This Week in Ukraine

By The Kyiv Independent

What's This Week in Ukraine about?

“This Week in Ukraine” is a video podcast hosted by Kyiv Independent’s reporter Anastasiia Lapatina. Every week, Anastasiia sits down with her newsroom colleagues to discuss Ukraine’s most pressing issues.

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This Week in Ukraine episodes:

04.13.2024
Ukraine has a mobilization problem
Season 2 Episode 14 is dedicated to Ukraine’s struggles with mobilization. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/ Follow the...
04.06.2024
The legal question of genocide in Ukraine
Season 2 Episode 13 is dedicated to whether Russian crimes in Ukraine amount to genocide. Masha Lavrova, filling in for host Anastasiia Lapatina, is joined by Danylo Mokryk – a reporter at the War Crimes Investigations unit. "This Week in Ukraine" is...
03.30.2024
Is Ukraine running out of air defense missiles?
Season 2 Episode 12 is dedicated to Ukraine's struggles with air defence, amid intensifying Russian missile attacks. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by security expert Fabian Hoffmann, who is a doctoral research fellow at the University of Oslo. "This Week in Ukraine"...
03.23.2024
Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian oil infrastructure
Season 2 Episode 11 is dedicated to Ukraine's drone campaign against Russian oil infrastructure. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by security expert Marcel Plichta, who is a fellow at the Centre for Global Law and Governance at the University of St....
03.16.2024
Will Trump abandon Ukraine if he beats Biden in November?
Season 2 Episode 10 is dedicated to Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, and what another 4 years of Trump at the White House might mean for Ukraine. Host Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent news editor Nate Ostiller. "This Week in...
03.09.2024
How Ukraine downs Russian planes
Season 2 Episode 9 is dedicated to Ukraine's reported downing of more than a dozen Russian planes in just a month. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by John Hardie, Deputy Director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense...
03.02.2024
How 10 years of Russian occupation changed Crimea
Season 2 Episode 8 is dedicated to Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by Kyiv Independent news reporter Dinara Khalilova. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member:...
02.24.2024
Bonus: Conversation with The Telegraph’s David Knowles
For the bonus episode of “This Week in Ukraine” dedicated to the two year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, host Anastasiia sits down with David Knowles, the host of The Telegraphs Ukraine: The Latest podcast, to discuss reporting on Ukraine...
02.23.2024
Avdiivka fell to Russia. Why?
Season 2 Episode 7 is dedicated to the fall of Avdiivka. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by Glen Grant, a retired U.K. Lieutenant Colonel and military expert who advises Ukraine. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the...
02.16.2024
Who is leading Ukraine’s military now?
Season 2 Episode 6 is dedicated to the new team leading Ukraine’s military. Host Masha Lavrova is joined by Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/ Follow the...
02.09.2024
Will Putin be challenged in upcoming Russian election?
Season 2 Episode 5 is dedicated to the upcoming Russian presidential election. Host Masha Lavrova is joined by Kyiv Independent reporter Oleg Sukhov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/ Follow the the...
02.02.2024
Is NATO getting ready for escalation with Russia?
Season 2 Episode 4 is dedicated to the risk of a Russian attack against NATO, and whether the alliance is prepared to defend itself. Host Masha Lavrova is joined by security expert Marcel Plichta, who is a fellow at the...
01.26.2024
Alarming campaign against free press in Ukraine
Season 2 Episode 3 is dedicated to the recent attacks against journalists in Ukraine and the country's press freedom over the years. Host Masha Lavrova is joined by the Kyiv Independent chief editor Olga Rudenko. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available...
01.19.2024
Does Russia really want to negotiate peace?
Season 2 Episode 2 is dedicated to Ukraine’s Peace Formula and the possibility of successful peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2024. Host Masha Lavrova is joined by the Kyiv Independent deputy chief editor Oleksiy Sorokin. "This Week in Ukraine" is...
01.12.2024
Russia’s economic war against Ukraine
Season 2 Episode 1 is dedicated to foreign investment in Ukrainian business and what makes them critical to bolstering Ukraine’s economic front. Host Masha Lavrova is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Dominic Culverwell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on...
12.22.2023
After 2023, what’s next for Ukraine?
Episode #39 is dedicated to Ukraine’s biggest events of 2023, as well as what to look forward to in 2024. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell and the newsroom's deputy chief editor Oleksii Sorokin. "This Week...
12.15.2023
Is Ukraine ready for long war?
Episode #38 is dedicated to Ukraine’s failure to prepare its defensive lines for the long war. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming...
12.08.2023
What’s behind the crisis at Ukraine-Poland border?
Episode #37 is dedicated to the trucker protests that have been blockading several border crossings at Ukraine-Poland border for over a month. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent business editor Liliane Bivings. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available...
12.01.2023
Is Ukraine losing the war?
Episode #36 is dedicated to the dark new phase in Russia’s war, and why the possibility of losing is once again a risk for Ukraine. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is...
11.24.2023
What is behind Defense Ministry’s overhaul?
Episode #35 is dedicated to the wave of personnel replacements in Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and the military. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent...
11.17.2023
What’s wrong with Hungary?
Episode #34 is dedicated to why Hungary's pro-Russian government is blocking Ukraine's European integration. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent deputy chief editor Oleksiy Sorokin. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming...
11.10.2023
Ukraine makes “substantial progress” in its EU bid
Episode #33 is dedicated to Ukraine's recent successes in its decade-long journey towards European Union Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Anastasiia Malenko. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming...
11.03.2023
How Russia is losing superiority in the Black Sea
Episode #32 is dedicated to Ukraine's surprising successes in the Black Sea. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/ Follow the...
10.27.2023
Why murderers of EuroMaidan protestors still enjoy impunity
Episode #31 is dedicated to the disappointing outcome of the trial against riot police officers who murdered unarmed protestors during Ukraine's EuroMaidan revolution in 2014. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Oleg Sukhov. "This Week in Ukraine" is...
10.20.2023
ATACMS, and Russia’s offensive on Avdiivka
Episode #30 is dedicated to recent front-line updates, including Ukraine's first use of ATACMS and Russia's offensive on Avdiivka. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv...
10.13.2023
Is support for Ukraine declining worldwide?
Episode #29 is dedicated to the risk of declining support for Ukraine around the world. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent deputy chief editor Oleksii Sorokin. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by...
10.06.2023
Why Ukraine has a problem with Elon Musk
Episode #28 is dedicated to Elon Musk and his stained reputation in Ukraine. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent TikTok producer Masha Lavrova. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member:...
09.29.2023
How Ukraine is destroying Russian military in Crimea
Episode #27 is dedicated to the recent Ukrainian attacks in Russia-occupied Crimea. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Support the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/ The Kyiv...
09.22.2023
Is the counteroffensive almost over?
Episode #26 is dedicated to the question of when Ukraine’s counteroffensive might end and what comes next for Ukraine when it does. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a...
09.15.2023
Ukraine puts first oligarch behind bars
Episode #25 is dedicated to Ukraine's notorious oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, his unprecedented arrest, and the changing political climate for Ukrainian oligarchs. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's business editor Liliane Bivings. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a...
09.08.2023
Will Ukraine hold elections during war?
Episode #24 is dedicated to the challenges Ukraine would need to overcome to hold elections during war. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's deputy chief editor Oleksiy Sorokin. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the...
09.01.2023
Ministry of Defense is under fire for corruption, again
Episode #23 is dedicated to corruption scandals in Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's investigative reporter Danylo Mokryk. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv Independent community or support us...
08.25.2023
F-16s and the irrational politics of military aid
Episode #22 is dedicated to F-16 fighter jets and the irrational politics behind military aid to Ukraine. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Oleg Sukhov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv Independent...
08.18.2023
Counteroffensive progress: expectations vs. reality
Episode #21 is dedicated to Ukraine's counteroffensive, gains and setbacks of the last two months, and what to expect going forward. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member...
08.11.2023
Tragedy of civilian life in Donbas
Episode #20 is dedicated to civilian life in Donbas amidst everyday Russian bombardment. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Asami Terajima. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv Independent community or...
08.04.2023
Ukraine’s struggle to dump Soviet legacy
Episode #19 is dedicated to Ukraine's national decommunization policy. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent's culture reporter Kate Tsurkan. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv Independent community or support us with...
07.28.2023
How Putin cracks down on former allies
Episode #18 is dedicated to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's crackdown on his former allies after Wagner's failed mutiny. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Oleg Sukhov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv...
07.21.2023
Black Sea grain deal is dead. What can Ukraine do?
Episode #17 is dedicated to the Black Sea grain deal, how Russia weaponized it, and eventually killed it. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Alexander Query. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv...
07.14.2023
Why is Ukraine still not in NATO?
Episode #16 is dedicated to Ukraine’s complicated relationship with NATO, and why Ukraine aspires to join the alliance at all costs. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's senior editor Oleksiy Sorokin. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a...
07.07.2023
Why culture matters during war
Episode #15 is dedicated to Ukrainian culture, the important role it plays in war, and why it has been a target of Russian dictators for decades. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent's culture reporter Kate Tsurkan. "This Week in...
06.30.2023
Wagner’s mutiny attempt in Russia, and its consequences
Episode #14 is dedicated to Wagner mercenary group's failed attempt to take on the Russian military establishment, and its consequences. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of...
06.23.2023
How, and why, Russia kidnaps thousands of Ukrainian children
Episode #13 of our weekly video podcast “This Week in Ukraine” is dedicated to a massive Russian scheme to kidnap tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, place them in "re-education" camps, and give them up for adoption to Russian families. Host...
06.16.2023
Ukraine’s counteroffensive finally began. What’s next?
Episode #12 is dedicated to the beginning of Ukraine's much-awaited counteroffensive, its early results, and what to expect in the weeks to come. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become...
06.09.2023
Russia’s destruction of Ukrainian dam, and catastrophic flood it caused
Episode #11 of our weekly video podcast “This Week in Ukraine” is dedicated to Russia's destruction of Ukraine's Kakhovka dam, and the catastrophic flood it caused. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov. "This Week in Ukraine"...
06.02.2023
Corruption in Ukraine, and where reforms fall short
Episode #10 is dedicated to corruption inside Ukraine's judicial system, and how the government has tried to implement reforms to fight it. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Oleg Sukhov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on...
05.26.2023
What actually happened near Belgorod?
Episode #9 is dedicated to the incursion into Belgorod Oblast in Russia by Russian volunteer units fighting on the side of Ukraine. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's senior editor Oleksiy Sorokin. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a...
05.19.2023
How Ukrainian air defense denies Russia air superiority
Episode #8 is dedicated to the work of Ukrainian air defense, and how it denies Russia the air superiority that so many predicted it would have. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Francis Farrell. "This Week in Ukraine" is also...
05.12.2023
Why Russia relies on private militaries, like Wagner, for its war effort
Episode #7 is dedicated to Russian private military companies, how they operate, and the role they play in Russia's war against Ukraine. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a...
05.05.2023
Ukrainian grain exports, and the mayhem they cause in Europe
Episode #6 is dedicated to Ukrainian grain exports, and how they destabilize European domestic markets. Anastasiia is joined by the Kyiv Independent's reporter Alexander Query. "This Week in Ukraine" is also available on YouTube. Become a member of the Kyiv Independent community...
04.28.2023
Everything we know about Ukrainian attacks inside Russia
Episode #5 is dedicated to Ukrainian attacks deep behind enemy lines, on Russian soil, and in occupied Crimea. Become a member of the Kyiv Independent community or support us with a one-time donation. Follow the Kyiv Independent on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Anastasiia Lapatina: Twitter – https://twitter.com/lapatina_...

What's This Week in Ukraine about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

This Week in Ukraine episodes:

Ukraine has a mobilization problem

The legal question of genocide in Ukraine

Is Ukraine running out of air defense missiles?

Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian oil infrastructure

Will Trump abandon Ukraine if he beats Biden in November?

How Ukraine downs Russian planes

How 10 years of Russian occupation changed Crimea

Bonus: Conversation with The Telegraph’s David Knowles

Avdiivka fell to Russia. Why?

Who is leading Ukraine’s military now?

Will Putin be challenged in upcoming Russian election?

Is NATO getting ready for escalation with Russia?

Alarming campaign against free press in Ukraine

Does Russia really want to negotiate peace?

Russia’s economic war against Ukraine

After 2023, what’s next for Ukraine?

Is Ukraine ready for long war?

What’s behind the crisis at Ukraine-Poland border?

Is Ukraine losing the war?

What is behind Defense Ministry’s overhaul?

What’s wrong with Hungary?

Ukraine makes “substantial progress” in its EU bid

How Russia is losing superiority in the Black Sea

Why murderers of EuroMaidan protestors still enjoy impunity

ATACMS, and Russia’s offensive on Avdiivka

Is support for Ukraine declining worldwide?

Why Ukraine has a problem with Elon Musk

How Ukraine is destroying Russian military in Crimea

Is the counteroffensive almost over?

Ukraine puts first oligarch behind bars

Will Ukraine hold elections during war?

Ministry of Defense is under fire for corruption, again

F-16s and the irrational politics of military aid

Counteroffensive progress: expectations vs. reality

Tragedy of civilian life in Donbas

Ukraine’s struggle to dump Soviet legacy

How Putin cracks down on former allies

Black Sea grain deal is dead. What can Ukraine do?

Why is Ukraine still not in NATO?

Why culture matters during war

Wagner’s mutiny attempt in Russia, and its consequences

How, and why, Russia kidnaps thousands of Ukrainian children

Ukraine’s counteroffensive finally began. What’s next?

Russia’s destruction of Ukrainian dam, and catastrophic flood it caused

Corruption in Ukraine, and where reforms fall short

What actually happened near Belgorod?

How Ukrainian air defense denies Russia air superiority

Why Russia relies on private militaries, like Wagner, for its war effort

Ukrainian grain exports, and the mayhem they cause in Europe

Everything we know about Ukrainian attacks inside Russia

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