A night of storytelling, resilience and hope

Stories from Democracy 's Front Line

Dec 9, 2025 • Ukrainian Institute of America, NYC

Kyiv Independent Team

Why We Gather

This December 9, we’re bringing the heart of our newsroom to New York City for an evening you won’t forget.

Stories from Democracy’s Front Line is an intimate fundraiser for the Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit — a team dedicated to documenting and exposing Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine. It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from the investigators uncovering war crimes committed during Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

The event will feature members of the Kyiv Independent team, including Editor-in-Chief Olga Rudenko, CEO Daryna Shevchenko, and reporters Olesia Bida, Francis Farrell, and Olena Zashko, who will share unfiltered stories from the front lines, courtrooms, and investigation sites.

9 dec

Tuesday, December 9th 2025

6:00 PM EDT

Ukrainian Institute of America

2 E 79th St, New York NY, 10075

What to Expect

No formal dialogue, no black-tie, —just authentic stories, genuine people, and meaningful connection.
Whether you arrive in jeans or a jacket, what matters most is that you’re with us.

  • 1

    Live storytelling offering firsthand accounts from the field, courts, and beyond.

  • 2

    Visual storytelling, featuring striking videos, photos, and documentary excerpts that bring our reporting to life.

  • 3

    Intimate witness, with appearances by survivors and investigators whose experiences embody resilience and hope.

  • 4

    Post-event gathering, an informal reception with drinks and light bites—an opportunity to converse openly with storytellers and fellow supporters.

Your impact

Your support empowers the War Crimes Investigations Unit—an esteemed team uncovering evidence of Russian atrocities to ensure justice and accountability.

See documentaries

Who You’ll Meet

Join a community united by storytelling that matters.

  • Champions of press freedom and human rights

  • Diplomats, policymakers, and civic leaders

  • Media professionals and journalists

  • Members of the Ukrainian diaspora and global allies committed to truth and solidarity

OUR STORY

The Kyiv Independent was founded by a group of journalists fired from a newspaper for standing up to censorship attempts.

Refusing to give up, they launched a new, truly independent media outlet. Just three months later, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The team remained in the country, reporting tirelessly on the war.

Their resilience and uncompromising journalism quickly established the Kyiv Independent as a vital global news source for millions.

All these things we can only do together with you

Join the Kyiv Independent community and become a part of Ukraine’s fight for a better future