Explaining Ukraine

By UkraineWorld

What's Explaining Ukraine about?

A podcast by UkraineWorld.org, a multimedia project about Ukraine run by Internews Ukraine. Explaining Ukraine, its politics, society and its culture. Support us: patreon.com/ukraineworld

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Explaining Ukraine episodes:

06.21.2024
This war is a battle of democracy against autocracy - with Lucan Way
What challenges does democracy face in light of the Russian war on Ukraine? How can Ukraine defeat Russia while remaining a democracy? The guest of the Explaining Ukraine podcast is Lucan Way, Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto,...
06.13.2024
Timothy Garton Ash on how Ukraine is changing Europe
Is democracy in decline today? What is “Post-Wall” Europe, born after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and why is it now gone? How is Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion changing Europe? UkraineWorld invites Timothy Garton Ash, a British...
06.11.2024
Serhii Plokhii on the historical context of the Russo-Ukrainian war
How can history help us understand the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Why can Moscow not even imagine itself without Kyiv? Is Russia an empire in decline? The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites Professor Serhii Plokhii, a prominent Ukrainian historian, director of...
06.01.2024
How Russia kidnaps Ukrainian children, and why
Almost 20,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, according to Kyiv’s official data. Russia’s figures are much bigger: it says it has relocated more than half a million of Ukrainian children - and is...
05.31.2024
Ukraine-India relations | Ukraine’s global partnerships #1
Do India and Ukraine share common ground for cooperation? What shared interests might emerge from their unique contexts? And in the face of Russian aggression, how can these nations forge relations that benefit both sides? In this episode, UkraineWorld's Deputy editor-in-chief...
05.29.2024
What do other Europeans think about Ukraine?
What do citizens of the EU and the United Kingdom think about Ukraine? How substantial is their support? How high the Ukrainian topic is on their agenda? The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites experts from “More in Common” - an international...
05.24.2024
Timothy Snyder, Marci Shore, and Volodymyr Yermolenko at Yale
A conversation about Ukraine, the Russian invasion, resistance, ideas, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things, - held during Volodymyr Yermolenko’s visit to Yale University in February 2024. Timothy Snyder is an American historian and Richard C. Levin Professor of History...
05.17.2024
Foreign Affairs’ Daniel Kurtz-Phelan - on America, China, Ukraine, and geopolitics
We tend to look at today’s world as a consequence of World War II. Yet, in the first years after that war, there were several directions which the world could have turned. There was a chance that China would not...
05.15.2024
“Immediate solidarity”: being a foreign reporter in war-torn Ukraine -- with Jen Stout
Jen Stout is a Scottish journalist who has spent a significant amount of time in Ukraine during the hottest stages of the full-scale Russian invasion. She has just published a book "Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of...
04.16.2024
Ukraine passes its mobilisation law: will it help? - Weekly, 8 - 14 April
Ukraine has passed the long-awaited mobilization law. It aims to ensure that Ukraine's army has more people, as it faces hundreds of thousands of newly mobilized soldiers on the Russian side. Ukraine's army, on the contrary, lacks personnel. But will...
04.12.2024
Time to rethink Russian cultural imperialism - with Vitaly Chernetsky
Do we have the concepts and ideas necessary to think critically about Russian cultural imperialism? Why are the existing concepts not sufficient? Are “Russian studies” still dominating Western academia’s view of Eastern Europe? Why is it time to rethink...
04.08.2024
Will NATO increase its support for Ukraine? - Weekly, March 28 - April 7
Germany searches for Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine not only in NATO countries but also throughout the world. Meanwhile, NATO states consider establishing a fund to secure assistance for Kyiv if Trump returns to office. This is our weekly roundup...
03.28.2024
Ukrainian energy sector grapples with disruption after largest Russian strike - Weekly, 20-27 March
Russia returned to its tactics of destroying Ukrainian energy infrastructure, attempting to plunge Ukrainians into darkness. Ukrainians across the country endured a week of unprecedented combined aerial attacks. Meanwhile, as March marked the tenth anniversary of the illegal referendum in...
03.22.2024
Why did Russia invade Ukraine? - with Maria Popova and Oxana Shevel
Why are identity and political values, rather than geopolitics, the genuine causes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine? How can we locate the Russian invasion in the wider context of Ukrainian-Russian relations? How can we describe the divergent paths that...
03.20.2024
Russia held illegal “elections” in the occupied territories of Ukraine - Weekly, 12 - 19 March
In violation of international law, Russia held sham presidential elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine. But this was far from the only violation. The terrorist attacks against Ukrainian cities continue. Meanwhile, several European intelligence services warn about the possibility...
03.14.2024
Ukrainian prominent diplomat Pavlo Klimkin reflects on Ukraine in the world today
The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine’s former foreign minister, to talk about Ukraine in the world today, Ukraine’s endeavor to join the Western world, and the urgent need to stop Russia. Pavlo Klimkin was Ukraine’s foreign minister for...
03.12.2024
Ukraine is one step closer to getting the munitions it needs - Weekly, 5-11 March
While the Russians have resorted to the scorched earth strategy on the frontlines, the Czech Republic brings the much needed ammunition closer to Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine holds the upper hand in the Black Sea after destroying the corvette Sergei Kotov. This...
03.06.2024
Is Europe taking the Russian threat seriously? - Weekly, 26 Feb-5 Mar
There is an increased level of debate regarding the threat Russia poses to Europe. Emmanuel Macron’s statement that sending troops to Ukraine is not excluded stirred up the infospace, causing an ambiguous reaction from NATO allies. The message, however, reached...
02.26.2024
Anniversary of the Russian invasion - where does Ukraine stand? - Weekly, 19-25 February
Ukraine commemorated the end of the second year since the commencement of Russia's full-scale war, a testament to its century-long struggle against Russian imperialism. This war proves that those seeking peace must be prepared to fight against dictatorships' expansionist views...
02.24.2024
Major causes of Russia's invasion of Ukraine
On the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and on the 10th anniversary of the Russian invasion in total, UkraineWorld's chief editor, Volodymyr Yermolenko, reflects upon the major causes of this war. These are the issues relating to...
02.23.2024
Larry Wolff on empires and orientalism in Eastern Europe
The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites prominent American historian Larry Wolff to talk about history, imagination, and politics around Eastern Europe, in particular Ukraine. Larry Wolff is a professor of history at New York University. He is the author of numerous...
02.19.2024
What are the military technological solutions for Ukraine? - Weekly, 12-18 Feb
Russia has intensified its military operations on the battlefield, as a result of which, after months-long campaign to take Avdiivka, it fell. Amid these developments, the call to introduce more technological solutions grows louder. Ukraine has increased military production but...
02.15.2024
How can democracies defend themselves? - with Peter Pomerantsev
2024 could become a year of consolidation of authoritarian regimes. Liberal democracies are weak and often do not fully understand approaching threats. Can we still win the war against Russia in these circumstances? A new coalition of freedom-loving societies needs...
02.12.2024
Zelenskyy replaces Ukraine's chief commander - what does it mean? - Weekly, 5-11 February
President Zelenskyy appoints Colonel General Syrsky to lead the Armed Forces in an attempt to reset the system, establishing an all-new management team for the defence forces. This episode focuses on the reasons for and impacts of this decision. Meanwhile, human...
02.07.2024
You can help save lives on the frontline - with Gennadiy Druzenko
He is one of Ukraine’s top constitutional lawyers and experts in EU law. But he is also the founder of a mobile medical hospital which has saved hundreds of thousands of lives on the frontline since 2014. Today’s Ukraine...
02.05.2024
How does Ukraine intend on winning the war? - Weekly, 29 Jan-4 Feb
A new method of war based on technology, a new training philosophy, and new combat capabilities - that’s what Ukraine needs to create a more favourable advantage on the battlefield, according to Valeriy Zalyzhnyy in his last article for CNN,...
02.01.2024
Human stories of this war - with Nataliya Gumenyuk
Let us look again at the human stories of this war. Let us recall the hundreds of people in Yahidne forced by Russian soldiers to live in a village school basement for almost a month. Let us hear the story...
01.29.2024
Russia intensifies its efforts to build an autocratic coalition - Weekly, 23-27 January
Russia intensifies cooperation with its allies striving to strengthen its international position and overcome the negative effects of the sanctions regime. Ukrainian partners keep looking for mechanisms not to let Ukraine lose its existential war. Meanwhile, Ukraine is seeking ways...
01.26.2024
Why we should talk to victims - with Dutch writers visiting Ukraine
Yahidne is a Ukrainian village where the Russian army forced over 300 Ukrainians into a school basement and kept them for almost a month. 10 people died from suffocation and a lack of food and water. It was...
01.24.2024
Tusk visits Kyiv; France launches "artillery coalition", - Weekly, 15-22 January
SUPPORT: https://www.patreon.com/ukraineworld --- While Russian occupiers attempt to breach Ukrainian supply lines in Avdiyivka, Ukraine remains on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson oblast, rendering Russian forces unable to dislodge Ukrainian defenders. In addition to frontline developments, the previous week...
01.17.2024
Pascal Bruckner: Europe needs to wake up
Europe took a sleeping pill in 1989, and needs to wake up to face the challenge of Russian authoritarianism. Does it have the courage to do so? Pascal Bruckner, one of France’s most influential philosophers, came to Kyiv in December and...
01.15.2024
Ukraine and the UK signed a historic Security Agreement - Weekly, 8-15 January
Over the past week, Russia has been attempting to establish a 15-kilometre "buffer zone" in Kharkiv oblast, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to launch a partial counter-offensive and recapture several positions occupied by the Russians near Kupyansk. Along with frontline...
01.09.2024
What should we know about Ukraine’s East? - with Kateryna Zarembo
Why is the Soviet and the “Russian” story about Ukraine’s East misleading? Why is the concept of “Donbas” problematic? How are the eastern regions of Ukraine inscribed into the Ukrainian political and cultural history, as well as the history of...
01.08.2024
Russia’s massive aerial attacks kill civilians in Ukrainian cities - Weekly, 1-7 January
As the world celebrated the winter holidays, Russia launched its most intense missile attack on Ukrainian cities since the start of the full-scale invasion, killing and wounding hundreds. Now, similar attacks of this level are occurring on a regular basis....
12.19.2023
Russian assets should be confiscated to fund Ukraine - with Olena Halushka
Over $330 billion of Russia’s central bank assets have been frozen abroad. These funds should be confiscated to fund Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as Ukraine’s recovery. The Explaining Ukraine podcast invited Olena Halushka, co-founder...
12.18.2023
The EU opened accession talks with Ukraine at a historic summit - Weekly, 11-17 Dec
The past week was marked by the EU Council's decision to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine, coinciding with Russia's buildup of forces near Mariinka and its ongoing terror against civilians. The US and Ukraine are fathoming a new strategy for future...
12.11.2023
Have Ukraine and Latin America strengthened relations? - Weekly, 4-10 Dec
President Zelenskyy paid his first official visit to Latin America, attending the inauguration of Argentine President Javier Milei. In addition, he met with the leaders of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Meanwhile, Russia is ramping up its attacks along the entire frontline...
12.05.2023
Ukraine’s alignment with NATO standards gets closer - Weekly, 27 Nov-3 Dec
The previous week was marked by Ukraine's commitment to comprehensive security and defence sector principles while Russia is attempting to intimidate and spread chaos among the Ukrainian people. Meanwhile, Commander Syrskyi confirmed that the Russian occupiers, although uniting former Storm, Storm...
11.30.2023
Ukraine and Latin America - with Sergio Jaramillo
What story can Ukraine tell people in Latin America? Why is it important to have a conversation beyond “geopolitics” and focus on human experiences, on suffering and compassion, and on courage and resistance? The guest of this episode is Sergio Jaramillo,...
11.27.2023
Kyiv is a magnet for foreign leaders - Weekly, Nov 18-26, 2023
Last week, Ukraine hosted the leaders of Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Switzerland, and the President of the European Council. Defence Ministers of the USA and Germany visited Kyiv ahead of another meeting in the Ramstein format to announce new military aid...
11.18.2023
Controversy about Nord Stream explosion sparks criticism in Ukraine - Weekly, 11-17 Nov, 2023
Explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline last year continue to raise the interest of investigators, with several recent articles pointing at possible Ukrainian involvement. However, these publications sparked criticism in Ukraine. This is our weekly roundup of key events and...
11.11.2023
Ukraine’s EU accession talks get closer - Weekly, 4-10 Nov
A historical event for Ukraine: the European Commission recommended EU states begin accession negotiations with Kyiv. At the frontline, a positional war is being waged, with both sides wanting to take the initiative before the winter period. This is our weekly...
11.04.2023
The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a positional warfare stage, - Weekly, 30 Oct - 3 Nov, 2023
Ukraine is making gradual advances on the left bank of Kherson Oblast, while Russia's attempts to attack from five different directions have all failed. Amid Russia’s increase in military production, large supplies of weapons from North Korea to Russia, and lack...
11.02.2023
Writing about our dead - with Olesya Khromeychuk
Olesya Khromeychuk is a Ukrainian historian and head of the Ukrainian Institute in London. She is also the author of the heartbreaking book "The Death of a Soldier Told by His Sister", in which she tells the story of her...
10.30.2023
China skipped Ukraine's peace formula summit - Weekly, 24-30 October
Russian attacks are thwarted by Ukrainian defense forces, particularly near Maryinka and Novomykhailivka, while occupiers redeploy reserves from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia Aside from frontline developments, the previous week marked unwavering international support for Ukraine. Germany will contribute 54.3 million euros to...
10.30.2023
This Dutch writer became a volunteer to help Ukraine - with Jaap Scholten
What brings foreigners to Ukraine? What motivates them to come and help a country at war? What do they find in this country that they don’t find at home? This episode's guest is Jaap Scholten, a Dutch writer and journalist, who...
10.25.2023
On empathy - with Catalina Gomez, a Colombian journalist in Ukraine
What do we get if we turn away from the abstract “geopolitical” or “military” analysis of this war and talk about the human side of it? What do we see if we look at this war primarily as a story...
10.23.2023
More international support for Ukraine and tense lines on the battlefield, - Weekly, 14-23 Oct
While Russian occupiers attempt to breach Ukrainian defense lines and encircle Avdiyivka, Ukraine cuts them off south of Bakhmut, forcing them to retreat to the Bakhmut-Horlivka highway. In addition to frontline developments, the previous week was marked with encouraging news regarding...
10.13.2023
Zelenskyy brought encouraging news home from Brussels amid Russia’s new offensive - Weekly, 7-13 Oct
Russia has launched a massive offensive in the Avdiivka area (the Eastern direction). Ukraine holds its position. Despite the volatile situation on the frontlines, the previous week was marked with encouraging news regarding international support for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy brought...
10.06.2023
52 people killed in Russia's missile attack on civilians in Ukraine - Weekly, 30 Sep-6 Oct
Russia has carried out a series of heinous and bloody terror attacks on Ukrainian civilians in Kherson, Kharkiv, and Hroza. The aggressor murdered a large part of Hroza's population who gathered to pay tribute to a fallen soldier, their countryman. As...

What's Explaining Ukraine about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Explaining Ukraine episodes:

This war is a battle of democracy against autocracy - with Lucan Way

Timothy Garton Ash on how Ukraine is changing Europe

Serhii Plokhii on the historical context of the Russo-Ukrainian war

How Russia kidnaps Ukrainian children, and why

Ukraine-India relations | Ukraine’s global partnerships #1

What do other Europeans think about Ukraine?

Timothy Snyder, Marci Shore, and Volodymyr Yermolenko at Yale

Foreign Affairs’ Daniel Kurtz-Phelan - on America, China, Ukraine, and geopolitics

“Immediate solidarity”: being a foreign reporter in war-torn Ukraine -- with Jen Stout

Ukraine passes its mobilisation law: will it help? - Weekly, 8 - 14 April

Time to rethink Russian cultural imperialism - with Vitaly Chernetsky

Will NATO increase its support for Ukraine? - Weekly, March 28 - April 7

Ukrainian energy sector grapples with disruption after largest Russian strike - Weekly, 20-27 March

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? - with Maria Popova and Oxana Shevel

Russia held illegal “elections” in the occupied territories of Ukraine - Weekly, 12 - 19 March

Ukrainian prominent diplomat Pavlo Klimkin reflects on Ukraine in the world today

Ukraine is one step closer to getting the munitions it needs - Weekly, 5-11 March

Is Europe taking the Russian threat seriously? - Weekly, 26 Feb-5 Mar

Anniversary of the Russian invasion - where does Ukraine stand? - Weekly, 19-25 February

Major causes of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Larry Wolff on empires and orientalism in Eastern Europe

What are the military technological solutions for Ukraine? - Weekly, 12-18 Feb

How can democracies defend themselves? - with Peter Pomerantsev

Zelenskyy replaces Ukraine's chief commander - what does it mean? - Weekly, 5-11 February

You can help save lives on the frontline - with Gennadiy Druzenko

How does Ukraine intend on winning the war? - Weekly, 29 Jan-4 Feb

Human stories of this war - with Nataliya Gumenyuk

Russia intensifies its efforts to build an autocratic coalition - Weekly, 23-27 January

Why we should talk to victims - with Dutch writers visiting Ukraine

Tusk visits Kyiv; France launches "artillery coalition", - Weekly, 15-22 January

Pascal Bruckner: Europe needs to wake up

Ukraine and the UK signed a historic Security Agreement - Weekly, 8-15 January

What should we know about Ukraine’s East? - with Kateryna Zarembo

Russia’s massive aerial attacks kill civilians in Ukrainian cities - Weekly, 1-7 January

Russian assets should be confiscated to fund Ukraine - with Olena Halushka

The EU opened accession talks with Ukraine at a historic summit - Weekly, 11-17 Dec

Have Ukraine and Latin America strengthened relations? - Weekly, 4-10 Dec

Ukraine’s alignment with NATO standards gets closer - Weekly, 27 Nov-3 Dec

Ukraine and Latin America - with Sergio Jaramillo

Kyiv is a magnet for foreign leaders - Weekly, Nov 18-26, 2023

Controversy about Nord Stream explosion sparks criticism in Ukraine - Weekly, 11-17 Nov, 2023

Ukraine’s EU accession talks get closer - Weekly, 4-10 Nov

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a positional warfare stage, - Weekly, 30 Oct - 3 Nov, 2023

Writing about our dead - with Olesya Khromeychuk

China skipped Ukraine's peace formula summit - Weekly, 24-30 October

This Dutch writer became a volunteer to help Ukraine - with Jaap Scholten

On empathy - with Catalina Gomez, a Colombian journalist in Ukraine

More international support for Ukraine and tense lines on the battlefield, - Weekly, 14-23 Oct

Zelenskyy brought encouraging news home from Brussels amid Russia’s new offensive - Weekly, 7-13 Oct

52 people killed in Russia's missile attack on civilians in Ukraine - Weekly, 30 Sep-6 Oct

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