The UNESCO Committee will use the “special monitoring” mechanism for the first time in Ukraine and organize a mission to Kharkiv. The goal is to record the damage to the State Industrial Complex caused by Russian air strikes and collect evidence for the International Criminal Court.
The UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict decides to use the mechanism of "special monitoring" in Ukraine for the first time. A mission will be organized to Kharkiv. This was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, UNN reports.
On December 11, during a meeting, the Committee members supported the decision to organize a "special monitoring" mission to Kharkiv. This will make Ukraine the first country to use this mechanism,
– writes the Ministry of Culture.
Details
The agency clarified that such a step would allow to record the damage to the Derzhprom building, which was hit by the Russian occupiers. Measures will also be coordinated to restore the monument and evidence will be collected to bring Russian war criminals to justice.
Minister of Culture Mykola Tochytskyi noted that Ukraine is stepping up efforts to use UNESCO mechanisms to maximize the protection and preservation of cultural property in times of war.
The head of the Ministry of Culture is confident that the results of the "special monitoring" mission will help to record the destruction and send the findings to the International Criminal Court.
Recall
At the end of October, Russian troops damaged the State Industry building in Kharkiv, which is a UNESCO-protected architectural monument. A medical facility and administrative buildings were also damaged, with six people injured.
An aerial bomb damaged the 7th entrance of the State Industrial Complex in Kharkiv, shattering about 700 windows. The main structures survived, but due to its status as an architectural monument, restoration may take years.
President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Dec. 11 following his hour-long call to Russian President Vladimir Putin during which the two discussed the war in Ukraine.
The call occurred earlier in the day after Orban's visit to Mar-a-Lago and meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Orban said on X that the call with Putin lasted an hour. The prime minister also mentioned that these weeks are the war's "most dangerous," adding that the parties are taking "all possible diplomatic steps" to promote a ceasefire and peace talks.
In response, Zelensky called for "not playing on one's own image at the expense of unity" but "for the common success." He added that discussions about the war in Ukraine cannot occur without its representatives.
"It is absolutely clear that achieving real peace and guaranteed security requires American determination, European unity, and the commitment of all partners to uphold the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter," the president added.
"We all hope that Orban at least won't call Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, referring to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who fled to Moscow after rebels took over the Syrian capital Damascus on Dec. 9.
Zelensky also thanked Trump and European leaders with whom Ukraine "is already working together to find the right and strong solutions for real peace."
Orban responded to Zelensky's criticisms, claiming on X that Hungary had allegedly proposed "a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange" to Zelensky, but that the Ukrainian president had ruled it out.
Hungary has retained warm diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow even after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, refusing to send military aid to Kyiv and vocally opposing EU sanctions on Russia, albeit eventually voting for every one of the packages.
Hungary's prime minister was the first EU leader to visit Putin in Moscow in July after taking the helm of the EU presidency despite Western attempts at isolating the Russian leader.
Presidential Advisor Daria Gerasymchuk held meetings with the Irish government on the return of deported children. The delegation presented the film “Stolen Childhood” and held a panel discussion on the reintegration of returned children.
A Ukrainian delegation headed by Daria Gerasymchuk, Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation, visited Ireland to strengthen cooperation to return Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia. This was reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine, UNN reports.
Details
The visit was part of the Stolen Voices information campaign, which is part of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
Darya Gerasymchuk met with representatives of the Irish government, in particular with the Director of the European Neighborhood Division of the Political Department of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dervla Doyle, and the Director of the International and EU Affairs Division of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ronan Gargan.
Ukrainian children are witnesses to the crimes against humanity that Russia is trying to hide. Russians are kidnapping our children and trying to make them "Russian" by changing their names, identities and native language. We will not stop until every child returns home. We are grateful to Ireland for their support and willingness to join forces in this important cause
– emphasized the Presidential Advisor-Commissioner.
The Institute of International and European Affairs also hosted a panel discussion on the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the reintegration of those who were returned home.
Kira and Oleksandr, children who came with the Ukrainian delegation, spoke about their experiences. They are both from Mariupol. The girl's father was killed by the Russian occupiers, and the boy's mother disappeared after the filtration camp. The children were kidnapped and taken to a Donetsk hospital.
In addition, in Ireland, the Ukrainian delegation presented the documentary Stolen Childhood, about the real-life stories of children who were taken by Russia.
The visit was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine with the support of the Embassy of Canada in Ireland.
Recall
From the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine 8 children aged 6 to 16 years were returned. Seven children returned with the help of Qatar, and one returned through the humanitarian corridor.
The year 2024 proved to be another landmark for books about Ukraine and Ukrainian literature in translation, with a continued trend in publishing in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Unsurprisingly, Russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine was the most common topic among these works.
Whether through incisive on-the-ground reportage that captures the suffering and fortitude of the Ukrainian people or through reflections on the historical forces that shaped the present moment, Ukraine-related publications in 2024 offered a rich and multifaceted portrait of the country. Read together, these works of prose and poetry invite English-language readers to engage with the story of the Ukrainian people in all its depth, complexity, and urgency.
The Kyiv Independent has curated a selection of the 10 most compelling books on Ukraine from 2024. This list serves as a guide rather than a definitive ranking, offering readers a foundation to engage with the year's literary highlights while anticipating the Ukraine-related publications slated for 2025.
“The Ukraine” by Artem Chapeye Translated by Zenia Tompkins
A mix of fiction and creative nonfiction, the collective stories in Ukrainian author Artem Chapeye's "The Ukraine" deliver a colorful mosaic of contemporary Ukrainian life leading to the full-scale war. The title itself is a provocative rebuke of the common foreign misstep of referring to the country as “the Ukraine,” a phrasing that implies it is a borderland of Russia. Instead, Chapeye invites readers to discover the real Ukraine — his Ukraine. A perfect blend of humor and heartbreak, the collection portrays the everyday struggles of ordinary Ukrainians while also laying bare the historical and political divides that shape their world. Whether it’s the story of an elderly pensioner trying to sell vegetables on the street getting harassed by corrupt police or a western Ukrainian traveling to the east only to realize the country is not as divided as one would have them believe, each story unfolds as a microcosm of the Ukrainian people’s broader societal tensions and aspirations.
The characters in Chapeye’s stories are fully realized individuals that command a sense of dignity amid political uncertainty and systemic neglect. It offers a rare glimpse into the lives and dreams of those striving to reconcile a fractured past with an uncertain future, making it as timely as it is timeless.
“Forgottenness” by Tanja Maljartschuk Translated by Zenia Tompkins
The unnamed narrator of Ukrainian author Tanja Maljartschuk’s novel “Forgottenness,” grappling with an agoraphobic episode, becomes consumed by the past, reading old newspapers in search of understanding time's relentless passage. Her journey leads her to Viacheslav Lypynskyi, a forgotten figure in Ukrainian history whose life she believes intersects with her own in unexpected ways. As she uncovers his role in Ukraine’s centuries-long fight for independence, the narrator begins to confront the intergenerational trauma that weighs upon her family's history, particularly the horrors of the Holodomor and Soviet repression.
The novel explores themes of national identity, memory, and the struggle to preserve one’s voice against the overwhelming forces of time. Through vivid storytelling and historical depth, “Forgottenness” asks: Can one truly escape the past, or is it destined to consume us all?
Drawing on firsthand accounts from Ukrainian officials, soldiers, and civilians, Ukraine-born journalist Yaroslav Trofimov of the Wall Street Journal delivers a gripping chronicle of the full-scale war in “Our Enemies Will Vanish.”
From Russia’s unyielding refusal to negotiate to the world’s hesitation over Moscow’s so-called "red lines," the latter of which has consistently delayed critical military aid, Trofimov captures the extraordinary resolve of the Ukrainian people facing the threat of annihilation. With journalistic precision and deep empathy, Trofimov also documents some of the war’s darkest chapters, including the horrific mass executions uncovered in Bucha following Kyiv Oblast’s liberation and the bloody clashes in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast.
Beyond the enduring scars of documented Russian crimes, Trofimov highlights pivotal victories for Ukrainian forces, such as the liberation of southern Kherson and eastern Kharkiv oblasts. Trofimov’s masterful reporting is a testament to the power and importance of fearless, on-the-ground journalism.
“The Language of War” by Oleksandr Mykhed Translated by Hanna Leliv
In “The Language of War,” Ukrainian author and soldier Oleksandr Mykhed delivers a searing account of the first year of Russia's full-scale invasion, blending personal reflections with reportages. With raw intensity and poetic precision, Mykhed examines how the war has not only upended Ukrainian lives but also reshaped the very fabric of language, compelling Ukrainians to forge new expressions for navigating unimaginable grief, loss, and anger.
From recounting his parents' ordeal in Russian-occupied Bucha to reflecting on the generational trauma that conflict imprints, Mykhed crafts a profound and sobering narrative of war’s emotional toll. Deeply rooted in the centuries-long history of Russian aggression against Ukraine, “The Language of War” also captures the enduring weight of the past, along with Mykhed’s stark awareness that this terror may resurface within his lifetime.
“Ukraine, War, Love: A Donetsk Diary” by Olena Stiazhkina Translated by Annie Fisher
Harvard’s Ukrainian Research Institute also published Ukrainian author Olena Stiazhkina’s novel “Cecil the Lion Had to Die” in 2024, but her diary chronicling the fall of Donetsk stands out as a deeply personal and vital testimony, shedding light on the roots of the current war from a local perspective.
Stiazhkina masterfully dismantles the Russian propaganda myth of a "people’s uprising against Kyiv," offering striking examples of how infiltrating Russians failed to convincingly pose as locals. Their unfamiliarity with the regional variations of spoken Russian in Donetsk compared to Russia exposed them as outsiders, as did their lack of knowledge about the city’s layout. The fall of Donetsk, Stiazhkina reveals, was not a sudden event but a creeping catastrophe, something many realized only when it was too late. Adding to this heartbreak was the betrayal of seeing former friends and neighbors align themselves with the enemy, deepening the wounds of occupation. Simultaneously, Stiazhkina's testimony is laced with dark humor — a hallmark of her writing and a shared sensibility among many Ukrainians who have endured over a decade of Russian aggression.
Scottish journalist Jen Stout delivers a timely and necessary account of her experience covering the war in Ukraine. Her journey begins in Moscow before the full-scale invasion and takes readers from her reporting on Ukrainian refugees in Romania to the front lines in Donetsk.
At its core, the book is a powerful tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who, despite relentless Russian bombardments, continue to find ways to survive — and even to thrive. Stout also delves into the cultural shifts in cities like Odesa and Kharkiv, the emotional toll of journalists reporting from war zones, and the extraordinary contributions of Ukraine's cultural community in the face of crisis. With remarkable empathy and insight, she paints a portrait of Ukrainian society where unlikely alliances emerge — such as between the LGBTQ+ community and football ultras — driven by a shared fight for survival against Russian aggression.
“Night Train to Odesa” is an eye-opening, deeply human exploration of the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
“The God of Freedom” by Yuliya Musakovska Translated by Olena Jennings and the author
Poetry is one of the cornerstones of Ukrainian literature, with works about war holding particular weight and significance. In her collection “The God of Freedom,” Ukrainian author Yuliya Musakova delivers a powerful, haunting portrayal of life during wartime, where personal and collective struggles are inextricably linked. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poems navigate love, survival, and resilience against the relentless backdrop of war’s destruction. Musakova’s verses do not shy away from the harsh reality that spurred them; they boldly confront the wounds inflicted by war while capturing the quiet heroism of healing.
This collection is both a mournful reflection and a resilient testament — its voice rises from the chaos, grounded in the unwavering belief that hope can endure.
“Chernobyl Roulette” by Serhiy Plokhy
The site of one of the most catastrophic disasters of the 20th century, Chornobyl (Ukrainian historian Serhiy Plokhy distinguishes in the book between “Chornobyl” for the abandoned city and “Chernobyl” for the site of the nuclear disaster of 1986) once again made international headlines when the iconic nuclear power plant fell under Russian occupation at the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
Plokhy, widely regarded as the leading Ukrainian historian of our time, chronicles the harrowing events that unfolded as Russian forces advanced into Ukraine from Belarus. The nearly 300 personnel stationed at the plant — comprising firefighters, operators, and members of the National Guard — were taken hostage, forced to navigate a perilous new reality under the control of occupying forces. Compounding the danger, Russian troops dug trenches within the radioactive exclusion zone, seemingly oblivious to the grave health and environmental risks. Plokhy describes the temporary occupation of Chornobyl as an act of nuclear blackmail, serving as "a warning for the future” in a conflict-ridden world.
“Intent to Destroy” by Eugene Finkel
Ukraine-born historian Eugene Finkel's "Intent to Destroy" offers a compelling and nuanced examination of Russia’s war against Ukraine, tracing its origins beyond the full-scale invasion of 2022. The title itself is a reference to the definition of genocide, a topic which Finkel specializes in as a historian. The historian paints a chilling picture of the ongoing atrocities committed by Russian forces — murders of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, forced relocations of thousands of children, destruction of cultural heritage, and torture under occupation — all of which are part of a centuries-long campaign by Russia to subjugate Ukraine. The turning point in Ukraine’s history, marked by its push for a democratic future during the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution, posed an existential threat to Russia. Yet, despite the dire threats of annihilation it imposed upon Ukraine thereafter, Ukrainians have stood firm in their fight for independence. Finkel’s work underscores the profound stakes of this ongoing struggle, reminding readers of the human cost and the broader geopolitical implications of the war.
“My Women” by Yulia Iliukha Translated by Hanna Leliv
A series of poetic vignettes narrated by Ukrainian women who have endured the ravages of Russia’s war, Iliukha’s “My Women” is a testament to the scars inflicted upon Ukrainian society.
One woman, a lifelong speaker of Russian and lover of Russian culture, finds herself buried under rubble from a Russian attack — it is presented as a cruelly ironic fate that silences her without regard for her love of Russian authors like Alexander Pushkin or Mikhail Lermontov. Another woman scours a mass grave for her husband’s distinguishing features, finding him at last when she recognizes the haunting smile of his wolf tattoo. A third woman, concealing the abyss of grief within herself, dons red lipstick as a fragile armor of beauty, only to face the whispers of neighbors who brand her shameless while her husband remains missing.
Simple yet brutal, these vignettes capture the fragility of wartime day-to-day existence. Iliukha masterfully conveys through spare yet evocative prose an unflinching glimpse into lives forever altered by the war.
Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, thanks for reading this article. There is an ever-increasing amount of books about Ukraine available to English-language readers, and I hope my recommendations prove useful when it comes to your next trip to the bookstore. Ukrainian culture has taken on an even more important meaning during wartime, so if you like reading about this sort of thing, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent.
The head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation reported UAV attacks on several regions of Russia and Crimea. Explosions were heard in Sevastopol, which was confirmed by the city's Russian-appointed “governor.
Several regions of Russia and occupied Crimea are under attack. This was stated by the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kovalenko, UNN reports.
"Russia is under attack by UAVs. Several regions at once. There are also strikes on Crimea," Kovalenko said.
Add
The information about the shelling of occupied Sevastopol was confirmed by the Russian-appointed "governor" of the annexed region, Mikhail Razvozhayev. Explosions were heard in the city, according to local public media.
A recently signed tax hike and parts of the G7's $50 billion loan will be sufficient to cover Ukraine’s defense expenses included in the 2025 budget, the Finance Ministry said on Dec. 11.
For the next year, Ukraine allocated 26.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense and security expenditures, including Hr 740 billion ($17.7 billion) for arms purchases and Hr 50 billion ($1.2 billion) on the production and purchase of drones.
Ukraine began actively developing its defense production after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
To cover the growing defense expenses, Ukraine’s government raised the war tax on personal income from 1.5% to 5% and introduced a war tax on small businesses and individual entrepreneurs.
Separately, the G7's Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative is expected to bring an additional $50 billion to Kyiv's coffers. The loan will be covered by proceeds from the roughly $300 billion of frozen Russian assets, which amount to roughly $3 billion annually over 30 years.
The U.S. announced on Dec. 10 the disbursement of $20 billion for Ukraine as part of the loan. The EU is expected to contribute $20 billion, Canada $3.7 billion, and Japan and the U.K. $3 billion each.
Only a part of these funds, namely those provided by the EU and the U.K., can be used directly to cover defense needs.
These funds "will allow to fully finance all planned expenditures of the Defense Forces in 2025,” the ministry said, adding that "meeting the needs of the security and defense sector is an undisputed priority for the Finance Ministry."
Speaking to El Pais, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said that Ukraine has enough arms and funds to continue resisting Russia at least until mid-2025 and possibly longer if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump cuts support after taking office.
Ukraine has struck six US ATACMS missiles at a military airfield in Taganrog. According to the russian defence ministry, two missiles were shot down, the rest were deflected, and there were casualties among the personnel.
The rf Ministry of defense said the morning missile attack on the military airfield in Taganrog, using U.S. missiles “ATACMS”. According to the ministry, some of the missiles seem to have been shot down and deflected by air defense facilities, writes UNN.
“On the morning of December 11, 2024, the Kiev regime launched a missile strike with Western precision-guided weapons on the military airfield of Taganrog in the Rostov region. In the course of the conducted proceedings, it was reliably established that six American-made ATACMS ballistic missiles were used,” the rf defense ministry wrote.
They claim that allegedly two missiles were shot down by the combat formation of the Pantsir SAM system, while the rest were deflected by electronic warfare equipment.
The Russians also say that there are casualties among the personnel as a result of the missile fragments. There was allegedly no damage, but two buildings on the technical territory of the airfield and three units of military vehicles, as well as civilian cars in the parking lot adjacent to the airfield, were slightly damaged (cut by shrapnel).
And traditionally, the rf has threatened that this attack by western long range weapons will not go unanswered, appropriate measures will be taken.
Recall
In the Russian city of Taganrog in the Rostov region on the night of December 11, an aircraft repair plant was attacked which is under sanctions because of the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine has enough funds and ammunition to continue resisting Russia at least throughout the first half of 2025, even if U.S. assistance dries up, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said in an interview with the El Pais newspaper published on Dec. 11.
Marchenko's comments come amid growing concern that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump might withdraw Washington's crucial support for Kyiv after he takes office in January.
"I believe that we have enough funds, enough weapons, missiles, and artillery shells to resist at least during the first half of 2025," Marchenko said. Ukraine is allocating necessary funds from its budget to purchase equipment and continues to receive U.S. arms, the minister explained.
"This means that at least during the first half of the year and beyond, we will be well-equipped to resist this aggression," he added.
The outgoing Biden administration has accelerated its weapons deliveries ahead of Trump's inauguration, announcing an arms package worth nearly $1 billion on Dec. 7. Washington has provided Ukraine with over $60 billion in arms and equipment since the outbreak of the full-scale war, making it by far the most important military donor.
The flow of supplies may soon dry up, as Trump recently said that Kyiv could expect a reduction of U.S. assistance after he takes office.
Marchenko noted that the possibility of Trump cutting aid is a "challenge." It is, therefore, in Kyiv's interest to "create the necessary conditions" for cooperation with the new administration, he added.
"We want to build a good relationship," Marchenko said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met Trump in Paris on Dec. 7 for the first time since the latter's reelection. Reuters wrote that the two did not discuss the specifics of any concrete peace plan, but the Ukrainian president stressed the need for security guarantees.
Marchenko expressed his belief that full NATO membership remains the best possible guarantee to deter Russian aggression, with the "modern and strong Ukrainian military" as the only alternative.
Drones of the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence and the Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked an oil depot in the Bryansk region of Russia on the night of December 11. The attack damaged at least two tanks at the facility, which supplies fuel to the Russian army.
On the night of December 11, drones of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked a fuel and energy complex in the Bryansk region of Russia. As a result of the attack, at least two tanks of the fuel and energy complex were damaged. This was reported to UNN by intelligence sources.
According to intelligence sources, the attack on the Bryanskaya oil depot took place between 00:00 and 00:30 on December 11.
According to a source in the DIU, at least two tanks of the fuel and energy complex were damaged as a result of the attack by “restless birds”.
The Defense Forces emphasize that this facility is directly involved in supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine, including the supply of fuel and lubricants to the occupation army.
The results of the attack, including the pre-Christmas fireworks at the oil depot, are shared with enthusiasm by the local population on social media.
The General Staff confirmed the defeat of the Russian oil depot in the Bryansk regionDec 11 2024, 08:09 AM • 13189 views
Russian forces have incurred record-high casualties in manpower during hostilities in both November and December, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 11 after hearing a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Moscow's troops are advancing at a rapid pace in Ukraine's east, pushing back outgunned and outnumbered Ukrainian defenders at the cost of staggering losses.
"As in November, the Russian military is using a record number of its men in December in battles and assaults," Zelensky said on Telegram.
"These months — November and December — saw record Russian losses," the president noted, adding that the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors in Donetsk Oblast remain the active parts of the front.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Dec. 1 that Russian losses throughout November amounted to 45,720 soldiers wounded, killed, or captured, as well as over $3 billion worth of equipment.
November also saw the record broken for the enemy personnel losses in one day with 2,030, the highest figure since Feb. 24, 2022. Ukrainian and Western estimates put Russian losses at between 600,000-750,000 killed, injured, or captured, while Moscow has not disclosed the exact figures.
Despite the losses, Russia holds the upper hand on the battlefield, advancing toward key Donetsk Oblast towns like Pokrovsk and chipping away at the Ukrainian position in the Russian border region of Kursk.
In his post, Zelensky also thanked Ukrainian forces for "tangible hits on Russian targets last night," namely "military facilities on Russian territory" and "energy and fuel facilities."
Earlier today, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported a successful strike against a Druzhba oil pipeline loading station near the Russian city of Bryansk, resulting in a large-scale fire.
The Kyiv IndependentOleksiy Sorokin
