Explaining Ukraine

2024 could become a year of consolidation of authoritarian regimes. Liberal democracies are weak and often do not fully understand approaching threats. Can we still win the war against Russia in these circumstances? A new coalition of freedom-loving societies needs to assert itself, and the response to Russian aggression must be far more decisive. The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites Peter Pomerantsev, the renowned British-American author, intellectual, senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University, and author of the best-selling books, This is Not Propaganda and Nothing is True and Everything is Possible. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our vo

President Zelenskyy appoints Colonel General Syrsky to lead the Armed Forces in an attempt to reset the system, establishing an all-new management team for the defence forces. This episode focuses on the reasons for and impacts of this decision. Meanwhile, human rights researchers presented Russia's crimes in occupied Mariupol, occupiers continued to shell Ukrainian territory, killing citizens of Kyiv and Kharkiv and causing infrastructure damage in Mykolaiv, Lviv, and other cities. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analyst and journalist at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. Listen our podcast on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukrai

He is one of Ukraine’s top constitutional lawyers and experts in EU law. But he is also the founder of a mobile medical hospital which has saved hundreds of thousands of lives on the frontline since 2014. Today’s Ukraine is a country where these social roles are often combined. The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites Gennadiy Druzenko, a Ukrainian lawyer and founder of the Mykola Pyrohov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PDMSh), which works every day to aid , evacuate, and stabilize wounded and sick Ukrainian soldiers from the frontlines. Hospital’s website: https://www.pdmsh.ua/en Support their work: https://www.medbat.org.ua/en/to-support-the-hospital/ Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive con

A new method of war based on technology, a new training philosophy, and new combat capabilities - that’s what Ukraine needs to create a more favourable advantage on the battlefield, according to Valeriy Zalyzhnyy in his last article for CNN, which was published amid ongoing rumours about his possible dismissal. Meanwhile, EU leaders agreed on €50 billion of support for Ukraine - a vital aid package. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analysts and journalists at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. Listen on various platforms: li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/ukraineworld We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer

Let us look again at the human stories of this war. Let us recall the hundreds of people in Yahidne forced by Russian soldiers to live in a village school basement for almost a month. Let us hear the story of the crowd of people at Kramatorsk railway station struck by a Russian missile while they were waiting for an evacuation train. Let us remember stories of people living in residential buildings on which Russians warplanes dropped bombs in Chernihiv. Let us remember that the war is always about human suffering, and that this war in particular is about unthinkable Russian cruelty. Most of all, let us work hard to ensure that justice prevails. The Explaining Ukraine podcast speaks to Nataliya Gumenyuk, one of Ukraine’s best-known reporters and founder of the Reckoning Project. It recently published a book of reports from this war titled The Most Horrible Days of My Life (Найстрашніші дні мого життя), telling some of the human stories of this war in detail. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosophe

Russia intensifies cooperation with its allies striving to strengthen its international position and overcome the negative effects of the sanctions regime. Ukrainian partners keep looking for mechanisms not to let Ukraine lose its existential war. Meanwhile, Ukraine is seeking ways to find common ground with its neighbours, in particular Slovakia. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analysts and journalists at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. Listen on various platforms: li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/ukraineworld We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gm

Yahidne is a Ukrainian village where the Russian army forced over 300 Ukrainians into a school basement and kept them for almost a month. 10 people died from suffocation and a lack of food and water. It was just one of Russia's countless war crimes during this war. A group of Dutch writers visited Yahidne in December 2023 as part of a trip organized by PEN Ukraine with support from the Ukrainian Institute and the Prague Civil Society Centre. We organized a discussion with them afterward to talk about war crimes, compassion, and solidarity. Speakers: Lisa Weeda – Dutch writer of Ukrainian origin, author of literary programs, screenwriter, and VR director. Florian Jacobs – Dutch writer, director of the publishing department at the International School of Philosophy. Jaap Scholten – Dutch writer and journalist. Author of a book about his journeys across Ukraine (Three Suitcases of Women’s Clothes and a Sniper). Founder of the charitable organization Defend Ukraine. Manon Uphoff – Dutch author, scree

SUPPORT: https://www.patreon.com/ukraineworld --- While Russian occupiers attempt to breach Ukrainian supply lines in Avdiyivka, Ukraine remains on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson oblast, rendering Russian forces unable to dislodge Ukrainian defenders. In addition to frontline developments, the previous week brought encouraging news regarding international support for Ukraine. France plans to increase artillery production of French-made Caesar self-propelled howitzers specifically for Ukraine while also ramping up the quantity of 155mm projectiles Ukraine requires. The Norwegian government has also allocated funds for artillery ammunition. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and Dariia Synhaievska, analyst and journalist at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.

Europe took a sleeping pill in 1989, and needs to wake up to face the challenge of Russian authoritarianism. Does it have the courage to do so? Pascal Bruckner, one of France’s most influential philosophers, came to Kyiv in December and participated in a public discussion at PEN Ukraine on December 7th. This episode is the recording of this conversation. This episode is part of our series "Thinking in Dark Times" Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. FULL VERSION of this episode (with Q&A session) is available for our patrons https://www.patreon.com/posts/pascal-bruckner-96674503 You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. Listen: li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine --- Key topics: -

Over the past week, Russia has been attempting to establish a 15-kilometre "buffer zone" in Kharkiv oblast, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to launch a partial counter-offensive and recapture several positions occupied by the Russians near Kupyansk. Along with frontline developments, this episode focuses on the main achievements of the Security Agreement with the UK, delivered by “the representative of the oldest parliament to the most courageous parliament.” This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analyst and journalist at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trip

Why is the Soviet and the “Russian” story about Ukraine’s East misleading? Why is the concept of “Donbas” problematic? How are the eastern regions of Ukraine inscribed into the Ukrainian political and cultural history, as well as the history of Europe? The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites Kateryna Zarembo, a Ukrainian scholar and writer of the recent book Skhid Ukrainskoho Sontsia (The Rise of the Ukrainian Sun). The book tells the story of Ukraine’s east and was shortlisted for BBC Ukraine's Best Essays Book prize, as well as the Shevelyov Prize for the best essay book in Ukraine. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.

As the world celebrated the winter holidays, Russia launched its most intense missile attack on Ukrainian cities since the start of the full-scale invasion, killing and wounding hundreds. Now, similar attacks of this level are occurring on a regular basis. However, the last week was marked by a long-awaited event: Ukraine managed to bring home 230 prisoners of war from Russian captivity. It has been the first POW swap since August 2023 and one of the largest to date. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analysts and journalists at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips

Over $330 billion of Russia’s central bank assets have been frozen abroad. These funds should be confiscated to fund Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as Ukraine’s recovery. The Explaining Ukraine podcast invited Olena Halushka, co-founder of the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, and head of the international department at the Anti-Corruption Action Centre. An air raid siren in Kyiv interrupted our conversation but we continued and made this podcast despite it. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.

The past week was marked by the EU Council's decision to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine, coinciding with Russia's buildup of forces near Mariinka and its ongoing terror against civilians. The US and Ukraine are fathoming a new strategy for future operations against Russia, slated for implementation in early 2024. The previous week saw Ukraine's persistent efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children abducted by Russian occupiers. Explaining Ukraine is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language website about Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher and chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasia Herasymchuk and Daria Synhaievska, journalists and analysts at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events in and around Ukraine for the last week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support our work at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. Support our volunteer trips to th

President Zelenskyy paid his first official visit to Latin America, attending the inauguration of Argentine President Javier Milei. In addition, he met with the leaders of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Meanwhile, Russia is ramping up its attacks along the entire frontline in eastern Ukraine, following the failure of the US Senate to pass a vote on Ukraine aid. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analysts and journalists at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.

The previous week was marked by Ukraine's commitment to comprehensive security and defence sector principles while Russia is attempting to intimidate and spread chaos among the Ukrainian people. Meanwhile, Commander Syrskyi confirmed that the Russian occupiers, although uniting former Storm, Storm Z, and Storm V prisoners to assault Ukrainian positions, do not achieve success in the battle directions. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analyst and journalist at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.

What story can Ukraine tell people in Latin America? Why is it important to have a conversation beyond “geopolitics” and focus on human experiences, on suffering and compassion, and on courage and resistance? The guest of this episode is Sergio Jaramillo, former High Commissioner for Peace of Colombia and founder of the campaign of solidarity with Ukraine ¡Aguanta Ucrania!, which is mobilising Latin American writers, musicians, human rights defenders, politicians and other voices in support of Ukraine’s struggle against the Russian invasion. We had this conversation on June 25th, 2023, in Kyiv. The next day, Sergio traveled to the warzone in Eastern Ukraine, together with his Colombian colleagues: writer Hector Abbad, and journalist Catalina Gomez. They were accompanied by a Ukrainian writer, Victoria Amelina. On June 27th, as they were sitting at the Ria Lounge restaurant in Kramatorsk, 40 kilometers from the frontline, it was struck by a Russian missile. Victoria Amelina was severely injured and succumbe

Last week, Ukraine hosted the leaders of Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Switzerland, and the President of the European Council. Defence Ministers of the USA and Germany visited Kyiv ahead of another meeting in the Ramstein format to announce new military aid packages vital for Ukraine. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analysts and journalists at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.

Explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline last year continue to raise the interest of investigators, with several recent articles pointing at possible Ukrainian involvement. However, these publications sparked criticism in Ukraine. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analysts and journalists at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.

A historical event for Ukraine: the European Commission recommended EU states begin accession negotiations with Kyiv. At the frontline, a positional war is being waged, with both sides wanting to take the initiative before the winter period. This is our weekly roundup of key events and trends in and around Ukraine. Volodymyr Yermolenko, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, is joined by Anastasiia Herasymchuk and Dariia Synhaievska, analyst and journalist at UkraineWorld, to discuss key events and trends in and around Ukraine over the past week. UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons. You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.