Ukraine Without Hype
Ukraine Without Hype is an English-language podcast hosted by Ukraine-based journalists Romeo Kokriatski and Anthony Bartaway. Each episode covers the biggest news and stories from Ukraine and the surrounding region, offering insights from local reporters. The show aims to provide clear, no-nonsense analysis without sensationalism.
Епізоди
133: Reflections on a Protest Movement
We spoke with community member Roma, a daily participant in the protest movement against the sacking of former Defence Minister Fedorov. He explains the protesters' day-to-day activities, how the movement evolved as issues were resolved, how it organised as a grassroots movement, and what may happen next. Meanwhile:Russia strikes more malls, big-box stores, and logistics warehousesA biologist
132: The War of Economic Resilience
Both Russia and Ukraine have taken direct damage to their economic infrastructure. Ukraine has been dismantling the Russian Wildberries e-commerce company while continuing the bombing of oil and gas refining and export. Meanwhile, Russia has bombed Ukrainian warehouses and big-box stores and intensified its attack on Odesa harbour. How will this affect either society?Meanwhile:Anthony was bombedDo
131: Protests Succeed in Replacing Commander-in-Chief
Following the sacking of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov due to his conflicts with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian civil society began daily protests across many cities. The crisis brought to the fore many grievances around corruption, the treatment of soldiers, and the old vs. new ways of doing things.Meanwhile:Munition depot hit in Kyiv suburbBlack Sea naval war heats upUkraini
130: Ukraine and Poland Conflict over History
Ukrainian-Polish relations are in crisis following a high-level falling out over the question of historical memory of World War II and the extreme ethnic violence of the time. This began as a question of President Zelensky being stripped of Polish honors. But, it has uncovered a slate of grievances, frustrations, and power dynamics that will have to be addressed.TwitterAnthony: @BartawayUkraine Wi
129: The Rocky Road to Brussels
In this episode: Russia attacks Kyiv's most important cathedralAttacks on Moscow and occupied Crimea drive fuel shortagesBelarus backs downScandal from the "Skelya" assault regimentMilitary reforms meet mixed reactionsUS House passes an aid billAfter striking a deal with Hungary, Ukraine opens the first cluster of reforms to join the EULinksHoly site carnage: images from Kyiv monaste
128: The Theatrics of "Retaliation"
In this episode: Russian attack damages or destroys multiple Kyiv cultural institutionsRussia claims it will "retaliate" for a strike on a Luhansk college. They claim foreigners must leave Kyiv for safety. The claim falls flat but shows a turn in Russian rhetoric.Ukraine demonstrates new advantages in the drone warContrasting Kyiv protestsControversial move in historical memoryUpdates fr
127: "Yellow Ribbon" Partisan Movement under Investigation
In this episode:A critical investigation into a Ukrainian partisan movementCatching up with post-election HungaryUkraine's outreach to the Arab world during the Iran warScandal over Israel importing grain from occupied territoriesMoldova takes big steps to break free from Russian influenceArmenia holds summit with European leadersElectoral news from Latvia, Bulgaria, and RomaniaLinksInvestigat
126: Remembering Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv
In this episode:The 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl DisasterA mass shooting in KyivThe occupied town of Oleshky is being starved by RussiaThe death of Kyiv Patriarch Filaret and the story of his life and contributions, as well as the death of Georgian Patriarch IliaPoland arrests a Russian archaeologist wanted for work in occupied Crimea, then exchanges him for an activist in BelarusTwitterAntho
125: The Fall of the House of Orban
The 16-year rule of Viktor Orban of Hungary has come to an end with the election of Peter Magyar. We look into how the election unfolded, but then focus on the effects that this will have on the right-wing landscape he built. What can we learn from how it was built and how it was beaten?Kyiv Independent Documentaryhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0nx6JkWR1gTwitterAnthony: @BartawayUkraine Without
124: Russian Influence in Sport
The 2026 Winter Olympics were marred by a series of scandals involving Ukraine, which brought to the fore the idea of an absolute separation of sport and politics. That separation never existed. We look at the modern history of sport and the USSR and Russia's place in it, including the crimes and organisational captures.TwitterAnthony: @BartawayUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraineOther Social Media
123: Questions and Answers
Our Patreon subscribers asked us questions about Ukraine, and we answered them. We talk about interesting historical what-ifs, language issues, the role of the "Manosphere, and more in this broad-ranging episode made with your input.TwitterAnthony: @BartawayUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraineOther Social Mediahttp://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHypehttp://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthypehttp://ins
122: Russian Sanctions and How They Break Them
In this episode:00:06:28 - Russia losing access to Starlink contributes to a Ukrainian offensive in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.00:25:40 - The aftershocks of the autumn's corruption scandal lead to a shakeup in the Ukrainian government00:56:18 - Multiple Russian sanction evasion schemes were uncovered by investigative journalists01:15:25 - Kazakhstan hands a Ukrainian from Crim
121: 2025 - A Year in Review
2025 was a year of cyclical news stories in Ukraine, often built on the fluctuating whims of one man in Washington, DC. In this episode, we look at the main lessons we can take away from 2025 and the chaos we live in. We will review key battles, changes in how the war is being fought, the "return of politics" in Kyiv, the shifting state of Russia, and a Europe facing questions of realign
120: Remembering Huliaipole
As the Russian army destroys Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, I wanted to tell the story of one of the most fascinating towns in Ukraine as this chapter of it comes to a close. It is most famous as the home of Anarchist revolutionary Nestor Makhno. Its people will work to keep its memory alive from exile.Linkshttps://aftersilence.co/TwitterAnthony: @BartawayUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine
119: The American National Security Strategy
The Trump Administration has released its official National Security Strategy, and it is a bombshell. There is increased aggression in the Western Hemisphere, promotion of the far-right in Europe, and economic competition in Asia.00:07:33 - Preambles and Introductions00:21:16 - What does America want?00:31:02 - Principles and values00:42:44 - The Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine00:53:31 - As
118: The Dim-Wit Pact
The DimWit Pact, pushed by the United States, has evolved over the past weeks but remains a significant threat to Ukraine. At home, Andriy Yermak's resignation raises questions about political reform.00:01:34 - Battlefield Updates - Ukrainian Counter-offensive in Kupyansk00:17:13 - The American-packed "peace plan" demands more from Ukraine and less from Russia00:43:29 - Head of Presi
Radio Free America: TikToker Shot, Mamdani's Education Plans, and War on Venezuela w/ RoteRote Media
Radio Free America breaks down and critiques some of the top headlines from America's most reputable outlets. This week, we look at:CNN: US marshal and undocumented immigrant – a popular TikTok streamer – injured in shooting during ICE stop in Los AngelesNYT: ‘A hornet’s nest’: Mamdani’s gifted education plan divides New YorkersWashington Post: Trump says he has authorised covert
117: Military Crisis, Corruption Crisis, Trump Crisis
Three major crises beset Ukraine. The approaching end of the Battle of Pokrovsk is prompting greater demands for military reform. A corruption scandal in the energy sector rocks Bankova. The Trump administration smells weakness and presents an ultimatum.3:02 - As the Battle of Pokrovks reaches its terminus and the Battle of Huliapole comes closer, military commentators make increasing demands for
116: Trump's October "Peace Process"
We take a deep dive into the baffling attempt at a peace process that Trump made in the middle of October, which was dead by the end of October. What was the context, how did it play out, and what factors in the administration led it to play out the way it did?01:41 - Trump wants his Nobel Peace Prize04:40 - Summary of the Trump "peace process" so far17:18 - How did the October "pea
115: Moldovan and Czech Elections Mixed for Ukraine, alleged Russian Odesa Mayor stripped of citizenship
In this episode...03:47 - Full coverage of the ongoing situation on the Front18:15 - Russian war crimes, including attacking the UN and killing journalists27:07 - Russia flying drones around EU cities30:45 - Hungary flies a drone into Ukraine, Orban repeats the Russian view on Ukrainian sovereignty.34:28 - Russia attacks Ukrainian power grid, likely to have a winter of outages37:33 - Odesa gangste
Radio Free America: 'Kash Patel, ICE raids, and State-sanctioned murder' with SK Media
Radio Free America is the sister podcast to Ukraine Without Hype. Here is the latest episode, and we invite you to subscribe to its own feed.Radio Free America breaks down and critiques some of the top headlines from America's most reputable outlets. This week, we look at:‘FBI director Kash Patel clashes with House Democrats over Epstein files’ - Washington PostTrump Crime Strategy May Work
The Polycrisis Part I: War
In our new mini-series, The Polycrisis, we will delve into the interconnected crises engulfing the world, from the collapse of the "international community" to disinformation to environmental issues.In episode 1, we examine the rise in the number of wars worldwide.Note: I accidentally refer to the Rapid Support Force in Sudan as the Rapid Response Force.CreditsAll maps are from liveuamap
113: The Murder of Iryna Zarutska
In this episode...02:08 - Counterattacks tighten around Russians assaulting Dobropilia07:25 - Russia sends attack drones after Poland10:52 - Russia's Zapad 2025 exercises do not amount to much, but remind us how their predecessor in 2021 set up the invasion of Ukraine16:10 - Dmitriy Kozak, the sole pragmatist in Putin's inner circle, resigns22:33 - Recent diplomatic wins by Ukraine26:43 -
112: Water Crisis in Occupied Donbas
In this episode...3:21 - Former Parliament Chairman Andriy Parubiy assassinated 7:48 - Russian missile strike on Kyiv kills relative of UWH co-host 10:21 - Battlefield Update: Pokrovsk stabilizes while Kupiansk is under critical threat 13:29 - Former mayor of Kherson released from Russian captivity 17:32 - The aftermath of the Alaska meeting and other American shenanigans27:46 - New long-range mis
111: Putin invited to an Alaskan "Peace" Performance
In this episode...01:28 - Donald Trump hosts Vladimir Putin in Alaska15:17 - Azerbaijan and Armenia reach a yet-to-be-adopted peace agreement34:54 - The Ukrainian government backs down from the law that stripped anti-corruption agencies of autonomy following protests45:05 - Battlefield updates: Russian breakthrough in Pokrovsk sector defeated55:55 - The death of anarchist soldier David Chichkan an
110: Protests Against Removal of Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies
In this episode...02:25 - Battlefield Updates - Battle of Pokrovsk entering critical phase11:12 - Assassination in Ukraine tied to American neo-Nazis18:42 - New report on the Olenivka massacre20:56 - Crimean Tatar arrested in France on behalf of Russia24:50 - The US might be returning to aid for Ukraine, though with a lot of caveats36:38 - Beginning of recognition of same-sex marriage in Ukraine40
109: What is the problem with Hungary?
Hungary has become both a thorn in the side of Ukraine and a key part of an international conservative project. In this episode, we delve into the history of this arrangement and the political theory behind Orbanism and its enmity with the Open Society.00:01:05 - Hungarian History 10100:09:07 - George Soros and the Open Society00:25:17 - The political rise of Viktor Orban00:39:28 - What is an &quo
108: Operation Spiderweb Shows Reforms in Security Services
In this episode...03:22 - Updates from summer in Kyiv08:06 - Developments in Russia's summer offensive16:40 - Latest attacks on Kyiv show increased use of drones24:05 - Prisoner exchanges show new Russian crimes28:40 - Reforms to allow multiple citizenships in Ukraine34:25 - Mixed signals before next NATO summit37:10 - Operation Spiderweb destroys much of Russia's bomber fleet and rehabili
107: 80 Years Since World War 2
Eighty years after the end of World War II, we can reflect on how we continue to make the same mistakes. And how the ways we choose to remember it are always reflections of how we see ourselves in the present, for good or bad.TwitterAnthony: @BartawayRomeo: @VagrantJournoUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraineOther Social Mediahttp://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHypehttp://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthypeh
106: Diplomatic Theater in Turkey and Russia Repelled from Romania
In this episode...02:29 - The Russian Spring Offensive is showing its new priorities10:05 - Zelensky goes to Turkey for Russia to put on a production of diplomatic theater24:16 - Pope Leo XIV showing himself to be a friend of Ukraine30:06 - US Ambassador to Ukraine resigns in protest over Trump policy34:03 - Orban government in Hungary grows increasingly hostile as their designs on the Zakarapatia
105: The Competing "Peace Plans"
In this episode...02:55 - Getting ready for the Spring offensives10:00 - A string of devastating Russian missile strikes, especially in Sumy and Kyiv15:46 - Along with a prisoner exchange, Russia also returns the tortured remains of the Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna18:51 - Chinese volunteers fighting for Russia, but so was the son of a high-ranking CIA official28:14 - America, Europe, an
104: There Was No Ceasefire
In this episode...00:03:35 - Combat Update: Ukrainian withdrawal in Kusk, current Russian offensive over00:14:05 - Weeks-long Russian missile and drone barrage hits close to home00:21:15 - Every ceasefire talk you have been hearing about has been complete bunk00:37:58 - Russia plans expulsion of Ukrainians from occupied territory00:43:07 - Trump ends RFE/RL, we talk about its background and impact
103: Trump Backstabs Ukraine
In this episode...01:10 - The infamous meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance12:37 - Europe forced to set its own path without America21:54 - Officials try to patch the US-Ukraine relationship, but Trump will not have it25:25 - The US ends military aid to Ukraine32:02 - And also intelligence sharing41:37 - The US is dropping every defense it has against Russia: military, intelligence, and law
102: The First Month of Trump and Ukraine
Within only a month, the second Trump administration has embarked on an aggressive campaign to remake the shape of both the American political system, and the global one. Both for the worse. This episode is a soft launch of a new project on American news: Radio Free America.00:02:12 - Ending foreign aid00:09:43 - Dismantling the federal government00:38:10 - Turning allies into enemies00:52:18 - Ex
101: All the News That Isn't Trump
In this episode, we avoid the elephant in the room to discuss everything else...00:00:20 - Announcements00:03:02 - Combat Updates for the last month+00:13:48 - Russia missile strikes, including on downtown Odesa and an old workplace of mine00:19:05 - Assassinations and attempts00:21:39 - Mobilization scandals, how to fix them, and how Russia is taking advantage00:30:09 - Russia shoots down Azerbai
Episode 100: New Year, New Hundred
Our 100th Episode. A big milestone for us. We are grateful to all of our listeners who followed us on our journey here. Our anniversary episode is doubling up as the New Year Episode, welcoming 2025 as we look back on 2024.
00:01:11 - Checking in on the hosts
00:04:11 - The State of the Podcast
00:15:14 - 2024 Year in Review
00:45:45 - The big themes of 2024
01:02:16 - Predictions for 2025
Twitte
99: Ukrainian History 101
History has been used and misused in many ways as part of the Russo-Ukraine War. Russia has justified its aggression through bizarre appeals to medieval Princes. Ukrainian units name themselves for Scythians and Cossacks. We run through an overview of Ukrainian history and pre-history.
00:02:40 - The Proto-Indo-Europeans through the Greeks
00:17:24 - Turks and Slavs
00:23:58 - Kyivan Rus
00:38:57
98: Russia's Conspiracy Theory General
In this episode...
00:01:24 - Combat Update
00:08:27 - Ukraine does two high-profile assassinations of Russian officers. The Jailor of Olenivka and the General of Conspiracy Theorists
00:21:19 - Russian shipwrecks show the dangers of their off-the-books "shadow fleet"
00:27:39 - US pressures Ukraine to lower mobilization age, which Ukraine rejects
00:43:52 - Ukraine is moving forward with legislat
97: The Georgian Euromaidan Begins
In this episode...
01:41 - I guess we have to talk about Joe Rogan
12:51 - Combat updates
18:21 - Russia does yet another nuclear bluff
26:08 - Trying to work around the Trump "peace plan"
31:27 - Romania coming close to electing a Russia-backed conspiracy theorist blowhard for President.
38:44 - Georgian government cracks down on ever-growing protests
48:36 - Shocking developments in Syria demons
96: The Election of Donald Trump and Ukraine
The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States puts Ukraine in an extremely perilous position as members of the incoming administration have threatened to cut off aid.
We ask:
01:06 - What were the Election results?
05:31 - How can we analyze the election?
21:20 - Who are the initial Trump appointments and what do they mean for Ukraine?
43:31 - How will Trump's non-Ukraine policy e
95: The October News Roundup
In this episode...
00:01:25 - Announcements
00:08:36 - The release of Maxim Butkevych and the murder of Victoria Roshchyna
00:14:21 - Combat Update: Tough situation in southern Donetsk Oblast and near Kupyansk
00:23:37 - The assassination of a Russian war criminal
00:25:34 - The "Kherson Safari"
00:31:19 - Russia poisoned the Desna River
00:34:58 - The Ukrainian Victory Plan
00:45:31 - North Korea
94: Russia's Nuclear Bluster
In this episode...
02:40 - Update on combat situation and Russian long-range strikes on Sumy and Izmail.
08:36 - Putin loosens Russian nuclear first-strike policy, but it is really all bluster meant for propaganda purposes
24:34 - The crew of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier is being sent to storm units
28:35 - President Zelesnky thanks American workers for supporting Ukraine, which turns ou
93: Supporting Education in Wartime w/ Yasmine Sherif
In this episode...
01:18 - Brief Combat Update
04:59 - Ukraine destroys large Russian arms depot in Tver region
08:45 - Further information about the extensive Russian misinformation campaign across many countries
14:21 - Russia attempts a coup in Armenia
16:08 - The Georgian government slips further into the Russian sphere with anti-LGBT law and a plausibly related murder.
21:20—We interview Yasm
92: A Misinformation-Rich Environment
In this episode...
1:03 - Announcement: Cash program by the Norwegian Refugee Council
2:23 - Obituaries for Journalist David Knowles and ZSU soldier Matityahu Samborsky, son of Ukrainian Chief Rabbi
4:23 - Combat Update: Dynamic situation on multiple parts of the front line from Kursk to Vuhledar
9:48 - Russians continue a protracted series of missile and drone attacks throughout the country, incl
91: The Anatomy of Misinformation
In this episode...
00:00:29 - Russia launches another massive missile strike targetting civilians, energy infrastructure, and journalists
00:07:16 - Russia systemically destroys the physical heritage of Huliaipole, the center of the Civil War-era Free Territory of Nestor Makhno
00:14:32 - Battlefield Update
00:19:19 - Misinformation Case Study: Imane Khelif
00:40:33 - Misinformation Case Study: UK
90: The Kursk Occupation Authority
In this episode...
00:01:16 - Ukraine Rugby 7s tournament
5:04 - The ongoing Battle for Pokrovsk, evacuations underway
13:23 - The murder of New York
20:09.993 - Ukraine establishes an occupation authority for Russia's Kursk region
38:41.083 - An update on the Nordstream sabotage investigation
58:27.513 - Ukraine ratifies the Rome Statute
1:00:32.892 - Ukraine passes a law banning Russian reli
89: Ukraine's Invasion of Russia
In this episode...
03:18 - Ukraine has carried out numerous strikes and special forces raids on Russian defense infrastructure
8:34 - On August 6, Ukraine launched an invasion of the Kursk region of Russia and has made continuous progress ever since.
19:02 - We analyze some questions raised by the invasion, such as the lack of organizing by local Russians to either resist the invasion or support e
88: Exchange Frees Russian Political Prisoners
In this episode...
01:11 - A prisoner swap between the US and Russia trades political prisoners in Russian cells for Russian spies and assassins.
22:14 - Battlefield Update: Deterioration of the Pokrovks front
25:17 - Ukraine might have maybe possibly aided in an ambush of Wagner forces in Mali. Allegedly.
29:30 - F16s finally arrive in Ukraine
32:00 - Ukrainian politician Iryan Farion assassinate
87: JD Vance, the Far-Right, and Ukraine
In this episode...
01:17 - Combat Updates
08:42 - The GOP's plan to replace the administrative state
00:22:11 - The Republican National Convention
00:27:20 - The disturbing background of JD Vance and the Thiel network
00:48:16 - Hillbilly Elegy and Vance's opportunism
01:01:33 - Senator Vance and the far-right
01:12:18 - President Biden steps down from the race for VP Kamala Harris
Twitter
86: Russia Targeted a Children's Hospital
In this episode...
02:00 - A heat wave combines with power outages to make a difficult mid-summer
06:54 - Massive Russian missile strike kills dozens of people across the country and destroys Ukraine's premier children's hospital.
34:44 - Combat update: New York in critical danger
38:15 - A prisoner swap frees a Crimean Tatar community leader, among others
41:47 - Last month's attacks
85 - Your Questions, Our Answers
In this episode...
We took some downtime from the headlines to ask our supporters what questions they have for us about Ukraine, the war, or anything. We get back into the old Putin succession question, what podcasts are good or bad, and some takes on food. These are our responses.
Twitter
Anthony: @Bartaway
Romeo: @RomeoKokriatski
Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine
Other Social Media
http://youtu
84 - The Month of Many Diplomatic Summits
In this episode...
01:34 - A pretty eventful two weeks in Kyiv of the Book Arsenal, FanCon, and Kyiv Pride
10:00 - Combat update: Dangers to Donbas logistics, tide turned in Kharkiv region
15:45 - On the G7 Summit
20:20 - On the Ukraine Recovery Conference
31:55 - On the Summit on Peace in Ukraine
42:05 - Russia's reactions and diplomatic maneuvers
45:23 - On an upcoming NATO summit
47:14 - EU
83 - The Failures of the DC Wonks and Geneva Humanitarians
In this episode...
01:19 - No end in sight to electricity outages, even by winter
4:05 - Battlefield Update: Foreign partners loosen restrictions on using weapons against Russia, improving the situation on the front
13:50 - Inane "escalation management" by the DC blob must come to an end.
20:37 - The ICRC and OCHA were accused of facilitating the sending of Ukrainians to prison camps.
42
82 - Russia Purges Army Brass (Again), Destroys Kharkiv Printing House
In this episode...
1:24 - Visiting some local Kyiv stories with the theme of corruption and anti-corruption.
13:44 - The Russian Kharkiv offensive is blunted but they continue to make gains outside of Avdiivka.
18:37 - The city of Kharkiv continues to be bombarded by Russia, including strikes on a busy department store and the largest print house in the country.
23:47 - An update on the captured U
81 - Russia Re-Invades Kharkiv while Putin Shakes Up his Executive Branch
In this episode...
00:00 - Announcements: We have expanded our social media presence and have posted a new video for Patreon subscriber
2:28 - Russian attacks on energy have necessitated a re-introduction of electricity rationing
5:51 - Russia has expanded its offensive by re-invading previously liberated areas outside of Kharkiv
19:38 - Attempted assassinations of both Ukrainian President Zelensk
80 - Georgia Against the "Russian Law": An Overview
In this episode, we give an overview of what brought Georgia/Sakartvelo from independence in 1991 to the place where it is now, with mass protests on the streets fighting against the so-called "Russian Law." This law, similar to the Russian foreign agent law, would put onerous restrictions on foreign funding for civil society.
We then debunk claims it is similar to American FARA restrict
79 - International Worker's Day Special w/ Vladyslav Starodubtsev
In this episode, we celebrate Labor Day by speaking with returning guest Vladyslav Starodubtsev about the history of International Worker's Day in Ukraine and the world, along with the state of labor rights in Ukraine at present.
Vladyslav is a leftist and labor organizer in Ukraine including with Sotsіalniy Rukh.
Twitter
Vladyslav: @VlStarodubtsev
Anthony: @Bartaway
Romeo: @RomeoKokriatski
U
78 - US Congress Finally Passes Ukraine Aid
In this episode...
01:00 - Russian missile attacks on Kharkiv and the seaside promenade in Odesa
06:44 - Russian army makes worrisome advances north of Avdiivka
14:00 - US House of Representatives finally votes for Ukraine aid, reportedly after targeted and intensive lobbying stressing the plight of Ukrainian Protestants under occupation.
33:55 - Prominent deaths on either side of the line highlig
77 - Ukraine and US Congress w/ former Democratic Whip David Bonior
In this episode, we sit down with retired Congressman David Bonior, former Representative for the northern suburbs of Detroit and Democratic Party Whip from 1991-2002. David worked to shift US policy in favor of independent Ukraine in the collapse of the Soviet Union and has advocated for the country ever since. We talk about the political fight in Congress, the Ukrainian-American diaspora, and hi
76 - Russian Foreign Military Recruitment
In this episode...
0:53 - Combat Update: Kharkiv hit heavily by Russian bombs, Chasiv Yar shaping to be the next big battle
9:05 - Mobilization age lowered to 25
14:05 - Russian citizens in the Ukrainian military
22:00 - Russian military recruitment around the world, the hows and whys
51:22 - Russian Orthodox Church declaration of Holy War...and anti-urbanism
Links
https://youtu.be/OJBnIRLYLZk?si=
75 - Heavy Russian Missile Campaign & ISIS Attack Outside Moscow
In this episode...
00:55 - Announcement: New documentary from the Kyiv Independent
01:50 - Reflections on the Kyiv Security Forum
06:57 - Combat Update: Raids into Russian territory lasting a very long time
12:30 - Russia launches a heavy nightly missile campaign against energy infrastructure and civilian homes. I go to the scene of a destroyed Art Academy
29:31 - Ukrainians made to vote in Russia
74 - From the Streets of Maidan to the Trenches of Bakhmut w/ Ukrainian Soldier Ivan Zharkov
In this episode...
We interview Ivan Zharkov, a participant in the Revolution of Dignity who enlisted to defend Ukraine in the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion. He talks about his experiences in the Battles of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Bakhmut, especially as the leader of a medical unit.
Links
https://english.nv.ua/opinion/what-price-victory-opinion-50396884.html
Twitter
Anthony: @Bartaway
73 - A European News Roundup: Vive la France
In this episode...
01:00 - Another Russian ship destroyed; Russia advances in the outskirts of Avdiivka
03:24 - Czech-led artillery shell supply getting ready for shipment to Ukraine
06:27 - German Chancellor Scholz says dumb things
10:41 - French President Macron gets a whole lot more assertive, threatens French involvement in war
19:00 - Sweden joins NATO
22:38 - Polish "farmer" protes
72 - The Fall of the Hero-City of Avdiivka
In this episode...
01:09 - The fall of the hero-city of Avdiivka. The city is no more.
12:04 - Remembering 10 years of Revolution and War, and 2 Years of the full-scale invasion
14:30 - The Polish farmer blockade of the border reaches grotesque new heights
22:25 - The complicated legacy of Alexei Navalny, who was killed in Russian prison
36:41 - Tucker Carlson, crass Russian propagandist, amazed b
71 - Tucker Carlson Goes to Moscow, Avidiivka Critical while GOP blocks aid
In this episode...
00:01:15 - Ukraine destroys two more ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet using naval drones
00:04:02 - Russia makes breakthroughs in Avdiivka, putting the defense of the city at critical risk
00:12:18 - Republican blocking of Ukraine aid leaves Ukrainian Armed Forces ammunition starved
00:23:39 - Tucker Carlson interviews Putin, old man yells at clouds
00:42:00 - Zelensky does
70 - The "Where Are They Now?" Episode
Once upon a time, Ukraine Without Hype liked to do episodes that were biographies of some of Ukraine's various baddies. The Russian buildup and then the full-scale invasion created different priorities. In this episode, we look at the subjects of these exposés and ask Where Are They Now?
00:02:42 - Pavlo Vovk
00:12:50 - Ilya Kyva
00:29:00 - Viktor Medvedchuk
00:48:00 - Dmytro Firtash
01:05:44
Episode 69: Ukraine's Most Pressing Internal Issue - Mobilization Reform
In this episode:
01:00 - Quick updates on Russian missile attacks, Russia freezing, and the end of the holiday season
09:00 - Combat Update - Little movement on the front line, Ukraine shoots down Russian A-50, Russian electronic warfare in the Baltic Sea
17:05 - House Republicans claim they will block Ukraine aid for the next year
24:17 - The death of the sexual assault coach turned Russian spy G
Episode 68: Looking Back on 2023
Anthony and Romeo reflect on the biggest news stories of 2023, from the Battle of Bakhmut to the Kherson flood to Avdiivka. What went right, what went wrong, and what was unexpected? Then, we take what we learned from the year to guess what may happen next year, a year of grinding attrition warfare and an ever-more vital fight for support.
Links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XQxveVhfuI&ab_
Episode 67: Ukraine enters EU Negotiations, but the US House Republicans Block Aid to Ukraine
In this episode...
2:50 - In the Combat Update, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold Avdiivka, Russia pushes through the divided city of Marinka, and the ZSU consolidates gains on the Left Bank of the Dnipro near Kherson
10:07 - The collaborator Ilya Kyva is assassinated near Moscow by the SBU.
13:37 - House Republicans stonewall Ukraine aid funding until next year with a list of demands.
19:54 -
Episode 66: The Russian Hand Behind the Polish Trucking Blockade
In this episodes...
02:30 - The Kyiv Independent releases a new documentary (which I narrated) on the torture of Ukrainian POWs in Russian custody
03:41 - In the Start of Winter, a huge storm hits the Black Sea while Russia ups its drone attacks on Kyiv in the early phases of an expected winter campaign against energy infrastructure.
10:03 - Putin gives a speech reaffirming his maximalist goals of
Episode 65: Ten Years of Revolution, the Anniversary of Euromaidan with Olga Tokariuk
Olga Tokariuk is a Ukrainian journalist and Chatham Fellow who was there when the history of Ukraine - and the world - changed forever on the night of November 21, 2013. Former President Yanukovych had gone back on his promises of European Association, and fully chose Russia. What followed was protests turned into Revolution, and Revolution turned into a war to defend the very existence of the Ukr
Episode 64: A Russian Pogrom
In this episode...
00:01:11 - Combat update - Avdiivka will be the focal point of the war for at least the rest of the year.
00:07:26 - General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, writes an article in the Economist about what Ukraine needs to break out of attritional "positional" war.
00:27:11 - Russian soldiers slaughter a family for not giving up their
Episode 63: Why There Won't Be Elections, But What If There Were?
Some outside pressure is asking why Ukraine won't be having wartime elections. We start by going over why that would be impossible, then dig deeper into Ukrainian electoral politics and would would come of an election.
00:01:24 - Holding elections in Ukraine would be illegal, dangerous, and logistically insurmountable.
00:14:53 - A pretty confusing bill is in the works to allow for elections a
Episode 62: Assault on the Fortress-City of Avdiivka
In this episode...
00:42 - Anthony recounts a reporting trip to Kharkiv and back to the former Kakhovka Reservoir
07:42 - Russia launches a massive assault on Avdiivka, and takes massive casualties in the process. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a large but secretive incursion across the Dnipro River.
22:12 - The newly arrived ATACMS missiles from the US devastate Russia's helicopter fleet station
Episode 61: Gaza War - Understanding An Unfolding Tragedy With Joey Ayoub
We are joined by Joey Ayoub, PhD, host of The Fire These Times, about the recent massacre by Hamas in southern Israel and Israel's subsequent retaliation against Gaza's civilian population. The ferocity of Hamas' attack was unprecedented, but so was the systemic weakness and dysfunction of the Israeli state. Why did it happen, and is there any solution to Israel's ongoing siege of
Episode 60: Ukraine Breaks the Black Sea Blockade
In this episode...
00:49 - Russia hits a grocery store and cafe holding a wake for a deceased community member in a village in Kharkiv region, killing over 50 people.
03:15 - Ukraine advances beyond the second line of defenses in the Tokmak direction
05:17 - After heavy attacks on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, including its headquarters in Sevastopol, the Russian Navy retreated away from Crimea to
Episode 59: Azerbaijan invades Nagorno-Karabakh
In this episode...
00:01:20 - Visiting a Hungarian-speaking town in the Zakarpattia region
00:18:40 - The anniversary of the assassination of Ukrainian journalist Georgiy Gongadze in 2000, and how the protest movement against it helped form Ukraine's democratic path.
00:33:11 - A trade dispute over agricultural goods stirs diplomatic row between Poland and Ukraine.
00:41:48 - Azerbaijan invad
Episode 58: The Defense Ministry Gets a New - Crimean - Boss
In this episode...
00:01:21 - Ukrainian forces begin to pierce Russia's second line of defense in the south, and retake positions near Donetsk city.
00:08:35 - Russia caught by the Cuban authorities illegally trafficking potential soldiers.
00:11:51 - Russia looks to North Korea as a source of arms.
00:16:10 - Russia holds elections, including in the occupied territories.
00:21:07 - Elon Musk
Episode 57: The Death of Yevgeny Prigozhin
In this episode...
00:01:16 - Despite naysaying in the Western press, the Southern offensive makes a major breakthrough by taking Robotyne and pushing forward.
00:25:32 - How Ukraine, the country that barely has a navy, is taking the fight to the Russians in the Black Sea and Dnipro River
00:43:00 - Three Ukrainian pilots die in a training accident, including the famous ace known as "Juice&qu
Episode 56: Looking Over an Empty Reservoir - A Trip to the South
Anthony has returned from a reporting trip to the south of Ukraine and relays what he saw on the ground.
00:02:10 - Odesa's Transfiguration Cathedral was badly damaged by the recent Russia strike on the city landmark, but Odesa is undeterred from the August vacation season.
00:19:05 - We had a bit of an adventure with the Transnistria border and a drunk, possibly, maybe marijuana farmer, but s
