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Portrait of Ukrainian commander Andriy Zhovanyk speaking about transforming Ukraine’s army along Western lines to counter and defeat Russian forces.

Andriy Zhovanyk: The small Soviet army will never defeat the big Soviet army. But Ukrainian army on the Western model will defeat Russia
Veteran commander Andriy Zhovanyk argues that a Western‑style Ukrainian army — modern, adaptive and equipped — holds the key to defeating Russia on the battlefield. empr.media exclusive.
Aug 5, 2022
Ukrainian defense industry workers assemble drones and artillery parts in a factory, symbolizing the country’s drive to manufacture its own weapons amid war.

Can Ukraine produce weapons on its own?
Amid Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has dramatically boosted its own weapons production — from drones to artillery — but challenges like funding and components still limit full self‑sufficiency. empr.media.
Jul 28, 2022
Military vehicles and soldiers at Belarus‑Ukraine border symbolizing the expert view that Belarusian forces might join Russia’s war and could attack from the north.

Skeptics who say that Belarus will not attack Ukraine are wrong
Ukraine expert argues that skeptics are wrong: Belarus is effectively under Russian control and its forces could take part in an attack on Ukraine’s northern border, echoing Crimea‑style tactics. empr.media. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Jul 25, 2022
Damaged Antonivsky Bridge over the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast, illustrating Ukraine’s strikes to cut Russian supply routes and enable its counteroffensive operations.

Antonivsky bridge is covered in smoke. How important are the crossings in the Kherson region, and how can their destruction help the Armed Forces of Ukraine?
The Antonivsky Bridge in Kherson was vital for Russian supplies across the Dnipro — targeting it disrupts logistics, isolates enemy forces and opens the way for Ukraine’s offensive push. empr.media explains the strategic impact.
Jul 22, 2022
Nuclear missile silo with Russian and NATO symbols, highlighting the strategic considerations and deterrence that make actual nuclear use unlikely despite Moscow’s rhetoric.

Russia has one weapon left against NATO – nuclear: why Moscow will not risk using it
Despite bluster about its atomic arsenal, Russia is unlikely to ever detonate a nuclear weapon against NATO or in Ukraine — doing so would spark global retaliation and devastate Moscow’s strategic position. empr.media.
Jul 21, 2022
Political leadership and security decisions in Ukraine before Russia’s invasion examined in investigative analysis

How the ruling class could protect Ukraine, but did not
Warnings about Russia’s aggression were visible for years. This investigation explores how Ukraine’s ruling elite failed to take critical steps that could have strengthened the country before the invasion.
Jul 9, 2022
Military presence near Ukraine’s northern border with Belarus as Kyiv prepares for a potential new front and escalation in the war.

Kyiv is preparing to open the northern front
Ukraine is bracing for a possible northern front as Belarusian troops amass near the border, prompting Kyiv to prepare defenses against potential Russian‑aligned escalation.
Jul 7, 2022
Editorial illustration showing divided perspectives on the Russia‑Ukraine conflict with the question “why us?” echoed on both sides of the frontlines.

Why “why us” questions appear from both sides of Russia – Ukraine war?
A provocative analysis of why the haunting question “why us?” resonates on both sides of the Russia‑Ukraine war — revealing deeper identity, fear, and narrative clashes in the conflict.
Jul 4, 2022
Analysis of Ukraine’s readiness for the 2022 full‑scale invasion, showing defence posture challenges, pre‑war warnings and strategic debates across Kyiv. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Was Ukraine ready to face the war?
Before February 24 2022, key warnings about invasion were not fully acted on and systemic gaps in air defence, policy and strategy left Ukraine unready — but resilience reshaped response. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Jun 17, 2022
Illustration of Vladimir Putin in imperial garb juxtaposed with sanction icons and declining Russian economic indicators amid global pressure.

While Putin is trying on the Russian emperors’ crown, sanctions are gradually dragging Russia down to the bottom
While Putin parades imperial imagery, a web of Western sanctions is squeezing Russia’s economy, shrinking growth and cutting off key sectors — a systemic drag on Moscow’s war machine and global clout.
Jun 15, 2022
Graphic showing nuclear icons over a map of Europe and Ukraine, symbolizing the contentious debate over whether the West could arm Ukraine with nuclear warheads

The West has the right to give Ukraine nuclear warheads
Should Western powers arm Ukraine with nuclear warheads — legally, morally or strategically? We unpack the Budapest Memorandum, security guarantees, and a growing nuclear debate shaping defense policy. | empr.media
Jun 13, 2022
Kherson street scene with empty roads and damaged buildings, capturing civilian life under Russian occupation and firsthand testimony of hardship and resilience

Kherson in horror: read the truth about life under russian occupation
Survivors of Russian occupation in Kherson recount fear, checkpoints, disappearances, and small acts of defiance. A raw, unflinching portrait of life under control and the will to resist. | empr.media
Jun 13, 2022

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