The Kyiv Independent
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Independent English-language journalism in Ukraine
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Inside Russia’s system of torture | Documentary
YouTube video by Kyiv Independent
www.youtube.com
In our new documentary, the Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit uncovers the torture of Ukrainian civilians held by Russian forces and traces the roots of these practices through Russian history.
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Ei...
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Ei...
Ukrainian forces struck six Russian military targets over the past two days; Ukraine's former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi claimed in an interview that the Security Service of Ukraine raided his office in September 2022; and more.
Ukraine war latest: Russian 'mothership' drones push Ukraine to consider SIM card passport rules
Key developments on Feb. 18:
* Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card sales
* Explosion at Ukrainian military enlistment office declared terrorist att...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Ukrainian forces struck six Russian military targets over the past two days; Ukraine's former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi claimed in an interview that the Security Service of Ukraine raided his office in September 2022; and more.
The effective confirmation by five European countries that Russia did kill opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2024 did not surprise those familiar with the Kremlin's track record.
What does Navalny’s murder confirmation mean for Russia, Ukraine and the West?
The effective confirmation by five European countries that Russia did kill opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2024 did not surprise those familiar with the Kremlin's track record.
But the Feb. 14 st...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 7:53 PM
The effective confirmation by five European countries that Russia did kill opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2024 did not surprise those familiar with the Kremlin's track record.
⚡️ Ukraine's leading postal service breaks into US market with UPS partnership.
Customers will be able to send packages up to 30 kilograms to Ukraine via 6,000 UPS Store locations across the U.S., Nova Poshta said in a press release on Feb. 18.
kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-po...
Customers will be able to send packages up to 30 kilograms to Ukraine via 6,000 UPS Store locations across the U.S., Nova Poshta said in a press release on Feb. 18.
kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-po...
Ukraine's leading postal service breaks into US market with UPS partnership
Customers will be able to send packages up to 30 kilograms to Ukraine via 6,000 UPS Store locations across the U.S., Nova Poshta said in a press release on Feb. 18.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 6:52 PM
⚡️ Ukraine's leading postal service breaks into US market with UPS partnership.
Customers will be able to send packages up to 30 kilograms to Ukraine via 6,000 UPS Store locations across the U.S., Nova Poshta said in a press release on Feb. 18.
kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-po...
Customers will be able to send packages up to 30 kilograms to Ukraine via 6,000 UPS Store locations across the U.S., Nova Poshta said in a press release on Feb. 18.
kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-po...
⚡️Ukraine hits 6 Russian military targets, including S-300VM missile launcher, General Staff says.
Ukraine hits 6 Russian military targets, including S-300VM missile launcher, General Staff says
Ukraine carried out a series of successful overnight attacks on Feb. 17–18 against military facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied territories.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 6:38 PM
⚡️Ukraine hits 6 Russian military targets, including S-300VM missile launcher, General Staff says.
A 28-year-old Brazilian recruit died after a brutal punishment handed out in a unit that regularly used discipline practices described as "torture" by those who both witnessed and suffered them, a Kyiv Independent investigation can reveal
kyivindependent.com/investigatio...
kyivindependent.com/investigatio...
Investigation: Brazilian recruit’s death in Ukraine points to abuse, torture in foreign fighter unit
A 28-year-old Brazilian recruit died after a brutal punishment handed out in a unit that regularly used discipline practices described as "torture" by those who both witnessed and suffered them, a Kyi...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 5:35 PM
A 28-year-old Brazilian recruit died after a brutal punishment handed out in a unit that regularly used discipline practices described as "torture" by those who both witnessed and suffered them, a Kyiv Independent investigation can reveal
kyivindependent.com/investigatio...
kyivindependent.com/investigatio...
⚡️Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card sales.
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card sales
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:57 PM
⚡️Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card sales.
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with Bill Browder, investor and longtime sanctions advocate, about why Western sanctions have so far failed to change Russian President Vladimir Putin’s behavior.
Putin would starve Russians before ending war, Browder says
YouTube video by Kyiv Independent
www.youtube.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with Bill Browder, investor and longtime sanctions advocate, about why Western sanctions have so far failed to change Russian President Vladimir Putin’s behavior.
⚡️Explosion at Ukrainian military enlistment office declared terrorist attack.
Investigators and bomb disposal experts continue to work at the scene, the report read.
Investigators and bomb disposal experts continue to work at the scene, the report read.
Explosion at Ukrainian military enlistment office declared terrorist attack
Investigators and bomb disposal experts continue to work at the scene, the report read.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:19 PM
⚡️Explosion at Ukrainian military enlistment office declared terrorist attack.
Investigators and bomb disposal experts continue to work at the scene, the report read.
Investigators and bomb disposal experts continue to work at the scene, the report read.
⚡️ Geneva negotiations progress uneven — Zelensky highlights military gains, political gaps.
"We can see that some groundwork has been laid, but positions remain different, as the negotiations were difficult," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"We can see that some groundwork has been laid, but positions remain different, as the negotiations were difficult," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
'Difficult' talks in Geneva — Zelensky signals progress on ceasefire, political stalemate continues
"We agreed to continue and move forward," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 10:57 AM
⚡️ Geneva negotiations progress uneven — Zelensky highlights military gains, political gaps.
"We can see that some groundwork has been laid, but positions remain different, as the negotiations were difficult," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"We can see that some groundwork has been laid, but positions remain different, as the negotiations were difficult," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
⚡️ Update: Geneva talks give Ukraine clarity on ceasefire monitoring, Zelensky says.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
'Difficult but practical' — Ukraine, Russia hold second round of Geneva peace talks
While reporting suggested the political track stalled during the first day — partly due to Moscow's appointment of hard-line aide Vladimir Medinsky as chief negotiator — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witko...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 10:43 AM
⚡️ Update: Geneva talks give Ukraine clarity on ceasefire monitoring, Zelensky says.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
⚡️ Update: 'Difficult but practical' — Russia describes day 2 of Ukraine talks in Geneva.
The meeting lasted around two hours.
The meeting lasted around two hours.
Ukraine, Russia begin second day of Geneva talks as US envoy claims 'meaningful progress'
While reporting suggested the political track stalled during the first day — partly due to Moscow's appointment of hard-line aide Vladimir Medinsky as chief negotiator — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witko...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 9:58 AM
⚡️ Update: 'Difficult but practical' — Russia describes day 2 of Ukraine talks in Geneva.
The meeting lasted around two hours.
The meeting lasted around two hours.
⚡️ Update: Zelensky calls Geneva peace talks 'indeed difficult,' accuses Russia of dragging process out.
"I would like to thank the American side for their attention to detail and patience in discussions with the Russian representatives present," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"I would like to thank the American side for their attention to detail and patience in discussions with the Russian representatives present," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Ukraine, Russia begin second day of Geneva talks as US envoy claims 'meaningful progress'
While reporting suggested the political track stalled during the first day — partly due to Moscow's appointment of hard-line aide Vladimir Medinsky as chief negotiator — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witko...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 9:51 AM
⚡️ Update: Zelensky calls Geneva peace talks 'indeed difficult,' accuses Russia of dragging process out.
"I would like to thank the American side for their attention to detail and patience in discussions with the Russian representatives present," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"I would like to thank the American side for their attention to detail and patience in discussions with the Russian representatives present," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"An interceptor drone was an effective device in good meteorological conditions — not in -20°, not in snow, not in rain. This merits attention," Anatolii Khrapchynsky, an aviation expert and reservist in the Ukrainian Air Force, told the Kyiv Independent.
Winter has grounded Ukraine's interceptor drones, gutting Kyiv's air defense
From his base near the hotly contested town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Vladyslav has, by his own estimates, downed upwards of 60 Russian drones using Ukrainian interceptor drones over the past...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 9:22 AM
"An interceptor drone was an effective device in good meteorological conditions — not in -20°, not in snow, not in rain. This merits attention," Anatolii Khrapchynsky, an aviation expert and reservist in the Ukrainian Air Force, told the Kyiv Independent.
⚡️ Ukraine, Russia begin second day of Geneva talks as US envoy claims 'meaningful progress.'
Ukraine, Russia begin second day of Geneva talks as US envoy claims 'meaningful progress'
While reporting suggested the political track stalled during the first day — partly due to Moscow's appointment of hard-line aide Vladimir Medinsky as chief negotiator — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witko...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 9:04 AM
⚡️ Ukraine, Russia begin second day of Geneva talks as US envoy claims 'meaningful progress.'
⚡️At least 5 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
At least 5 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 7:58 AM
⚡️At least 5 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
A tiny Austrian sensor designed for precise motion control made an impressive journey across the globe. Some time after being sold to a company in Hong Kong, it turned up in Ukraine inside a long-range military drone launched from Russia.
Investigation: How Russian drones exploit European technologies to strike Ukraine, and beyond
Editor's note: This story is part of a cross-border investigative project that involved eight newsrooms, initiated by De Tijd (Belgium) and coordinated by the Kyiv Independent and OCCRP.
A tiny Austr...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 7:44 AM
A tiny Austrian sensor designed for precise motion control made an impressive journey across the globe. Some time after being sold to a company in Hong Kong, it turned up in Ukraine inside a long-range military drone launched from Russia.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Feb. 18, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
February 18, 2026 at 7:24 AM
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Feb. 18, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
⚡️Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics.
Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan, marking the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.
Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan, marking the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.
Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics
Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan. It will be the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:34 AM
⚡️Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics.
Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan, marking the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.
Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan, marking the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.
Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. held a new round of trilateral peace talks in Geneva on Feb. 17; Deep strike drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine successfully hit a large Russian chemicals plant that supplies the country's explosives production; and more.
Ukraine war latest: Drones strike oil, chemical plants in Russia as fresh peace talks begin in Geneva
Key developments on Feb. 17
* Ukraine, Russia hold US-mediated Geneva talks focused on 'practical issues,' negotiations to resume Feb. 18
* SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives producti...
kyivindependent.com
February 17, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. held a new round of trilateral peace talks in Geneva on Feb. 17; Deep strike drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine successfully hit a large Russian chemicals plant that supplies the country's explosives production; and more.
⚡️ Update: Ukraine says Geneva talks with Russia, US focused on 'practical issues.'
The results of the first day will be reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky today, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.
The results of the first day will be reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky today, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.
Ukraine, Russia hold US-mediated Geneva talks focused on 'practical issues,' negotiations to resume Feb. 18
"Discussions focused on practical issues and the mechanics of possible solutions," Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.
kyivindependent.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
⚡️ Update: Ukraine says Geneva talks with Russia, US focused on 'practical issues.'
The results of the first day will be reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky today, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.
The results of the first day will be reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky today, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.
At the Munich Security Conference, Western leaders acknowledged that Europe’s post-Cold War security order is over — as Russia’s war against Ukraine enters another year with no clear end in sight.
February 17, 2026 at 6:09 PM
At the Munich Security Conference, Western leaders acknowledged that Europe’s post-Cold War security order is over — as Russia’s war against Ukraine enters another year with no clear end in sight.
The Pokrovsk front currently faces the fiercest fighting, with Russia ramping up its offensive in late 2025 to finally capture the city.
'If you stop, you die' — Inside Ukraine's last fight for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
DONETSK OBLAST — Walking through the mine-infested field under intense Russian drone surveillance was the scariest part of the mission for 22-year-old infantryman Mykola.
"If you stop, you die," said...
kyivindependent.com
February 17, 2026 at 6:04 PM
The Pokrovsk front currently faces the fiercest fighting, with Russia ramping up its offensive in late 2025 to finally capture the city.
⚡️SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep inside Russia.
The attack on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai was carried out overnight between Feb. 16-17 by deep strike specialists from the SBU's Alpha unit.
The attack on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai was carried out overnight between Feb. 16-17 by deep strike specialists from the SBU's Alpha unit.
SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep inside Russia
The attack on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai was carried out overnight between Feb. 16-17 by deep strike specialists from the SBU's Alpha unit.
kyivindependent.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:52 PM
⚡️SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep inside Russia.
The attack on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai was carried out overnight between Feb. 16-17 by deep strike specialists from the SBU's Alpha unit.
The attack on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai was carried out overnight between Feb. 16-17 by deep strike specialists from the SBU's Alpha unit.
⚡️ Exclusive: European officials present in Geneva as Russia, Ukraine hold US-mediated peace talks.
Officials from Germany, the U.K., and France are also in Geneva, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
Officials from Germany, the U.K., and France are also in Geneva, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
Ukraine, Russia start US-mediated Geneva peace talks as Moscow signals harder line
The talks unfold after a week of pointed criticism from Russian officials, who have suggested that only Ukraine's capitulation would satisfy Moscow's objectives.
kyivindependent.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:52 PM
⚡️ Exclusive: European officials present in Geneva as Russia, Ukraine hold US-mediated peace talks.
Officials from Germany, the U.K., and France are also in Geneva, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
Officials from Germany, the U.K., and France are also in Geneva, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
⚡️Kremlin threatens to deploy navy if Europe seizes more Russian shadow fleet vessels.
Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, who had served as head of the FSB intelligence agency as well as secretary of the Security Council, made the threats on Feb. 17.
Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, who had served as head of the FSB intelligence agency as well as secretary of the Security Council, made the threats on Feb. 17.
Kremlin threatens to deploy navy if Europe seizes more Russian shadow fleet vessels
Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev called the European raids on shadow fleet ships "piracy," and expressed concern that the next step would be a full-fledged blockade.
kyivindependent.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:51 PM
⚡️Kremlin threatens to deploy navy if Europe seizes more Russian shadow fleet vessels.
Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, who had served as head of the FSB intelligence agency as well as secretary of the Security Council, made the threats on Feb. 17.
Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, who had served as head of the FSB intelligence agency as well as secretary of the Security Council, made the threats on Feb. 17.