Full Breakdown
Kyiv Independent Hosts First Live Event in New York City
12/20/2025, 7:40:04 AM
Event Overview and Purpose
On December 9, 2025, the Kyiv Independent held its inaugural live event in New York City, focusing on storytelling, investigative journalism, and front-line reporting. This event was designed to support the Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit, established in May 2023 to investigate war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
Personal Stories from the Front Lines
The evening featured editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko and CEO Daryna Shevchenko, alongside team members who shared personal narratives from the ongoing conflict. Reporter Francis Farrell recounted the story of Serhii, a Ukrainian volunteer-turned-soldier from the Donetsk Oblast, emphasizing the emotional toll of losing one's home to occupation. “For Serhii, his home is already lost, but Serhii's Ukraine, just like mine, is not a place on the map, it is people,” Farrell stated.
Olesia Bida, a reporter from the War Crimes Investigations Unit, shared the harrowing experience of Oksana, a teenager who was taken to Russia under the pretense of a summer camp and forced into military training. Olesia highlighted the broader implications of such actions, stating, “Her experience reveals a broader policy of pressure and indoctrination targeting Ukrainian children in occupied territories.”
Videographer Olena Zashko spoke about her family's forced displacement from Mezhova in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast due to escalating attacks. “Russia stole my home, and now I don’t have a place where I can go if I feel in danger,” she reflected, contrasting her current experience in New York with her childhood memories.
Exhibition of Wartime Experiences
The event also showcased “The War They Live,” an exhibition curated by photo editor Irynka Hromotska in collaboration with Ukrainian photographer Sergey Melnitchenko. The exhibition featured photographs taken by Ukrainian soldiers using disposable cameras, providing a unique perspective on their daily lives during the conflict. Accompanying the images were personal letters and artifacts, creating an intimate archive of wartime experiences.
Support and Community Engagement
The Kyiv Independent's efforts have been bolstered by a growing community of supporters. As of late 2025, the publication reached a milestone of 25,000 paying members, reflecting a significant increase in engagement and support for independent journalism. COO Zakhar Protsiuk noted, “Our community of 25,000 members allowed us to get through a tough 2025 and prepare for all the work we have to do in 2026.”
Official Statements and Future Aspirations
Olga Rudenko expressed the publication's commitment to continue its mission, stating, “We’re going into our fifth year with no thoughts about giving up or going away — instead, we want to do even more. More stories, more reports, more investigations, in an even louder voice.” The Kyiv Independent aims to leverage its growing membership to enhance its journalistic output in the coming year.
Conclusion
The Kyiv Independent's first live event in New York City not only highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Ukrainians but also underscored the importance of independent journalism in documenting these experiences. The support from a global community reflects a collective commitment to amplifying Ukraine's narrative amidst the ongoing conflict.
