EDITORIAL: Kyiv Post at 30: From Local Newspaper for Expats to Ukraine’s Global Voice

For three decades, Kyiv Post has been Ukraine’s trusted English-language voice to the world and a dependable monitor of developments within and beyond this geopolitically complex country.

When Kyiv Post was first published in 1995, Ukraine was just four years into independence. From that moment of transformation, Kyiv Post emerged as a beacon – a voice committed to transparency, accountability, and the fundamental belief that citizens, expats, and the outside world have the right to know the truth and see Ukraine as it really is.

For 30 years, through five presidents, countless governments, two revolutions, internal pressure from oligarchs, disinformation and corruption, external aggression, and a war that has tested the very soul of this nation, Kyiv Post has never wavered from that mission. It has adapted, evolved, and risen to multiple challenges, anticipated or unforeseen.

It was there during the Orange Revolution in 2004-05, when hundreds of thousands stood in the freezing cold of Maidan, refusing to accept a stolen election. It was there during the Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013-14, when the Heavenly Hundred gave their lives for Ukraine’s future and changed the course of history.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, and many foreign journalists and diplomatic missions evacuated, Kyiv Post continued to publish without missing a beat. It has served as Ukraine’s window to the world even under the threats of cyberattacks, air raids and missile strikes.

For three decades, Kyiv Post has refused to be silenced, delivered reliable reporting and analysis, adapted to dramatic geopolitical changes and shifts within journalism itself, and reached out to the world, conveying the essence and relevance of Ukraine.

But Kyiv Post’s story is not just about the big moments. It is also about the nuts and bolts of good journalism – investigations that encourage reforms and combat corruption; business reporting that helps build Ukraine’s economy by highlighting its achievements and potential; cultural coverage celebrating Ukrainian heritage and identity; and human-interest stories reminding us of the real people behind every headline.

It is also about adapting from a weekly newspaper to a digital product that encompasses multiple social media platforms and rebranding from a relatively insular Kyiv-based news outlet to a global influencer read and respected by millions of international readers.

The journalists, editors, and staff who have worked for Kyiv Post over the past 30 years deserve recognition. They have worked in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions and set exacting standards.

The owners of Kyiv Post also deserve proper appreciation. There have been only four: American Jed Sunden, British businessman Mohammad Zahoor, Syrian-born Ukrainian citizen Adnan Kivan and his son Ruslan – none of whom were oligarchs in the negative sense of seeking to exploit the publication for their own political or commercial interests. All upheld the basic principles of a free democratic press.

Each transition brought new challenges and opportunities. In March 2018, Odesa businessman Adan Kivan acquired Kyiv Post and made it clear that he wanted to expand its purview and outreach, to open Ukrainian and Arabic services, and to develop the video and podcast sectors.

Internal opposition to Kivan’s broader vision for Kyiv Post’s development led to a temporary crisis in late 2021, resulting in his revamping the entire operation and introducing a new team.

Under its new leadership, with CEO Luc Chenier and Chief Editor Bohdan Nahaylo, Kyiv Post has raised its profile and dramatically expanded its international readership. Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and the increased reliance on social media have been factors, as has the special emphasis on consolidating Kyiv Post’s reputation as Ukraine’s preeminent “global voice.”

By 2023-24, 97% of its readership was outside Ukraine (60% in North America, 30% Europe, 4% Australia, etc.), with combined website and social media viewership exceeding 6 million views per month. In October 2023, Kyiv Post became the first news outlet in Ukraine to receive a 100% content transparency and accuracy rating for journalism standards according to the NewsGuard rating agency.

Ukrainian and Arabic sites were also created. The Ukrainian site continues to grow, while the Arabic site has been closed due to the complexity of keeping pace with developments in the Middle East. Kyiv Post now frequently features contributions from prominent international experts and has secured coverage from key sources both inside and outside the country.

Sadly, Kyiv Post’s visionary owner Adnan Kivan passed away in October 2024, leaving his company in the deeply experienced, passionate, and capable hands of his son, Ruslan Kivan. He has demonstrated his intention to continue his father’s legacy and ensure that Kyiv Post remains an international symbol of Ukraine’s democratic free press at its best.

Finally, a word of thanks to the readers of Kyiv Post for their trust and support, for staying with us, and for believing in what we represent.

As Ukraine fights for its survival and European democratic future, Kyiv Post will continue to support this effort with the weapons of journalism: investigation, analysis, and truth-telling. The information war, like the military conflict, is real, and our independent media outlet will remain on the front lines reporting back and preparing us all for what might lie ahead.

For 30 years, Kyiv Post has proven to be your reliable global connection with Ukraine and its neighboring regions as a preferred source of news, analysis, opinion, and insights. We invite you to remain with us as we continue navigating the stormy and uncharted waters of war, transformation, and rebuilding guided by the principles of the free press.