Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ihor Tymots
Nuclear threats aren't working. Russia seeks to bring Europe to its knees – Foreign Affairs
Russia is shifting its primary adversary, and the consequences could be dangerous. Moscow is relying less on its usual tools of pressure and is seeking new ways to force the West to back down. At the heart of the strategy is a Europe preparing to defend itself and relying less and less on the US. The Kremlin is rethinking the limits of escalation, and scenarios that were recently considered unlikely are becoming real.
The Mystery of Kim Jong Un: Why Rumors of the Dictator's Death Shook the World
Rumors about the death of the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's shook the world and raised questions about the future of one of the planet's most secretive regimes. His sister, his daughter, and China are at the center of attention. What is happening behind the scenes of power in Pyongyang. LIGA.net read The Economic Times, Daily Star, Chosun, Turkiye Today, The Nation Thailand, Yonhap and drew three conclusions.
Trump has dropped the mask. Which scenario for Ukraine is becoming increasingly likely – The Atlantic
Donald Trump took a step that could have serious consequences for Ukraine. Behind the high-profile statements about peace lies a story capable of changing perceptions of who stands on whose side. In the US, something is happening that until recently seemed unthinkable. What links Trump’s decisions to personal motives, and are there forces capable of changing this, writes The Atlantic analyst Tom Nichols. LIGA.net retells briefly.
Putin seeks Trump and Xi's consent to force Ukraine into capitulation
Vladimir Putin wants to gather around the same table Donald Trump's and Xi Jinping's. This idea could have dangerous consequences for Ukraine. The Kremlin seeks support for a plan to force Kyiv into capitulation, and—more broadly—for a new world order in which the fate of smaller nations would be decided by major powers. Relations between Ukraine and the US are becoming strained, and Trump’s actions are causing growing alarm.
Trump is complicating the war for Ukraine. Zelenskyy faces a dangerous choice
Ukraine is dealing painful blows to Russia at a time when US support is becoming increasingly unreliable. Ukrainian drones are forcing Moscow to restrict airport operations and are creating problems for Russian infrastructure. Behind these attacks lies a more ambitious plan that could change the rules of the war and confront Kyiv with a difficult choice. Why Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds back its military, even though Russia does not hesitate to strike Ukrainian civilians.
Russia is hunting those who help Ukraine. What the Kremlin is plotting, and what Europe fears
Russia is waging a shadow war in Europe, targeting those who assist Ukraine. Western intelligence agencies are warning of a threat that could affect Kyiv's ability to receive weapons from allies. We examined the effect Moscow aims to achieve, how the West is reacting to this threat, and how it could impact support for Ukraine LIGA.net.
"Zelenskyy was supposed to be the last president." Portnikov on the Kremlin's true goals
Journalist, essayist, and political commentator Vitaly Portnikov (Collage: LIGA.net, created using artificial intelligence) Vitaly Portnikov in an interview LIGA.net explained what Ukraine can expect from the new initiatives Donald Trump's, where Russia and the US went wrong, what China is risking, and what international disorder looks like.
Trump and Xi talks: China expert explains what to watch in the context of settling the war
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during a meeting in Beijing in May 2026 (Photo: EPA) In the context of a peaceful settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine, after the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, it will be necessary to look not at words, but at a number of Beijing's future actions. Vita Holod, a board member of the Ukrainian Association of China Scholars, said this for LIGA.net's article on the planned talks between the leaders of the United States and China.
A Trump Card Against China: How the Trump-Xi Meeting Will Affect Ukraine
The shadow of the war in Ukraine will hang over the negotiating table during the meeting Donald Trump's and Xi Jinping's. The US President has gained the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas—and this serves as potential leverage against Beijing. Will Trump seize the moment to press Xi to reconsider relations with Moscow? What might change for Ukraine following the meeting between the two leaders, and when will those changes become apparent?
Russia is stockpiling missiles. Ukraine is preparing for the worst – Bloomberg
Ukraine is entering a winter that could prove to be the toughest test of the war—and it is not just about freezing temperatures or power outages. Russia is stockpiling missiles for fresh strikes on critical infrastructure, aiming for a time when the consequences would be most devastating. At the same time, Ukraine is facing a shortage of Patriot interceptors, and some decisions regarding their supply depend on the US and European allies.
Khara: After Putin, the next Führer of the "Russian World" will be chosen by shooting rivals
Vladimir Putin (Photo: EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV) After the death or weakening of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin A power struggle will begin in Russia that could escalate into an armed conflict. This opinion was expressed in a comment... for analysis LIGA.net Oleksandr Khara, diplomat and Director of the Centre for Defence Strategies.
Estonia is most vulnerable to open Russian aggression – security expert Hara
Map of NATO member countries and partners (Photo: NATO) Among the Baltic states, Estonia is the most vulnerable to open Russian aggression due to its geography and size. This was stated in a comment for analysis LIGA.net Oleksandr Khara, diplomat and Director of the Centre for Defence Strategies.
Congress has given Trump a trump card against Putin. Why it is too early for Kyiv to rejoice
Congress passed the late [person's] bill. Lindsey GrahamThe US has taken a step that could significantly alter the economic pressure on Russia – now the ball is in the court of Donald Trump. The document opens up broader opportunities for him, but at the same time presents him with a choice, the consequences of which will be felt not only by Moscow. For Ukraine, this is a potentially powerful lever of pressure on Moscow.
Putin’s "Special Electoral Operation": Opportunities and Risks for Ukraine from the Duma "Elections"
Russia is holding its first Duma "elections" since the start of the full-scale war. Behind the facade of the authorities' expected victory lie issues that the Kremlin prefers not to bring up for public discussion. Ukrainian strikes on Russia, the risks of a new mobilization, and intensifying repression are transforming Russian society.
Putin-linked oligarch paid for Trump's son's wedding – ProPublica investigation
The wedding of Donald Trump Jr. is a story that goes beyond the society pages: a Russian billionaire with a criminal past and ties to the Kremlin paid for the lavish celebrations on private islands. The story takes on particular significance given Trump Jr.'s role in the MAGA movement. What Russia might gain from access to the U.S. president's family, describes the American outlet ProPublica, which specializes in investigative journalism. LIGA.net retells briefly.
Ukraine scrambles for answers. How Russia is turning drones into a new weapon of terror – FT
Russia has found a way to make its terror campaign significantly more dangerous for Ukraine. New jet-powered "Geran" drones are increasingly breaking through areas where Ukrainian air defenses previously shot them down, forcing Kyiv to urgently seek a countermeasure. Moscow is turning Ukrainian cities far from the front lines into a testing ground where new technologies are modified in real time. The speed at which Russia is scaling up this weaponry is a particular cause for concern.
"This could be one of the ways to end the war." Zelenskyy spoke about Trump, Putin, and NATO
Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an interview to American journalist Fareed Zakaria on the sidelines of the YES 2026 conference. He outlined what Kyiv wants to receive from the US and what it plans to produce itself. The President made it clear what he expects from Donald Trump's. At the same time, he explained why he considers Ukraine's position stronger than it might appear, and what American negotiators have already conveyed to Putin.
Ukraine lacks billions of dollars for its military and the war effort. Partners are at a loss – WSJ
Ukraine may face a financial gap it cannot bridge on its own, and the willingness of partners to continue funding the war is not guaranteed. There is increasingly vocal talk in Europe about the limits of what is possible, while political forces seeking to call aid to Kyiv into question are gaining strength. Behind the scenes, European officials are seeking ways to secure funding, yet every scenario presents new risks for Ukraine.
A political analyst explained whether anything will change for Ukrainian refugees following the AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt
Protests against the Russian invasion, Berlin, March 13, 2022 (File photo: Depositphotos) The victory of the far-right "Alternative for Germany (AfD)" in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt cannot change the legal status of Ukrainians in Germany who have been granted temporary protection. This was stated for analysis LIGA.net said Oliver Lembke, professor of political science at Ruhr University Bochum.
The AfD’s success in one of Germany’s states does not mean that voters are pro-Russian—a German sociologist says
Protest against the AfD in Magdeburg on September 5, 2026 (Photo: EPA/CLEMENS BILAN) The far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) won, in part, by arguing that the German economy was deteriorating due to sanctions against Russia, while this political force is indifferent to Ukraine. This was stated in the article LIGA.net said Susan Worshech, a researcher at the German European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder).
Russian drone delayed Zelenskyy's departure. Why the incident over Moldova became a problem for Europe
A Russian drone delayed the plane's departure. Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Moldova to Norway. This incident could have broader implications. This time, the Russian threat came dangerously close to the Ukrainian leader's flight path, raising uncomfortable questions about the security of European airspace. Chisinau believes the appearance of the drone was no accident. Zelenskyy himself has proposed a solution to protect the airspace over the neighboring country.
The AfD is surging toward power. What this means for Ukraine and Ukrainians in Germany.
Political earthquake in Germany: the far-right AfD won the election in Saxony-Anhalt, and for the first time since World War II, it gained a chance to come to power. For Ukraine, this victory casts a new light on the issues of German aid, sanctions against Russia, the future of Berlin’s relations with Moscow, and the fate of the 1.3 million Ukrainians in Germany.
Trump and Putin needed the visits by special envoys for their autumn election campaigns – analyst
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Kyiv on September 6, 2026 (Photo: EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO) Visits by US special envoys Steve Witkoff's and Jared Kushner The US President was needed in Moscow and Kyiv. To Donald Trump and the Russian dictator To Vladimir Putin for their election campaigns in the autumn. This was stated in a comment for analysis LIGA.net said Atlantic Council analyst Peter Dickinson.
Analyst Kraev on the visit by Trump's envoys: So far, this meeting has worked more in Moscow's favor
Donald Trump's envoys in Kyiv on September 6 (Photo: Sergey Dolzhenko / EPA) A negative aspect of the visit by the U.S. president's envoys Donald Trump Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner The fact is that they visited Moscow first and then Kyiv, according to Oleksandr Kraiev, director of the "North America" program at the "Ukrainian Prism" Foreign Policy Council. He expressed this opinion expressed in a comment for analysis LIGA.net.
The diplomat explained what can be used to judge the effectiveness of the talks with Witkoff and Kushner
Volodymyr Ohryzko (Screenshot from LIGA.net video) The results of the new talks involving American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner can, in particular, be seen if there are changes in Ukrainian and Russian strikes. This was stated for a text by LIGA.net by Volodymyr Ohryzko, minister of foreign affairs in 2007–2009 and head of the Center for Russian Studies.
Peace or a trap. What lies behind Trump's new round of negotiations
US-mediated peace talks have intensified once again. American envoys Donald Trump's after the meeting with Vladimir Putin arrived in Kyiv for the first time, and Europeans found themselves at the negotiating table. Publicly, the parties speak of progress and the possibility of a new round of negotiations, yet experts see numerous alarming signals. Is a new window for peace opening, or is Ukraine entering a phase of diplomatic maneuvering. LIGA.net take a closer look.
Russia's hybrid war against Germany is already on the verge of military action – political expert
Bundestag building (Photo: Government Press Service) Russia's hybrid war against Germany is already on the verge of conventional military action. This was stated in a comment for analysis LIGA.net ...stated Andreas Umland, a political expert at the European Institute of Politics in Kyiv.
Germany May Begin Countering Russia's Shadow Fleet—Experts from Think Tanks Say
Port of Hamburg (Photo: Wikipedia) Germany may step up pressure on Russia's shadow fleet following the drone incident in early August at Leipzig Airport. This was reported in the article LIGA.net said Andreas Umland, a political expert at the European Policy Institute in Kyiv, and Roland Freudenstein, co-founder of the Brussels Freedom Hub.
Russia is waging war against Europe below the threshold of NATO’s Article 5 – international security expert
Friedrich Merz (Photo: EPA/NECATI SAVAS) Russia is effectively waging war against European countries, yet its actions remain below the threshold that could trigger NATO’s Article 5. This view was expressed in a comment for analysis LIGA.net ...stated Oleksiy Melnyk, Co-director of the International Security Program at the Razumkov Centre.
"Taurus missiles should have been in Ukraine long ago." What Russia's attack on Leipzig could change for Kyiv
Russian attack in Germany may prove more important for Ukraine than it seems. Berlin is speaking increasingly sternly about Russia’s hybrid war—a shift that could alter its policy toward Moscow and the scale of its support for Kyiv. Following the events in Leipzig, Germans are debating steps they previously hesitated to take. How far Berlin is willing to go, what Ukraine might gain, and whether this episode could mark a turning point in German politics-find out in this article LIGA.net.
"Halushchenko knows almost everything." Kudrytskyi on Mindichgate, corruption in the energy sector, and the winter
Former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko..., who is being tried for corruption in the "Midas" case, may know more about corruption in the energy sector than is currently known, and his potential testimony could implicate many in the government. Former Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi in an interview LIGA.net he explained why the old system persisted despite high-profile personnel changes.
Moscow is preparing a new strike on Ukraine. Flash has identified the main threats for the winter
Russia has shifted to a new tactic of aerial terror: attacks on Ukraine are becoming round-the-clock, and conventional methods of countering drones do not always work. At the same time, Moscow is preparing the next stage, which could pose an even greater challenge for Ukrainian air defenses—and it involves more than just jet-powered Shaheds. There is a specific risk for the western regions, where the situation could change depending on decisions made by Belarus.
Xi’s Triumph: How Russia’s and Iran’s Wars Are Reshaping the World in China’s Favor
China is leveraging the wars involving Russia and Iran to expand its own influence. The SCO summit in Bishkek clearly demonstrated this: while the US pressures Moscow and Tehran, Beijing is playing its own game and disregarding threats Donald Trump's. The meeting was particularly revealing Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin – its significance goes beyond declarations of "friendship." What China gains from wars and Western weakness, and the game India is playing.
General Hodges: The West is surprised that Ukrainians are using drones in electronic warfare
Ben Hodges (Photo: EPA/MACIEJ KULCZYNSKI) Ukraine's experience in using drones for electronic warfare has surprised Western military officials. This was stated by retired U.S. General Ben Hodges. in an interview LIGA.netThe Ukrainian Armed Forces have successfully repelled Russian attacks near the settlements of Bilohorivka, Verkhniokamianske, and Spirne.
Former top US commander responds on whether Moscow can force Europe to stop aiding Kyiv
Ben Hodges (Photo: U.S. Embassy in Ukraine) Through its provocations against European countries, Moscow primarily seeks to force them to stop aiding Kyiv. Former commander of US forces in Europe, lieutenant general Ben Hodges, said this in an interview with LIGA.net.
"Russia is already at war with the West." General Hodges warned of the Kremlin's next move
Russia is continuing the war because Vladimir Putin still believes it has the resources for it and can force Ukraine and the West to yield. However, this calculation can be changed. In an exclusive interview LIGA.net Former U.S. Army Europe Commander Lieutenant General Ben Hodges discussed what could force the Kremlin to reconsider its plans, how approaches to mobilization in Ukraine need to change, and the risks facing NATO.
Stupak: In the event of a Russian attack on a NATO country's vessel, one should not count on Article 5
Ivan Stupak (Photo: Ivan Stupak/Facebook, AI-processed) In the event of a Russian attack on a merchant vessel, a NATO country should not count on the invocation of the Alliance’s Article 5. This view was expressed in a comment for... analysis LIGA.net ...stated military expert and former Security Service of Ukraine officer Ivan Stupak.
Drone attacks on merchant vessels resemble piracy – naval routes analyst
Thunder Tiger Seashark 800 marine drone off the coast of Taiwan, June 17, 2025 (Illustrative photo: EPA / RITCHIE B. TONGO) There are similarities between the maritime piracy of past centuries and attacks by naval drones on civilian vessels. Regarding this... for the new text LIGA.net told Samuel Bendett, a researcher at the Center for Naval Analyses.
The Race for the Sea. How the War in Ukraine Is Turning the World's Oceans into a New Battlefield
Ukraine and Russia are turning the world's oceans into a new battlefront: Kyiv is attacking Russia's "shadow fleet," while Moscow is deploying drone operators to protect the vessels. Civilian ships from third countries are also finding themselves at risk. If Russia begins using attacks on commercial shipping as a tool to pressure the West, Europe will face a difficult dilemma. The consequences could extend far beyond the war in Ukraine.
Floods hit the Himalayas – hundreds of people missing, including Ukrainians. What happened
Severe floods have struck Nepal and Tibet, washing away homes, roads, and bridges. Dozens of Ukrainians are among the missing. Rescue operations are underway amidst heavy rains and destroyed infrastructure, while the risk of further landslides and floods remains upstream. Experts are investigating what triggered the deadly wave that turned mountain valleys into a disaster zone in a matter of minutes. Here is what is known about the missing Ukrainians and why the Himalayas could face further floods.
The CIA Director made a surprise visit to Moscow. What Ratcliffe might have conveyed to Putin from Trump
CIA Director John Ratcliffe suddenly visited Moscow. During his visit, the US asked Ukraine to suspend strikes on the Russian capital and other cities. The purpose of the visit was not officially announced. LIGA.net read again CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Axios, CBS, CBC, The Washington Post, NBC, BBC, Die Welt, to figure out why Ratcliffe came to Moscow and what he might have conveyed to the Kremlin from Trump.
Volyn has become a disproportionately important topic since the Smolensk disaster, says historian Vuychitsky
Kazimierz Wujczycki (Photo: The historian's Facebook account) The politicization of the Volhynia tragedy in Poland began in 2010, when it became a disproportionately important issue. This view was expressed in an interview LIGA.net expressed Polish historian and journalist Kazimierz Wójcicki.
A Polish historian called the absence of Ukrainian troops at the parade in Warsaw a scandal
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Chief of the General Staff General Wiesław Kukuła during the parade in Warsaw on August 15, 2026 (Photo: EPA/Albert Zawada) Polish historian and commentator Kazimierz Wóycicki called the absence of Ukrainian troops from the parade in Warsaw on August 15 a scandal. He stated this in an interview. for analysis LIGA.net, commenting on the deterioration of Ukrainian-Polish relations.
"Nawrocki provokes and stays silent." Polish historian names causes of anti-Ukrainian wave
Karol Nawrocki (Photo: Robert Ghement / EPA) Current anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland has a number of causes, including statements by politicians such as the country’s president, Karol Nawrocki. Polish historian and publicist Kazimierz Wóycicki spoke about this and other factors in an interview with LIGA.net.
"Poland is far more nationalistic than Ukraine," says historian Wójcicki
Anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland can no longer be attributed solely to Russian propaganda. It is fueled by political infighting, historical myths, fear of Russia, and a sense of superiority over Ukraine. Polish historian and commentator Kazimierz Wóycicki in an interview LIGA.net explains why, after years of support for Ukrainians, opposition to Ukraine is growing in Poland, how Volhynia and the UPA have become instruments of this policy, and how the situation can be changed.
Fedorov was preparing "M&M’s" for Moscow. What Zelenskyy was afraid of, and why the operation didn't go ahead
Ukraine considered a plan for a massive attack in which thousands of AI-powered drones would paralyze Moscow's airports. Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to the preparations but feared the consequences. The architect of the plan was Mykhailo Fedorov – his dismissal put the operation on hold. The main question goes far beyond the operation: what will happen when a drone decides for itself "whom" to kill, writes Simon Shuster, author of the Zelenskyy book The Showman, in The Atlantic.
Elections During the War: Why Fedorov Challenged the President
Elections during the war in Ukraine are impossible. Yet they have suddenly returned to the spotlight—though this time the impetus did not come from Donald Trump, and a former associate Volodymyr Zelenskyy Mykhailo Fedorov, citing systemic problems within the government and corruption. Could the elections become a weapon for Russia, Trump, and Zelenskyy’s potential rivals all at once.
"200 missiles on Moscow would stop Putin." Chalyi on Russian objectives, Trump, and Patriot systems
There will be no quick end to the war: Moscow appears to be banking on another winter, strikes on the energy sector, and the exhaustion of Ukraine. Donald Trump at the same time seeks a favorable ceasefire, using Russia’s losses as leverage against Putin.
The majority of Serbs sympathize with Russia and support it in the war against Ukraine – analyst
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade on August 8, 2026 (Photo: Office of the President) Sympathy for Russia still prevails in Serbia, and public attitudes toward its war against Ukraine are unlikely to change significantly in the near future. This was stated by... for analysis LIGA.net Kateryna Shymkevych, founder of the Balkan Studies Analytical Center.
European analyst voiced a way to push countries away from Russia. He named the most pro-Russian government
Robert Fizo (Photo: Nicolas Tucat / EPA) To distance European countries from Russia, Ukraine can demonstrate itself in the security dimension. Jakub Janda, director of the European Values Center for Security Policy think tank in Prague, said this to LIGA.net. "Ukraine can demonstrate itself not only as a victim, but also as a security provider – for example, by sharing lessons from drone warfare, the protection of critical infrastructure and so on," the expert said.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ihor
Contact Ihor, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack