Kim Barker
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NYT reporter, Pulitzer winner. Former campaign $$ diva, ProPublica, & AfPak hack, Chicago Tribune. Wrote Taliban Shuffle. Tips? kim(dot)barker@nytimes.com
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Articles by Kim Barker
Fire, smoke and desperation after a strike in the heart of Kyiv
KYIV, Ukraine — In the middle of a workday, in the middle of the Ukrainian capital, a Russian jet-powered drone struck the National Academy of Sciences on Monday, setting the top two floors on fire and forcing people to crawl out of windows to await rescue. As firefighters worked to put out the blaze, employees of an institution that has accounted for almost all major scientific discoveries in Ukraine had to climb down ladders to reach safety.
Fire, Smoke and Desperation After a Strike in the Heart of Kyiv
Fire, Smoke and Desperation After a Strike in the Heart of Kyiv - The New York Times
Russian Attacks Destroy Millions of Books, the Heart of Ukrainian Culture
Russian Attacks Destroy Millions of Books, the Heart of Ukrainian Culture A publisher whose warehouse was hit twice said Moscow “thinks that books are more dangerous for them than military equipment.” The Ranok Publishing warehouse in Kharkiv, Ukraine, after it was struck twice by Russian drones in August.Credit...Sergey Bobok/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine Sept.
Russian Attacks Destroy Millions of Books, the Heart of Ukrainian Culture
A publisher whose warehouse was hit twice said Moscow “thinks that books are more dangerous for them than military equipment.” The first Russian jet-powered drone slammed into the warehouse about 11 a.m. on a Saturday in August. The fire burned so hot that employees could not extinguish it. Within minutes, the second drone hit the building, and everyone ran for the shelter. The fire burned for almost a week. By then, almost everything inside was gone.
Sin final a la vista: Rusia y Ucrania escalan sus ataques
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Sin final a la vista: Rusia y Ucrania escalan sus ataques Cada bando usa misiles y drones para someter al otro, lo que lleva a un sufrimiento humano incesante. No hay indicios de que la determinación de ninguno de los países vaya a debilitarse.
A Spiral of Escalation for Russia and Ukraine, With No End in Sight
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. A Spiral of Escalation for Russia and Ukraine, With No End in Sight Each side is using missiles and drones to try to pound the other into giving up, breeding ceaseless human suffering. But there is no sign that either country’s determination will weaken.
Ukraine’s ex-defense minister calls for election, cementing break with Zelensky
Ukraine’s popular former defense minister has called for wartime elections in Ukraine, setting up a potential confrontation with President Volodymyr Zelensky, the man who fired him last month. After Russia invaded in February 2022, elections in Ukraine were suspended under martial law. Opposing political parties and some Ukrainians have grumbled about Mr. Zelensky’s hold on power, which has extended for more than seven years, but rallied behind him because of the war.
Bare Grocery Shelves Are a New Wartime Hardship for Ukrainians After years of pounding power plants and cities, Russia’s air war has taken aim at Ukraine’s supermarket warehouses. Firefighters at the site of a food warehouse hit by a Russian missile strike in the Kyiv region of Ukraine on Thursday.Credit...Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine Aug.
Ukraine’s Ex-Defense Minister Calls for Election, Cementing Break With Zelensky
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Ukraine’s Ex-Defense Minister Calls for Election, Cementing Break With Zelensky Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular young leader who was fired last month, said Russia should not be allowed to dictate when Ukrainians can choose their next government. Mykhailo Fedorov in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, last month.
A Mother’s Quest to Rescue Her Son From Russian-Occupied Ukraine
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. A mother of three sat in a Ukrainian rehabilitation center, clutching her phone, willing it to ring, trying to piece her shattered family back together. Liliia Prutian, 55, was working as a military medic when Russian troops invaded in February 2022. They captured her, abused her, accused her of terrorism and held her for two and a half years.
How a Ukrainian bank worker came to face life in a Russian prison
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia says Artem Murdid is a killer who followed orders from Ukrainian intelligence to plant bombs in his Ukrainian city, Melitopol, after Russian troops captured it. Murdid says he did nothing wrong. He also says that after he was arrested in March 2023, pro-Russian guards repeatedly beat him, shocked him with electric charges and forced him to watch his mother be subjected to the same.
How a Ukrainian Bank Worker Came to Face Life in a Russian Prison
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. How a Ukrainian Bank Worker Came to Face Life in a Russian Prison Artem Murdid, his mother and his girlfriend are accused of terrorism. They say they did nothing wrong. Artem Murdid during a trip with friends to a beach on the Sea of Azov in the Zaporizhzhia region in 2019. He says he was tortured into confessing to Russian terrorism charges.
How a Ukrainian Bank Worker Came to Face Life in a Russian Prison
KYIV, Ukraine -- Russia says Artem Murdid is a killer who followed orders from Ukrainian intelligence to plant bombs in his Ukrainian city, Melitopol, after Russian troops captured it. Murdid says he did nothing wrong. He also says that after he was arrested in March 2023, pro-Russian guards repeatedly beat him, shocked him with electric charges and forced him to watch his mother be subjected to the same.
How a Ukrainian Bank Worker Came to Face Life in a Russian Prison
KYIV, Ukraine -- Russia says Artem Murdid is a killer who followed orders from Ukrainian intelligence to plant bombs in his Ukrainian city, Melitopol, after Russian troops captured it. Murdid says he did nothing wrong. He also says that after he was arrested in March 2023, pro-Russian guards repeatedly beat him, shocked him with electric charges and forced him to watch his mother be subjected to the same.
Trump Administration Live Updates: Zelensky and Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Original
July 28, 2026, 12:01 a.m. ET President Trump with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla., last year.Credit...Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is planning to meet President Trump at the White House on Tuesday at a time when their relationship appears stronger than ever before — even as both men face challenges at home.
‘Better Chemistry’: Has the Trump-Zelensky Relationship Thawed?
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met President Trump at the White House on Tuesday as their relationship appears stronger than ever before — even as both men face challenges at home. At the meeting, Mr. Zelensky, still confronting domestic fallout over sacking both his defense minister and army chief, was hoping to reboot stalled peace talks in Ukraine’s war against Russia and to push for more U.S. help with weapons, particularly air defense.
In Latest Attacks, Russia Is Exploiting a Major Weakness for Ukraine
Russia’s ballistic-missile attacks against Ukraine have grown in ferocity and magnitude in recent weeks because Russian military planners are exploiting one of Ukraine’s greatest weaknesses: The Ukrainian military does not have enough Patriot missile interceptors to keep up with the barrages. Air-defense units around the country are stuck making impossible calculations. Salvos can now include more than 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles.
Russia Is Rich in Ballistic Missiles. Ukraine Is Short of Ways to Stop Them.
Russia's ballistic-missile attacks against Ukraine have grown in ferocity and magnitude in recent weeks because Russian military planners are exploiting one of Ukraine's greatest weaknesses: The Ukrainian military does not have enough Patriot missile interceptors to keep up with the barrages. Air-defense units around the country are stuck making impossible calculations. Salvos can now include more than 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles.
Russia Is Rich in Ballistic Missiles. Ukraine Is Short of Ways to Stop Them.
Russia's ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine have grown in ferocity and magnitude in recent weeks because Russian military planners are exploiting one of Ukraine's greatest weaknesses: The Ukrainian military does not have enough Patriot missile interceptors to keep up with the barrages. Air defense units around the country are stuck making impossible calculations. Salvos can now include more than 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles.
Tras una agonizante semana de amenazas, Rusia bombardea Kiev
Las advertencias reiteradas de Moscú de un gran ataque, y el retraso en su ejecución, parecieron querer infligir un daño psicológico a la capital de Ucrania. Más de una semana después de que Rusia advirtiera de un ataque contra Kiev que sería tan grande que los diplomáticos y otros extranjeros deberían huir, Moscú finalmente atacó en la madrugada del martes.
Tras una agonizante semana de amenazas, Rusia bombardea Kiev
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Tras una agonizante semana de amenazas, Rusia bombardea Kiev Las advertencias reiteradas de Moscú de un gran ataque, y el retraso en su ejecución, parecieron querer infligir un daño psicológico a la capital de Ucrania.
After an agonizing week of threats, Kyiv is finally bombarded by Russia
KYIV, Ukraine -- More than a week after Russia warned of an attack on Kyiv that would be so big that diplomats and other foreigners should flee, Moscow finally struck early Tuesday. Its forces launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at the capital and other cities in Ukraine, killing at least 22 people, Ukrainian authorities said.
After an Agonizing Week of Threats, Kyiv Is Finally Bombarded by Russia
KYIV, Ukraine -- More than a week after Russia warned of an attack on Kyiv that would be so big that diplomats and other foreigners should flee, Moscow finally struck early Tuesday. Its forces launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at the capital and other cities in Ukraine, killing at least 16 people, Ukrainian authorities said. The bombardment of Kyiv was similar in scale to two other deadly attacks last month.
Volodímir Zelenski comienza a distanciarse del gobierno de Trump
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Volodímir Zelenski comienza a distanciarse del gobierno de Trump Con las conversaciones de paz congeladas y Ucrania ahora más autosuficiente, el presidente Volodímir Zelenski parece alejarse de EE. UU. El presidente de Ucrania, Volodímir Zelenski, en Ereván, Armenia, la semana pasada.
Fed Up, Zelensky Takes Gloves Off With the Trump Administration
18 hours ago Russian President Vladimir Putin says he thinks the Ukraine war is coming to an end despite broader negotiations remaining stalled. Vladimir Putin has signalled that his country’s war with Ukraine may be ‘coming to an end’, as the Russian president again blamed the West for prolonging the fighting …
Fed Up, Zelensky Takes Gloves Off With the Trump Administration
Fed Up, Zelensky Takes Gloves Off With the Trump Administration With peace talks on ice and Ukraine now more self-reliant, President Volodymyr Zelensky seems to be stepping away from the United States. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in Yerevan, Armenia, last week. Mr. Zelensky has publicly criticized the United States in ways that would have been unthinkable last year.Credit...Ludovic Marin/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images May 11, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET The trouble was a long time coming.
Russian Strikes Kill at Least 15 in Biggest Barrage on Ukrainian Cities in Months Original
Russia launched a vast missile and drone attack across Ukraine overnight and early Thursday morning, killing at least 15 people and destroying any thought that the temporary Easter truce announced by President Vladimir V. Putin meant anything more permanent. The strikes sent plumes of smoke above the capital, Kyiv, in the early morning and also targeted the port city of Odesa and the central-eastern city of Dnipro.
Russian Strikes Kill at Least 18 in Biggest Barrage on Ukrainian Cities in Months
KYIV, Ukraine -- Russia launched a vast missile and drone attack across Ukraine overnight and early Thursday morning, killing at least 18 people and destroying any thought that the temporary Easter truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin meant anything more permanent. kAm%96 DEC:<6D D6?E A=F>6D @7 D>@<6 23@G6 E96 42A:E2=[ zJ:G[ :? E96 62C=J >@C?:?8 2?5 2=D@ E2C86E65 E96 A@CE 4:EJ @7 ~56D2 2?5 E96 46?EC2=\62DE6C?
Russian Strikes Kill at Least 18 in Biggest Barrage on Ukrainian Cities in Months
KYIV, Ukraine -- Russia launched a vast missile and drone attack across Ukraine overnight and early Thursday morning, killing at least 18 people and destroying any thought that the temporary Easter truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin meant anything more permanent. kAm%96 DEC:<6D D6?E A=F>6D @7 D>@<6 23@G6 E96 42A:E2=[ zJ:G[ :? E96 62C=J >@C?:?8 2?5 2=D@ E2C86E65 E96 A@CE 4:EJ @7 ~56D2 2?5 E96 46?EC2=\62DE6C?
Russian Strikes Kill at Least 15 in Ukraine in Biggest Attack in Months
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Moscow is again ramping up missile and drone attacks on civilian targets, dispelling any notion that a temporary cease-fire for Orthodox Easter might become more lasting.
Į Donbasą su Zelenskiu: 27 valandos kelyje, 10 puodelių kavos ir Rusijos dronai
Beveik prieš mėnesį įsiplieskęs Jungtinių Valstijų ir Izraelio karas prieš Iraną atitraukė pasaulio dėmesį nuo kruvino Rusijos agresijos karo prieš Ukrainą ir neribotam laikui atidėjo kitą amerikiečių remiamų taikos derybų etapą. Oro gynybos raketų, kurių Ukraina desperatiškai reikia gynybai, atsargos iškeliavo į Artimuosius Rytus, kur sparčiai senka. Tuo tarpu Ukrainoje – liko tik žiaurių Rusijos smūgių per žiemą išsekinti žmonės.
Un Zelenski cansado y en pie de lucha visita a las tropas en el frente
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. El presidente Volodímir Zelenski, con los ojos cansados, profundas arrugas de preocupación y una barba salpicada de canas, subió a un tren el jueves por la noche en Kiev para visitar a sus soldados en el este de Ucrania, donde los combates han sido más encarnizados. Parecía un viaje solitario.
On the Road With Zelensky, Weathered, Weary and Fighting On Original
President Volodymyr Zelensky, with tired eyes, deep worry lines and a beard flecked with gray, boarded a train on Thursday night in Kyiv to visit his troops in eastern Ukraine, where the fighting has been fiercest. It seemed a lonely journey. The U.S.-Israeli war launched against Iran almost a week earlier had pulled the world’s attention away from Ukraine’s bloody war with Russia and delayed the next round of American-backed peace talks.
Ukraine Sent Drone Experts to Protect U.S. Bases in Jordan, Zelensky Says Original
As the war in Iran spirals beyond its borders, Ukraine has sent interceptor drones and a team of drone experts to protect U.S. military bases in Jordan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with The New York Times. The United States made the request for help on Thursday, and the Ukrainian team left the next day, Mr. Zelensky said. It was expected to arrive in the Middle East soon.
Russia Launches Big Strikes Before U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Geneva Original
Russia Launches Big Strikes Before U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Geneva Moscow unleashed an extensive drone and missile attack just hours before American officials were set to meet with Kyiv’s chief negotiator. An apartment building hit by a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Thursday.Credit...Reuters Feb.
Russia Launches Big Strikes Before U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Geneva
KYIV, Ukraine -- Russia pummeled cities across Ukraine with drone and missile strikes before talks Thursday in Geneva between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators to prepare for the next round of trilateral peace negotiations. kAm%96 5C@?6 2?5 >:DD:=6 2EE24< E2C86E65 &<C2:?:2? 4:E:6D[ H@F?565 2E =62DE a_ A6@A=6 2?5 52>2865 3F:=5:?8D :? 6:89E C68:@?D[ :?4=F5:?8 :? zJ:G[ @77:4:2=D D2:5] !C6D:56?E '@=@5J>JC +6=6?D<JJ D2:5 :? 2 A@DE @? D@4:2= >65:2 %9FCD52J E92E E96 #FDD:2?
Russia Launches Big Strikes Before U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Geneva
KYIV, Ukraine -- U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators met for hours Thursday in Geneva to prepare for the next round of trilateral peace negotiations with Russia, which Ukrainian officials hope could be held as early as next week. kAm%96 ?68@E:2E:@?D DE2CE65 9@FCD 27E6C #FDD:2 AF>>6=65 4:E:6D 24C@DD &<C2:?6 H:E9 5C@?6 2?5 >:DD:=6 DEC:<6D] %96 2EE24<D H@F?565 2E =62DE a_ A6@A=6 2?5 52>2865 3F:=5:?8D :? 6:89E C68:@?D[ :?4=F5:?8 :?
Russia Attacks Ukraine Ahead of Invasion’s 4th Anniversary Original
You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading. Russia Attacks Ukraine Ahead of Invasion’s 4th Anniversary At least one man was killed in Kyiv as Moscow launched a wave of drones and missiles, days after the latest round of U.S.-mediated talks to end the war. Workers at the site where a policewoman was killed in an explosion in Lviv, Ukraine, on Sunday. It was not clear whether Russia was involved.Credit...Mauricio Lima for The New York Times Feb.
Trump Said He’d End the War in Ukraine in a Day. It’s Harder Than He Thought. Original
President Trump repeatedly promised during his campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine in one day. But by most measures, the war has grown worse for Ukrainians since Mr. Trump returned to the White House, not better. More civilians were killed and injured in 2025 than in the previous year. More missiles and drones are hitting city centers. Russia captured more territory in its slow-moving advances in 2025 than in any year since 2022, when it launched its full-scale invasion.
Ukraine-Russia Talks End With Little Progress and Hints of Impasse
After just three hours, Russia, Ukraine and the United States declared themselves done with the latest round of peace talks Thursday, offering scant sign of progress toward ending a war that is nearing a fifth year despite the Trump administration's diplomatic interventions. kAmp 72>:=:2C A2EE6C? A=2J65 @FE 2D EH@ 52JD @7 ?68@E:2E:@?D HC2AA65 FA :?
Trump Live Updates: Democrats to Lay Out Demands For Restrictions on Immigration Agents
The clash reflects a fundamental divide between the two parties over how President Trump’s deportation drive should be carried out.Credit...Eric Lee for The New York Times Senate Democrats said on Wednesday that they would put forth legislation by Thursday to codify their conditions for continuing to fund the Department of Homeland Security, moving quickly to lay out their demands for new restrictions on federal agents carrying out President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Ukraine-Russia Talks End With Little Progress and Hints of Impasse Original
After just three hours, Russia, Ukraine and the United States declared themselves done with the latest round of peace talks on Thursday, offering scant sign of progress toward ending a war that is nearing a fifth year despite the Trump administration’s diplomatic interventions. A familiar pattern played out as two days of negotiations wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Everyone said the talks were productive. More talks were planned.
Ukraine-Russia Talks End With Little Progress and Hints of Impasse
After just three hours, Russia, Ukraine and the United States declared themselves done with the latest round of peace talks Thursday, offering scant sign of progress toward ending a war that is nearing a fifth year despite the Trump administration's diplomatic interventions. kAmp 72>:=:2C A2EE6C? A=2J65 @FE 2D EH@ 52JD @7 ?68@E:2E:@?D HC2AA65 FA :?
Trump Live Updates: Latest News on Ukraine, Harvard and More
Russia-Ukraine War Feb. 4, 2026, 3:18 a.m. ET Ukraine talks resume, despite an intense Russian bombardment of Ukraine’s power grid.
Russia and Ukraine Resume Talks After a Huge Attack by Moscow
Employees repair sections of the Darnytska combined heat and power plant damaged by Russian air strikes in Kyiv, on February 4, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recent Russian strikes on Ukraine's power infrastructure have disrupted light, heating and water supplies to millions across the country as temperatures plummet well below freezing, leaving the war-battered country facing a fresh humanitarian crisis.
Ukraine Talks Set to Resume, Following a Huge Attack by Moscow
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. The second round of peace talks among Russian, Ukrainian and American officials was set to begin Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates, following another huge Russian attack on Ukraine’s power grid early Tuesday.
Russia and Ukraine Resume Talks After a Huge Attack by Moscow
The second round of peace talks among Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. officials began Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates, following another huge Russian attack on Ukraine's power grid early Tuesday. kAm}68@E:2E@CD DA6?E 23@FE d `^a 9@FCD 369:?5 4=@D65 5@@CD[ 2?5 2 &<C2:?:2? @77:4:2= D2:5 E96 E2=<D H@F=5 C6DF>6 %9FCD52J] (9:=6 @77:4:2=D 5:5 ?@E AF3=:4=J D2J H92E H2D 5:D4FDD65[ E96 56=682E:@?D 925 366? 6IA64E65 E@ E2=< 23@FE E96 EH@ >2:? DE:4<:?8 A@:?ED :?
Ukraine Peace Talks Delayed After Russia and U.S. Meet
A second round of trilateral talks to end the war in Ukraine has been postponed for several days after a surprise meeting this weekend between Russian and U.S. negotiators in Florida. The talks — among representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States — had been expected Sunday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Ukraine Peace Talks Delayed After Russia and U.S. Meet
A second round of trilateral talks to end the war in Ukraine has been postponed for several days after a surprise meeting this weekend between Russian and U.S. negotiators in Florida. The talks — among representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States — had been expected Sunday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Sector, Killing 12 Miners
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. A Russian drone strike killed 12 miners who had just finished their shift at a coal mine in east-central Ukraine on Sunday afternoon, officials said, highlighting the limitations of a partial, short-term truce that Russia agreed to last week at President Trump’s request.
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