Ukraine This Week

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Kateryna Denisova examines one of Ukraine's most unusual legal contradictions. Numerous adult content creators pay taxes to the state while risking criminal prosecution for the very work that generates their income. As Ukraine searches for every possible source of wartime revenue, platforms like OnlyFans have become part of the country's digital...

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Kateryna Denisova examines how Ukraine's attitudes toward LGBTQ people have changed — and why the country's laws have struggled to keep pace. Public support for LGBTQ equality has grown dramatically since Russia's full-scale invasion, while thousands of LGBTQ Ukrainians now serve in the military. Yet many still lack basic legal protections, i...

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines the surprising return of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to the center of efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Known internationally as the former owner of Chelsea FC, Abramovich has quietly played a role in negotiations since the earliest days of the full-scale invasion. The episode explores Abramovich’s relationship with...

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur explores the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea nearly two years after the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement. From North Korean troops fighting on Russia’s behalf to billions of dollars flowing into Pyongyang’s economy through arms sales and military support, the war has reshaped North Korea’s influence, econom...

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, three years after Russia destroyed the Kakhovka Dam, causing major flooding in the area. Once home to more than 24,000 people, Oleshky has endured occupation, flooding, food shortages, and increasing isolation since the start of Russia's full-scale i...

In this episode, Anna Belokur explains how mobilization actually works in Ukraine — and why the reality is far more complicated than viral videos often suggest. As Russia’s full-scale invasion is well into its fifth year, Ukraine faces the challenge of maintaining a military large enough to defend the country while balancing public concerns about fairness, freedom, and accountability. The episode...

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines Russia’s growing recruitment of fighters from African countries — and the tactics used to lure vulnerable people into military service. As Russia struggles to sustain high battlefield losses in Ukraine, Moscow has intensified efforts to recruit abroad, targeting countries with high youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities. Wh...

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency has changed over seven years in office, and whether he still represents the anti-establishment promises he campaigned on in 2019. Elected as a political outsider who vowed to fight corruption, Zelensky became the wartime leader who rallied the country after Russia’s full-scale invasion. But as his presi...

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines why war reporting is becoming more dangerous in Ukraine. As drone warfare expands across the country, journalists are increasingly exposed to risks far beyond the front line. With these new dangers, questions have emerged about how best to protect themselves and whether journalists should carry and use guns while working on the front line...

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Russia and its allies have rapidly expanded the use of long-range attack drones — and why much of the world remains unprepared to defend against them. Iranian-designed Shahed drones first appeared in Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2022. Since then, Moscow has scaled up production and developed its own improved versions, while launchi...