Support independent media:

Opinion

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

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

Petro Prymachenko in combat gear with the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, grandson of artist Maria Prymachenko fighting on the frontlines of the Russia‑Ukraine war

Maria Prymachenko’s grandson: The most painful thing in war is to lose someone close to you

Grandson of legendary artist Maria Prymachenko trades paint for a rifle, fighting in Ukraine’s Territorial Defense. He recalls frontline terror, losses and dreams of peace and art. | empr.media

Jun 10, 2022

Journalists in front of multiple global news screens with headlines on Ukraine war, symbolizing the spread and distortion of information by propaganda

Russian propaganda changes the news background around the Ukraine’s war

From subtle framing shifts to full‑scale distortion, Russian propaganda is reshaping how the Ukraine war is reported. Unpack the strategies, global impact and resistance to misinformation. | empr.media

Jun 10, 2022

Dramatic composite of Vladimir Putin silhouette fading on a map of Eastern Europe — symbolizing collapse of regime in Russia and Ukraine war end forecast.

Russia – Ukraine war will definitely end with the downfall of the Putin regime

EMPR’s bold investigation argues the Ukraine war won’t truly end until Putin’s regime collapses — exploring internal fractures, external pressure and geopolitical tipping points.

Jun 6, 2022

Ukrainian military leaders and strategists debating battlefield tactics in interview — emphasising mistake analysis and adaptation for victory.

Ukraine will defeat Putin’s army if we analyze our mistakes

In a compelling interview, strategists say Ukraine can outlast and defeat Putin’s forces — but only if it critically analyses battlefield mistakes and adapts fast to evolving warfare.