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Ukraine Without Hype

Ukraine-based journalists Romeo Kokriatski and Anthony Bartaway discuss the biggest stories from Ukraine, and the region - all in English.

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21 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 27 min
English

Episodes 21

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S1 · E133
August 23 · 1 hr 18 min
133: Reflections on a Protest Movement
We spoke with community member Roma, a daily participant in the protest movement against the sacking of former Defence Minister Fedorov. He explains the protesters' day-to-day activities, how the movement evolved as issues were resolved, how it organised as a grassroots movement, and what may happen next. Meanwhile: Russia strikes more malls, big-box stores, and logistics warehouses A biologist turned escort turned assassin eliminates a traitor to Ukraine New anti-corruption investigations America cancels an experimental drone unit Link Crimea: The War Before the War Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
August 15 · 1 hr 32 min
132: The War of Economic Resilience
Both Russia and Ukraine have taken direct damage to their economic infrastructure. Ukraine has been dismantling the Russian Wildberries e-commerce company while continuing the bombing of oil and gas refining and export. Meanwhile, Russia has bombed Ukrainian warehouses and big-box stores and intensified its attack on Odesa harbour. How will this affect either society? Meanwhile: Anthony was bombed Double-tap attacks Putin visits occupied Japanese islands Drone attack in Germany Protests continue after the sacking of former Defence Minister Fedorov while Bankova refuses to communicate Political developments in Poland Diplomatic errors with Kosovo Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E131
July 21 · 1 hr 53 min
131: Protests Succeed in Replacing Commander-in-Chief
Following the sacking of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov due to his conflicts with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian civil society began daily protests across many cities. The crisis brought to the fore many grievances around corruption, the treatment of soldiers, and the old vs. new ways of doing things. Meanwhile: Munition depot hit in Kyiv suburb Black Sea naval war heats up Ukrainian oligarch assassinated in Monaco Senator Lindsay Graham passes Resistance to new EU sanctions Updates on Ukraine-Poland history conflict Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
July 8 · 2 hr 23 min
130: Ukraine and Poland Conflict over History
Ukrainian-Polish relations are in crisis following a high-level falling out over the question of historical memory of World War II and the extreme ethnic violence of the time. This began as a question of President Zelensky being stripped of Polish honors. But, it has uncovered a slate of grievances, frustrations, and power dynamics that will have to be addressed. Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities ⁠https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
June 29 · 1 hr 42 min
129: The Rocky Road to Brussels
In this episode: Russia attacks Kyiv's most important cathedral Attacks on Moscow and occupied Crimea drive fuel shortages Belarus backs down Scandal from the "Skelya" assault regiment Military reforms meet mixed reactions US House passes an aid bill After striking a deal with Hungary, Ukraine opens the first cluster of reforms to join the EU Links Holy site carnage: images from Kyiv monastery damaged by Russian drones The “Skelya” assault regiment has combat merits and is well-equipped. And, according to eyewitnesses, they torture and beat people to death there. Babelʼs investigation Long-awaited military reform falls short as troops express continued frustration Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E128
May 27 · 1 hr 4 min
128: The Theatrics of "Retaliation"
In this episode: Russian attack damages or destroys multiple Kyiv cultural institutions Russia claims it will "retaliate" for a strike on a Luhansk college. They claim foreigners must leave Kyiv for safety. The claim falls flat but shows a turn in Russian rhetoric. Ukraine demonstrates new advantages in the drone war Contrasting Kyiv protests Controversial move in historical memory Updates from Transnistria and Belarus Eurovision Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E127
May 17 · 1 hr 35 min
127: "Yellow Ribbon" Partisan Movement under Investigation
In this episode: A critical investigation into a Ukrainian partisan movement Catching up with post-election Hungary Ukraine's outreach to the Arab world during the Iran war Scandal over Israel importing grain from occupied territories Moldova takes big steps to break free from Russian influence Armenia holds summit with European leaders Electoral news from Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania Links Investigation: A secret program, 'suicidal' missions, and death, torture in occupied UkraineExposed: How Ukrainian Wheat Stolen by Russia Is Smuggled to Israel Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E126
April 29 · 1 hr 41 min
126: Remembering Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv
In this episode: The 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Disaster A mass shooting in Kyiv The occupied town of Oleshky is being starved by Russia The death of Kyiv Patriarch Filaret and the story of his life and contributions, as well as the death of Georgian Patriarch Ilia Poland arrests a Russian archaeologist wanted for work in occupied Crimea, then exchanges him for an activist in Belarus Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E125
April 18 · 1 hr 7 min
125: The Fall of the House of Orban
The 16-year rule of Viktor Orban of Hungary has come to an end with the election of Peter Magyar. We look into how the election unfolded, but then focus on the effects that this will have on the right-wing landscape he built. What can we learn from how it was built and how it was beaten? Kyiv Independent Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0nx6JkWR1g Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠⁠ Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E124
March 31 · 1 hr 14 min
124: Russian Influence in Sport
The 2026 Winter Olympics were marred by a series of scandals involving Ukraine, which brought to the fore the idea of an absolute separation of sport and politics. That separation never existed. We look at the modern history of sport and the USSR and Russia's place in it, including the crimes and organisational captures. Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media ⁠http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype⁠ ⁠http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype⁠ ⁠http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/⁠ Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype⁠ Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
March 14 · 1 hr 31 min
123: Questions and Answers
Our Patreon subscribers asked us questions about Ukraine, and we answered them. We talk about interesting historical what-ifs, language issues, the role of the "Manosphere, and more in this broad-ranging episode made with your input. Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E122
March 1 · 1 hr 31 min
122: Russian Sanctions and How They Break Them
In this episode: 00:06:28 - Russia losing access to Starlink contributes to a Ukrainian offensive in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. 00:25:40 - The aftershocks of the autumn's corruption scandal lead to a shakeup in the Ukrainian government 00:56:18 - Multiple Russian sanction evasion schemes were uncovered by investigative journalists 01:15:25 - Kazakhstan hands a Ukrainian from Crimea over to Russian prisons 01:19:35 - Hungary manufactures conflict with Ukraine ahead of April elections 01:23:03 - The renewed Iran War and Ukraine Links https://kyivindependent.com/investigation-we-tried-to-buy-american-chips-as-a-russian-defense-manufacturer-heres-why-its-possible/ https://hntrbrk.com/ubiquiti/ https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/29/russia-uses-shadow-mail-postal-system-to-bypass-eu-sanctions-report-reveals https://khpg.org/en/1608815485 Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
February 13 · 1 hr 53 min
121: 2025 - A Year in Review
2025 was a year of cyclical news stories in Ukraine, often built on the fluctuating whims of one man in Washington, DC. In this episode, we look at the main lessons we can take away from 2025 and the chaos we live in. We will review key battles, changes in how the war is being fought, the "return of politics" in Kyiv, the shifting state of Russia, and a Europe facing questions of realignment. Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E120
January 16 · 54 min
120: Remembering Huliaipole
As the Russian army destroys Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, I wanted to tell the story of one of the most fascinating towns in Ukraine as this chapter of it comes to a close. It is most famous as the home of Anarchist revolutionary Nestor Makhno. Its people will work to keep its memory alive from exile. Links https://aftersilence.co/ Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype
S1 · E119
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
119: The American National Security Strategy
The Trump Administration has released its official National Security Strategy, and it is a bombshell. There is increased aggression in the Western Hemisphere, promotion of the far-right in Europe, and economic competition in Asia. 00:07:33 - Preambles and Introductions 00:21:16 - What does America want? 00:31:02 - Principles and values 00:42:44 - The Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine 00:53:31 - Asia 00:59:25 - Boosting the far-right in Europe 01:13:19 - The Middle East and Africa 01:18:46 - Conclusions Zaluzhniy Article https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype Music Shedryk (Leopolis Trio)
S1 · E118
Dec 21, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min
118: The Dim-Wit Pact
The DimWit Pact, pushed by the United States, has evolved over the past weeks but remains a significant threat to Ukraine. At home, Andriy Yermak's resignation raises questions about political reform. 00:01:34 - Battlefield Updates - Ukrainian Counter-offensive in Kupyansk 00:17:13 - The American-packed "peace plan" demands more from Ukraine and less from Russia 00:43:29 - Head of Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak resigns in a corruption scandal 00:54:39 - Article by former Commander in Chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy raises difficult questions over preparedness for war and how to have peace 1:09:23.301 - Europe is struggling over seizing Russian assets Zaluzhniy Article https://www.liga.net/en/politics/opinion/politics-and-war-reality-vs-expectations Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype Music Shedryk (Leopolis Trio)
Dec 4, 2025 · 1 hr 43 min
Radio Free America: TikToker Shot, Mamdani's Education Plans, and War on Venezuela w/ RoteRote Media
Radio Free America breaks down and critiques some of the top headlines from America's most reputable outlets. This week, we look at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠CNN: US marshal and undocumented immigrant – a popular TikTok streamer – injured in shooting during ICE stop in Los Angeles⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠NYT: ‘A hornet’s nest’: Mamdani’s gifted education plan divides New Yorkers⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Washington Post: Trump says he has authorised covert CIA action in Venezuela⁠ Please support us at ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ukrainewithouthype⁠⁠ Hunter's Links http://www.tiktok.com/@roterotemedia http://linktr.ee/roterotemedia Bluesky @vagrantjourno.bsky.social @bartaway.bsky.social @ukrainewithouthype.bsky.social
S1 · E117
Nov 21, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
117: Military Crisis, Corruption Crisis, Trump Crisis
Three major crises beset Ukraine. The approaching end of the Battle of Pokrovsk is prompting greater demands for military reform. A corruption scandal in the energy sector rocks Bankova. The Trump administration smells weakness and presents an ultimatum. 3:02 - As the Battle of Pokrovks reaches its terminus and the Battle of Huliapole comes closer, military commentators make increasing demands for reform. 16:52 - Major corruption scandal in the nuclear power industry 29:47 - Who has been named in the scandal so far? 38:47 - What has been the reaction from the government and civil society thus far? 48:03 - These crises must be resolved. 50:24 - The United States is reportedly making its ultimatums to Ukraine to surrender. 57:05 - Other recent news. Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype Music Hey Sokoli (Traditional)
Nov 1, 2025 · 51 min
116: Trump's October "Peace Process"
We take a deep dive into the baffling attempt at a peace process that Trump made in the middle of October, which was dead by the end of October. What was the context, how did it play out, and what factors in the administration led it to play out the way it did? 01:41 - Trump wants his Nobel Peace Prize 04:40 - Summary of the Trump "peace process" so far 17:18 - How did the October "peace process" occur? 27:22 - The US implements sanctions on Russian fossil fuels - an optimistic and pessimistic analysis 34:58 - Examining "WhiteHouseology" 44:09 - The EU makes its own peace plan Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype Music Hey Sokoli (Traditional)
S1 · E115
Oct 24, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
115: Moldovan and Czech Elections Mixed for Ukraine, alleged Russian Odesa Mayor stripped of citizenship
In this episode... 03:47 - Full coverage of the ongoing situation on the Front 18:15 - Russian war crimes, including attacking the UN and killing journalists 27:07 - Russia flying drones around EU cities 30:45 - Hungary flies a drone into Ukraine, Orban repeats the Russian view on Ukrainian sovereignty. 34:28 - Russia attacks Ukrainian power grid, likely to have a winter of outages 37:33 - Odesa gangster mayor Gennadiy Trukhov stripped of citizenship for being a Russian citizen, with controversy 45:11 - Election News - Elections in Moldova and Czechia have an opposite outlook for Ukraine, Georgia local elections show more protests, Estonian ones have a change in citizenship laws, and Reform UK has Russian corruption scandal Links https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aAfaxyKBlC5GcHIdgCPIk?si=4hAc2HDzRneNlLDZGBJ9OQ https://youtu.be/JiOtGB5WAdw Twitter Anthony: @Bartaway Ukraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Other Social Media http://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHype http://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthype http://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charities https://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype Music Hey Sokoli (Traditional)

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