Culture

With the release of Stephen Fry's latest video collaboration with UNITED24, we are reminded of the poignant and deeply human moments that define his relationship with Ukraine and its people living through war.

They shook up the norms of Soviet photography, challenged and explored the medium's boundaries, and continue doing it today. Each of the five episodes of the documentary mini-series ‘ Kharkiv: Capital of Alternative Photography ’ covers one decade of the photographic practice of one of the most famous schools of artists in Ukraine.

If you’ve seen Pamfir on Netflix, you’ll remember the unforgettable scene: a chaotic parade of masked figures, elaborate costumes, and haunting melodies weaving through the dark streets of a small Ukrainian village. That wasn’t just cinematic creativity—it was Malanka, Ukraine’s ancient and theatrical New Year celebration, captured in all its raw, unrestrained energy.

When you think about New Year’s Eve, the usual images come to mind: champagne flutes, party hats, and a countdown to midnight. But in Ukraine, the holiday season carries a deeper cultural and personal significance. New Year’s has long been one of the country’s most cherished celebrations—a moment to reflect, come together, and look ahead with hope and resilience.

Nothing says Christmas quite like the timeless charm of the Home Alone series—a nostalgic mix of holiday cheer, ingenious booby traps, surprising cameos, and the sound of ‘Carol of the Bells.’ So, just like most other media outlets, we thought we’d write about it, too.

The reigning heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, proudly represents Ukraine. From appearing as a Cossack warrior to transforming into the Joker, Usyk excels not just as a dominant force in boxing but also as a true showman.