Neil Hauer
@neilphauer.bsky.social
Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya), Russia, Ukraine, Syria, heavy metal. Stories @CNN, @CBC, @NYMag, @guardian etc. 🇨🇦 neil.hauer@gmail.com. Eng/рус/հայ.
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Neil Hauer
@neilphauer.bsky.social
· Sep 20
Dear followers, I have a request for you. I'm presently back in Ukraine again, and looking to make a reporting trip out to Donbas soon. The costs of this are not low, though, and keep growing as media budgets shrink. That's why I'm asking for your help to make this trip work. /1
While Donbas has captured public attention, the rest of Ukraine also suffers from Russia's war. In Sumy, a growing drone campaign portends more displacement as locals fear the city becoming a 'second Kherson.'
I visited Sumy for @offbeatresearch.bsky.social: offbeatresearch.com/2025/11/year...
I visited Sumy for @offbeatresearch.bsky.social: offbeatresearch.com/2025/11/year...
Years On, Sumy Struggles with Russian Bombardment - OffBeat Research
Neil Hauer reports from Sumy, a city which has grown increasingly war-weary as the threat of constant drone attacks and bombardments drag on the daily lives of its residents.
offbeatresearch.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM
While Donbas has captured public attention, the rest of Ukraine also suffers from Russia's war. In Sumy, a growing drone campaign portends more displacement as locals fear the city becoming a 'second Kherson.'
I visited Sumy for @offbeatresearch.bsky.social: offbeatresearch.com/2025/11/year...
I visited Sumy for @offbeatresearch.bsky.social: offbeatresearch.com/2025/11/year...
The battle for Donbas is now fought with small arms and smaller drones, and men in teams of two or three. But the fighting is even deadlier than earlier in this war.
I visited Dobropillya and spoke with some of its Ukrainian defenders, for CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/world/u...
I visited Dobropillya and spoke with some of its Ukrainian defenders, for CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/world/u...
In Donbas, Ukrainian troops fight off endless Russian assaults | CBC News
In Dobropillia, a coal-mining town just a few kilometres from the front line with Russia in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, its few remaining inhabitants shuffle to find food or water under the const...
www.cbc.ca
November 6, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The battle for Donbas is now fought with small arms and smaller drones, and men in teams of two or three. But the fighting is even deadlier than earlier in this war.
I visited Dobropillya and spoke with some of its Ukrainian defenders, for CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/world/u...
I visited Dobropillya and spoke with some of its Ukrainian defenders, for CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/world/u...
I'm in Sloviansk, eastern Ukraine. Three massive Russian glide bombs just tore into the city a few kilometers away, big enough to feel their shockwaves in my apartment. Just an average night for Donbas.
October 4, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I'm in Sloviansk, eastern Ukraine. Three massive Russian glide bombs just tore into the city a few kilometers away, big enough to feel their shockwaves in my apartment. Just an average night for Donbas.
Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to speak with infantry from Ukraine's 14th Brigade. They had just returned from a 90-day posting in Novoekonomichne - one of the hottest parts of the entire front. Their commander, 'Bobruk,' had some very interesting insights.
Thread:
Thread:
October 4, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to speak with infantry from Ukraine's 14th Brigade. They had just returned from a 90-day posting in Novoekonomichne - one of the hottest parts of the entire front. Their commander, 'Bobruk,' had some very interesting insights.
Thread:
Thread:
Dear followers, I have a request for you. I'm presently back in Ukraine again, and looking to make a reporting trip out to Donbas soon. The costs of this are not low, though, and keep growing as media budgets shrink. That's why I'm asking for your help to make this trip work. /1
September 20, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Dear followers, I have a request for you. I'm presently back in Ukraine again, and looking to make a reporting trip out to Donbas soon. The costs of this are not low, though, and keep growing as media budgets shrink. That's why I'm asking for your help to make this trip work. /1
More than three years into full-scale warfare, Ukraine and Russia are locked in a war of attrition, with an uncertain outcome. Yet there are some key steps that Western policymakers can take to ensure Ukraine emerges victorious.
My new policy paper: carleton.ca/eetn/2025/a-...
My new policy paper: carleton.ca/eetn/2025/a-...
A Stoppable Force and a Movable Object: Mutual Exhaustion in Russia and Ukraine
Heavy losses in manpower and materiel have degraded the ability of both sides to achieve significant breakthroughs in offensive operations, while the past 18 months of the war have been marked by near...
carleton.ca
May 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
More than three years into full-scale warfare, Ukraine and Russia are locked in a war of attrition, with an uncertain outcome. Yet there are some key steps that Western policymakers can take to ensure Ukraine emerges victorious.
My new policy paper: carleton.ca/eetn/2025/a-...
My new policy paper: carleton.ca/eetn/2025/a-...
Syria's minorities have been in the news lately, amidst uncertainty over their futures. But in the city of Aleppo, one Christian community is thriving: the Armenians.
I spent a few days with them, for CTV News: www.ctvnews.ca/world/articl...
I spent a few days with them, for CTV News: www.ctvnews.ca/world/articl...
What it’s like for minority Christians in Syria, after the fall of the longtime dictator
It’s been four months since the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad marked the beginning of a new era in Syria. While the strongman’s toppling has brought hope, incidents of sectarian violence -...
www.ctvnews.ca
April 27, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Syria's minorities have been in the news lately, amidst uncertainty over their futures. But in the city of Aleppo, one Christian community is thriving: the Armenians.
I spent a few days with them, for CTV News: www.ctvnews.ca/world/articl...
I spent a few days with them, for CTV News: www.ctvnews.ca/world/articl...
In Tbilisi for a quick visit, and it's noticably depressing here. The most common conversation with friends is 'did you make it across the border okay?', followed by stories of foreigners who were deported. This from a country that was once the light in the region.
April 17, 2025 at 12:39 AM
In Tbilisi for a quick visit, and it's noticably depressing here. The most common conversation with friends is 'did you make it across the border okay?', followed by stories of foreigners who were deported. This from a country that was once the light in the region.
Visiting Ottawa this week for a short conference (and presentation on Russia/Ukraine) at my alma mater, @Carleton_U. Have already met so many Ukrainians the past day here 🇺🇦🇨🇦
March 20, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Visiting Ottawa this week for a short conference (and presentation on Russia/Ukraine) at my alma mater, @Carleton_U. Have already met so many Ukrainians the past day here 🇺🇦🇨🇦
Have a pair of longform pieces (3,000-5,000 words) on Syria that I'm trying to find homes for. I've got good pitches drawn up for each, but struggling to find the right outlet(s). Any advice or suggestions appreciated.
March 18, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Have a pair of longform pieces (3,000-5,000 words) on Syria that I'm trying to find homes for. I've got good pitches drawn up for each, but struggling to find the right outlet(s). Any advice or suggestions appreciated.
Still searching, folks
Editors: I'm looking for a home for a story of mine on Latakia, Syria, where I was present just days before the the explosion of violence there this past weekend. Anyone interested? DMs are open.
March 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Still searching, folks
Editors: I'm looking for a home for a story of mine on Latakia, Syria, where I was present just days before the the explosion of violence there this past weekend. Anyone interested? DMs are open.
March 13, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Editors: I'm looking for a home for a story of mine on Latakia, Syria, where I was present just days before the the explosion of violence there this past weekend. Anyone interested? DMs are open.
Latakia, on the Syrian coast. The former heartland of the Assad regime.
February 23, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Latakia, on the Syrian coast. The former heartland of the Assad regime.
On April 7, 2018, the Assad regime gassed the city of Douma. Survivors were brought to the Hague & forced to deny it. But their story didn't end there: two of the witnesses have been thrown out of their homes and threatened by HTS fighters.
My latest from Syria: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s...
My latest from Syria: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s...
Syrian gas attack witnesses coerced into false testimony face new threats at home | CBC News
After the Syrian government launched a chemical attack on the rebel-held area of Douma, Syria, in 2018, some of the survivors were forced to falsely testify it never happened. Now, some of those peopl...
www.cbc.ca
February 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
On April 7, 2018, the Assad regime gassed the city of Douma. Survivors were brought to the Hague & forced to deny it. But their story didn't end there: two of the witnesses have been thrown out of their homes and threatened by HTS fighters.
My latest from Syria: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s...
My latest from Syria: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s...
Meet Bakhour Chamntoub, the new head of Damascus's Jewish community (all 7 of them). The self-proclaimed 'best tailor in Syria,' Bakhour is a real celebrity - seemingly half the Old City knows him. He says he can't leave Syria because he's a womanizer and 'all my girls are here.'
February 18, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Meet Bakhour Chamntoub, the new head of Damascus's Jewish community (all 7 of them). The self-proclaimed 'best tailor in Syria,' Bakhour is a real celebrity - seemingly half the Old City knows him. He says he can't leave Syria because he's a womanizer and 'all my girls are here.'
Have just arrived in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda. The local Druze population were stridently anti-Assad for years - but the local leadership does not get along with the new Syrian authorities, either. Promises to be an interesting couple of days here.
February 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Have just arrived in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda. The local Druze population were stridently anti-Assad for years - but the local leadership does not get along with the new Syrian authorities, either. Promises to be an interesting couple of days here.
Reposted by Neil Hauer
Today I visited Douma, a northeastern suburb of Damascus that was one of the first strongholds of the Free Syrian Army. It spent seven years until siege and bombardment, with near-constant artillery and airstrikes - including a chemical gas attack.
February 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Today I visited Douma, a northeastern suburb of Damascus that was one of the first strongholds of the Free Syrian Army. It spent seven years until siege and bombardment, with near-constant artillery and airstrikes - including a chemical gas attack.
Today I visited Douma, a northeastern suburb of Damascus that was one of the first strongholds of the Free Syrian Army. It spent seven years until siege and bombardment, with near-constant artillery and airstrikes - including a chemical gas attack.
February 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Today I visited Douma, a northeastern suburb of Damascus that was one of the first strongholds of the Free Syrian Army. It spent seven years until siege and bombardment, with near-constant artillery and airstrikes - including a chemical gas attack.
13 years after I started obsessing over maps and videos of the Syrian war, I am actually here, in Free Damascus. Still feels like a dream. What an absolute privilege to be here and I can't wait to see so much of this beautiful country over the next month! 💚🤍🖤
February 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
13 years after I started obsessing over maps and videos of the Syrian war, I am actually here, in Free Damascus. Still feels like a dream. What an absolute privilege to be here and I can't wait to see so much of this beautiful country over the next month! 💚🤍🖤
Hello Beirut 🇱🇧! Landed in Lebanon's lovely capital today for a quick stopover and last preparations. Tomorrow, I will make the journey overland to Damascus and Free Syria 🇸🇾 (when will this emoji be updated!?).
February 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Hello Beirut 🇱🇧! Landed in Lebanon's lovely capital today for a quick stopover and last preparations. Tomorrow, I will make the journey overland to Damascus and Free Syria 🇸🇾 (when will this emoji be updated!?).
Reposted by Neil Hauer
You can find the donation link here: buymeacoffee.com/neilphauer
Neil Hauer is Artist
Canadian journalist, proud freelancer for almost a decade. Reporting on Russia, Ukraine, the Caucasus and (soon) Syria for CBC, CNN, New York Magazine, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs and everyone els
buymeacoffee.com
February 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM
You can find the donation link here: buymeacoffee.com/neilphauer
Reposted by Neil Hauer
Re-upping this as I'm in final preparations for this trip - will be flying to Beirut on Sunday and crossing to Damascus on Monday. Any support appreciated!
Dear Bluesky, I have a humble request today. I am presently planning a long reporting trip to Syria, looking to spend nearly a month in the country telling the stories of its many communities under the Assad regime, as well as their hopes - and fears - for the future.
February 5, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Re-upping this as I'm in final preparations for this trip - will be flying to Beirut on Sunday and crossing to Damascus on Monday. Any support appreciated!
Re-upping this as I'm in final preparations for this trip - will be flying to Beirut on Sunday and crossing to Damascus on Monday. Any support appreciated!
Dear Bluesky, I have a humble request today. I am presently planning a long reporting trip to Syria, looking to spend nearly a month in the country telling the stories of its many communities under the Assad regime, as well as their hopes - and fears - for the future.
February 5, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Re-upping this as I'm in final preparations for this trip - will be flying to Beirut on Sunday and crossing to Damascus on Monday. Any support appreciated!
Any other journalists (freelance or otherwise) heading to Syria soon and want to split costs on fixers etc? Drop me a line if so
February 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Any other journalists (freelance or otherwise) heading to Syria soon and want to split costs on fixers etc? Drop me a line if so
The sham trials of Karabakh Armenian leaders, including Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan, are underway in Azerbaijan. The closed-door proceedings are a mockery of justice.
I spoke with Vardanyan's son and others about the trials: www.intellinews.com/families-of-...
I spoke with Vardanyan's son and others about the trials: www.intellinews.com/families-of-...
Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan
For David Vardanyan, September 27, 2023 is a day he’ll never forget. It was the day he awoke to photos of his father, Russian-Armenian billionaire ...
www.intellinews.com
February 3, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The sham trials of Karabakh Armenian leaders, including Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan, are underway in Azerbaijan. The closed-door proceedings are a mockery of justice.
I spoke with Vardanyan's son and others about the trials: www.intellinews.com/families-of-...
I spoke with Vardanyan's son and others about the trials: www.intellinews.com/families-of-...