World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
How we got here: 5 years of the Kyiv Independent
The Kyiv Independent marks its fifth anniversary after its founding journalists were fired from the Kyiv Post for resisting the owner’s attempt to influence editorial decisions. They launched a new publication to provide independent English-language reporting on Ukraine, and Russia’s full-scale invasion three months later rapidly expanded its audience and transformed the newsroom into a wartime reporting team.
The organisation has grown from a small group and a single newsletter, Ukraine Daily, to around 100 staff producing news, investigations, documentaries and video reports. Its YouTube channel has nearly 500,000 subscribers, and more than 38,000 members in over 100 countries provide about 70% of its revenue, helping keep its journalism free to access. The article recalls its reporting on major events in 2022, including the invasion, the discovery of the Bucha massacre, Ukraine’s Kharkiv counteroffensive and the liberation of Kherson.
In short
- Journalists founded the Kyiv Independent after standing up for editorial independence.
- Russia’s invasion three months later reshaped its reporting and reach.
- More than 38,000 members now provide about 70% of its revenue.