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Tom Mutch

Tom Mutch

Tom Mutch is a New Zealand-born, Ukraine-based freelance journalist with a special interest in crime and conflict. A former U.K. parliamentary researcher focusing on defense and security, he has more recently been on the ground covering the wars in Nagorno-Karabakh and Eastern Ukraine. His work has appeared in outlets including The Daily Beast, openDemocracy, Der Spiegel, POLITICO, the BBC, and Channel 4.

Latest from Tom Mutch

A Deadlocked War for Ukraine and Russia

A Deadlocked War for Ukraine and Russia

While neither side desperately needs an immediate military advance, both also deny the possibility of a negotiated peace any time soon. This will be a long, slow fight to the death until one side is exhausted.

Tom Mutch
Under Russian Artillery Fire, Ukrainians Wait on Western Arms

Under Russian Artillery Fire, Ukrainians Wait on Western Arms

Zelenskyy’s tone on the Donbas battles has darkened noticeably in recent days as Russia tries to press its advantage in armor and artillery before Western weapons systems arrive and there is a chance to turn the tide Ukraine’s way.

Tom Mutch
Despite Liberation, Kharkiv Is in for Long-Term Misery

Despite Liberation, Kharkiv Is in for Long-Term Misery

Many people have bloodshot eyes or skin discoloration and, in some cases, visible sores. “When we worked here our guidelines were to never spend more than half a day underground because it could make you sick,” said Nastya, a 23-year-old former train attendant who now works as a volunteer organizer. “Now there are people who haven’t left in nearly two months, and it is impossible to keep them all healthy.”

Tom Mutch
From Kherson, Ukrainians Report of Russian Atrocities and Propaganda

From Kherson, Ukrainians Report of Russian Atrocities and Propaganda

Ukrainians have made repeated attempts to get humanitarian aid inside the city, but Russian authorities haven’t let trucks with food or medicine pass through checkpoints. At the few shops that are open, people must wait in line for hours, and there are severe shortages of essentials like grain and canned food.

Tom Mutch
In Kharkiv’s Rubble, Hatred for Russia Is Strong

In Kharkiv’s Rubble, Hatred for Russia Is Strong

For many, this feels like a deep family betrayal, as if it is their siblings and cousins firing the shots. In some cases, it is.

Tom Mutch
Injured Ukraine Civilians Vow to Fight On

Injured Ukraine Civilians Vow to Fight On

While Russian assaults on the biggest cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv have dominated the news cycle, the southern campaign has received relatively less attention. When the Russians originally broke out from their base in occupied Crimea, they made comparatively quick gains. Unlike the makeshift and threadbare camps from which Russian soldiers advanced on Kyiv from Belarus, they had much better-developed bases, conditions and supply chains from Crimea.

Tom Mutch
On Ukraine’s Border, Suffering, Loyalty and Hope

On Ukraine’s Border, Suffering, Loyalty and Hope

They were both thin and gaunt, and Chadia looked as if she was seconds from fainting. “I have been waiting on the border with Sirak all this time after walking nearly 12 hours from Lviv.” They turned down all offers of food or supplies — the only thing either of them wanted was a blanket.

Tom Mutch
Love Survives Russia’s Onslaught in Kyiv’s Underground

Love Survives Russia’s Onslaught in Kyiv’s Underground

Conditions in the metro’s shelters are getting worse. People huddle on the floor with blankets, many with young children, others with cats, dogs and even a few pet rabbits. There is nothing in the way of insulation, and a cold draft blows toward everyone from the train tunnels. There is only a pair of squat toilets to share with any of the hundreds of people down here.

Tom Mutch
The Syrian Armenians Who Fled One War Zone For Another

The Syrian Armenians Who Fled One War Zone For Another

For Syrian Armenians, the apparent entry of their compatriots into the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict seems to confirm all their suspicions about the role of Turkey, which also supported rebel factions in Syria, and that the true purpose of helping Azerbaijan retake territory is Turkish irredentism.

Tom Mutch