Intelligence Squared The Story of Wartime Kyiv, with Illia Ponomarenko
Jul 23, 2024
Illia Ponomarenko, co-founder of The Kyiv Independent and a crucial voice in war reporting, shares his gripping accounts from the frontline in his new book about the siege of Kyiv. Joined by Carl Miller, a researcher and co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, they explore the resilience of Kyiv's residents amidst devastation. They discuss the haunting aftermath of battles in Bucha, the emotional struggles of returning home, and the importance of combating misinformation around the war to garner continued Western support for Ukraine.
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Kyiv: A New Home
- Illia Ponomarenko, originally from Donbas, arrived in Kyiv with minimal resources.
- The city provided him with career opportunities and a new life, fostering a deep personal connection.
Doubts Before the Invasion
- Despite escalating tensions and warnings, many in Kyiv doubted a full-scale invasion's likelihood.
- Russia possessed subtler, more effective tools to exert power over Ukraine.
The Longest Day
- February 24th, the invasion's start, was a long, chaotic day in Kyiv.
- Explosions, traffic jams, and fleeing citizens filled the streets while some businesses stayed open.
