Manuel Camalata is an Angolan journalist, residing in Luanda (Angola) with about 10 years of experience, with stints in various bodies between Angolans and foreigners, with emphasis on newspaper, Radio, Magazines and webjournalist.

Zelensky says Russia will be defeated in the same way as Nazism

09 May 2023  |  Correio da Kianda - Notícias de Angola  |  Portuguese  |  World War II

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Russia will be defeated similarly to how Nazism was defeated in 1945. In a speech commemorating the end of World War II, Zelensky promised to liberate territories occupied by Russia and emphasized Ukraine's contribution to the victory over Nazism. He announced plans to align Ukraine's Victory Day with European countries on May 8. The speech highlighted ongoing preparations for a major offensive to reclaim occupied territories, including Crimea, amid intensified drone attacks.

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Verkhovna Rada URSS

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Amanda Coakley is an award-winning journalist covering central and eastern Europe, and a Europe’s Futures Fellow at the IWM in Vienna. 

Her work has been published in national and international outlets including Foreign Policy, TIME, The Irish Times, Prospect Magazine, The Independent, New ...

Politics Is Making a Careful Comeback in Wartime Ukraine

01 Oct 2023  |  World Politics Review  |  English  |  Democracy

As Ukraine nears its third year of war with Russia, domestic politics are re-emerging, posing a challenge for Ukrainian parliament members who aim to maintain accountability without compromising the war effort. Public trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains high, and support for Ukrainian democracy has increased, according to recent polls.

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Verkhovna Rada Kyiv International Institute of Sociology National Democratic Institute

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Michael Colborne is a Canadian freelance journalist covering all things central and eastern Europe. His words and pictures have been published in Coda Story, CBC, Sydney Morning Herald, Al Jazeera, Open Democracy, National Post and other places. 

Before moving into journalism Michael spent eight ...

Ukraine’s Azov Battalion: Neo-Nazis or Russian Propaganda?

07 Sept 2022  |  CounterPunch.org  |  English  |  Russian Propaganda

The Azov Battalion, founded in 2014 in Ukraine, has been a controversial unit due to its connections with far-right extremism and Neo-Nazism. Initially a voluntary militia, it gained prominence during the conflict with Russia and was later integrated into the Ukrainian National Guard. The battalion has received both private and government support, including from Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoyskyi. Despite its controversial elements, the Azov Battalion is not a monolithic Neo-Nazi unit, and many of its extremist founding members have left. The article argues that Russia's claim of fighting Nazism in Ukraine is largely propaganda, given the relatively minor role of right-wing extremists in the country.

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Verkhovna Rada Azov Battalion Ukrainian National Guard Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs Right Sector Radical Party Social-National Assembly Patriot of Ukraine All-Ukrainian Union – Svoboda Misanthropic Division USA Congress Counter Extremism Project

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Piotr Drabik - journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in media - in newspaper (“Dziennik Polski”), news television (TVN24), and radio (Radio ZET). Now he's working in RadioZET.pl, where I’m a part of the news team, and I'm a managing editor of a weekend online magazine. Moreover, from ...

Putin's paranoia

17 Mar 2024  |  The European Network  |  English  |  Geopolitics

The article discusses the recent escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with a focus on the Russian military build-up at the Ukrainian border and the potential implications for European security. The author suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using the threat of military force and energy supply (gas) as leverage in geopolitical negotiations, aiming to return to Cold War-era power dynamics. The article also touches on the West's response, including a potential increase in US troops in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and macroeconomic plans for Ukraine. The author argues that Putin's ultimate goal is the restoration of the Soviet Union and that the current situation could lead to a significant shift in the post-Cold War security order in Europe. The article concludes with a pessimistic view of the crisis, noting the lack of good solutions and the potential for a full-scale invasion by Russia.

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Verkhovna Rada White House EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators EU NATO

Sébastien Gobert is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Co-founder of the Daleko-Blisko Collective of independent journalists - ****

On Democracy in Times of the Russo-Ukrainian War

01 Apr 2025  |  Le Monde diplomatique  |  French  |  Elections

The article examines the state of democracy in Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, highlighting the suspension of elections due to martial law. Oleksiy Kovjoune, a prominent political consultant, argues against holding elections during the conflict, a sentiment shared by a majority of Ukrainians according to an Ipsos survey. The legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky is questioned internationally, while domestically he maintains significant support. Opposition parties oppose elections under martial law but are preparing for potential future contests.

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Verkhovna Rada Ipsos

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Una Hajdari is an independent reporter largely focused on Central and Eastern Europe with experience in covering news on economic and political developments, as well as the far-right, nationalism and identity politics.

Ukraine: 'Naked for the war effort', the campaign that supports the decriminalization of porn

05 Sept 2023  |  euronews  |  French  |  Legislation

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nastassia Nasko and Anastasia Kuchmenko launched TerOnlyFans, a platform that cooperates with Ukrainian charities and exchanges tasteful nude photos for proof of donations. The initiative, which started on International Women's Day, aims to support Ukraine's defense and promote women's rights. Ukrainian society, often misperceived as post-Soviet and underdeveloped, is actually progressive, with Kyiv being a cultural hub. Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada from the Holos Party, has sponsored a bill to decriminalize pornography, moving away from Soviet-era censorship. The proposed law seeks to redefine pornography without moral classification while maintaining protections against non-consensual material, child pornography, and extreme pornography. TerOnlyFans, now partly owned by Ukrainian-American entrepreneur Leonid Radvinsky, has generated significant tax revenue for Ukraine and is involved in drafting the new bill, which has garnered public interest through an online petition.

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Verkhovna Rada Holos Party

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Euan Macdonald is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Friend and Foe of the Week - Feb. 21, 2019

21 Feb 2019  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The article highlights Donald Tusk as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his supportive stance and candid advice to Ukrainian leaders, emphasizing the importance of democracy, unity, and anti-corruption efforts. Sergey Lavrov is named Foe of the Week for perpetuating false narratives and undermining Western alliances, reflecting Russia's aggressive geopolitical strategies. The piece critiques Brexit and the weakening of trans-Atlantic relations under U.S. President Donald Trump, advocating for a strong, democratic Europe allied with Ukraine.

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Verkhovna Rada European Council Kremlin NATO European Union

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I am a journalist, editor, translator and part-time fixer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Now hired by the English-language office of the national news agency Ukrinform. I have been covering the war since its outset in 2014 and countering disinformation efforts across Ukrainian and international media ...

U.S. Embassy: Reforming SBU key step on path to NATO

10 Feb 2021  |  www.unian.info  |  English  |  Ukraine

Reforming the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in line with Euro-Atlantic principles is deemed crucial for Ukraine's path toward NATO, according to U.S. Charge d'Affaires Kristina Kvien. The reform, led by People's Deputy Mariana Bezuhla, aims to align the SBU with best practices, enhance accountability, and eliminate political engagement and corruption. SBU Chairman Ivan Bakanov emphasized the importance of these reforms for gaining public trust and improving operational efficiency. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg supports the legislative changes, viewing them as accelerating Ukraine's NATO integration.

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Verkhovna Rada U.S. Embassy Security Service of Ukraine NATO EU Advisory Mission

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Ugo Poletti is a journalist based in Odessa, Ukraine.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “The Odessa Journal”, digital media platform in English about culture, history, social and business life in Odessa, biggest port and cultural capital of Black Sea region

Ukrainian Activist Demyan Hanul Shot Dead in Center of Odesa

14 Mar 2024  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  Crime Investigation

Ukrainian activist Demyan Hanul was shot dead in Odesa, prompting a citywide manhunt. The National Police of Ukraine, led by Ihor Klymenko, is investigating the murder. Hanul, a controversial nationalist figure, had previously faced threats and legal issues. The incident has drawn attention from Ukraine's parliament and highlights ongoing tensions related to his activism.

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Verkhovna Rada National Police of Ukraine Street Front Pravo Sector SBU

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Lee Reaney is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine. He is Editor of the award-winning Lviv Today, the Sports Editor at What's On Kyiv, and covers Para taekwondo for the International Paralympic Committee and World Taekwondo. He is previously worked for organisations such as The Budapest Times, ...

Wartime Elections in Ukraine Are Impossible

11 Jul 2023  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Democracy

Ukraine's decision to postpone elections amidst the war with Russia is legally, practically, and institutionally justified. Martial law prohibits national elections, and the ongoing conflict presents significant risks and logistical challenges to holding a fair and safe vote. The Verkhovna Rada's term has been extended due to martial law, and the State Voter Registry is outdated, with no capacity for absentee voting. Nearly 14 million Ukrainians are displaced, complicating voter participation. Historical precedents from the UK and Canada show that democracies have postponed elections during wartime. Despite potential political gains for President Zelensky's party, the Ukrainian government has chosen to delay elections to ensure they can be conducted under more stable conditions.

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Verkhovna Rada PACE United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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Journalist interested in human rights and International news.
Coverage of Ukrainian crisis in 2014 from Kiev and Crimea.
Reporting conditions of Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan. Investigation about violation of human rights towards Kurds in Southeastern Turkey. Feature Photo ...

Zelensky Urges Ukraine’s Parliament To Legalize Medical Cannabis

05 Jul 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Mental Health

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky urges the Verkhovna Rada to expedite the legalization of medical cannabis, emphasizing its potential benefits for treating PTSD and other war-related mental health conditions. Despite initial support and a revised bill, the legislation has been stalled since 2021. The new proposal includes strict regulations for cultivation and distribution, aiming to enhance palliative care and medical research. The Ukrainian government reports high rates of PTSD among soldiers and civilians, underscoring the urgent need for accessible medical cannabis.

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Verkhovna Rada Ukrainian Government

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I'm a London-based freelance journalist, with my work published by media outlets, including Financial Times’ publications, BBC Travel, Huffington Post, Africa Report, The European, World Politics Review, The Times and The Sunday Times supplements.

As a journalist, I specialise in business, ...

Meet the LGBTQIA+ activists staying in Ukraine to support the most vulnerable

12 Mar 2024  |  Crikey  |  English  |  Human Rights Violations

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, LGBTQIA+ activists remain in the country to support vulnerable communities. Despite facing additional threats, they provide shelters, job assistance, and access to vital medications. Human rights violations, including homophobic attacks by Russian forces, have been reported. Organizations like Nash Svit and Fulcrum play crucial roles in monitoring hate crimes and offering humanitarian aid. Public opinion in Ukraine shows growing support for LGBTQIA+ rights, with significant improvements in legal equality. Activists emphasize the importance of equal rights, especially for those defending the country.

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Verkhovna Rada Nash Svit Fulcrum Russian Government Kyiv International Institute of Sociology

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Agnieszka Zielinska is a journalist based in Almería, Spain. She specializes in political, social and ecological topics. So far, She has reported, among others: the migration crisis in Greece and Morocco, protests after the rigged presidential elections in Belarus, parliamentary elections in Spain ...

In vitro boom in Ukraine

05 Apr 2023  |  New Eastern Europe  |  English  |  Legislation

The article discusses the increasing trend of Ukrainian soldiers freezing their sperm at in vitro clinics due to the ongoing war with Russia. The soldiers, facing the risk of death or injury, are preserving their biological material to ensure the possibility of having children in the future. The Ukrainian law is currently ambiguous on the use of sperm posthumously, leading to calls for clearer regulations. The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada has passed Law 8011 to finance the freezing of soldiers' biological material during war or state of emergency. The article also touches on the ethical considerations of posthumous reproduction and the personal story of Nadiia Lytovchenko, whose deceased husband had frozen his sperm. Ukrainian fertility rates have been low, and the war has exacerbated the situation, making the preservation of biological material and potential future reproduction even more significant.

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Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Ukrainian Association of Reproductive Medicine Medical University of Gorbachev Book of Memory project