Your impact
Your support empowers the War Crimes Investigations Unit—an esteemed team uncovering evidence of Russian atrocities to ensure justice and accountability.
A night of storytelling, resilience and hope
Dec 9, 2025 • Ukrainian Institute of America, NYC
 
        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.
Your entry ticket is a donation that directly funds the War Crimes Investigations Unit's

Your entry ticket is a donation that directly funds the War Crimes Investigations Unit's

            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.
          
Live storytelling offering firsthand accounts from the field, courts, and beyond.
Visual storytelling, featuring striking videos, photos, and documentary excerpts that bring our reporting to life.
Intimate witness, with appearances by survivors and investigators whose experiences embody resilience and hope.
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.
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
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.
Join the Kyiv Independent community and become a part of Ukraine’s fight for a better future