"Ukraine Without Hype": Episode 17 - September 18, 2020

Ukraine Without Hype

In this last episode of the season, hosts Romeo Kokriatski and Maria Romanenko discuss Belarus strengthening its border security with Ukraine due to President Lukashenko's ungrounded fears that Ukraine is somehow responsible for the mass anti-government demonstrations in the capital that are well into their second month now. Maria gives an update into the situation with the Hasidim who, due to the pandemic and in a bid to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) in the Ukrainian city of Uman, where the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement is buried, are facing troubles both trying to get into the country and with the locals. Romeo breaks down the latest developments in the hiring process for a governmental anti-corruption body that saw Ukraine face threats that it may lose its visa-free travel status with the European Union. Romeo and Maria also discuss the attack on a journalist who believes he was attacked because he wanted to make a joke about "traditional (family) values" and the resignation of a controversial MP who was caught listing out prices for bribes. Take a listen to the last episode of "Ukraine Without Hype" - for now - and follow the hosts of the podcast on Twitter for future updates! Romeo Kokriatski @VagrantJourno, Maria Romanenko @Rommari