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Kateryna Hodunova
News EditorKateryna Hodunova is a News Editor at the Kyiv Independent. She previously worked as a sports journalist in several Ukrainian outlets and was the deputy chief editor at Suspilne Sport. Kateryna covered the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and was included in the Special Mentions list at the AIPS Sport Media Awards. She holds a bachelor's degree in political journalism from Taras Shevchenko University and a master's degree in political science from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Articles
Trump-Putin summit as Russia advances in Donetsk Oblast | Ukraine This Week
First face-to-face meeting between Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump since the latter’s second term to the major push of Russian forces in the embattled Donetsk Oblast.
'He is still being tortured' — Ukrainian families plead for all-for-all prisoner swap ahead of Trump-Putin summit
Oksana Berezina stood holding a Ukrainian flag with a photo of her husband, Oleh, who went missing in Russia’s Kursk Oblast late last year and is believed to be a prisoner of war.
Like others gathered in protest, she is pinning her hopes on a meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin — and the chance of an all-for-all exchange.
Relatives and friends of Ukrainian prisoners of war gathered on Aug. 15 outside the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv ahead of the summit between Russian and Americ
Ukraine says small Russian unit passed defenses near Dobropillia but denies breakthrough claims
The statement comes as the Ukrainian battlefield monitoring group DeepState reported that Russian forces made a push toward the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk highway in Donetsk Oblast.
'Alaska opposes tyranny!' — Pro-Ukraine rally planned ahead of Trump-Putin summit in US
The rally, scheduled for Aug. 14 in Anchorage, is being held to protest the "presence of an international war criminal" and as a show of solidarity with Ukraine, Stand Up Alaska said.
Orban refuses joint EU statement backing Ukraine ahead of Trump-Putin meeting
"The only sensible action for EU leaders is to initiate an EU-Russia summit, based on the example of the U.S.-Russia meeting," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.
EU to prepare 19th sanctions package as Russia continues to reject ceasefire, Kallas says
"As far as Russia has not agreed to a full and unconditional ceasefire, we should not even discuss any concessions," Kaja Kallas said.
Elite Azov Corps deployed to Pokrovsk sector amid Russian advances in Donetsk Oblast
The 1st Azov Corps described the situation along the Pokrovsk axis as "complex and dynamic," with Russian troops attempting to advance.
Ukraine strikes Russian command post in Donetsk Oblast, kills commander, military says
A Russian commander, identified by the call sign "Dniepr," was among those killed in the strike, the Ukrainian military said.
Russian forces pierce Ukrainian defense in Donetsk Oblast, bypassing fortifications, monitoring group says
Russian forces advanced toward the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk highway in Donetsk Oblast, seizing positions in nearby settlements to support further offensive operations.
Trump says Zelensky won't attend Alaska summit with Putin, but Ukraine-Russia talks should follow
During the press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump added that he was "a little bothered" by Zelensky's words regarding "constitutional approval" for land swaps as part of a potential peace agreement.
Trump to hold talks with Zelensky, EU leaders 2 days before meeting with Putin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has organized an online meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders.
Rutte concedes future peace deal may acknowledge Russian control of occupied Ukrainian land
"Next Friday will be important because it will be about testing (Vladimir) Putin, how serious he is on bringing this terrible war to an end," Mark Rutte said.
EU to channel $1.7 billion from frozen Russian assets to repay Ukraine's loans
This marks the third such transfer, covering income generated in the first half of 2025. Previous tranches were disbursed in July 2024 and April 2025.
Dozens of flights delayed at Russia's Sochi airport following reported drone attacks
Flight delays lasted for several hours, leading to large crowds forming at Sochi Airport.
Canada aligns with allies to lower Russian oil price cap
Canada will lower the price cap on Russian crude oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel.
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