Ukraine Travel Safety Tips - War, Racism, Sexism + LGBT

Ukraine is slightly off the beaten path for tourism in Europe and as someone who is originally from there, I wanted to share my view on whether it is safe, especially in concern to the war, racism, sexism and the LGBT community. If you are interested in coming to Ukraine and want some helpful tips to help you feel more at ease, this is the video for you!
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#travelukraine #ukrainetraveltips #travelsafe #lgbtukraine #travelkiev

[@Andrew_Stoffel]

Surprised to see that there isn't many new comments here about the things happening right now in Ukraine.

[@Muahaha651]

Don’t worry I put one

[@angelawhitehead6187]

Yes I was wondering that. 11 June 2024!

[@dashasanchezmaximova6149]

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦. I love my country and hope to return there any time soon. It is amazing what this country have been able to do in only 30 years of independence, harassed constantly by Russia, and still managed to build an open international economy and promote higher education to international standards, it is still a lot to do, like everywhere, and there is a lot of poverty too, like everywhere. But even when it's hard aknowledge it from inside, if you look at the history, very rarely, do new independent countries in war, have been able to secure good life condition for their population and manage to have high standards new cultural expressions, such as music, films, literature, arts. I'm only proud of my roots.

[@momala3919]

even before the war, Ukraine became the poorest country in Europe, so-so achievements

[@samhaskins2506]

Thanks so much for your vlog Alina! Always a pleasure to watch! Slava Ukraini!

[@kwchalky02]

Thanks. Good video. I have visited Ukraine 3 times (2015, 2018, 2019) and really enjoyed it. Never felt unsafe at any time. People very friendly and helpful. Easy and cheapy to travel about. Visited various cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odessa as well as villages and Carpathian mountains. Quite a difference between city and village (as you would expect!) but also between west and east. Lviv much more western influence and architecture and Kyiv too to a lesser extent. Also Ukrainian language used more in the West, mainly Russian further east and south. Would really recommend a visit to Ukraine if you enjoy travel and seeing different cultures. 🙂

[@AlinaMcleod]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alijasim6919]

Thank you Alina to this very clear message about Ukraine, good job.

[@paulfrankye]

I’ve watched your travel vlogs going from Bucharest to Kiev. I think that your channel has hugely improved in quality since then. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us! I’ve enjoyed the round ups of groceries purchased in each country, hee hee!

[@harvesteronenetwork1559]

I have been to Kyiv, Poltava, Kryvyi Rih and some smaller villages. The Ukrainian people to me define hope. I have been to 9 different nations and Ukraine always stands out front as probable the best place i have been and that's because of the people.

[@vflthf]

That's true!

[@freddiestranger9783]

Okay and thanks and Give Your Life To Jesus Christ ✝️🛐

[@vladchetvertak3394]

Cool! Kryvyi Rih obviously isn't a touristic place. And I thought to be there is the tough experience for foreigner. Quite grim place. Honestly, I believe it's the worst city in Ukraine amongst the biggest ones, at least out of I've been to, and I've been to majority.

[@raptorgrade5919]

Disgusting

[@_Vivienne_]

Thank you very much Alina for taking the time to make this video and for your honesty on those sensitive topics. I would love to visit Ukraine during my europe tour and you make your country looks very attractive! ♡

[@chipi4461]

This is a really interesting video!! usually when speaking about safety tips people condense it down souly to hostel stays, public transportation, pickpocketing etc. I very much appreciate the time and effort you put into also addressing other concerns about the safety risks to marginalized groups. Спасибо.

[@Pcalphaz]

I didn’t have any problems, being asian American in Ukraine. The only issue I had was taxis taking advantage of me, otherwise no issues! Also I stayed at the hotel right in independence Square. Fantastic views, but it is an old school hotel with an iron bath tub and the toiletries came in squeeze packets!

[@kikoglocksakaghostdrummer4958]

Good for you

[@tabishsid7482]

I visited kiev twice as a tourist and found it to be very safe. People in general, are friendly. Things are cheap, dollar goes a long way. Excellent variety of food. There is a lot to see. Before my first trip to Kiev, I heard about the war but once there, I did not see any sign of it. It felt as safe as any other European city. I am hoping to make a few more trips to do some traveling inside Ukraine and visit Lviv and Odessa.

[@vitaliygalganets8943]

Kyiv

[@GBHanny8]

That's great to know. May I ask, are you a person of color?

[@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106]

Not kiev, but Kyiv!

[@deandrake2723]

Planning to visit next year. this is really helpful. Great content Alina. You just earned a subscriber.

[@robfaber3918]

I am planning to go to Kiev in June for vacation and you have really helped me to see what it will be like there. I'm really looking forward to going more now than I was two months ago. Thank you so much and keep us all informed.

[@AlinaMcleod]

I'm glad! Have a wonderful time!

[@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106]

KYIV AND NOT KIEV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thatoneguyRyan1]

I plan to visit Ukraine one day. Hopefully after the coronavirus. Such a beautiful place. Belarus too

[@fleekrushyt9410]

well, this is kind of outdated haha

[@magically1339]

Don’t unless you are white 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@mango4064]

Awesome pointers on risks and benefits in visiting Kiev 🇺🇦 Ukraine. Thank you for sharing. Ochen Karosho! 😀 -Greeting s from California.

[@vitaliygalganets8943]

Kyiv *. And the official language here is only Ukrainian, not the russian )

[@jamesmartin1895]

thank you for the very informative vid, Ms.Alina, and very reassuring as well

[@erinnadia0409]

I’m Australian dating a Ukrainian man and I actually like the old fashion ways of gender roles, he opens the door for me, buys me flowers, insists to always pay and does things like that, where western feminist may find offensive, but I think it’s a nice change to be treated like a princess. I would love to visit Ukraine someday

[@AlinaMcleod]

I totally agree with wanting that on dating fronts! I just mean Ukraine isn't as progressive with having more women in leadership or government roles.

[@northy_northie]

better stay away from him. You will remember this post And thank to me:)

[@tilsr2556]

@@AlinaMcleod why do yo think so. Half of the positions are occu[ited by woman here. Actually you are not right. Yes there are some problems because woman give birth to children and bosses do not want to give a maternity holydays. but not so terrifying. the main probem here is a poverty

[@Westyrulz]

Lets hope Ukraine and the rest of Eastern Europa continues to resist the perversion that has enveloped the West

[@tourindia1690]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXaQaYp8aNOgn6M

[@EASTERBUNNY7772]

I visited Kyiv in 2012 before the war. My grandparents left Kyiv for Canada in 1910. My mother was born in Canada in 1924 and she was the 13th of 14 children. I speak only English. Canada is freezing cold in winter.

[@richardarden2757]

Your travel videos are awesome! I’ve been to Kiev and I think your views here are pretty much right on. I’d also say I never really felt unsafe in Kiev but people will ask for money from you on the street sometimes. I think that is pretty common in most major cities everywhere.

[@atlasfenix6995]

Very helpful video honestly! Btw your editing skills are awesome, last video was awesome as well! 👍👍

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you! I have been trying to evolve that side of things so thank you for noticing.

[@atlasfenix6995]

@@AlinaMcleod yeah and very soon you will reach 10K subscribers, that's awesome! I remember when we weren't that many in the channel.

[@zorrosish]

Great video!........options of places to stay was good to hear. Travel anywhere in the world, you have to always be aware of your surroundings.

[@askme5805]

Kyiv much si safer than London. And with comparison to Detroit, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Oakland it is heaven. Like everywhere just don't be drunk in bad areas, in tight skirt around midnight.

[@lukamilas8648]

Baltimore is horrific, been there many times.

[@ddChuang0919]

I'm more focused on the food, Awesome video as usual and spot on with your observations.

[@jesussalud6378]

Thank you Alina for the information! I’m surely going to visit Ukraine

[@pych02]

You are sincerely and polite 👍well done Alina, Cheers and stay safe🙏🥰

[@WahyuHidayat-tz4tu]

I don't care about war! You always find the way the beauty of cultures and kinda stuff. Enjoy your vlogs! Keep sharing!😍

[@paitamkrasaechannel8213]

Amazing video it inspires me to go visit there. So much love Ukraine!

[@WoodsSnipe]

Bless Ukraine... Can't wait to visit in August

[@TV-ob1if]

CJ WDZ sweet. Making my maiden voyage in September.

[@JohnWilliams-ge5ir]

Thank you so much for your honesty. Its much appreciated......

[@FaustoCafaro-UffRM]

Hi Alina your videos are very interesting and helpful , I came across them just a few days ago and they're really nice and well done ! I'm from Rome, Italy and I'm currently dating a woman form Lvev who lives and work here. So when the pandemic and all that stuff related to it settles down and hopefully we can get to get back to our normal lives and start traveling again I'd like to take a trip to Ukraine !! I've already been to a lot of countries in Easten Europe, Moldova too, so it would be great to visit ! Keep up the good job !! You're doing great !!

[@1121gsm]

I traveled to Luhansk twice in 2008, Donetsk in 2009, and spent time in Kiev all three times. I always felt safe and enjoyed the different culture. Looking back going to Luhansk by myself was one of the "gutsiest" things I have ever done but it all worked out. One helpful hint for people going to Ukraine (at least the Russian speaking parts) is to learn the sounds of the Russian letters. I discovered that many words are the same as English words but spelled in Cyrillic. I really loved Ukraine especially Kiev. We say "Swan Lake" at the Opera House and the chestnut trees were in bloom along the streets. Lucky you!

[@peterbalazsy8263]

I love your views and thinking... wonderful.. I've felt similar all my life

[@leejohnson179]

You seem awesome to me. I love the tactful but clear way you put so many things.

[@ali_plz]

This video is just in time, because I’m traveling to Ukraine in March, for the first time in 13 years! I was concerned about safety and feel much better after this video. ❤️

[@AlinaMcleod]

Hey lovely, I'm sorry to say (and not sure if you've heard) but Ukraine did militarize 5 different regions of Ukraine since the naval crash with Russia earlier this week. Kyiv and Lviv area is currently not included and this is supposed to be for only 30 days, but just something to keep in mind. I sure hope as well that by March things are a lot better.

[@ali_plz]

Alina Mcleod thanks! I hope so too! 😊

[@jessiesingh5618]

Your blog is super educational and never seen any one with such precise details and art of conversation In case you are in San Francisco please drop a line.

[@awiranggayudha2063]

I said it before, I shall visit Ukraine. You are informative ; actually your previous video was also informative. Thanks!

[@sanilchavan4268]

You gave lot of information about country, Thank you !

[@faisal892]

I have lived in Ukraine in Dnipro and Slovyansk for more than a year. I have extensively travelled in Ukraine and I never had a problem. People are very nice, friendly and cooperative. I am in love with it. Will visit it sometime again in future.

[@rogerjackson484]

Visited Kyiv in 2017 and again in 2018. Haven’t been back because of my wife’s immigration process here to the USA and when she finally received her Green Card, Covid 19 arrived. She has since been back two times in early 2020 and early 2021. Hope to return to Kyiv someday soon, it’s absolutely my favorite city in the world, very beautiful, very cultured and the Old World feeling I get there in a city 1000 years old.

[@maxxel333]

Keep up the good work! Usefull informations.

[@phililpb]

did not age well

[@maderightamerica3216]

lol I would surely get lost in your subway. I'm going to Kiev soon so watching your videos are a great help to me. You're a wonderful person and guide.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you so much!

[@MeM_UK]

There's an app for the subway, makes it easy. There are three stright lines with pedestrian tunnels at the three intersections. It's a good system.

[@johndewey6358]

I think getting lost is part of the experience. Sometimes we get lost and learn new things!

[@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106]

KYIV AND NOT KIEV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kayotang2099]

Thanks for the information. I certainly love to visit Kiev with my wife next year. We love to see the place where the great Vladimir Horowitz lived and to support Valentina Lisitsa on her return to play in Toronto.

[@UkrainianOne]

I love my home country. It's safe as long as you don't flash your money or act too touristy. There are people who follow tourists and try to steal thier money, so just he humble and conservative and you'll be ok

[@cocoaorange1]

Wise advice. I live in Chicago, we have large Ukrainian American communities. Sometimes here, people walk down the street counting money. Foolish.

[@mr.y5616]

Beautifull video clips and so much usefull infos and you look very pretty in your clip.🌹

[@philbertmill2]

You are so close to that 10.000 goal you set!

[@AlinaMcleod]

I know! I’m so excited 😁

[@letsgetgoing7833]

I have been all over the Ukraine and I have had no problems. In fact I have found the people of the Ukraine to be extremely helpful.

[@theQwertydude1]

But will Ukrainians be friendly towards people of colour

[@barrystephan54]

My first visit to Ukraine was January 2000. Have been back nine times since. Kiev is one of most beautiful cities in the world, with so many interesting sights to see. There are so many interesting things to do and for Americans, prices are very reasonable. I have been skiing and ATVing in Carpathian Mountains, visited Liviv which has more western architecture. Rode horses, visited shooting ranges, and saunas in Poltava. Kharkov is not so beautiful a city as Kiev but to me is more laid back and comfortable city. While there go to Gorky Park and have corn on cob, visit Haunted House (highly recommended), ride ferris wheel. Restaurants everywhere have great food and beer is very good and... cheap. It is real shame that people listen to bad news and freak out. War in SE Ukraine is tragic, but rest of country is very safe and going there is helping the economy. I have done trips out in countryside, bought eggs, kvas, potatoes, etc. (from farm folk) at tourist sites, taken such food back to apartment (in Kiev on that occasion) and eaten like back home (only better). Like anywhere, be careful. Check restaurant receipt before paying. I have had taxi drivers return money to me because I mistakenly gave them too much, but this is not likely to happen often. One complaint I (might) have is that many Ukrainians think a (American) foreigner is 'helpless' in their environment. Yes, some may take advantage and others will want to help you to death. I have traveled in Europe since I was in Germany (in US Army) in 1970s so I am not looking for (especially) Eastern European countries to be like North America. Attitude when traveling makes big difference in result (enjoyment of experience?). Visit Ukraine, before it becomes like Amsterdam or Paris, or, you know. I am type of person who says nothing when I hear American English spoken in such places, and it hasn't happened often. That is another reason I like it.

[@daveg9000]

I went in 2016...it was a great experience!

[@Kamistou]

Thanks Alina for details given

[@adnanjaradat825]

Thank you Alina so much

[@stevo091]

Hi Alina , I very much would like to visit Kiev. Been to Kharkiv Ukraine over 2 times now. My wife is Ukrainian , and said Kiev is a great place to visit. So we hoping maybe next year we will visit. With our 3 yr old daughter. Thanks for your video blog. 🙂

[@jonathanblake1802]

I have been to Kyiv and must say it was an incredible experience. So much to see, the culture and nightlife as well and it is really really inexpensive.......just gauge your currency conversion because once you convert to hryvnia they are not buying your dollars back when you leave!

[@johnmacmurray9163]

I have traveled to Kiev about 6 times ,its been about 14 years since I was in Kiev but hope to come back in the next few years Alina your a true Beauty !

[@kunik61]

Why do you think we don't have own language?

[@dcbornmike]

Thanks for the nice video. I visited Kiev and Liev in 2016. I really knew very little about the country. We drove to the Polish/Ukraine border and parked our rental car in a parking lot. We walked across the border and took a cab into Liev, where we hung out for a while. We took the train to Kiev that same day. I found Kiev to be a beautiful city. Very clean and very safe. Loved their subway system! I would certainly recommend Americans to visit Ukraine.

[@otavianiluciano7397]

Your vlog is very interesting!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you!

[@kpsgil3118]

Great info. Thanks a lot

[@gueraloca416]

I am planning a summer trip sometime between May to July and I was wondering if there is an "expensive" time to avoid. Also, is it feasible to travel to the Ukraine as a single woman who only speaks English? Thanks for any advice:)

[@ryitvue3023]

I was in Kiev for 2 weeks in 2017, After a Ukraine friend of mine warned me not to go to the rough neighborhoods due to maybe racism, I went to 4 area dress in a black suit with gold watch and flashing a video camera looking for trouble. To the contrary, even all the thugs was just 20-30 yr old kids, down to earth, and helpful. I was at ease but my personal translator was about to piss in her dress. They ALL thought I was lost so they took me back to my hotel. I went to Lviv and it was the same. Be your natural self, don't look down on others, have fun, and don't make arrogant.

[@vunhatminh656]

Thank you! Our son ever studied in Aviation school in Kiev. We wanna visit Ukraine some time. Thanks a lot for your information!

[@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106]

KYIV AND NOT KIEV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alfredolibreros5134]

After watching this video and talking to people that I know from Russia and Georgia, I’ve realized that Eastern Europeans are very similar to Latin Americans, because we tend to be very traditional and similar, specially on those topics that you portrayed them as negative ironically we see them as positive. It’s good to see that there are people with good values around the world, you called it ignorance, we call it decency. And to conclude I can say that I have more respect for Ukrainians and Eastern Europeans in general after watching this and definitely visiting those countries is on my list. Good video Alina!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Everyone has different viewpoints on what is right and I can respect that if people want to live a certain way, that's their decision. All I'm saying is that for people who are prejudiced against, I see their humanity and their right not to be objectified, so I'm giving them information about how a situation is in a country. Yes, I have my own opinions of whether it is ignorant or not, but at the end of the day, we all live and believe what we want.

[@R0yL33]

Thanks Alfredo for saying what many in the west are afraid to say. Multiculturism, the disintegration of the family and Christian values, #MGTOW are all signs of a decline in western civilization. I think most men looking for a wife in Ukraine are no doubt drawn in part to the traditional family values that still exist there. I envy the central European countries that thumb their nose at the EU and fight to preserve their culture. I shudder to think what western Europe will look like in 50 years. Fortunately, I won't be here.

[@travelerxtravelerx1446]

I'd like to visit Ukraine and I was completely blown away by your honesty, especially when you talked about feminism and lgbt. Thank you .

[@Idontwantahandle6669]

The LGTB pride marches require a massive police presence to keep them from being killed in the streets. The vast majority of Ukrainians don't care for gay people, a lot of it has to do with Soviet scientists determined that homosexual men are all pedophiles.

[@user-qd1kz9sp1k]

Nice Alina. I really enjoy watching your video. I learn English and for listening practice watch a lot of video in English. I admire ability western people to feel free. We (postsoviet people, elder age) are frequently highly закомплексованные. Be happy, girl.

[@greggreed3840]

Having been to Ukraine more than a few times and having visited Kyiv, Odessa, Sumy, and Lebeden I have had the opportunity to see both the large city and the village. I have family and friends there. I agree Ukraine is quite safe if one just pays attention and does not do stupid things. The people are quite friendly though it may take a minute for them to warm up as the lessons from Soviet days still linger. If they recognize that you are an American (which they will because we stick out, hair, dress, the way we walk, clothes etc.) People will look for an opportunity to speak with you so they can practice their English. In the villages you may be the first foreigner to have been there so people will be curious. As far as values go, yes they are more traditional. Men are to be the providers and protectors of the family the rock that guards. Ukraianian women see marriage a little more as a partnership though guys ar still expected to man up. When comes to feminism they see Western feminists as pretty stupid. These women have had to be strong through things Western women cannot even imagine so being strong is in their genetic make up. Just and FYI guys Ukrainian girls can be quite blunt about their expectations and their view on life. Yes Ukrainian views are more conservative in many ways rather than the western everything is good to go mentality. All I can say further is go see more than Kyiv. Go to a secondary city go to a village, travel the way the locals do, eat in the places they do, visit an arunock (farmers market, every town has one) experience this great country as more than a tourist. You will be glad you did.

[@lilosurmer4466]

Without any offense sir, this seem more like YOUR view in feminism only. They DID organize protests like in the West, some years ago, against sexual violence, especially that it's rampant because of alcoholism and the number of homeless girls and women. And women are very often see as the responsible (being outside at night, even those with no home, abuse at home ,...) Yeah that's something people can't seem to understand. Sexual violence isn't a less serious problem in countries where life is tough, and women get pretty fed up when they judge their conditions regarding that problem is excessive. And standing against that doesn't make you stupid or weak or anything. Thanks for reading me.

[@broodjeal-cohol5033]

I agree with everything except for the feminism part. What is this some kind of opression olympics. If a girl is being discriminated against it's wrong, it doesn't matter if some girls have it worse, it's always wrong!

[@greggreed3840]

Lilo Nenes since I was married to a lady from Ukraine I can give you her view and her friends view of Western feminism. They pretty much think they’re a bunch of empty heads.

[@broodjeal-cohol5033]

@@greggreed3840 Well then tell her to stop watching feminist cringe compilations. Those are always the extremes and are maybe 1% of modern western feminists.

[@greggreed3840]

Tankie lol she takes directly from life and how those that call themselves “feminists” behave and speak.

[@derekmorgan8534]

I will be going to Zaporozhye in September. I know that area to be closer to the south than Kiev, but I am not sure if it is safe to go there. Any thoughts on that?

[@oohjesus2]

i just rented an apartment for 4 months right next to dream town last year. Super convenient the train station is right downstairs. What part of Kiev you are living now?

[@AlinaMcleod]

I don't live in Ukraine, just visiting family.

[@domingosantos1292]

Excellent video well done 👏✔

[@phongphiphat70]

Thank you so much Alina Mcleod.

[@MrJreyes41]

I truly wish to go to Ukraine. It is the number one item on my bucket list. I would like to get more information on the Rosetta Stone bargain you spoke to in another video.

[@Brightwater355]

I found your channel is very interesting! How long have you been living in Canada?

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thanks! Been here almost 24 years.

[@quik7147]

Thank you very much Alina.

[@ConorClyneTsarExperience]

Nice video. Pretty accurate in my experience just that there has been an increase in crime targeting foreigners in the center of Odessa this summer unfortunately. Other than that it's safer than Western Europe in general. Safe travels. :)

[@beasheerhan4482]

Yes, Dear Mr. Clyne, but, there is an easy way around being targetted - #1. Rent a room with a local family and consult with them on where, and where not, to go - or hire guides who have a good reputation. #2. Don't dress American, but, rather, arrive in a shoddy manner and then buy some local used clothes. #3. Do not speak in English around strangers, or, if you must, then only in a whisper.

[@olexandrelevchenko900]

In Odessa it doesn't matter you are local or foreigner. It just a local feature. In northern part of the country was and is much safer.

[@ruk2227]

What's racism like in Ukraine? Planning to go after Corona and would just like a general idea

[@olexandrelevchenko900]

@@ruk2227 In general, there are no racism at all. Yes we have here some idiots but probability that you encounter them is very low. Most safest and more tolerant is the central part of Ukraine. The cities with highest criminal rate are Odessa and Lviv.

[@ruk2227]

@@olexandrelevchenko900 Thank you

[@EMAGA]

Cancelled my trip because of corona virus. Feels bad man :(

[@AlinaMcleod]

It is sad. Hopefully you can go after things settle down!

[@RobAllbanks]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/raKXompsaZWNhNk

[@bonsummers2657]

@@Ps3GamerVideos Hopefully Kyiv stays Ukrainian, hopefully Ukraine stays Ukrainian,… a flood of westerners is not a good thing.

[@ashleygoggs5679]

@@bonsummers2657 how isn't it a good thing? Tourism is more then business. While tourism will help the nation economically it can also highlight its culture and struggles. Let's not beat around the bush, Ukraine has had an extremely tragic history especially in the last 100 years. Ukraine needs to prosper and escape these roots. Tourism does not mean it has to be drastically westernized. Poland is a fantastic example of embracing western culture while sticking to its slavic roots. Im pretty sure Ukraine has much to learn and will learn from the great example which is Poland. Ukraine needs tourist attention to bring to light to the world the hardships it struggles especially with the disputes and war with Russia. Denying this attention holds no benefit to Ukraine as a whole nor its potential well off future.

[@bonsummers2657]

@@ashleygoggs5679 Let's not beat around the bush: Ethno-cultural vast majorities are precious on a regional and national scale. Consider the word 'flood' which is in similar regard as 'mass immigration'. Some is fine.

[@justsd4954]

I live in Ukraine for about 7 years and I am black. I wouldn't say most people are racist, but most of them will definitely star at you all the time and everywhere as soon as you get out of your house, people don't really feel comfortable when you don't stop staring at them. I understand if you are from a village or it's your first time to see a black man. I have a family here but I just can't live like this for the rest of my life. You can come to visit Ukraine for a short period of time but not to live. When it comes to discrimination, oh my God it's everywhere in Ukraine (banks, police, people). I usually stay home:) I think maybe they will change, but old people don't educate their children properly, a 5-year kid called me N**** in front of other kids and everybody laughing?? WTF!!

[@AlinaMcleod]

That's very sad. I'm sorry you went through that.

[@bastje]

That is crazy man. I come from a very multicultural country (Netherlands). I was in Kyiv last month again, like so many times a year ^^ ! I was also once very surprised to see a black woman on the street in Kyiv since it is not a multicultural country. Of course it doesn't bother me to see people who look a little bit different then me, that would be retarded. Sad that so many people behave like that. Maybe such people should go and live in Africa for many years or a generation or two, their families will also become black, that's what sunlight does... Maybe you can tell people this so they can understand their foolishness a little more: from the inside we all look the same, we are all just a different shade of brown!

[@jackpleier5534]

In regards to sexism, there are still countries in Western Europe where women get dressed up just to grocery shop. Your videos are extremely helpful for travelers, be it novice or experienced. Keep up the good work.

[@marioformosa4259]

Yes the contrast with American women is amazing. I watch American TV news and imagine the highly-paid women there to be men with make-up on.

[@ranadebray5440]

Thank you for the wonderful video. How is Zaporozhye city in Ukraine?

[@ninachaudhry354]

Thank you. Good to know.

[@aisus755]

Thanks for this video.

[@Darkwolf172]

What's the language situation like there? I can communicate in Russian, but I don't know really know a single word in Ukranian. Would they be able to understand me? Is everyone bilingual between Russian/Ukranian?

[@AlinaMcleod]

If you're in the big cities, overall you should have no problem though people may speak back to you in Ukrainian, even though they understand what you said in Russian. In the smaller places you'll have much more Ukrainian being dominant. I only speak Russian and overall I have no issues, so you should be fine.

[@user-wn6gx1zo4l]

Приезжай и не парся

[@dennisbaecht7860]

It also depends on which large city. People in Kharkiv speak mostly Russian. They definitely speak and understand Ukrainian. They quite frequently will mix the two languages in the same sentence or conversation

[@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106]

Mostly Ukrainian now, Ukrainian is used more and more (for example, I 4 days ago started speaking Ukrainian at home, and a lot of people doo this), but in Eastern parts mostly russian, and in Kyiv, almost everyone understands russian.

[@RhapsodeMEDIA]

BEST ONE || LOVED 💙💙

[@riki19817]

Nice info i am indonesia 🇲🇨

[@craigkaschan4822]

Thanks for this video answered a lot of questions. I think Ukraine would be much better than life here in Australia.

[@sebastianminney4696]

Alina I know this might be a sensitive issue for you but how do you feel about Crimea and sevastopol ?? And what time of the year is the best to visit Ukraine in your opinion fall winter spring or summer ? Thank you stay safe :)

[@AlinaMcleod]

I don't pretend to know exactly what went on at ground level when it happened, but of course I don't agree that Russia is using their military and political advantage over Ukraine. I believe in the goodness of both the Ukrainian and Russian people and I don't think the majority even want the war going on, but unfortunately politics has had a way of bringing out the worst in humanity.

[@sebastianminney4696]

@@AlinaMcleod thanks for replying Alina means alot and that is very true politics and greed bring the worst out of people hopefully both sides can come to an agreement that nobody likes an compromise I really enjoy your videos for sure I learn alot keep doing what you're doing and never give up take care of yourself and stay warm Alina :)

[@olegpivnyak6586]

There were military units on Independence Square)? Are you serious ?? In general, the video is not bad, but there are some inaccuracies, or simply not knowing the issue.

[@henrypamugas9681]

Wow beautiful place hopefully in can visit there someday.

I had been there, but during winter .... sooooo cold, but I liked it :-) I went to that awsome theather to watch an Opera. Amazing. As a black guy in Kyiv, I can say I was well treated, but, as I was teaching a psychology workshop, I was always with other ukranians. I was a little afraid during one night that there was an kind of manifestation and the people seemed to me very "strange". I avoid it.

[@daryllebeau4333]

Made a couple of friends from there and plan to visit Kiev in a couple of years or so.

[@NANA-gy7yx]

Sounds like Hostel 4 in the making.

[@vitaliygalganets8943]

Kyiv

[@boboman67]

my Pakistani coworker was rejected (clearly face control related / racist) several places when we visited Kiev and wanted to experience the local nightlife, mainly at discos and clubs (mainly at the Arena center complex). i was very surprised about this, especially because we where all well dressed and he was among us , 3 westeners .

[@nickplays2022]

There were news about some eastern nationals hanging out there at night and making trouble. So maybe it has something to do with that. Such places overall are associated with shady political figures, so don’t expect warm welcoming

[@GBHanny8]

Thanks for sharing. You've helped me so much.

[@donfarrar5660]

Great video Alina thank you! I have never had an issue in Ukraine in my 14 times there, I feel very safe and comfortable there. Thank you for touching on the war in the Luhansk Donetsk regions, it seems no one real cares anymore because you never hear about what’s going on there and the life of the people that live there go through. People still die there everyday yet you only hear about this through people who live there. This war could of been over a long time ago, but it’s a political game and the people are the ones that suffer!

[@hassanshakeel3511]

nice blog Alina..

[@DrOnumba]

I was there for 6 years and am black. I stayed in Ternopol a very small town 90% of the time. And I was called ni**a just twice in 6 years just to give an idea(i expected worse). 95% of my experience was positive. Actually thinking about retiring there when am 50. That's how much I love the country

[@AlinaMcleod]

Still sad you had to face what you did, but I'm glad that overall it left a good impression on you!

[@DrOnumba]

@@AlinaMcleod дуже дякую Аліна😀

[@tristinhicks1234]

Did the women like black men ?

[@dleebrandon]

Tristin Hicks that’s what I want to know 🤣🤣

[@bonsummers2657]

I'm curious, are you not attracted to living in black population countries? I say this as a fellow human, with respect.

[@georgeangrus8137]

i know this country is good. culture and traditions are wonderful. in this country you can see the both aspects value and influence of Asia and Europe. my blessings are with Ukrain. love Ukrain.

[@specialse]

Very interesting , i have no desire to visit the usual western tourist places as the world has gone mad lately .....Eastern Europe sounds very nice to me .

[@nigelsmart7187]

I was in Kiev about a little over 2 years ago, and it was great. I would live there in a heartbeat but it gets soooo darn cold. Everything was way cheap. Maybe I'll stay a few months in the summer into fall seasons.

[@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106]

KYIV AND NOT KIEV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nigelsmart7187]

@@illya.ruslanovichshevchenk4106 Respectfully, on my airline ticket it said Kiev and most Westerners refer to it this way. Maybe with time what you suggested may be the norm. Thanks.

[@JESUSGARCIA-fp1pk]

Have you stayed at Ukraine hotel? Do you recommend it?

[@hotrodjones74]

Honestly the same could be said about traveling in Moscow and St Petersburg. I saw two girls kiss on the Moscow metro a while back. I was shocked that nobody even batted an eye.

[@user-if3fj6uf3s]

Not surprising, we (Russians) do not care about private life of other people, (traditional people can be perturbed though, but that is rare) Russia is framed as some kind of anti LGBT country because SGW were outraged couple years ago when propaganda about LGBT and such to children was outlawed. cause come on, leave a kid to figure out this stuff for themselves first

[@tube034tlsdfg]

Even in KZbin russians invade every ukrainian theme. Russia, please stay away from us, you have a lot to fix at your home.

[@lovemeow8755]

@@tube034tlsdfg I love Ukraine 🇺🇦, I had an neighbor from Ukraine and he was such a lovely old man but I’m scared to travel there as a black person. Is safe to travel there black ? Just asking not judging

[@gazzwilko6630]

I was there last year it's safe I stayed near Olympic stadium in a apartment

[@GBHanny8]

Thank you for commenting on racism. It really helps.

[@josephmcnulty6922]

Hi Alina, is the normal pay really only 400 to 500 a month?

[@AlinaMcleod]

Yes, around there. It depends if they live in the city or the countryside.