Author: Martin Fornusek
Martin Fornusek is a Czech journalist working as a senior news editor for the Kyiv Independent. He covers news stories from Ukraine, including updates on the ongoing conflict with Russia, as well as international stories.
The recent sanctions on Lukoil by Ukraine have caused disruptions in oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline. This has led to a diplomatic dispute between the countries, with concerns over energy security being raised by Budapest and Bratislava. Despite this, Russian crude exports to both nations remained stable in July, thanks to supplies from Tatneft replacing the sanctioned Lukoil oil. The volume of oil transiting through Ukraine has not been affected, according to Naftogaz CEO Oleksii Chernyshov. Hungary’s leading refiner Mol also reassured that the country will not face shortages due to the sanctions. The European…
In a recent development, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) apprehended a suspected informant in Kharkiv for passing on critical information about Patriot air defenses to Russia. These advanced U.S.-made systems are vital for safeguarding Ukraine’s airspace, particularly in frontline regions like Kharkiv Oblast. The detainee attempted to disclose and transmit the coordinates of Patriot air defense systems shielding the city’s airspace to Russia. Additionally, he gathered intel on Ukrainian forces’ positions in the area. Identified as a local driver for a grocery store chain, his job permitted him to traverse the city in a company vehicle and document Ukrainian…
In a daring move, Ukrainian forces have been targeting and destroying key Russian military engineering equipment, bridges, and pontoon crossings in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The Special Operation Forces revealed this strategy on Aug. 21, following successful strikes on the Seim River bridges and a pontoon crossing believed to have been eliminated by an explosion. Utilizing HIMARS missiles, Ukrainian forces have managed to cripple Russian military infrastructure, including an electronic warfare system and artillery equipment. The destruction of these crossings and equipment poses a significant setback for Russian troops in the Glushkovsky district, as Ukraine advances further into Kursk Oblast. Commander-in-Chief…
Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian S-300 air defense system near Novoshakhtinsk in Rostov Oblast, as reported by Ukraine’s General Staff. The strike resulted in explosions at the targeted areas, with the accuracy of the attack still being determined. This incident follows the downing of a Ukrainian missile in Rostov Oblast. Novoshakhtinsk is located near the Ukrainian border, and Governor Vasily Golubev confirmed no casualties or damage from fallen debris. The Russian S-300 system is typically used for long-range interception of aerial targets. The joint operation by Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Navy did not disclose the weapons used in the attack.…
The Ukrainian government is taking a proactive step to promote Ukrainian unity and counter Russian influence through the establishment of a new institution. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans for “the Ministry for Ukrainian Unity and Countering Russian Influence on Ukrainians” during a meeting with senior diplomats. The focus will be on engaging with Ukraine’s citizens living abroad, particularly in light of the millions who have become refugees due to the ongoing conflict. Zelensky highlighted the need to address Russia’s propaganda efforts targeting Ukrainians abroad, as well as concerns related to church structures and cultural ties. The proposed bill to ban…
The U.K. government has requested U.S. permission for Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia, but has yet to receive a positive response. Despite Ukraine’s plea for long-range missile approval, Western countries, including the U.S., have not granted permission. The delay is attributed to a routine U.S. process, and the U.K. does not blame Washington for the hold-up. The use of Storm Shadow, with a range of 250 kilometers, hinges on the agreement of three countries, potentially including France, a supplier of similar missiles to Ukraine. The Pentagon has expressed concerns about escalating the war and has not…
Border guards in Ukraine detained three men for attacking a serviceman while trying to illegally cross into Romania. With men aged 18-60 prohibited from leaving under martial law, many attempt to evade the draft by crossing into neighboring countries. The men were stopped in Zakarpattia Oblast, a region bordering Romania. They attacked a guard, took his weapon, and fled towards Romania. Ukrainian and Romanian authorities cooperated to capture the offenders. This incident sheds light on the risks and challenges faced by those attempting to cross borders illegally. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko revealed that dozens try to cross into EU countries…
The morning of August 6 saw Ukrainian soldiers armed with heavy equipment cross the Ukrainian-Russian border, marking a significant attack on Russian territory. The surprise operation led to the alleged seizure of over 1,000 square kilometers and numerous settlements. The incursion, now in its 10th day, has brought attention to the operation’s progress. Russian forces attempted to repel the attack, but reports indicate ongoing fighting and Ukrainian advances. The strategic implications of the incursion remain uncertain, but its tactical success is evident. Ukrainian forces have made significant progress in Kursk Oblast, with control over several settlements. The incursion has sparked…
The Future of French Politics and Its Impact on Ukraine Following the recent French elections, the political landscape remains in flux as various coalitions struggle to form a stable government. Despite this uncertainty, one thing is clear – Ukraine’s supporters will constitute a majority in the new French parliament, ensuring continued backing for Paris’s Kyiv-friendly foreign policy. The left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) emerged victorious in the elections, with Macron’s centrist Ensemble party closely following. This outcome dealt a blow to the far-right National Rally (RN), known for its Russia-friendly stance. While divisions exist within the NPF regarding Ukraine, experts…
The recent Nord Stream explosions have raised suspicions towards Ukrainian citizens, but Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak denies Kyiv’s involvement. German media reported an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor alleged to be involved. The individual, along with two other Ukrainian suspects, was accused of carrying out the sabotage. However, there is no concrete evidence linking them to the explosions. The investigation also alleged that President Volodymyr Zelensky initially sanctioned the operation but later ordered it to be aborted. The focus has shifted to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief, and his aides. Despite denial from Zelensky and Podolyak, suspicions…