the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference. Together, they review the announced political commitments, investment pledges, and reconstruction strategies.Catalog "Warcrafted: The Power Behind Ukrainian Defense Tech": https://insight
Central Europe's Illiberal Currents
In this episode, KI Insights Senior Research Analyst Adam Sybera and Czech MEP Jan Farský (Mayors and Independents) unpack the rising tide of illiberal democracy and anti-EU populism in Central Europe. As the Czech Republic approaches a pivotal general election, what’s at stake for Ukraine, regional stability, and the unity of the European Union? And how are Russian information operations and dome
Battlefield update: Russian summer offensive
In the second episode of the Insights Podcast, Director Jakub Parusinski is joined by The Kyiv Independent's frontline reporter Francis Farrell to dissect Russia’s 2025 summer offensive in Ukraine. What are the motivations behind Russia's timing, the tactical shifts on both sides, and what this escalation means for the future of the war and Western support?👉 To explore more of our work, vi
The Istanbul Aftermath
Welcome to the KI Insights podcast. In the pilot, Director of KI Insights Jakub Parusinski, alongside Head of Research Olena Yermakova and Senior Research Analyst Adam Sybera, talk over the ceasefire saga of the Russo-Ukrainian war and its latest developments following the Istanbul negotiations. 👉 To explore more of our work, visit insights.kyivindependent.com📢 Follow us on social media for up
