Kyiv Through Foreign Eyes: Resilience, Cuisine, and Unexpected Calm

Kyiv, Ukraine – A recent social media video by blogger Karyna Tsymbuk has offered a unique perspective on life in the Ukrainian capital through the eyes of her French boyfriend, highlighting both the city's enduring charm and the resilience of its inhabitants. Upon arriving at Kyiv's central train station, the visitor, identified as Filip, was struck by the "kind and romantic" interactions among people, noting the warm embraces and flowers exchanged by those meeting loved ones. Filip's culinary experiences were a significant highlight, with him expressing immense enjoyment of Ukrainian cuisine, from sushi at food courts to traditional Kyivska Perepichka, which he reportedly consumed almost daily. He also observed the remarkably low prices for food and other goods, including cigarettes, which he found to be significantly cheaper than in France. "He was in mild shock," Tsymbuk recounted, comparing the cost of two packs in Kyiv to nearly 13 euros for one in France. Beyond daily life, the video touched upon the profound impact of the ongoing conflict. Filip noted the calm and composed nature of Ukrainians, even during air raid alerts. Tsymbuk mentioned, "During every alarm, he immediately looked at people and asked me, 'Is no one really going?'" This observation extended to instances where pedestrians calmly smoked cigarettes while air raid sirens blared, demonstrating a stark contrast to typical reactions. Despite this apparent nonchalance, Filip acknowledged the deep weariness among the population and the heavy toll of war, recognizing the many who have been injured or lost their lives. He described Kyiv as a "beautiful and interesting place," largely matching his preconceptions, but also observed that some roads and buildings were "a bit underfunded" and in need of restoration.

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