Benjamin Murdoch

672 posts

Benjamin is a journalist and writer based in Kyїv, Ukraine. He has served as a communications manager and editor for various non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and civil society initiatives. His experience includes managing international communications strategies, translating research for global audiences, and coordinating digital campaigns for both public and private sector bodies. He specializes in topics ranging from human rights advocacy and civil society developments to the tactical and domestic impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian war. His work focuses on translating complex domestic developments into accessible reporting for a global audience.

All materials Featured articles

Ukrainian drone strike hit in Russian-occupied city of Starobilsk

7 minute read

Russo-Ukrainian war 2022-2026

Starobilsk incident highlights Ukrainian concerns over civilian risk in deep strikes and limits of wartime verification in occupied areas

Ukraine said it struck a “Rubicon” command position in occupied Starobilsk, while Russian occupation authorities claimed a dormitory was hit and reported casualties.

4 minute read

Money Matters

UK sanctions crypto exchanges and “A7 network” in crackdown on Russian evasion systems

Officials say Moscow has increasingly turned to shadow financial systems and crypto channels to sustain wartime spending as sanctions tighten.

Ukrainian service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wear traditional vyshyvanka embroidered shirts. Photo: UA Land Forces

3 minute read

Culture of Ukraine

Ukraine’s traditional vyshyvanka embroidered shirt submitted for UNESCO cultural heritage recognition

The embroidered shirt has become one of the country’s strongest cultural symbols both at home and abroad.

Russia’s military has recruited at least 27,000 foreign nationals from over 130 countries, drawing expendable frontline manpower from vulnerable populations worldwide. Photo: HUR | Infographic: Truth Hounds

12 minute read

International

From job offers to “meat assaults”: The deception of Russia’s foreign fighters

A joint human rights report reveals that Russia’s global recruitment system increasingly relies on deception, coercion, and economic desperation to funnel tens of thousands of foreign nationals into high-intensity combat in Ukraine.

Russian cargo ship SPARTA unloading at Tartus naval base in Syria with Russian escort warships, satellite imagery analyzed by GeoInsider and SONARROW showing renewed Russian deliveries after Assad’s fall.

6 minute read

International

Russia maintains military presence in post-Assad Syria – but Damascus now holds leverage

Satellite imagery shows renewed Russian cargo activity in Tartus as Damascus renegotiates the terms of Moscow’s long-standing military presence.

Welcome sign leading into Tiraspol, the capital of the Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

4 minute read

International

Russia fast-tracks citizenship for Moldova’s occupied Transnistria – a familiar playbook returns

Russia has eased citizenship rules for residents of the Moldovan breakaway region Transnistria, reviving a policy approach previously used in other contested regions.

UN vehicle in Ukraine's Kherson, seen from a Russian FPV drone moments before strike, 15 May 2026. Screenshot from video, via Militarnyi

4 minute read

Russo-Ukrainian war 2022-2026

Russians published footage of a drone striking a UN convoy in Kherson. UN say they “don’t know” who did it.

Kherson has faced sustained FPV drone attacks on civilian and humanitarian movements from Russian-held territory across the Dnipro River.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, 28 January 2026.

4 minute read

International

Post-Assad Syria still dependent on Russian oil despite shift to the West – Reuters

Russian shipments now cover most of Syria’s crude needs as domestic production remains far below demand and alternative suppliers have failed to fill the gap.

3 minute read

Civil Society

A Ukrainian project wants you to 3D-print a waterer for thirsty city birds

The initiative promotes simple printed attachments for AC units that provide birds with access to condensation water, which is clean enough for direct drinking in urban conditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 26 April 2026. Photo: Zelenskyy on Telegram

3 minute read

Ukraine

“We have done everything”: Ukraine’s EU membership talks expected to start in June, Zelenskyy says

Kyiv says it has completed all preparations and is now awaiting a decision from EU leaders.

antónio costa, volodymyr zelenskyy and ursula von der leyen in kyiv on 24 february 2026

4 minute read

Ukraine

EU approves €90 billion Ukraine loan and 20th Russia sanctions package as Hungary’s veto falls

First tranche expected in May or June, with funds directed to weapons, budget, and energy defense.

how russia killed 15 ukrainian civilians overnight despite ukraine intercepting 95% its missiles drones · post fire burns site russian strike kyiv 16 2026 наслідки атаки рф на київ квітня

10 minute read

Opinion

Lying flat might be worse than crouching. After four years, Ukrainians know things you don’t.

Some people will die. This time, maybe it will be you.

4 minute read

International

“Will not be tolerated” – UK exposes Russian spy submarine operation targeting its undersea cables

A decoy Akula and two GUGI mini-sub carriers operated covertly north of Britain before the Royal Navy intervened.

Putin dusts off Ukraine playbook for Moldova

4 minute read

International

Moldova formally exits Russia’s post-Soviet CIS as Sandu signs withdrawal decrees

President Sandu's decrees complete a break that parliament voted through on 2 April.

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Benjamin Murdoch

Starobilsk incident highlights Ukrainian concerns over civilian risk in deep strikes and limits of wartime verification in occupied areas

UK sanctions crypto exchanges and “A7 network” in crackdown on Russian evasion systems

Ukraine’s traditional vyshyvanka embroidered shirt submitted for UNESCO cultural heritage recognition

From job offers to “meat assaults”: The deception of Russia’s foreign fighters

Russia maintains military presence in post-Assad Syria – but Damascus now holds leverage

Russia fast-tracks citizenship for Moldova’s occupied Transnistria – a familiar playbook returns

Russians published footage of a drone striking a UN convoy in Kherson. UN say they “don’t know” who did it.

Post-Assad Syria still dependent on Russian oil despite shift to the West – Reuters

A Ukrainian project wants you to 3D-print a waterer for thirsty city birds

“We have done everything”: Ukraine’s EU membership talks expected to start in June, Zelenskyy says

EU approves €90 billion Ukraine loan and 20th Russia sanctions package as Hungary’s veto falls

Lying flat might be worse than crouching. After four years, Ukrainians know things you don’t.

“Will not be tolerated” – UK exposes Russian spy submarine operation targeting its undersea cables

Moldova formally exits Russia’s post-Soviet CIS as Sandu signs withdrawal decrees

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