Author: Mark Raczkiewycz

Putin nixes Black Sea grain deal, causing global food prices to rise CHICAGO – Kyiv paid a sardonic homage to Kremlin tyrant Vladimir Putin’s prized possession by striking his illegally built Kerch Strait bridge that links mainland Russia with the Crimean Peninsula. It was the second time in nine months that Ukraine damaged the bridge....

More advanced weapons pledged, as well as F-16 training program for Ukrainian pilots CHICAGO – Much to Kyiv’s chagrin, Ukraine did not receive a clear path to join the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) – an alliance of 31 nations formed to defend Europe against a Russian military threat – during the organization’s yearly summit...

Targets rear lines of communication to deplete Moscow’s combat resources CHICAGO – Ukraine’s month-long counteroffensive to liberate 18 percent of Russia-occupied territory has entered a new phase as Kyiv is focused first on depleting Russian military capacity rather than taking over more terrain. Stiff Russian defenses prepared months in advance fortified with 200,000 square kilometers...

Editor’s note: The Ukrainian Weekly conducted a street survey in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago on July 5 with non-Ukrainians. The following are respondents’ answers to The Weekly’s questions, which have been edited for clarity and conciseness.  The Weekly: What do you think of the war in Ukraine? Alexander Gedo, 28, chef: My former...

Situation along frontline appears unchanged following Russian rebellion CHICAGO – Ukraine’s summer offensive is gaining momentum and has liberated more than 300 square kilometers of territory (116 square miles) in about three weeks – more than what Russia conquered in its preceding winter campaign. Additionally, Ukraine has liberated territory in the Donetsk region that had...

CHICAGO – After more than 16 months of Russia’s unprovoked full-scale war on Ukraine, recent surveys have found that a supermajority of U.S. voters – democrats and republicans – support their country’s ongoing assistance to the war-torn nation. Support on both sides of the aisle among respondents who identify with the two predominant political parties...

Zelenskyy warns of nuclear disaster as Hungary keeps Ukrainian POWs CHICAGO – What is shaping up to be perhaps the largest military operation since World War II is well underway in eastern and southern Ukraine, as Kyiv seeks to push out Russian forces that currently occupy about 18 percent of the country. Along the approximately...

Multiple drones target Moscow, one of Putin’s official residences KYIV – Ukraine’s capital came under relentless attacks this week as Russia launched uncrewed cross-border aerial vehicles and multiple projectiles at Kyiv, causing damage to civilian infrastructure and killing civilians. Meanwhile, Moscow and its surrounding suburbs was targeted by eight to 30 war drones, according to...

Two anti-Putin Russian paramilitary units wreak havoc in Belgorod region KYIV – Russia’s war on Ukraine, which began in 2014 and is entering its 10th year, pivoted this week as two anti-Kremlin Russian paramilitary groups conducted a brazen military raid inside Russia’s Belgorod region. Their stated goal was to overthrow Russian President Vladimir Putin and...

KYIV – There is a Ukrainian saying that “hope dies last.” The fate of Kyrylo Zaitsev is still unknown. He was last seen in a Russian-operated prison in the Donetsk regional town of Olenivka in September. The spouse of the Azov Regiment soldier who had defended Mariupol in Donetsk from a Russian onslaught for more...

KYIV – It wasn’t difficult to seek out people wearing a multitude of intricate design patterns on May 18 when Ukraine observed an informal holiday to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day. Each region of the diverse country is said to have its own unique pattern and plenty were on display in the nation’s capital. “This is our...

KYIV – On the 13th floor of the Parus (sail) business center, a group of about 40 chess enthusiasts assembled on May 14 to find solace in the middle of war as Ukraine’s capital was approaching its eighth Russian aerial attack since the beginning of the month. The only difference between the chess players, who...