Frontliner is an independent media reporting on Russia's war

31 Mar., 2025 - Andriy Dubchak - Viktoriia Kalimbet

Canadian Soldier in the Ukrainian Army: ‘We’re fighting for our children’s future’

“War seems so far away for North America that we think we’re untouchable. But we’re not,” says April Huggett, a Canadian who left behind a peaceful home, three children, and a beloved career more than two years ago to help Ukraine. After two years of volunteering, she signed a contract and joined the ranks of the Ukrainian army. For the sake of strangers in a foreign country, Huggett sacrificed her marriage, relationships with loved ones, sleep, and peace of mind. Yet she insists she has no regrets—because in this war, she is fighting for her children’s future. Her story is not just about a personal choice but also about the shifting Western perception of Russian aggression, which has tested the international order for nearly 11 years.
28 Feb., 2025 - Albina Karman

“They beat me with fists and sticks.” Azov fighter reveals disturbing details about his time in Russian captivity

He’s been through constant beating with fists and sticks, made-up war crimes that he was forced to hang on other prisoners, and grueling 16-hour standing in a cell, this is the story of Yurii Sviderskyi, the 23-year-old Azov fighter from Khmelnytskyi. After putting down arms in Mariupol, he was imprisoned for over two years. Yurii watched the whole city burn to the ground, witnessed the Olenivka attack with other Ukrainian soldiers being killed, and saw numerous inhuman interrogations. It’s been six months since Yurii got back to Ukraine. He is still undergoing rehabilitation, as he still struggles with his teeth due to the injuries he received before his release. Frontliner spoke to Yurii in Khmelnytskyi when he came to see his girlfriend Taisiia between rehabilitation sessions. The following text is Yurii’s raw speech.
21 Feb., 2025 - Danylo Dubchak - Viktoriia Kalimbet

“Alumni” of the torture chambers – after Russian captivity, men are left to heal themselves

After enduring months of brutal torture, men freed from Russian captivity are forced to continue battling for their survival. Many have returned to a life stripped of homes, money, and the care they should receive from the state. To support themselves and others like them, these former prisoners have come together to form a network called The Alumni. United by the shared trauma of torture and humiliation at the hands of the occupiers, they find solace and understanding in each other’s company. Humor, too, has become a lifeline—hence the ironic name Alumni. Former captives spoke to Frontliner about how they were taken prisoner, survived the horrors of Russian torture chambers, and, after gaining their freedom, now fight for their right to a dignified life.
18 Jan., 2025 - Iva Sidash - Viktoriia Kalimbet

Moving feels scarier than guided bombs: why residents of a frontline community choose to stay under fire?

Velykyi Burluk, a quiet village in the Kharkiv region, that lies just 20 kilometers from the Russian border. Since the Russian offensive of May 2024, this village has found itself trapped between two relentless fronts. To the northwest, battles rage in the charred ruins of Vovchansk, while to the southeast, Kupiansk is being systematically leveled to the ground. With the advent of Russian planing guided bombs in 2023, Velykyi Burluk lives under the shadow of constant strikes.Yet, in the face of unending danger, most of Burluk's residents remain rooted in their homes. They feel forsaken, resigned to their fate, and gripped by the belief that no life beyond their embattled village could possibly be better than the one they already endure.

We are reporters on and near the front line.

Frontliner is an independent interactive media platform reporting on the military conflict and hybrid war between Russia and Ukraine. Our goal is to provide you with a complete picture of what is happening – including the war, the military, civilians, social attitudes, challenges, and positives.