Martin Kuz
@martinkuz.bsky.social
Independent journalist covering Ukraine
Newsletter: https://martinkuz.substack.com
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/reporting-on-ukraine
Bylines: @thehill.com @newlinesmag.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com
Newsletter: https://martinkuz.substack.com
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/reporting-on-ukraine
Bylines: @thehill.com @newlinesmag.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com
Reposted by Martin Kuz
"Hunger robbed Anastasia Lysyvets of her family one by one. In less than a year, her father and mother, only sister and youngest brother starved to deathAnastasia, 11, and her 7-year-old brother, Mykola, struggled to stay alive, subsisting on weeds, grass, berries, rodents, bugs and bits of wood."
Genocide then, genocide now
Ukrainians remember the victims of Stalin’s famine as they continue to endure Putin’s tyranny
martinkuz.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:07 PM
"Hunger robbed Anastasia Lysyvets of her family one by one. In less than a year, her father and mother, only sister and youngest brother starved to deathAnastasia, 11, and her 7-year-old brother, Mykola, struggled to stay alive, subsisting on weeds, grass, berries, rodents, bugs and bits of wood."
Reposted by Martin Kuz
Early in the war, Ivan led a Marine scout team across enemy lines in the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. Russian troops captured the four men and transferred them by plane to a prison west of Moscow. As the aircraft landed, a Russian soldier offered a grim salutation: “Welcome to hell.”
To stay human
Tortured for over 1,000 days in a Russian prison, a former Marine shares his story of anguish, survival and guarding the light within
martinkuz.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Early in the war, Ivan led a Marine scout team across enemy lines in the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. Russian troops captured the four men and transferred them by plane to a prison west of Moscow. As the aircraft landed, a Russian soldier offered a grim salutation: “Welcome to hell.”
Early in the war, Ivan led a Marine scout team across enemy lines in the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. Russian troops captured the four men and transferred them by plane to a prison west of Moscow. As the aircraft landed, a Russian soldier offered a grim salutation: “Welcome to hell.”
To stay human
Tortured for over 1,000 days in a Russian prison, a former Marine shares his story of anguish, survival and guarding the light within
martinkuz.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Early in the war, Ivan led a Marine scout team across enemy lines in the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. Russian troops captured the four men and transferred them by plane to a prison west of Moscow. As the aircraft landed, a Russian soldier offered a grim salutation: “Welcome to hell.”
Reposted by Martin Kuz
The guards moved with unhurried menace as the sounds of torment carried up the corridor: the low buzz of Tasers, the heavy thud of truncheons, the sharp slap of fists.
To stay human
Tortured for over 1,000 days in a Russian prison, a former Marine shares his story of anguish, survival and guarding the light inside
martinkuz.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:46 AM
The guards moved with unhurried menace as the sounds of torment carried up the corridor: the low buzz of Tasers, the heavy thud of truncheons, the sharp slap of fists.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
Valentyna described long months of struggling with “drone trauma.” The incessant nighttime buzzing and frequent explosions had burdened her with anxiety, migraines and insomnia that antidepressants and sedatives failed to alleviate.
‘You see your life disappearing’
As civilians forced to flee their homes confront the unknown, aid workers who evacuate them channel their fury at Russia into empathy for Ukrainians
martinkuz.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Valentyna described long months of struggling with “drone trauma.” The incessant nighttime buzzing and frequent explosions had burdened her with anxiety, migraines and insomnia that antidepressants and sedatives failed to alleviate.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
"Viktoriia’s body was missing the brain, eyes and a segment of the trachea.
"Forensic analysis later revealed burn marks consistent with electric shocks and a fractured rib. The hyoid bone in her neck was broken, an injury that can occur during strangulation."
"Forensic analysis later revealed burn marks consistent with electric shocks and a fractured rib. The hyoid bone in her neck was broken, an injury that can occur during strangulation."
Killing the messengers
Putin and other autocrats believe that oppressing journalists will suppress the truth. It is a belief at once malicious and mistaken.
martinkuz.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM
"Viktoriia’s body was missing the brain, eyes and a segment of the trachea.
"Forensic analysis later revealed burn marks consistent with electric shocks and a fractured rib. The hyoid bone in her neck was broken, an injury that can occur during strangulation."
"Forensic analysis later revealed burn marks consistent with electric shocks and a fractured rib. The hyoid bone in her neck was broken, an injury that can occur during strangulation."
Reposted by Martin Kuz
The war's onset drew Eduard Skyork into the evacuation work he now considers his mission. Three years later, he continues to channel his fury at the Russians into compassion for his fellow Ukrainians. “Anger is another enemy—it will hurt your health,” he said. “I use that energy for empathy.”
‘You see your life disappearing’
As civilians forced to flee their homes confront the unknown, aid workers who evacuate them channel their fury at Russia into empathy for Ukrainians
martinkuz.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The war's onset drew Eduard Skyork into the evacuation work he now considers his mission. Three years later, he continues to channel his fury at the Russians into compassion for his fellow Ukrainians. “Anger is another enemy—it will hurt your health,” he said. “I use that energy for empathy.”
The war's onset drew Eduard Skyork into the evacuation work he now considers his mission. Three years later, he continues to channel his fury at the Russians into compassion for his fellow Ukrainians. “Anger is another enemy—it will hurt your health,” he said. “I use that energy for empathy.”
‘You see your life disappearing’
As civilians forced to flee their homes confront the unknown, aid workers who evacuate them channel their fury at Russia into empathy for Ukrainians
martinkuz.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The war's onset drew Eduard Skyork into the evacuation work he now considers his mission. Three years later, he continues to channel his fury at the Russians into compassion for his fellow Ukrainians. “Anger is another enemy—it will hurt your health,” he said. “I use that energy for empathy.”
Reposted by Martin Kuz
Three years ago, responding to an evacuation request in Bakhmut, Eduard Skyork began guiding a 70-year-old man down an apartment building stairwell. A moment passed before grandson and grandfather recognized one another. “I saw you in a dream,” Volodymyr told him. “I knew you would come.”
‘You see your life disappearing’
As civilians forced to flee their homes confront the unknown, aid workers who evacuate them channel their fury at Russia into empathy for Ukrainians
martinkuz.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Three years ago, responding to an evacuation request in Bakhmut, Eduard Skyork began guiding a 70-year-old man down an apartment building stairwell. A moment passed before grandson and grandfather recognized one another. “I saw you in a dream,” Volodymyr told him. “I knew you would come.”
Three years ago, responding to an evacuation request in Bakhmut, Eduard Skyork began guiding a 70-year-old man down an apartment building stairwell. A moment passed before grandson and grandfather recognized one another. “I saw you in a dream,” Volodymyr told him. “I knew you would come.”
‘You see your life disappearing’
As civilians forced to flee their homes confront the unknown, aid workers who evacuate them channel their fury at Russia into empathy for Ukrainians
martinkuz.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Three years ago, responding to an evacuation request in Bakhmut, Eduard Skyork began guiding a 70-year-old man down an apartment building stairwell. A moment passed before grandson and grandfather recognized one another. “I saw you in a dream,” Volodymyr told him. “I knew you would come.”
Reposted by Martin Kuz
A burial ceremony for three fallen soldiers had ended some time earlier. Their loved ones walked in silence down the hill. Now as 80 years ago, when war descended on Vasyl and Anna Kuz, so many families across Ukraine know that pain. So many families know they have been broken forever.
Broken forever
War severed my late father's family in Ukraine more than 80 years ago. So many in his homeland now share the same pain.
martinkuz.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
A burial ceremony for three fallen soldiers had ended some time earlier. Their loved ones walked in silence down the hill. Now as 80 years ago, when war descended on Vasyl and Anna Kuz, so many families across Ukraine know that pain. So many families know they have been broken forever.
A burial ceremony for three fallen soldiers had ended some time earlier. Their loved ones walked in silence down the hill. Now as 80 years ago, when war descended on Vasyl and Anna Kuz, so many families across Ukraine know that pain. So many families know they have been broken forever.
Broken forever
War severed my late father's family in Ukraine more than 80 years ago. So many in his homeland now share the same pain.
martinkuz.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
A burial ceremony for three fallen soldiers had ended some time earlier. Their loved ones walked in silence down the hill. Now as 80 years ago, when war descended on Vasyl and Anna Kuz, so many families across Ukraine know that pain. So many families know they have been broken forever.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
To move through cities and villages in eastern Ukraine near the front line is to experience constant internal whiplash. Town by town, mile by mile, the country’s natural beauty and creative spirit collide with the widening destruction and darkness of Russia’s war.
Reaching toward the light
In eastern Ukraine, the country’s natural beauty and creative spirit remain visible amid the war’s devastation
martinkuz.substack.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM
To move through cities and villages in eastern Ukraine near the front line is to experience constant internal whiplash. Town by town, mile by mile, the country’s natural beauty and creative spirit collide with the widening destruction and darkness of Russia’s war.
To move through cities and villages in eastern Ukraine near the front line is to experience constant internal whiplash. Town by town, mile by mile, the country’s natural beauty and creative spirit collide with the widening destruction and darkness of Russia’s war.
Reaching toward the light
In eastern Ukraine, the country’s natural beauty and creative spirit remain visible amid the war’s devastation
martinkuz.substack.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM
To move through cities and villages in eastern Ukraine near the front line is to experience constant internal whiplash. Town by town, mile by mile, the country’s natural beauty and creative spirit collide with the widening destruction and darkness of Russia’s war.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
Every time Trump cozies up to Putin, know that he's groveling for the approval of a man who's systematically targeting apartment buildings where the only enemy combatants are young moms and two-year-olds.
Never a day without war
Born earlier in Russia’s invasion, Anhelina Halych died before she could know peace
martinkuz.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Every time Trump cozies up to Putin, know that he's groveling for the approval of a man who's systematically targeting apartment buildings where the only enemy combatants are young moms and two-year-olds.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
"As the missile fell, did they know? Did they tremble? Did they hold each other tight? Or did they sleep, adrift below the surface, unaware of their last moment, their last breath?"
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
Never a day without war
Born earlier in Russia’s invasion, Anhelina Halych died before she could know peace
martinkuz.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:14 AM
"As the missile fell, did they know? Did they tremble? Did they hold each other tight? Or did they sleep, adrift below the surface, unaware of their last moment, their last breath?"
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
"As the missile fell, did they know? Did they tremble? Did they hold each other tight? Or did they sleep, adrift below the surface, unaware of their last moment, their last breath?"
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
Never a day without war
Born earlier in Russia’s invasion, Anhelina Halych died before she could know peace
martinkuz.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:14 AM
"As the missile fell, did they know? Did they tremble? Did they hold each other tight? Or did they sleep, adrift below the surface, unaware of their last moment, their last breath?"
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
A photo essay from the site where more than 20 people died in last week's devastating air attack on Kyiv.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
Yaroslav had yet to step out of the flat when a ballistic missile slammed into the building. The staircase collapsed. His entire family was gone.
'I feel the emptiness everywhere'
Russia denies targeting civilians. One year after losing his entire family in a missile attack, Yaroslav Bazylevych attests to the depth of that lie.
martinkuz.substack.com
August 25, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Yaroslav had yet to step out of the flat when a ballistic missile slammed into the building. The staircase collapsed. His entire family was gone.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
This Aug. 24 marks the fourth wartime Independence Day for Ukraine, and earlier today in Kyiv, family members of missing, captive and fallen soldiers gathered to honor their loved ones. The somber mood reflected the reality that hundreds of thousands of families will never be made whole.
Incomplete independence
For families of missing, captive and fallen soldiers, Independence Day magnifies the absence of loved ones
martinkuz.substack.com
August 24, 2025 at 8:47 PM
This Aug. 24 marks the fourth wartime Independence Day for Ukraine, and earlier today in Kyiv, family members of missing, captive and fallen soldiers gathered to honor their loved ones. The somber mood reflected the reality that hundreds of thousands of families will never be made whole.
This Aug. 24 marks the fourth wartime Independence Day for Ukraine, and earlier today in Kyiv, family members of missing, captive and fallen soldiers gathered to honor their loved ones. The somber mood reflected the reality that hundreds of thousands of families will never be made whole.
Incomplete independence
For families of missing, captive and fallen soldiers, Independence Day magnifies the absence of loved ones
martinkuz.substack.com
August 24, 2025 at 8:47 PM
This Aug. 24 marks the fourth wartime Independence Day for Ukraine, and earlier today in Kyiv, family members of missing, captive and fallen soldiers gathered to honor their loved ones. The somber mood reflected the reality that hundreds of thousands of families will never be made whole.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
No concept of justice can remedy the suffering of a husband and father who has lost his family in one grievous, everlasting instant. So I wondered what Yaroslav felt should happen to those who killed his wife and children and to Russia as a whole for its untold crimes against Ukraine.
'I feel the emptiness everywhere'
Russia denies targeting civilians. One year after losing his entire family in a missile attack, Yaroslav Bazylevych attests to the depth of that lie.
martinkuz.substack.com
August 24, 2025 at 4:39 AM
No concept of justice can remedy the suffering of a husband and father who has lost his family in one grievous, everlasting instant. So I wondered what Yaroslav felt should happen to those who killed his wife and children and to Russia as a whole for its untold crimes against Ukraine.
No concept of justice can remedy the suffering of a husband and father who has lost his family in one grievous, everlasting instant. So I wondered what Yaroslav felt should happen to those who killed his wife and children and to Russia as a whole for its untold crimes against Ukraine.
'I feel the emptiness everywhere'
Russia denies targeting civilians. One year after losing his entire family in a missile attack, Yaroslav Bazylevych attests to the depth of that lie.
martinkuz.substack.com
August 24, 2025 at 4:39 AM
No concept of justice can remedy the suffering of a husband and father who has lost his family in one grievous, everlasting instant. So I wondered what Yaroslav felt should happen to those who killed his wife and children and to Russia as a whole for its untold crimes against Ukraine.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
Magazine journalism recently lost one of its best after cancer claimed William Langewiesche. I interviewed him in '08, and the article is newly available online. I later got to know him a bit, and along with the scope, force and clarity of his writing, I'll always admire his curiosity and humility.
Q&A with International Correspondent William Langewiesche - Sactown Magazine
Whether William Langewiesche is writing at his Davis home or reporting in Kosovo, the globe-trotting Vanity Fair scribe and two-time National Magazine Award winner keeps his feet on the ground.
www.sactownmag.com
August 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Magazine journalism recently lost one of its best after cancer claimed William Langewiesche. I interviewed him in '08, and the article is newly available online. I later got to know him a bit, and along with the scope, force and clarity of his writing, I'll always admire his curiosity and humility.
Magazine journalism recently lost one of its best after cancer claimed William Langewiesche. I interviewed him in '08, and the article is newly available online. I later got to know him a bit, and along with the scope, force and clarity of his writing, I'll always admire his curiosity and humility.
Q&A with International Correspondent William Langewiesche - Sactown Magazine
Whether William Langewiesche is writing at his Davis home or reporting in Kosovo, the globe-trotting Vanity Fair scribe and two-time National Magazine Award winner keeps his feet on the ground.
www.sactownmag.com
August 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Magazine journalism recently lost one of its best after cancer claimed William Langewiesche. I interviewed him in '08, and the article is newly available online. I later got to know him a bit, and along with the scope, force and clarity of his writing, I'll always admire his curiosity and humility.
Reposted by Martin Kuz
"In a scene reminiscent of the Euromaidan, people flooded the streets, once again rebuking a president and asserting their desire to join the West. The spontaneous resistance to the anti-corruption bill provided another bracing example of a people unwilling to surrender their hard-won liberty."
A bill too far
Legislation to stifle anti-corruption efforts provoked doubts about the state of Ukraine’s democracy. The ensuing protests proved its grassroots strength.
martinkuz.substack.com
July 28, 2025 at 10:30 PM
"In a scene reminiscent of the Euromaidan, people flooded the streets, once again rebuking a president and asserting their desire to join the West. The spontaneous resistance to the anti-corruption bill provided another bracing example of a people unwilling to surrender their hard-won liberty."