Support independent media:

Opinion

Ukraine Opinion & Analysis: War, Politics, Security & Global Affairs

President Zelenskyy and Chinese President Xi Jinping on phone discussing Ukraine conflict, diplomatic effort amid ongoing war and international tension.

Zelenskyi and Xi Jinping talks took place. The war continues

Despite long‑awaited talks between President Zelenskyy and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Russia‑Ukraine war keeps raging with no breakthrough — what diplomacy means for peace efforts. empr.media.

Apr 26, 2023

Portrait of a young woman reflecting on her upbringing in 1990s Luhansk, shaped by Russian cultural narratives and Russification.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

I am a vivid example of the russification of the 90s in Donbas

A writer from Donbas reflects on being raised immersed in Russian culture in the 1990s, how it shaped her identity and worldview, and how she later confronted and redefined her national self. empr.media.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Apr 22, 2023

Symbolic depiction of Russian espionage infiltrating Ukrainian security leadership, with shadow figures and intelligence networks over Kyiv.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Russian moles among top Ukrainian officials. Scandalous revelations and Zelenskyi’s silence

An investigation alleges that Russian FSB agents were appointed into Ukraine’s security leadership and criticizes President Zelenskyi’s refusal to address the exposure — a claim stirring political heat. empr.media.

Apr 21, 2023

Illustration representing alleged external governance and covert influence in Ukraine’s security institutions and political networks.

On external governance in Ukraine

Explore claims of Russian FSB infiltration of Ukraine’s state bodies and debates on “external governance.” A provocative analytical look at power, influence and domestic security.

Apr 15, 2023

Illustration of Ukraine nuclear disarmament debate, Budapest Memorandum text and geopolitical tension around security guarantees and influence.

Ukraine’s nuke: About useful idiots, the fifth column and Budapest Memorandum

Deep legal and political analysis of Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament, the binding nature of the Budapest Memorandum, and debates over influence, security power and realpolitik. empr.media.

Apr 14, 2023

Illustration of Russian nuclear weapons debate with Belarus map, Putin and Lukashenko amid Ukraine war tensions and strategic weapon placement imagery.

A game on nerves: Why russia needs nuclear weapons in Belarus

Deep investigation into Russia’s possible deployment and strategic motives for nuclear weapons in Belarus, looming deterrence threats, legal controversy and Western security ripple effects.

Apr 14, 2023

Graphic showing Ukraine war landscape with question marks and strategic uncertainty symbols over key global capitals and battlefronts.

The main word that defines the situation around Ukraine today is uncertainty

Explore why uncertainty — not clarity — best sums up the situation around Ukraine today: no clear picture of Russian defeat, no consensus on post‑war order, and shifting strategic risks. empr.media.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Apr 13, 2023

Illustration of Crimea infrastructure sabotage with mined fields, burning forests, polluted water and destroyed utilities symbolizing post‑occupation devastation.

Before russia leaves Crimea, everything will be mined, set on fire, poisoned, destroyed

In expert interview: how retreating Russian occupiers may mine, burn, poison and destroy Crimea’s infrastructure — and why Ukraine must prepare for massive clearance and rebuilding. empr.media.

Apr 13, 2023

EU flags and Brussels skyline with warning graphics about Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus and potential new sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Nuclear weapons in Belarus: EU promises more sanctions

European Union leaders warn Russia and Belarus that stationing Russian nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil would be a “dangerous escalation” and trigger new sanctions on Moscow and Minsk. empr.media.

Apr 10, 2023

Map showing Iran and Saudi Arabia with Chinese flag overlay, symbolizing China’s diplomatic mediation in Middle East reconciliation

The reconciliation of Iran and Saudi Arabia is a huge geopolitical victory of China

China’s mediation of the Iran‑Saudi rapprochement has become a defining diplomatic success, signaling Beijing’s growing influence in Middle Eastern geopolitics and reshaping regional power balances.

Apr 1, 2023

Conceptual image of cyber hack on a Russian military aviation command system revealing targeted war crime data and operational secrets

Hacking of a russian war criminal, commander of a Military Unit of Assault Aviation Regiment

Ukrainian cyber‑intelligence reportedly hacked the computer of a Russian assault aviation regiment commander, exposing sensitive operational data tied to war crimes and unit identities.

Mar 31, 2023

Panoramic view of the Kyiv‑Pechersk Lavra monastery complex with golden domes over Kyiv, historic caves and cathedral architecture

What is there in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra?

Discover Kyiv‑Pechersk Lavra — ancient cave systems, baroque cathedrals, priceless relics and one of Eastern Europe’s most iconic sacred and cultural sites. ([guide.kyivcity.gov.ua][1]) [1]: https://guide.kyivcity.gov.ua/en/places/natsionalnyy-zapovidnyk-kyyevo-pecherska-lavra?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv Monastery of the Caves), national preserve"