Masha Lavrova

Team

TikTok Producer and Video Host

Masha Lavrova is a TikTok producer and video host at the Kyiv Independent. She honed her digital marketing and PR skills while working in Australia and freelancing for various global companies. Masha also studied directing and producing for film and TV. She earned her bachelor's degree in screen media and communication from Western Sydney University in Australia.

[email protected]

Articles

Video

Ukrainians react to Trump’s shocking accusation about the war

by Masha Lavrova February 19, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest comments about Ukraine are raising eyebrows — and spreading misinformation. He claimed that Ukraine was the one who started Russia's war, said that Ukraine had been “blown to smithereens,” and claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a 4% approval rating — none of which has a factual basis. How do actual Ukrainians feel about Trump’s words? The Kyiv Independent’s Masha Lavrova hit the streets of Kyiv to hear their raw, unfiltered reactions.

Video

Russian drone hits Chornobyl nuclear plant as Munich Security Conference begins | Ukraine This Week

by Anna Belokur, Nick Allard, Jason Blevins, Martin Fornusek, Olena Zashko, Masha Lavrova February 16, 2025

This Sunday, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down U.S. President Donald Trump’s first official call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the controversial comments made by Trump’s team that may spell out an ominous warning for Ukraine. We’re also joined by our

Video

Chornobyl: An exclusive look at the exclusion zone during war | Dare to Ukraine

by Masha Lavrova December 7, 2024

In the sixth episode of Dare to Ukraine, we gain rare access to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, known globally as the site of the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster and one of the most radioactive places on Earth.

Video

Dare to Ukraine | Kharkiv: The city that refuses to be broken

by Masha Lavrova November 9, 2024

In the fifth episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we explore Kharkiv, a city that embodies resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. As Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv is renowned for its diverse architecture and vibrant arts scene.

Video

Dare to Ukraine | Kyiv, the heart of a war-torn country

by Masha Lavrova October 19, 2024

In the fourth episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we journey to Kyiv, the heart of Ukraine. Known for its ancient history, iconic landmarks, and revolutionary spirit, Kyiv has stood at the center of Ukraine’s struggles and triumphs for centuries.

Video

Dare to Ukraine | Odesa: Summer by the sea during war

by Masha Lavrova September 28, 2024

Despite being scarred by Russia’s full-scale war, the city continues to draw locals and tourists to its lively streets, sunny beaches, and legendary nightlife.

Video

Discovering the majesty of the Carpathians | Dare to Ukraine

by Masha Lavrova September 14, 2024

In the second episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we venture into the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, a region known for its majestic landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and rich cultural heritage.

Dare to Ukraine

Dare to Ukraine | Lviv, the ultimate first stop to experience Ukraine

by Masha Lavrova, Toma Istomina August 31, 2024

For the first episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we journey to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, known for its magnificent architecture, lively streets, and delicious cuisine. Join our host, Masha Lavrova, as she uncovers the many layers of this captivating city.

Video

Street culture unites displaced people in Lviv

by Masha Lavrova, Nick Allard, Anna Yakutenko August 2, 2024

As Russia's war in Ukraine rages on, millions have been forced to flee their towns, leaving behind their homes and communities. In Lviv, one center for internally displaced persons brings people together and rebuilds bonds through street culture.

Interview

'Saints:' Photographer Sasha Maslov on documenting self-sacrifice in Ukraine during war

by Masha Lavrova June 6, 2024

Sasha Maslov is a Ukrainian-American photographer who divides his time between Kyiv and New York. At the start of the full-scale invasion, he returned to Kyiv to document the war. His work, which has been showcased in galleries and art spaces across Europe and the United States, includes regular contributions

Video

Inside the movement to free Ukrainians from Russian captivity

by Masha Lavrova April 12, 2024

Every weekend, Ukrainians rally to support the families of prisoners of war and advocate for the release of those still in Russian captivity. We spoke to former prisoners of war and relatives of POWs at one of the recent protests in Kyiv.

Interview

Hollywood actress Ivanna Sakhno: ‘I’ve never felt more at home in Ukraine than during full-scale war’

by Masha Lavrova April 4, 2024

When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking the country from multiple fronts and the sky, Ukrainian actress Ivanna Sakhno was thousands of kilometers away. She has been living in the U.S. for nearly 10 years at that point, ever since deciding to pursue her dream of acting

Video

Ivanna Sakhno on her mission to keep Ukraine relevant

by Masha Lavrova April 3, 2024

The Kyiv Independent's Masha Lavrova sat down with Ukrainian Hollywood actress Ivanna Sakhno to discuss her experience of watching the war unfold in Ukraine from the U.S., and her advocacy mission to keep bringing the world's attention to Ukraine.

Interview

Historian Jade McGlynn: Putin 100% believes Russia’s distorted history

by Masha Lavrova March 8, 2024

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently weaponized and distorted history throughout his time in power since 2000. In a recent interview with U.S. far-right commentator Tucker Carlson, Putin went back more than 1,000 years to justify

Video

Russia’s war against Ukraine, in 5 minutes

by Masha Lavrova February 24, 2024

Feb. 24, 2024, marks the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine. Look back at the key moments that defined Ukraine’s modern history from the EuroMaidan Revolution to the present day.

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine S2 E6 – Who is leading Ukraine’s military now?

by Anastasiia Lapatina, Masha Lavrova, Francis Farrell February 16, 2024

Season 2 Episode 6 is dedicated to the reshuffle of Ukraine's top military command.

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine S2 E5 – What Russian elections will mean for Ukraine

by Anastasiia Lapatina, Masha Lavrova, Oleg Sukhov February 9, 2024

Season 2 Episode 5 is dedicated to the upcoming Russian presidential election.

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine S2 E4 – Is NATO getting ready for escalation with Russia?

by Anastasiia Lapatina, Masha Lavrova February 2, 2024

Season 2 Episode 4 of "This Week in Ukraine" is dedicated to the risk of a potential Russian attack against NATO, and whether the alliance is prepared to defend itself. Masha is joined by Marcel Plichta, a security expert who is a fellow at the Center for Global Law and

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine S2 E3 – Alarming campaign against free press in Ukraine

by Masha Lavrova, Olga Rudenko January 26, 2024

Episode 1 of Season 2 is dedicated to the recent attacks against journalists in Ukraine and the country's press freedom over the years.

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine S2 E2 – Does Russia really want to negotiate peace?

by Masha Lavrova, Oleksiy Sorokin January 19, 2024

Season 2 Episode 2 is dedicated to Ukraine’s Peace Formula and the possibility of successful peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2024.

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine S2 E1 – Russia's economic war against Ukraine

by Masha Lavrova, Dominic Culverwell January 12, 2024

Season 2 Episode 1 is dedicated to foreign investment in Ukrainian business and what makes them critical to bolstering Ukraine’s economic front.

Video

Ukrainian Christmas: Traditions and hope in the midst of war

by Olena Zashko, Masha Lavrova December 23, 2023

Join us as we explore what Christmas in Kyiv looks like during the war, witnessing the resilient spirit of Ukrainians coming together to infuse Christmas magic into the lives of those affected by the harsh realities of Russia's ongoing aggression.

Podcasts

This Week in Ukraine Ep. 28 – Why Ukraine has a problem with Elon Musk

by Anastasiia Lapatina, Masha Lavrova October 6, 2023

Episode #28 is dedicated to Elon Musk and his stained reputation in Ukraine.

Masha Lavrova

Articles

Ukrainians react to Trump’s shocking accusation about the war

Russian drone hits Chornobyl nuclear plant as Munich Security Conference begins | Ukraine This Week

Chornobyl: An exclusive look at the exclusion zone during war | Dare to Ukraine

Dare to Ukraine | Kharkiv: The city that refuses to be broken

Dare to Ukraine | Kyiv, the heart of a war-torn country

Dare to Ukraine | Odesa: Summer by the sea during war

Discovering the majesty of the Carpathians | Dare to Ukraine

Dare to Ukraine | Lviv, the ultimate first stop to experience Ukraine

Street culture unites displaced people in Lviv

'Saints:' Photographer Sasha Maslov on documenting self-sacrifice in Ukraine during war

Inside the movement to free Ukrainians from Russian captivity

Hollywood actress Ivanna Sakhno: ‘I’ve never felt more at home in Ukraine than during full-scale war’

Ivanna Sakhno on her mission to keep Ukraine relevant

Historian Jade McGlynn: Putin 100% believes Russia’s distorted history

Russia’s war against Ukraine, in 5 minutes

This Week in Ukraine S2 E6 – Who is leading Ukraine’s military now?

This Week in Ukraine S2 E5 – What Russian elections will mean for Ukraine

This Week in Ukraine S2 E4 – Is NATO getting ready for escalation with Russia?

This Week in Ukraine S2 E3 – Alarming campaign against free press in Ukraine

This Week in Ukraine S2 E2 – Does Russia really want to negotiate peace?

This Week in Ukraine S2 E1 – Russia's economic war against Ukraine

Ukrainian Christmas: Traditions and hope in the midst of war

This Week in Ukraine Ep. 28 – Why Ukraine has a problem with Elon Musk

Editors' Picks

'Surrender & betrayal' — US, EU officials condemn Trump, Hegseth's comments on Ukraine peace negotiations

As US and Russia start talks, what peace terms could Ukraine accept?

From drone simulators to civics: Ukraine reforms school curriculum to protect next generation from Russian threat

Russia's oil tanker crash causes 'worst ecological catastrophe,' with Black Sea in need of a decade to recover

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