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Is Ukraine Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Ukraine

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

  • Ukraine : Safety by City

Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe, situated at the northwest end of the Black Sea, sharing its borders with Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland to the northwest, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, and Romania to the southwest and south, with Moldova in between.

Unfortunately, Ukraine is partly occupied by Russia and troubled by political turmoil, so visiting it is not entirely safe.

There are many sights Ukraine offers to its visitors like UNESCO listed Lviv center, Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans in Chernivtsi, Saint-Sophia Cathedral, and Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv.

If you’re more of a nature lover, you can visit the Carpathian Mountains which are one of the most visited attractions in this country.

They are considered to be the Green Pearl of Ukraine, with popular tourist resorts, offering a mix of natural areas, forests, meadows, and sights like shepherds and locals enjoying being surrounded by pure nature.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Ukraine

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally speaking, Ukraine is not too safe for visitors. It is a country where travelers aren't too common, but if you do visit, there are areas that should be avoided at all costs.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation is one of the most common places where you'll find pickpockets operating. Transport is generally safe, though you should keep in mind that most of the signs are written in Cyrillic letters.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are a serious issue in Ukraine, and it occurs everywhere so you should be careful particularly in crowded places, in tourist areas, in bars and nightclubs, and on public transportation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, what still represents the biggest issue in Ukraine is the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster. It is also susceptible to frequent flooding, freezing winters, storms, and mine disasters.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

As for violent crime, it has been on the rise in Central Kyiv, especially after dark. This includes muggings, and armed robbery, particularly in the larger cities.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Ukraine, and the authorities in Ukraine have announced that they have already disrupted numerous planned attacks, including in the capital, Kyiv.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scamming is also an issue in Ukraine. There are famous scams over dating sites where the victims are asked to send money to their prospective date in order for the date to be able to leave Ukraine, and then after the money is sent, the relationship ends. Apart from online scams, be careful on the streets, keep an eye on your drink and check your change twice.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Ukraine is not a safe place for solo female travelers. Crime is widespread throughout the country and there is political turmoil as well as terrorism threats disrupting peace in the country. Do not go anywhere alone and avoid dark and deserted areas.

  • So... How Safe Is Ukraine Really?

Ukraine is not safe for travelers, and there’s a huge threat if you plan on traveling near parts occupied by Russia.

These parts are Luhansk, Donetsk and Crimean regions and the Ukrainian government currently has no jurisdiction there.

And even though bad blood between Russia and Ukraine is unlikely to affect tourists, you should know that there are no government services like police, hospitals, firefighters, ambulance services, etc.

Crossing from Russia into this part of Ukraine is illegal while crossing into Russia is also strongly recommended against.

Avoid traveling to Chornobyl and the whole radiation zone, including the ghost city of Pripyat’, but if you still want to visit it, go accompanied by a tour, as traveling alone to these parts of the country is forbidden.

Do not leave your tour group or separate from them, as it can result in fines and radiation that may cause serious illnesses and health issues.

As for crime, you should try and lay low and refrain from showing the fact that you’re a tourist or your belongings.

Try to fit in as foreigners are still rare in this country.

Petty theft is an issue here, so be very careful and guard your stuff.

Kyiv, Odesa and other major cities are more accustomed to tourists, which is why pickpockets here are more common, especially in crowded places like metro, bus and train stations.

  • How Does Ukraine Compare?
  • Useful Information

Many countries do not need a visa in order to enter Ukraine. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of your travel and you need to apply for your visa well in advance as they cannot be acquired on Ukranian airports. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Ukrainian hryvnia is the official currency in Ukraine. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and you can expect them even in smaller towns. Credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.

Ukraine has temperate continental climate, with the exception of the southern coast of Crimea, where the climate is subtropical of the Mediterranean type. Winters here are warm without much snow while summers are rainy which is typical of the mild climate of the Zakarpatye region.

Boryspil International Airport is the country's main international airport. It is located in Boryspil, 29 km east of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Ukraine, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Ukraine Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature

Ukraine - Safety by City

Explore ukraine.

  • 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Ukraine
  • Where to Next?

Ukraine_Houses_Lviv_501845

68 Reviews on Ukraine

Much safer than this article lets on.

This review is completely off target. I’ve lived in Kyiv as well as other cities for years and I don’t live in the posh districts either. Sure if you leave something out it will probably get stolen, but people aren’t going to run up and mug you on the street. It’s very safe for women, even at night. In my residential block, not the nicest part of town, women freely walk the streets without much worry even when it’s dark.

Homeless people can be very determined to get money off of you, but just ignore them and keep walking. Sure you should be cautious.. i.e. if you see a group of drunk ghetto looking people on a dark street corner, it’s probably better to avoid them.

Sure pickpocketing is high, but it’s not rampant. I also reject the notion that a mail-order bride scam is indicative of a countries safety since the victims are scammed from the comfort of their home countries. Typical scams are involved in the real estate practice i.e. if you rent an apartment make sure the person renting it to you can present the document proving ownership, along with their passport. Or the stranger who drops money in front of you and wants to split it with you etc. etc.

I am also really curious how the “terrorism risk” is assessed and how Zimbabwe is rated safer than Ukraine according to this site.

Overall, I’d rate Ukraine a medium risk. Be aware of your surroundings, be careful if you leave your belongings out, and stay away from obvious trouble areas such as bazaars at night and you’ll be perfectly fine.

It's safe. Enjoy your trip.

i would have to agree with Keith. I am (a woman) from ukraine but live in between Houston in the US and France right now (so haven’t lived in ukraine for a long time). When I visit every year I never feel threatened or in danger. Pick pocketers are a definite risk everywhere, although ive never been pick pocketed in my life.

There’s nothing more dangerous about Ukraine as there is about Houston or Paris. Obvious rules apply everywhere: dont go into dark alleys at night, dont get into unmarked cars, dont take out wads of money … etc. and Id think it’s common sense that you don’t travel to the area affected by war. No one on the streets of other cities walks around with guns, so you’ll be totally fine.

Also major cities have UBER for transport so you don’t have to be in crowded public transport.

Overall, Id say its significantly safer to visit than this article rates it. If this is what 30 looks like then we are basically good to go almost anywhere.

I agree, I had more trouble in Paris than I did in Kyiv; was there on ONR assignment.

I live in Ukraine for years and the only “unsafe” part of the country is the border with our good friend Russia

Both the leader should meet and try to solve the problem and let peace come for both the country, I will be ready happy If this war immediately stop.

I really want this war should stop immediately, so many people are dyeing because of this war praying God every time for peace to come for both the country.

Kyiv is a pretty safe city

Totally agree. I feel safer walking around Kyiv by myself at night than I would Australian cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart.

Australia is way safer than anywhere in Eastern Europe.

Real Review of 2019 Kiev

As an American and ethnic minority who has spent substantial time in Kyiv, I feel that the above review is highly inaccurate. Overall, I feel that Kyiv downtown is about as safe as any major Western city.

PETTY CRIME: I have heard stories about pickpockets and scammers. I’ve run into a couple of scammers and professional ladies at bars. They definitely exist, but overall are pretty obvious and if you don’t pay them any mind, they generally make a quick pass and then leave you be.

ROBBERY/MUGGING: I am sure that it happens as it does in all cities, but I’ve never really run into it. I ran into one guy who was belligerently drunk, but it was the Podil bar district on a Saturday night. My Ukrainian friend told him to get lost and after a brief stare down he did. Exercise basic caution (dont follow strangers into poorly lit areas, dont antagonize people, be aware of people following you, etc.). Dont flash large amounts of cash.

DEMONSTRATIONS: Due to the elections, there are a lot of demonstrations going on, some by far right parties. I generally avoid these. However, I have run into a few members of National Corps and other groups deemed dar right and had no issues. I also dont engage or antagonize them. Use common sense and avoid demonstrations, which are pretty easy to notice due to smoke, flares and flags.

GENERAL HOSPITALITY: Ukrainians are not as boisterously outgoing to foreigners as some westerners. However, once I’ve spoken to them I have found many to be quite friendly and often curious about you, your country and why you are visiting theirs. Ukrainian service in restaurants is a bit different and waiters are not as on top of you as in the west. This can be a pain when you are trying to order or pay, but is also nice because you never feel rushed. If you mention an interest in Ukrainian culture or history, many people open up to you very quickly and are eager to share about their country.

Overall, I find Kiev to be as safe as any western city and safer than many in the USA and UK. Of note, I do not go out and drink and party a lot, so maybe it is a bit different when you are stumbling around drunk at a late hour. However, even the areas that Ukrainians have warned me are “dangerous” I have never had any problems in.

As in any city, you can always be a victim.of crime. Just stay alert. Also, I’d warn against being a sex tourist. It is still common, but my impression is that many Ukrainians (Male and female) take a dim view of this and prostitution is technically illegal. This is also how you will open yourself up to being scammed or sometimes lured to a spot for a robbery.

Safe enough

I was in Kiev three years ago , we stopped for three nights, I felt very safe, no problem, Hotel was good as was the food and the people were generally friendly enough. There is a lot of interesting places to visit there and its all very cheap. With the exception of some countries in Africa and The Middle East , this site is rubbish for travel tips. Do as you would in any other city your not familiar with and you’ll be fine.

Safer than US cities

I visited Kiev for several days and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found more crime and problems in Portland Oregon than anywhere in Ukraine or Belarus. Sure, the metro is packed and there are pickpockets but use common sense and you’ll be fine. I walked around Kiev at night with no problem.

There are more violent demonstrations in Portland OR than I found in Ukraine. As for Chernobyl, there is more radiation in your airplane than you’ll find there. I find Eastern European countries to be safer and less pickpockets than cities in Western Europe. Visit Ukraine, the people are friendly and desperate for tourists. America is 4 times more dangerous than Ukraine!

When did you travel there ?

Travel in Odessa

This review is so untrue its almost a fairytale, I travel to Odessa every 3 weeks from London connecting through Kiev, I travel on public transport and have found all the people very helpful and have never felt any threat whatsoever. Don’t flash your money around, I don’t at home either, have respect for the people, laws and the country and you will be fine. Watch out for the taxis at the airport, they will try to rip you off but they will at any airport anywhere in the world

This site is way off. I spent a week in Ukraine, between L’viv and Kyiv. I didn’t see any serious scams and nothing like I saw in Italy. I was even in Kyiv during their Independence Day from communism on August 24th. I was hesitant to go to the capital for the 24th because of things I had heard, but once I saw the precautions taken by the police and military, I felt very safe. Unless you go to the Donbass or Crimea, you’re fine. The only thing is that the street vendors will try to overcharge you or may shortchange you, but I’d hardly call that a serious crime. Uber is common (and very cheap) in major cities, you can always get a receipt to check your change at any restaurant, and vendors never asked to take my credit card out of my sight when paying. I was naive and walked a few blocks to my Airbnb one night and I wasn’t even approached by anyone.

TL;DR: L’viv and Kyiv are incredibly safe. Don’t go to Eastern Ukraine. Read travel advisories from your government.

All the comments are true, my grandparents are living in Kiev, I’ve been there many times for months. I’m livin in London for years, have been all around and apart from central it’s a lot more dangerous. If you get mugged in Ukraine and I’ve never been worst case scenario is a couple of punches compare to get stabbed, hammered or splashed with acid to the face for a mobile phone. Pick pocketers scammers yes, avoid drunk people, drunk Slavic people fight you just for lookin at. Taxis will rip you off all around the world either but in Ukraine that thing still exists when you just wave down a very old car with a pensioner he’ll takes you to the and of the edge of the city cheaper than end taxi. Overall it’s not worse than any eastern – western European large capital.

Rubbish! Safe as House

Safer here than in most UK cities! Been to Kyiv few months after the riots – no problem. Dont piss off the locals, respect their custom and enjoy the country!

What a lot of rubbish

Who wrote this?

Go and have a great trip to Kyiv.

Totally safe, Lviv is safest

Totally inaccurate. I’m living in Lviv and it is totally safe to walk everywhere, even out of the city center, even if you’re alone female, even at night.

Idiot wrote this article, as Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa (biggest cities) are totally safe to visit

Quite safe!

Ukraine is quite safe to visit, except for the Donetsk & Lugansk regions (where the war is). The major tourist destinations like Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Carpathians are generally safe except for the pickpocketers. Well, there are some places where it is not advisable to walk at night, but they are usually far from the tourist centers.

A paradise.

Ukraine is one of the only countries where you can pay your bus tickets from hand to hand, starting from the very back of a fully crowded vehicle up to the driver without moving from your seat… and then getting your change back untouched! You can watch videos about that on YouTube, if you don’t believe me.

Once, I did see a pickpocket in a bus. He ran away, but the bus stopped so EVERYONE could run after the criminal (including a pregnant young lady). That says it all, really.

Safe place - rubbish site

Who on earth writes for this site? So exaggerated and alarmistic. Do not not believe the conclusions presented, rubbish.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN Russia is INVADING Ukraine now and invaded some land!

RUSSIA IS A TERRORIST STATE and this is true

What a load of rubbish,I have been traveling to Ukraine to different city’s for the last ten years and traveling from London to Odessa every three month’s form the last seven years and i have found it safer than traveling in the UK

Ukraine is safe

I’ve been to Ukraine several times, traveling with U.S. college students. We stay a few weeks in L’viv. It’s safe. Precautions one takes in ANY large city should be taken here: avoid dark, desolate places at night; don’t argue with drunks; don’t leave your bag/purse/wallet unattended; remember that there *are* pickpockets, so don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket. I have a rule that my students must travel in twos and threes, but that isn’t because of danger; it’s because they generally don’t speak or read Ukrainian.

I’ve always found Ukrainians to be a generally friendly lot. I struggle to speak understandable Ukrainian and most people I meet struggle to speak understandable English; we often end up laughing together. I have never had a shopkeeper or waiter or any service personnel get impatient with me as I try to figure out how to ask for what I want. L’viv has found the tourist industry to be a good one and people go out of their way to be friendly.

I have only been to Kyiv once; from that single experience, I echo what others have said about the city’s safety.

Go to Ukraine! As its popularity increases, you’ll be able to say you went there before it was cooler than Prague!

I have been to Ukraine 4 times in the past 4 years. I always felt safe. The article is 95% inaccurate. Simple use any precautions you would use in any big city or unfamiliar area.

All of the other replies support how inaccurate the article is. It should be taken down and the author ashamed.

I’ve to been to Kiev and Odessa on several occasions for vacation. Very safe and I would recommend to come and visit. Both cities are beautiful and very rich in traditional history. The cafes serve excellent food and in most cases, service is excellent. The Ukrainian people are very nice and treated me with respect. Just like any other large, when walking at night stay vigilant and watch your money. The hotels are very clean and staff very professional.

Safe, Fun, and Amazing Country!

This article is extremely false. Travel to Ukraine, you won’t regret it!

Article author is a liar

This website, article author, webmasters, and website owners are full of shit. I’m American living in Kiev for 9 months and this country is safer than most large metro cities in US.

Ukraine is safer than many other EU cities, BUT...

I have visited odessa for more than twenty times. Odessa is more safe than most cities in Italy, more safe than central London, more safe than any city in Romania. People very friendly, they feels happy to talk to foreigners specially of European visitors.. odessa is more safe than many states in USA. Yes the taxi drivers in the airport are greedy as any airport in the world. Ukraine must be among the best countries in the world, but unfortunately the corruption of all previous governments made bad reputation for the country & also made their people has no any trust in their government.

I am a man from Norway who wanted to go the other way than mostly norwegians do in summertime . Most norwegians go south such as grand canary , tenerife , greak whatever , I went east too ukrain for some reason . IDO NOT REGRET , by now i have been in spesifically Odesa 27 times , made a lot of friends ( ukrainian) i van strongly recommend this country as a vacation destiny . It’s no more chrime there than it is anywhere else !!

Wanna go back so bad

I went to Kyiv last year to have my teeth done. I’m a 48 yr old woman who’s never been out of the states. I went to Ukraine for 3 weeks in Jan, and another 3 wks in June. LOVED IT!! Always felt safe, never got scammed, never been robbed. Lived in an apt the I rented out (not a hotel) In June, went swimming everyday, took metro, saw the American band Disturbed while there (June 18 2019), took metro home, at night, by myself, only someone talked to me to tell me my phone was falling out of my pocket. This article is bogus. Well, at least I can say Kyiv is totally cool and comfortable. Although I wasn’t with a group, and didnt really look like a tourist, maybe that helped. Teeth look GREAT btw and a tiny fraction of the cost it would’ve cost in the US…INCLUDING flight (×2) and apt!! Actually, I want to go back there sooooo bad!! The experiences I had and just living there for 3 wks. I miss it so much it almost hurts

I can’t wait to get back to visit Ukraine!

I’m a Kiwi who visited Odessa (for 5 weeks) a number of years ago and it was the BEST holiday of my life! I’m sure some areas of Ukraine will be dangerous at the moment (eg the war zones) but no shit Sherlock, that’s totally understandable!

Apart from this I found Odessa to be VERY safe! Yes, a little unnerving walking past banks that have guards armed with automatic weapons and to stay in an apartment with bars on the windows (ground level apartment) or solid steel door in first level apartment… but only because I’d never seen that before!

The first day I was there I realised I needed a warmer jacket. I found a market, quite a big one with lots of stalls, selling clothing, food and all manner of things. I was looking at some jackets at a stall and this older Ukrainian woman (who owned or managed the stall) could tell I was a foreigner by my English. She lifted my right arm up from beside me, pulled my camera (that was strapped over my shoulder) around to the front of me and put my arm down again, patting my arm to tell me “leave your camera in front of you”. And there’s a tip, pick pocket types are more likely to target you if you have a bag or camera on your back as opposed to being in frontbencher of you.

I walked all over the place, even at night, without any problem whatsoever. There are a few people who will try and rip you off but that’s just like ANY country! Mostly, the Ukrainian people are a wonderful crowd! Friendly, helpful and genuine.

I did get robbed by 2 gypsy ladies hon the Steps in Odessa but to be fair, I had previously been warned about this from a Ukrainian friend but had forgotten. If it was a guy there would have been a fight but you can’t punch out women; but I actually don’t mind – the US$60 I lost was well worth the experience! (I had USD$3k in a money belt, what others say about not flashing cash is totally correct! And when I say “robbed” there was no violence, more like trickery! And this gypsy woman (the older one) was very good!

I am planning to go back to Ukraine later this year, to Lviv to visit friends. Nowhere near the front line and I feel it will be as safe as anywhere in a Western country unless the war thing changes.

TO SUMMARISE: It’s a wonderful country rich in history, the people as a whole are also wonderful and very friendly and even though there are some scoundrels (just like every other country on the planet) I feel it is a very safe place to visit if you are not in a war zone. For Pete’s sake, EVERYWHERE in the world is dangerous if you’re in a war zone!

Don't trust this article.

This is insane. If Ukraine is as unsafe as the author suggests, you should probably never go abroad anywhere ever. Keep your common sense, apply it, be respectful, enjoy the ride. Simple as that. The country is extremely affordable, has many places worth visiting, and most people genuinely are hospitable, sincere, kind and non-violent. What did the author smoke while writing this, i wonder?

I went to Kiev last year alone. I felt safe and people were helpful. Many spoke some degree of English. I enjoyed it very much and want to go back – this time to Odessa.

This review is nothing but nonsense. I’ve spent 3 weeks in Ukraine last year and I can assure you it was one of the nicest and safest countries I’ve ever visited. I’ve seen women walk around by themselves at 3am, people using the subway without caring much about their personal belongings, used night trains and shared buses. I felt safer than in most cities in western Europe (Paris and Brussels to name a couple). The worst thing that can happen is to eat too much.

Is this real?

I have no idea where the author of this article has been, definitely not Ukraine and definitely not in the 2000s. I’ve been to Odessa, Lwow, Ivano Frankivsk, the Carpathians and finally Kiev. I’ve always been treated with enormous kindness and respect by everyone, Ukrainians love foreign tourists and are genuinely happy to have them around. Kiev is possibly the nicest major city in Eastern Europe together with St.Petersburg, it’s cheap and ultra safe. Zero scams, zero pickpockets (women and children are walking around until late night by themselves) and for sure absolutely no terrorism.

This article is total BS. I’ve been to Lviv numerous times for work and have traveled outside of the city to various parts of the country. Ukraine is fabulous.

Uhhh i never felt in danger the whole 2 weeks i was in odessa or kiev…. beautiful people and places to see.

Visiting Kiev

I just returned from a month in Kev. the people were gracious, I travel the city by myself, and without a translator. I never had a single problem. Everywhere I went, I was always able to find someone that spoke English, and people were quick to help. The women are beautiful, and actively seek your company. They want to know about you, where you are from, and why are you visiting their city. Most of my travels were spent walking or using taxi. Taxis there are a bit of an experience as the drivers are very aggressive. I was involved in two car accidents while in taxis. I went out at night, and during the day. I visited all areas of the city, mostly by myself.

Exaggerated but not totally baseless

I wouldn’t say this article is total Bullshit but exaggerated. I lived 3 years in Odessa, 2 in Kiev, it’s not without danger especially police stalking and aggressive drunks. I’ve never been pickpocketed or robbed but have been threatened with a knife, punched and had bottles thrown at me. Mind you this was all at night in bars or after bars walking home. Otherwise it’s safe, usual precautions but I wouldn’t speak English too loudly in public as it may attract unwanted attention or worse. Some people are friendly and some can be hostile to foreigners so be a little careful

try it, I think you'll love it

I am a woman and have lived all over Ukraine for 25 years, mostly in Kyiv. I love it and feel much safer than in Charlotte, NC where I lived for 30 before that. Charlotte is safer than a lot of cities in America. You can have your pocket picked in Ukraine and other crimes happen there but I agree with all the stuff I read in the comments. And Ukraine with all its wonderful historic sites is a tourist paradise. When this dumb pandemic is over, you might want to give this place a try. Try it, you’ll like it.:)

Reviews gassing the safety

This review is partially accurate. Everyone here is just gassing it, it really is NOT as safe as they say it is. Obviously, anyone that lives there will say it’s more safe than you think. That’s a no brainer. I travel to different countries every other month, or few months because of my job. The parts that ARE accurate are the muggings and scams risks. I was nearly mugged at Kiev. However, it was around 10pm, so at night. Do not walk out at night. I’m just glad that three total strangers saw I was in danger and helped me out. I would say it’s safe to travel, but definitely no where near as safe as people say it is. Just be smart. Don’t go out late. Travel with a group and do NOT make yourself stand out.

Ukraine is the worst country in existence

These people who wrote good reviews are probably agents who will benefit if you go there when they scam you. But don’t take my word for it, you will know this in the airport when the police start to question you to why the heck did you come to their trash country. Let me get started by saying: WORST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!! This article is 100% right. I was a foreign student in ukraine. And i should say don’t EVER go there. Corruption, Corruption and then more Corruption. Ukrainians are the most racist people i have ever seen if you’re a foreigner you will be treated like trash and you will be beaten and harassed. Especially if you don’t speak fluent russian or you look like a foreigner. You will not get anywhere without bribes. If they knew you’re a foreigner they will try by any means nessecary to scam you. one of my fellow students from africa got raped by ukrainian guys, foreigners getting robbed at their rented apartments, landlords who thinks that you’re a gold mine and what did the police do? NOTHING. They don’t give a damn about foreigners. There is no law in ukraine to help you. The police officers would only help if you make it rain money on his greedy butt. The university didn’t even help because they wanted to protect their reputation. Lawyers in ukraine are the ones who taught the devil, they scam, rob and lie that’s their job there. Real estate are big big scams no one is honest there. The police catch foreigners like pokemon to rob them. If you even speak by a different language at any place some fat ugly vodka smelling ukrainian or a some crazy ukrainian woman we will come to tell you to shut the heck up, people there are extremely rude. If you wonder why people go to ukraine it’s either they are student because its cheaper and will basically accept any idiot even if you bring a cow to be a student it will get accepted because basically you need to just throw money at their face . The other reason people go to ukraine for isssssssssssss……. sex tourism weeeeeeeeeee. Yup, ukrainians open a flat chested girl agency. Ukrainian girls are sure pretty. But looks can be deceiving. Girls their will think any foreigner is the head of a multi billion dollar industry and that he poops money, she will act nice and cute until she gets what she wants and put it a goal in life to make her man broke as soon as possible and make sure that his pockets only have air in them alot of them even murder their foreign husbands throwing them off a building or making them drown in the middle of nowhere in the sea. Short answer: DON’T GO THERE. AAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Vodka man should win a gold medal for his fictional fantasy writing skills all he has written is total B/S , as is the safety rating given by this web site . I Visited last year and found Kiev a very safe welcoming city day or night , there is good public transport , Uber and metro trains that are all very safe and reliable . Prices are low and there are plenty of nice places to visit , English is not widely spoken by older people and most signs are written in Cyrillic script but you wont find communicating difficult . I cant wait to plan a longer visit once the lock down ends .

Just don't.

Right, and all foreign government travel advisory websites just copied off of Vodka man, too! It’s not like the Ukraine is the world’s human trafficking hub.

Alright, first i’m sure this is a troll, Ukraine is a very nice and welcoming place and even though there is some corruption, that is true with all countries. Please don’t listen to Vodka Man, Ukraine is an amazing place with beautiful cities, culture and history. The risks there are the same risks as going almost anywhere.

Even though English isn’t spoken in the country, not all countries speak fluent English. Not even some people from Canada or the United States can speak it, and as for scams, they are apparent in every country.

And sure the conflict going on can make some places more dangerous, but overall the country is very safe to go to and visit, so don’t let “Vodka Man” stop you, if you want to go then go! (Better once the pandemic is over though) ^^

Right now, you should 100% avoid Ukraine, because of a situation with Russia you likely know already.

Why they put Pakistan And Ukraine warn is safe why would you do that there is mcdonalds and burger king and kfc

personal opinion

I’m not from ukraine, but as i read most of the other reviews, there is positive and negative info, both, personally i think its not the safest place, lawyers are seriously corrupted, they got mostly american politicans robbing the country, its currently not really safe place as russians are doing their thing at border right now, sure robbers might be regular, but the police has to do something, if not then the country must be retarted or something, whats police if it cant do anything useful, im not giving 2 stars becouse its bad country, but becouse of its current state, russia is aboutta start a war, they got useless services, bad civillians, etc

Underrated Beautiful Country!

Nie. You are thinking about Crimea. Ukraine is very safe, especially Lviv, one of my favorite cities in the world! As long as you don’t walk around too late at night. Well, if you do, you will usually be safe, but if you want to be safe as possible, don’t walk around at night.

Complete miss characterisation of Ukraine

Don’t know who writes this rubbish, but as somebody who lived and worked in Ukraine for a number of years and still visits regularly. I do not recognise the sentiments expressed in this article. Ukraine is a large country and I traveled extensively in it and never ever felt threatened. One should always learn about any country it’s laws, history and traditions before they visit and take the same precautions they would anywhere. I return every year to Ukraine to see friends and former colleagues and always feel like I’m coming home.

This article seems pliticaly biased, I’ve visited Crimea couple of years ago and found it safer than Ukraine. In any case Ukraine doesn’t allow Western tourists to enter “annexed” areas from it’s territory. You can enter Crimea, Donetsk or Lugansk from Russia with a Russian visa without any issues. Obviously DO NOT go anywhere near the front line in Donbass from either side.

Be careful,

Most of the positive reviews are from the ukrainian diaspora that speak the language and can blend it hence not really foreign tourists. Some ukrainians can be racist anti-Semitic, and the right wing nationalists in L’viv are something you should take into account if you’re non-Caucasian. Nice Austro-Hungarian and Polish architecture though! Customer service is 3rd world tier in many places, although some were up to western standards. Corruption is widespread and medical services are of very poor quality (insured or not, you’ll still pay for your own medications and for any ‘additional’ services etc. ) hence reconsider some European neighbors as safer alternatives.

Lots of disinformation of Ukraine as part of smear campaign. For sure, for sure. There is corruption, but seldom the harmful type.

Way safer, than described here

As most reviewers said, its very safe, at least in western part: Kiev, Odesa or Lviv like any other European city. Cant speak for areas of conflict. Definitely safer than described in this article.

Unfair from personal experience

I was sat minding my own business in a bar when I was drugged and attacked. I found Kyiv to be largely unsafe as a result of this.

Feel safe here

I used to live in a few other European countries that are rated safe on this site, nowadays after 10 years in Kyiv and 3 years in a rural area in the middle of nowhere I can certainly tell you – Ukraine is a safe place to be, with nice friendly people around. Being a young female, I could walk alone at night in Kyiv and never had any issues whatsoever. Only once I got my mobile stolen in a crowded place, but that happened to me a few times in “safe-as-home” Stockholm (!!!), and a few times in “safe” Belarus. Ukraine is much safer than these two, for sure. Even areas next to the conflict zone are ok, we travel there time to time to see relatives and never

As a Ukrainian woman, I can say that it’s a safe country to travel alone, as a man or woman. As in every country, You should avoid strange places, but the citizens are really friendly and calm people. We are always there to help foreigners and would never abuse them in any way.

More safe than this article says

Much safer than the article says. The problems are petty theft and pickpocketing, that happens. Nobody is going to stag you over anything like youth in western europe does. Outside of bigger cities (even inside them actually) I would highly recommend that you or your someone from your group of fellow travelers knows ukranian, russian or byelorussian (I guess bulgarian, serbo-croatian and polish would get you by in a pinch). Get a hold of some cash as cash is king in Ukraine, in the cities it is not as important, but trust me, it is good to have some on you. Not too much though because of the reasons above. Overall: I recommend travelling to Ukraine. It is a very beautiful country, so I would recommend going out from the cities and view the countryside! People are friendly and hospitality is great. Be polite and act reasonably as Ukranians hate obnoxious people! I recommend visiting churches as they are usually beautiful. If you plan on visiting an Orthodox church, ask someone first on how to behave (and for women, how to cover hair etc.)

I feel Crimea deserves a special segment: I have been ther multiple times pre- and after 2014. It is as safe as ever over there, but it is just more complicated to get there and to be there. You have to get a Russian visa and do all the paperwork that comes with that (which is a mission in itself). Cash is king for tourists to Crimea, as only cards from the local banks works there due to sanctions, so unfortunatly, you have to get a big heap of cash. Also, get a Crimean SIM card for your phone ASAP as no non-local SIM card has service there. Oh, yeah, if you plan on going to Ukraine after having been in Crimea, try to hide that you have been there from Ukranian authorities. If they know you have been in Crimea…well things will jujst get complicated. Most of the behaviour things and recommendations said about Ukraine goes for Crimea as well. I would especiallt recommend visiting Yalta mountains or Ay Petri mountain. The 35th battery museum is also great for those who like history. The beaches of the whole peninsula are legendary along with the various sanatoriums and relaxation hotels!

I have not been to Donetsk/Lugansk after 2014 so take this with a shovel of salt: This is the only place I would tell tourists to not go to. Only go there if you know someone there and have to go. Apart from an armed conflict going on in the area being an obvious danger, hospitals also have limited resources so it would be bad if you got hurt or sick. If you have been there and then plan to go to Ukraine, you really have to hide the evidence of you being there from Ukranian authorities as that would be a mess if they found out.

Well done to all of you that’s replied positively. 40+ years back and forth and never a single problem.

Ukraine was safe. Maybe not any more.

I feel much safer in Ukraine than in Russia (except Russian far east). Never got shaken down by the police like in Russia.

RUSSIA IS INVADING UKRAINE NOW DO NOT GO THERE FOR ANY REASON

Even now, Lviv will be safer than most US cities. The West of Ukraine (Lviv region, Ternopil region, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Transcarpathian region) can be visited. The probability that a rocket will fly at you is extremely small!

DO NOT GO TO UKRAINE RIGHT NOW

Looking to go to Ukraine? Don’t. Already in Ukraine right now? Leave. The Reason? Should be obvious at this point. There is literally a warning message on this page that says exactly why you should avoid this place at all costs for now. Don’t let the other positive reviews here make you think that it’s safe to travel RIGHT NOW.

Ukraine is much safer than western cities. Never seen any scammers and terrorirsts.

Mever been to ukraine but i am lucky

Russia is a bully. They invade ukraine and are at war with them. Don’t go to ukraine right now.

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  • Natural Disasters Risk
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Warnings and insurance

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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the western regions of:

  • Zakarpattia
  • Ivano-Frankivsk

FCDO  advises against all travel to the rest of Ukraine.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with missile and drone attacks across the country. Russian missile and drone strikes have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and injured and killed civilians. Ukraine’s airspace remains closed.

There is an ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including from missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris. Whilst these are more frequent where FCDO advises against all travel, they could also happen in the western regions, where FCDO advice is against all but essential travel.

In the event of attacks, follow the advice of the local authorities, including responding to air raid sirens.

The situation in Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Explosions continue to be reported near the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant indicating ongoing military activity. There have been no reports of any radiation release.

Leaving Ukraine

Expect increased documentation checks, transport restrictions and increased security measures. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.

If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and want to leave Ukraine, contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on [email protected] for advice.

Ukrainian national and dual-national males aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.

The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you travel, check the foreign travel advice for any countries you plan to travel through. If you need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in that country (contact details can be found in the relevant foreign travel advice page).

Assisted departure or evacuation

The British Embassy in Kyiv is unable to provide in-person consular assistance.

FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or evacuation. If you are in Ukraine against FCDO advice, or require support to leave Ukraine, take advice from a private security company and take appropriate security measures.

FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. Research whether a service provider will be suitable for your requirements and meets code of conduct and safety standards. The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) has several companies listed on their website. These companies have accredited certification for international standards.

FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. FCDO is not able to provide financial assistance for employing private security or medical evacuation companies.

Visas for the UK

If you are a family member of a British national normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, read the guidance on visas for family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine . Call +44 (0)808 164 8810 (select option 1) for assistance before applying.

Under this scheme, which is free, those joining family in the UK can stay in the UK for up to 3 years. They will be able to study, work and access public funds.

Foreign fighters

If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation.  You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.

British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of mistreatment, is high.

Our ability to provide consular support in these circumstances is very limited.

Supporting Ukraine

There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help .

Related content

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Travel Advisory May 22, 2023

Ukraine - level 4: do not travel.

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts.

The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.

There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email [email protected] for assistance. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas . U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passports, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries .

On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each province (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections, among other measures. Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Many in the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, do not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea in 2014, nor the September 2022 purported annexation of four other Ukrainian oblasts -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. There are also abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s occupation.

Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine severely restricts the Embassy’s access and ability to provide services in these areas, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – to the extent possible given security conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ukraine.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps:

  • Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas .
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first and how they should share the information.
  • Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

If you are currently in Ukraine:

  • Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
  • Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
  • Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices related to your travel.
  • Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
  • Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas .

Embassy Message

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Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry and exit

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for tourism stays of less than 90 days within a 180-day period

Anything over €10,000 or foreign currency equivalent must be declared in writing

Same as restrictions for entry

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy kyiv.

4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova) 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine Telephone:  +38 (044) 521-5000 Fax: +38 (044) 521-5544 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

  • You do not need a visa to enter Ukraine for tourism purposes for visits of up to 90 days in any 180 day period, but must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
  • No vaccinations are required for entry, but you should be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations .
  • A visa and residency permit is required for stays over 90 days. You must receive the visa in advance at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate. You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border. For information regarding visa requirements and to find the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate, visit the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
  • You must have a visa to apply for a Ukrainian residency permit; you may not do so while on visa-free tourist travel. You must apply with the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) for a residency permit no later than 15 working days before your visa’s expiration date. Once you have a residency permit you can reside in Ukraine for as long as it remains valid. More information is available at the SMS website (limited information available in English).

Crimea: There is an extensive Russian Federation military presence in the Crimean Peninsula. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine and defer all travel to Crimea. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware:

  • U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea and are unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
  • You may only legally enter Crimea from mainland Ukraine.
  • Entrance into Crimea by any other entry point other than from mainland Ukraine, such as air, sea, or the Kerch Strait Bridge is illegal. You will be denied entry into mainland Ukraine and banned from entering Ukraine for five years.
  • Time spent in Crimea will count against the 90 day visa-free period. 

Eastern Ukraine: Russia-led forces continue to control areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and the ongoing armed conflict has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine , and do not travel there. If you choose to travel to these areas, you should be aware:

  • U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to adjacent regions, and the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
  • Entering Ukraine through the area of armed conflict is a violation of Ukrainian law. U.S. citizens who enter Ukraine illegally through the area of armed conflict along the Russian border will not be allowed to pass through government checkpoints to territory controlled by the government of Ukraine.
  • Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) procedures at entry/exit points require that permit applications be submitted and approved electronically prior to travel in the zone of armed conflict.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ukraine. However, anyone with tuberculosis cannot get permanent residency in Ukraine. There are no waivers or exceptions to this rule.

Information about customs rules can be found on the Ukrainian State Customs Service website and on our Customs Information page.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism Activity: Credible information indicates that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Small-scale bombings continue to occur throughout Ukraine. While most attacks are at night and appear intended to cause property damage and incite fear, multiple attacks within the past year have been fatal, sometimes occurring in populated areas during daylight hours.

Please read the Travel Advisory for Ukraine before traveling. While in Ukraine, you should carry travel documents with you at all times.

Potential for civil disturbances: Large-scale protests have occurred from time to time in cities throughout Ukraine.

  • You should avoid large gatherings or protests and adjacent areas.
  • In the past, some protests have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries. 
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media.
  • The Embassy will post information about sizeable planned protests on the Embassy website .

Crimea: There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea as part of Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of this part of Ukraine, which the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize. There are continuing abuses against and arbitrary imprisonment of foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in Crimea, particularly abuses against individuals who are seen as challenging Russian authority on the peninsula. The U.S. government prohibits employees from traveling to Crimea and is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.

Eastern Ukraine : U.S. citizens should not travel to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to ongoing armed conflict.

  • The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area.
  • U.S. citizens have been specifically targeted by gunmen representing the self-proclaimed authorities and threatened, detained, or kidnapped for hours or days.
  • Shortages of water, power, medicine, and food supplies have also been reported in Russian-proxy-controlled territory, and widespread disorder and looting has been confirmed in these areas.

Crime: Criminals may target tourists due to perceived wealth. A new professional and well-trained police force (Patrol Police) has been implemented, but police corruption remains an issue.

  • Criminal activity, including burglaries, robberies, muggings, and pickpocketing is increasingly a problem in Ukraine.
  • Law enforcement and emergency officials rarely speak English, and interpreters are not readily available.
  • Muggings, attacks, armed robberies, harassment, or the drugging at nightspots of unsuspecting victims (who are then robbed and/or assaulted) have been reported.
  • Cases of assaults in apartment building corridors, elevators, and stairwells, as well as armed break-ins and crimes involving firearms, have also been reported.
  • Recently, there has been an increase in reports of criminals luring unsuspecting visitors to Ukraine with promises of cheap lodging and/or companionship. The criminals then forcibly abduct the visitors and proceed to make unauthorized transactions via their victims’ bank cards and accounts.
  • Many incidents of criminal activity occur on the public transport system, including the metro. When riding on public transportation or moving in crowded areas, keep your purse, bag, or backpack tightly under your arm and/or in front of your body. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victim of sexual assault should report crimes to the local police at 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521-5000 after hours. 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • provide you with information about medical facilities
  • provide information about reporting a crime to the police
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • provide a list of local attorneys
  • provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution (subject to approval)
  • help you find temporary accommodation and arrange flights home in cases of destitution
  • replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. The Embassy will be able to assist with contacting police and provide you with a list of local shelters.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not occur everywhere. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide necessary medical treatment, but it may take time for them to arrive. Local law requires foreigners to have medical insurance when traveling to Ukraine. U.S. citizens are encouraged to consider purchasing additional medical evacuation insurance when arranging their medical insurance for traveling to Ukraine. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you are arrested, you can face extended periods, even years, in pre-trial detention. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe, and if convicted you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Furthermore, some violations of laws in Ukraine are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrests: When in a foreign country, you are subject the country’s laws. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

  • Ukrainian law permits police to stop you for any reason and check your identification documents.
  • You are required to carry your passport at all times; police may check to verify your legal presence in Ukraine.
  • Police are permitted to detain you for up to 72 hours without formal charges.
  • If stopped by the police for an unclear reason, call the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521 5000.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report and the following webpages for details

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a problem in Ukraine, as LGBTI individuals have been the target of harassment, threats, and acts of violence. For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in Ukraine, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 .  For further information on LGBTI travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Accessibility is an issue in Ukraine. Public transport systems are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Some newer buildings feature ramps and elevators, but older buildings do not. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Ukraine. See our Traveling with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

By Ukrainian law, all foreigners coming to Ukraine must have medical insurance covering their period of travel. Note that the general quality of healthcare in Ukraine does not meet U.S. standards.

  • Fees at government clinics and hospitals are lower than those at private clinics, but there have been reports that doctors request bribes or additional payments before treating patients.
  • Private physicians and private hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance. 
  • Public facilities only accept cash payments, while most private clinics accept credit cards.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the State Register of Medicines (Ukrainian language only) to ensure the medication is legal to bring into the country, as many medications that are legal in the United States are prohibited in Ukraine. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are prevalent in Ukraine:

  • Tuberculosis

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

  • Generally, roads outside major urban areas are in bad condition and poorly lit.
  • U.S. drivers licenses are not valid in Ukraine as their vehicle categories do not meet the standards enumerated in the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (as amended in 2011). Travelers who do not have a foreign driver’s license that meets these requirements must obtain either a Ukrainian driver’s license or an International Driving Permit .
  • You should drive defensively at all times.
  • Drivers are often poorly trained; many drive without a valid driver's license.
  • Drivers can also be dangerously aggressive; often do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at clearly marked pedestrian crossings; and sometimes drive on the sidewalks.
  • Many cars, including some taxis, do not meet U.S. safety standards.

In case of accidents:

  • Emergency number: Dial 103 for ambulance service and 102 for police. Ambulance crews do not respond quickly and do not often include trained paramedics.
  • Notify the police immediately. By law, police must be notified in the event of an accident. Remain at the scene until the police arrive to conduct an investigation.
  • It is a criminal offense to move the vehicle from the site of the accident unless it presents a clear safety concern (causing a traffic jam is not considered a safety concern). In practice, this even includes moving a vehicle to the side of the road.
  • You must wait until the police arrive and complete their report; often this can take several hours.
  • The police will decide preliminary responsibility, take the drivers’ personal information, seize driver’s licenses, and file an accident report. Temporary driver’s licenses will be issued. Once a court decision has been made regarding responsibility, the original driver’s licenses can be recovered from police. Note that in the vast majority of cases, the police will not speak English.

Traffic Laws:  

  • Ukraine has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
  • Non-payment of traffic or parking fines may result in travel bans, which means you cannot leave the country until the fines (plus penalties) are paid.
  • Using a cellular telephone or texting while driving is illegal.
  • Do not turn right on a red light, unless there is a special green arrow sign attached to the stoplight.
  • Front seat belts are mandatory.

Public Transportation:

  • Only use marked taxis. Fares are given in advance when you order a taxi by phone, but prices are typically negotiated with the driver in advance if hailing a cab in the street.
  • Do not sit in the front seat of the taxi, enter a taxi with unknown passengers, or travel to unfamiliar areas.
  • Buses and trams are widely used.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ukraine’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ukraine’s air carrier operations. You can find further information on the FAA website at the FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Ukraine should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website ( https:homeport.uscg.mil ), and the NGA broadcast warnings website ( http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal - select “broadcast warnings”).

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Odesa is a city straight from literature – an energetic, decadent boom town. Its famous Potemkin Steps sweep down to the Black Sea and Ukraine's biggest commercial port. Behind them, a cosmopolitan cast of characters makes merry among neoclassical pastel buildings lining a geometric grid of leafy streets.

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Odesa Opera & Ballet Theatre

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5 reasons to visit Odessa, Ukraine

With the current situation in Ukraine, with a heavy heart, I strongly advise not visiting the country. This is the older, pre-war article and you can use it for future inspiration and information to plan a trip when it’s safe to visit Ukraine again.

I’ve been planning to visit Odessa, Ukraine for years yet always something went wrong.

I’ve had tickets for a long weekend at the Black Sea and two days before departure I got sick and had to cancel the trip.

Then I again had tickets to visit Odessa but the revolution tension in Ukraine was really big back then and the airline has suspended the flights – I could rebook for the later date which I did and guess what – I got sick again!

Third time’s a charm – I finally managed to visit Odessa in the summer time two years ago.

I took the train from Chisinau, Moldova via Transnistria .

It was a tiring journey – 5 hours on the wooden benches – but as soon as the train pulled into the station I felt a huge wave of excitement.

This is it, one of my travel dreams comes true, I’m finally visiting Odessa!

I really didn’t know what to expect from the city, had no expectations at all.

The only things I knew were the Black Sea harbor, Potemkin Steps my mother kept raving about and some random facts about the multicultural Odessa and its criminal past.

But I fall for the place very quick, from the moment I arrived and saw the magnificent building of the train station.

With each passing minute Odessa fascinated me more and more and I can’t even say why. It was city like no other I’ve visited before, didn’t look like other major Ukraine cities – Kyiv , Lviv or Ivano-Frankivsk – at all!

At times it reminded me of Old Tbilisi with its charming yards but soon it felt like a completely different, one of a kind place.

Visit Odessa Ukraine

I’ve spent 2 summer days in Odessa but I felt it was not enough so exactly a year later I returned to the city.

Spending time in Odessa was a pure pleasure, it was a big joy for me just to be there, walk around the old town and relax at the beach.

I can’t really put into words why I’ve enjoyed Odessa so much (hence this post is so belated). I just clicked with the city and felt really good there.

If I have a chance to visit Odessa again I wouldn’t need to think twice! And here is why it’s worth to go there.

Quick Odessa cheat sheet

Are you looking for the airport transfer directly to your hotel in Odessa? Click here for the details!

Where to stay in Odessa:

  • Orpheus Hostel and Apartments (budget)
  • Potemkinn Hotel (mid-range)
  • Boutique Hotel Palais Royal (luxury)

Best Odessa tours:

  • 2.5-Hour Private Walking Tour
  • The Hidden Yards of Odessa: Private Tour
  • Underground Secrets Catacombs Tour

Table of Contents

Beautiful architecture

The old part of Odessa is so pretty!

The city used to be the cultural and intellectual center prior Soviet Russia and the majority of the most amazing buildings comes from that period.

The architecture resembles more of the Mediterranean or French influence than Russian and that already gives the unique look and style to the city.

You will find the most spectacular buildings around pedestrian Deribasovskaya street (which itself isn’t all that great) and Potemkin Steps.

Visit Odessa Ukraine

For me there are two absolute highlights of the architecture in Odessa: The Opera house – second biggest opera in the world after La Scala in Milan – and the Passage (it used to be the best hotel in Southern Russia).

Both take my breath away every time I see them.

Visit Odessa Ukraine

But the architecture in this part of the city really is amazing and random walks around the enshadowed, cobbled streets are the best thing you can do in Odessa!

Unfortunately, most of the places are in poor condition but when you look carefully you will see its true, faded-out beauty.

Odessa really can be a treat for the eye!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

There is one architectonic masterpiece in Odessa that deserves a special attention – Potemkin Steps.

Opened in 1841 those 192 steps are the peculiar entrance to the city, the most known image of Odessa and the symbol of the place.

They were designed to give the optical illusion – when you look from the top you can’t really see the stairs itself but when you look from the bottom you only see stairs.

If you’re too lazy to climb to the top there’s a funicular riding on the left side. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work but maybe you will be lucky.

I definitely recommend visiting the highlights of Odessa with the guide as there are so many details and gems it’s good to have someone to explain it all.

There is a great walking tour you can join to learn all about Odessa. Check more details and prices here!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

Charming backyards

The backyards are my absolutely favorite thing in Odessa.

Kind of like in Old Tbilisi you enter a random gate and you are transformed into a completely different, magical world.

As soon as I found out what is hidden from the street view I was peeking inside every single gate!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

Unfortunately, most of them were closed but those I’ve entered were amazing and sometimes surreal.

I even found a statue of Ludwik Zamenhof (a founder of Esperanto language, originally from Poland) in one of the yards!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

I’ve only seen those in the old town as I didn’t dare to do any solo wandering in the backstreets of the (in)famous Moldavanka district – I still regret not being brave enough as apparently that’s where the best yards are!

Still, I can’t complain as those I’ve seen were pretty amazing!

I literally could spend at least a few days only exploring Odessa backyards and that’s already a very solid reason that makes me want to visit Odessa again!

If you find yourself in Odessa you can go for the courtyards tour which I wish I had done too! Click here for more details and prices!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

Odessa – a perfect summer getaway

Odessa makes a perfect and really affordable summer destination!

I’ve been there twice in August and it was just perfect!

The weather was really warm and sunny, the sea was bearable and the prices were so cheap you had to pinch yourself!

I spent half of the day just relaxing at the beach – I was ready to spend some money on the sunbed and the umbrella but I couldn’t believe when I heard the price, 80 hryvnas, for everything, for the whole day! That’s not even 3$/3€!!!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

The beach was wide and sandy yet I was in the second row from the shore so every time I wanted to go to the water I didn’t need to worry about my belongings as I could see everything.

There are local vendors cruising the beach with drinks and snacks so you basically have everything you might need.

I was at Bali Beach, not far from the dolphinarium. It was a perfect place to relax, not too crowded and not too loud.

If you’re interested in more of a party place there is the whole seaside district for you – Arcadia!

The place is full of clubs, discos, all kinds of entertainment and young vibe.

If I were 10 years younger I’d definitely stay there and it seemed like a great place to have fun!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

Maritime vibe

Odessa is the biggest harbor at the Black Sea and you simply can’t escape the maritime vibe there.

Right at the bottom of Potemkin Steps you have the sea station where local as well as long distance ferries from Batumi and Poti, Georgia arrive.

Visit Odessa Ukraine

The view of shipyards is very much present in the Odessa skyline.

Young sailors are casually strolling the streets of the city.

Even the majority of souvenirs are with the maritime theme.

It all somehow fits perfectly to the city. I can’t imagine Odessa without its maritime accents, it gives the city an extra twist.

Visit Odessa Ukraine

The craziest cable car and other Soviet remnants

You might know by now I like crazy Soviet things: playgrounds, amusement parks, cable cars, metro – you name it. The more crazy, the better!

The moment when I read about the cable car in Odessa I knew I have to ride it.

It was the whole expedition to find the cable car as back then it was really difficult to find any info online but I succeeded!

It’s hard to describe my joy, I was bouncing around like a kid and I almost fell down when leaving the cable car in the lower station – that’s how excited I was!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

The ride is a little bit frightening but the views of the vast green spaces and the Black Sea are definitely worth it!

The cable car is painted with the children heroes, with “Nu, pogodi!” being my favorite one (I still find it hilarious we’ve had cartoons like this when I grew up).

Visit Odessa Ukraine

The cable car isn’t the only remnant of the Soviet past in Odessa.

In Shevchenko Park you can find the Monument to an Unknown Sailor, dedicated to those who died during the siege of Odessa in 1941 .

Like in many post-Soviet countries not only there is an eternal flame at the site but the war songs from that period are played there too.

My Russian is too poor to understand them but they sound very dark to me, made me feel uncomfortable…

Visit Odessa Ukraine

If you’re after Soviet architecture in Odessa you definitely should check Odessa Academic Theatre of Musical Comedy and the building in the middle of the park at Kulykove pole, next to the main train station.

That’s where the clashes in 2014 took place, with almost 50 casualties – now you barely can see such a tragic event occurred in this very place.

Visit Odessa Ukraine

Is it worth to visit Odessa

For me, Odessa has (almost) everything I enjoy – beautiful architecture, hidden gems, quirky places, fascinating history, and a strong multicultural past.

Even if I’m not much of a beach person both times I happened to be in Odessa towards to end of my trip and as little as those few hours of relaxing was much needed – Odessa turned out to be perfect for this.

I can only recommend visiting Odessa!

The city has so much to offer, so many layers to discover that everyone will find something for themselves there with plenty of culture, history or fun to immerse into.

You shouldn’t be afraid of traveling to Ukraine and once you go there don’t miss Odessa!

And if you wish to learn more about Odessa and its multicultural, Jewish or criminal past there are numerous affordable tours that you can join! Check all the details and availability here!

Odessa pictures

And to show you how beautiful the city is below you have few more Odessa pictures!

Visit Odessa Ukraine

Travel resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Odessa

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

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  • Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
  • I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Odessa too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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reasons to visit Odessa, Ukraine

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61 Comments

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Stefania - The Italian Backpacker

Really great post and one thing is certain: you take great pictures. I love the one with the memorial and behind a picturesque courtyard with a super old car.

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Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words! :)

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Odessa also reminded me of Tbilisi because of the backyards! My airbnb flat faced s backyard overgrown with flowers and grapes and populated by cats, it was lovely.

Ah, that must have been beautiful! I would love to stay in such place next time I’m in Odessa (which I’m sure will happen eventually)

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I enjoyed this post enormously and visiting Odessa is now on my To Do list. It is not somewhere I had considered before but I shall get the Bradt book you recommend and have a look at Ukraine.

Thank you! I really recommend Bradt guides for the less known destinations, they are the best, so much better than Lonely Planet. I also personally know two Bradt writers and I know they do excellent research!

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I visited Odessa last year, and also found it to be a beautiful city. Love your photos as well!

Thank you! Odessa is such a wonderful city, isn’t it?

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Your post brought back so many good memories….I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking about Tbilissi when in Odessa.The house of unions in Kkulykove pole was still fenced and still smeling like fire when I was there a year ago.Have you been to the big market called “privet” if I remember correctly?I noticed you don’t mention it.

It might be the run down feeling of a formerly beautiful place that makes Odessa and Tbilisi to be so much alike! The pictures of Unions House were taken almost 2 years ago, the entrance was fenced but I walked around easily and no one bothered me. Unfortunately I haven’t been to Privoz market – I really wanted to, both times, but I always run out of time. There are just too many things to do in Odessa! I was meant to mention it in the post, must have forgot after all! Thank you for reminding me!

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You convinced me! I want to go there, but I heard it’s not really safe for Americans. :(

I haven’t heard about any unsafe situations in Odessa but maybe I just missed something. I think you still should give it a go, it’s an amazing city!

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Stacja Bałkany

Wizz air uruchomił loty z Wrocławia do Lwowa. Najtańsza są po 40-50 zł. Kupiłem bilet na sierpień i zamierzam odwiedzić Odesse w sierpniu przybywając nocnym pociągiem ze Lwowa. A po Twoim artykule już doczekać się nie mogę :)

jeździłam tym pociągiem tylko w odwrotnym kierunku :) Fajny jest! Kiedy w sierpniu lecisz?

stacjabalkany

Hej wylatuję 19 sierpnia w sobotę o 12 z Wrocławia przylot do Lwowa na 14, cena całe 50 zł:) Pociąg do Odessy to pewnie ze 200 hrywien, a myślę że będę mieć czas tak do 24 sierpnia do czwartku. Lecę z kolegą – on raczej nastawiony na plażowanie, ja mniej. I chcę zrobić sobie dwudniowy wypad z Odessy do Tiraspolu i do Kiszyniowa:) Powrót planujemy albo jeśli znajdziemy tani lot, to samolotem z Kijowa do Wrocławia – na razie wizzair w tym terminie nie chce z ceną zejść. Lub jak nie, to nocnym do Lwowa i dalej do Wrocławia :)

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Loved this post, Kami!!! :) We were in Odessa a few years ago and rode those same cable cars. Also searched for Zamenhof’s statue but couldn’t find it… maybe next time.

Happy travels to you!

Thank you! Zamenhof’s statue was in the yard at the end of Deribasivska street, close to Kaczynski street. Happy travels to you too!

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Odessa should be on everyone’s must go list! It reminds me a bit of Prague 20 years ago after the Soviets were kicked out. And while Tripadvisor has some good restaurant listings, some places I recommend are Farsh (for hamburgers) and Eleven Dogs, which has some great hotdogs and cocktails :)

Also, on Deribasovskaya is the Jarmarka, a sort of out doors dining/drinking/gathering place with many restaurants and little bars. Check out Burger Point for some good burgers and pasta, as well as California Republic Odessa, which has the ONLY authentic Mexican food in Southeast Ukraine…

Thank you for recommendations, I will try to check them out next time I’m in Odessa! And I agree with you, everyone should visit it! It’s such a great city!

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The biggest port at the Black Sea is Constanta

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I didn’t connect with Odessa from the get-go so I am determined to go back and give it another try! This is inspiring me :)

you definitely should! I didn’t have my expectations too high yet I loved it and I’m sure I will be back again!

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Jesteś moją motywacją! Mam jedynie 18 lat i chciałabym zacząć podróżować, ale… chyba się boję, sama nie wiem czego ;-) Pozdrawiam i szczerze zazdroszczę! :)

Dziękuję, bardzo mi miło! Podróżowanie nie jest takie straszne, każdy kiedyś zaczynał i nabierał wprawy :) Zdrowy rozsądek przede wszystkim, tylko trzeba zrobić pierwszy krok, może być i blisko żeby sie oswoić. Powodzenia!

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Margaret Piton

Loved your post. I was there on a cruise stop in 2010 and found it very interesting, similar to but more interesting than Yalta. Took the Jewish tour and learned that they are trying to revive Jewish life there, with rabbis from the U.S. Would have liked to have had more time to explore the city. Are people boycotting Crimea now? If so, Odessa is a good alternative and most Westerners don’t need a visa for Ukraine, which makes it more appealing.

Thank you! I think Crimea is off limits now as Russia controls it and it’s not so easy to get there. But I agree, Odessa can be a perfect alternative. I really hope you can get back there, it’s so fascinating!

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You have an absolutely outstanding blog. I have been a couple of times to Ukraine, and your post about Chernivtsi convinced me to go there also. I was not disappointed, it is a beautiful city. Now with your post about Odesa, I decided to go there in September. Do you think it’s a good month for visiting, not especially for the beach? Continue the good work!

Thank you for your kind comment Hans! I’m really glad you enjoyed Chernivtsi! I think Odessa in September will be really good – still warm but not so crowded! You will love it there for sure!

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Great post! Do you think Odessa is a good place to visit right now? I had some friends here in Poland tell me not to go, and that it was unsafe. Thanks!

thanks! I don’t think Odessa has changed all that much since my last visit a year ago and I keep seeing people visiting it all the time so I’d say go! It’s a great place to visit!

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Leyla Giray Alyanak

Hi Kami, I’m going to Moldova and was thinking about taking a quick side trip – undecided. And then I read your post and now I’ve decided to go. Your photos are superb so now I’m really looking forward to the photographic side of my visit.

Thank you! I honestly think Odessa is much more interesting than Chisinau (that I liked too!) so you should definitely go there! I’m sure you will love it, it’s such a beautiful place! Have a good tripi!

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Hi Kami, thanks for the great read about Odessa. I am absolutely in love with Odessa and have traveled here many times over the last few years. While Odessa is beautiful and is filled with many great people, there are also many bad people making a living off of scamming tourists. A few months ago I was inspired to write a blog post about common scams targeting foreigners in Odessa and was wondering if you would be interested in linking to it in-order to help keep your readers safe as they enjoy everything Odessa has to offer.

I will leave the link here for your review. Please feel free to email me with any specific questions.

Thank you for your comment and link Kameron, I will leave it here so others can read it! Unfortunately with growing tourism there are more and more scammers everywhere so it’s good that people can learn from other’s how to stay safe. Thanks!

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Marina Davidovich

What is the best way to get from Vinnitsa to Odessa?

There are few trains and busses connecting Vinnitsa and Odessa, I’d recommend the train though as it’s more comfortable

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Hi ! What about visiting Odessa in the beginning of February ? Too cold ????

I just checked on AccuWeather and it says around 0C so I’m not sure that’s the best time to enjoy Odessa :)

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Mazhar Valjee

Thank you Kami, that reaffirms my desire to visit & experience Odessa…that has fascinated me since I read the Odessa Files many years ago!

Odessa is a fascinating place to visit, I hope you will be able to go there soon! Happy travels!

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Rick Holland

Absolutely beautiful…..found this place by accident. Very charming—hope to visit someday.

thank you. you should visit, Odessa is such a nice city!

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We also fell in love with Odessa–for many of the same reasons. Now we go every summer for 3 months! It is a wonderful city to walk around, and we always stay in the center of downtown, a short walk to Potemkin steps. I recognize almost every building in your photographs–so beautiful!

I’m glad you share my feelings for Odessa, it’s such a beautiful city. I need to plan a trip there soon too!

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hej ;) wybieram się Odessy na początku września i trafiłam do Ciebie (w języku polskim jakoś mało kontentu na temat Ukrainy) i uzyskałam praktycznie wszystkie informacje jakie potrzebowałam, ale czy pamiętasz może jak trafić do tej kolejki z wagonikami? Chcę zaznaczyć sobie na mapce, ale nie znalazłam żadnego adresu. Będę bardzo wdzięczna za pomoc! Strona trafia do zakładek, Pozdrawiam ;)

Dzięki! Cieszę się, że artykuł się przydał :) Wygugluj sobie “Kanatna Doroha Odessa” i pokaże Ci się wtedy na mapie dokładna lokalizacja kolejki, koło przystanku tramwajowego Pyrohovska. Udanego pobytu w Odessie!

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I was born in Odessa and know my city from the hearth . However, for over 30 years I reside in USA . Going to visit Odessa this year and yes ,Kami you pointed a lot of right things about Odessa. However, there are lots of issues there as well. Lots of houses in ruins and no one wants to fix it .

I think every city deals with issues that visitors don’t see or don’t want to see. But overall I think Odessa is doing pretty well, tourism is definitely helping the city! Have a good trip to Odessa!

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david fischer

I’ve been to Odessa,Ukraine 7 times. It never dissapoints. Many Beautiful woman,great cafe’s,strong dollar,and Derivasovskaya street.The Opera House and potemkin stairs are worth seeing.

Agree, there are so many reasons to visit Odessa!

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Artem, Ukraine

I had to write an essay about my best trip and I decided to write about Odessa. I was really surprised you’re from Poland because your English is great and beyond great haha! Awesome post, thank you. I borrowed some words and phrases. I’m definitely gonna check your other posts.

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Lars-Henrik Christensen

Dear Kami. Greetings from Denmark. I have really enjoyed your varm description and your artistic picture rendering of Odessa. you have caught the special atmosfære of Odessa glowing forth in their beautiful architecture and picturesque streets including the warmth of summer and people enjoying the sea. I was quite mesmerized by your pictures and descriptions wondering if I had maybe lived a life there 100 years ago. Anyway I will be driving to Odessa from Bulgaria this summer spending at least 10 days in the city. Regards

Thank you! I’m sure you will enjoy Odessa when you visit, it is a truly amazing place. All the best!

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Dzień dobry, Trafiam tu przypadkiem, szukając info o Odessie. Czy poleciłaby Pani również podróż zimą? Wiadomo plaża odpada, ale inne rzeczy powinny wciąż nadawać się do zwiedzania.

Szczerze mówiąc ciężko mi powiedzieć, bo nigdy zimą nie byłam w Odessie, ale jest tam na tyle dużo “niemorskich” atrakcji, że na pewno będzie co robić. Opera, piękna architektura i ogrom fajnych i przystępnych cenowo knajp, i już się dzień zapełnia :)

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Great blog! I was born in Odessa and it warms my heart when people from the West find it as charming as i do. Thanks Kami! :)

Thank you, Max! Odessa is such a wonderful city and I truly hope the place will survive this madness and its inhabitants will live peacefully again…

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Maya Odessa!!!

That was my first destination when I departed Africa in 2014; and where I still long to be.

Then, I lived in Fontanskaya doroga, precisely at Mirniy resort.

I enjoyed Odessa, and hope to b there soonest.

Thanks for reminding me of so many events and places I visited then.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article and I hope it will be safe to visit Odessa again soon! All the best!

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Ukraine's Odesa Opens a Few Beaches for the First Time Since Russian Invasion

Ukraine's Odesa Opens a Few Beaches for the First Time Since Russian Invasion

Reuters

People relax at a Black Sea beach that was reopened after being closed down last year following sea mines laid around the ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv by Russia and Ukraine, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine August 10, 2023. REUTERS/Serhii Smolientsev/File photo

ODESA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Several beaches in Ukraine's Black Sea city of Odesa have officially opened for swimming for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion, although bathing is banned during air raid alerts, local officials said on Saturday.

Odesa, Ukraine's largest port and naval base, was repeatedly attacked with missiles and drones and the sea was littered with hundreds of sea mines following the invasion in February last year.

For the safety of residents and after incidents of mines exploding on beaches, the coast was closed.

The decision to open the beaches was made jointly by the city's civilian and military administrations, Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram messaging app.

He said the beaches would be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Latest Photos From Ukraine

TOPSHOT - Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade Kholodny Yar monitor the sky from their positions in the direction of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on February 20, 2024. (Photo by Anatolii STEPANOV / AFP) (Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Oleksandr, a lifeguard and a former diver who gave only his first name, said that an anti-mine net was placed in between two piers to prevent swimmers encountering shallow-water mines.

Photos You Should See

A Maka Indigenous woman puts on make-up before protesting for the recovery of ancestral lands in Asuncion, Paraguay, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Leader Mateo Martinez has denounced that the Paraguayan state has built a bridge on their land in El Chaco's Bartolome de las Casas, Presidente Hayes department. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

"The net will stop them. And they (mines) will also be visible from the shore under such weather conditions. Emergency workers will be notified, they will come to handle it," he said.

The opening of the beaches has been a welcome respite from the war for people swimming and sunbathing.

"I have been dreaming of going to the beach and inhaling salty air. We have been missing it a lot. But safety is a top priority," said Svitlana, a resident of the Odesa region.

(Reporting by Iryna Nazarchuk; Writing by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Frances Kerry)

Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: Ukraine , Russia , Europe

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Odessa - safe to visit from overseas any time soon? - Odesa Forum

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is odessa ukraine safe to visit

Hello there,

I WAS planning to visit Odessa and perhaps Kherson in May this year, but obviously the political landscape has now changed in the region. Just wondering if anyone ( Cora perhaps? ) might advise on what the areas are like for visitors at the moment? ie safe, or too unpredictable....

Any feedback appreciated,

Thanks, Pete

' class=

Dear 41Pete,

Probably you will be surprised to hear that situation in Odessa is normal and everyday life is peacefully going on. There is too much disinformation in the media at the moment.

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I completely agree with above post.

Being a guide in Odessa I can state that there are NO tanks, shots etc in Odessa (the ones that you can watch on TV and find in the Internet). Even when the people where really fighting in other cities here we had just small rallies in definite places.

We (Odessa citizens) react with CONCERTS!, not SHOTS! for example we will have a concert on 15-16 of March dedicated to PEACEFUL MANIFESTO.

Moreover there are even some tourists comming here now )

So, welcome and be sure that you will have a wonderful time in Odessa!

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Hi CrimeaConsulting and OdessaGuide! :)

Thanks a lot for the updates on what the situation in Odessa is. That is much needed!

Stay well :)

is odessa ukraine safe to visit

Yes, I'm also relieved to hear that things are pretty much "as usual" in Odessa. We have such happy memories of our brief stay there last year! It's a lovely city.

Thank you, dear Cora and Halwimsey! ))

Just to inform you properly: the concert of 15-16th of March in Odessa was cancelled by the authorities.

Thanks a lot for letting know, OdessaGuide. I believe, this looks sensible, so was the right thing to do.

Please, keep us updated on the situation in Odessa! That would be very helpful..

' class=

We managed to change to a different river cruise recently - just a week ago. ( the one we had been booked on this summer had been due to visit Sevastopol, Yalta and Odessa )

Most likely a transition period will be provided for Crimea to bring into compliance local legislation incl border control policy.

Crimea is a different matter than Odessa at present and chances are you are aware of that by now. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office are advising against travol to Crimea, which means that, for Brits, their travel insurance will be invalidated - I am fairly sure that is all travel policies, but reading yours would be a very wise move.

The link for the goverment Foreign and Commonwealth office is below which will give you the full, up to date advice. I keep it on favorites. It has no mention of Odessa at present.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine

I hope to travel to this area at some stage in the not too distant future.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Ukraine Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 4, 2023

The colorful and historic architecture in Kyiv, Ukraine in winter

In recent years, Ukraine has evolved into a popular budget travel destination. While it might not have the polish and attractions you find in Western Europe, it more than makes up for that with cheap prices, beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, and sparse crowds.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and is actually Europe’s second-largest country, after Russia. Its history includes domination by various countries other than USSR including Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Russia.

Ukraine is home to the deepest metro station in the world, one of the world’s most visited McDonald’s, and some of Europe’s oldest coffee houses. There are seven places here that have been recognized by UNESCO, it has tons of ghost towns here and you can also find the famous Tunnel of Love. While the recent annexation of Crimea by Russia means you’ll want to be careful around the borders with Russia, the country itself is still safe to travel.

Personally, I didn’t have many expectations for when I arrived — but I absolutely loved my time here. It’s affordable, fun, and has a lot to offer if you step off the beaten path. The people are really welcoming, the country is inexpensive, and there’s a real sense of stepping back in time as you explore the cities and countryside. I can’t praise it enough.

This travel guide to Ukraine can help you plan your trip there while helping you stay on budget.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Ukraine

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in ukraine.

View over the abandoned apartment buildings with trees growing around them in Chernobyl, Ukraine

1. Visit the Tunnel of Love in Klevan

Just outside of Klevan, an old railway line has been turned into a natural tunnel lined it with trees. The tunnel is at its lushest during the spring and summer when the green leaves form a seemingly impenetrable barrier. It’s very beautiful and romantic (and Insta-worthy). Plus, it’s free!

2. Go skiing

Ukraine has cold, snowy winters that make it the perfect destination for budget-friendly winter sports. There are several resorts dotting the Carpathians with lift tickets starting at just 350 UAH. It’s one of the cheapest places to ski in Europe!

3. Explore Chernobyl

This nuclear plant had a critical meltdown in 1986. It was one of the worst nuclear disaster in human history. The radiation is weak enough now that people to visit the complex and the abandoned, ghost-like town nearby. Tours cost about 2,900 UAH and last a full day.

4. Visit Kyiv

The capital of Ukraine is home to an odd mix of Soviet-area communist housing, Baroque buildings, and cobblestone streets. For theater lovers, the Kyiv Opera House is host to world-class operas and ballets and the Ivan Franko Theater hosts dramas, comedies, and musicals.

5. Hike the Carpathian Mountains

One of the most popular destinations in the country, this 1,500-kilometer (932-mile) chain of mountains are a magical collection of forests, meadows, and villages. There are lakes for swimming and plenty of trails for hiking. For a full-day hike, climb to the peak of Hoverla.

Other Things to See and Do in Ukraine

1. visit chernivtsi university.

Founded in 1875, this university is the most fascinating piece of architecture in Chernivtsi, a city in western Ukraine. It’s constructed from beautifully-laid red bricks and decorated with thousands of colored tiles. The design of the building was influenced by a pseudo-Byzantine-Hanseatic-Moorish style. You can book guided tours from the university for 80 UAH.

2. Relax at Arcadia Beach

This is the country’s most famous beach. Located in Odessa, it was created to be the country’s main summer getaway spot so there’s a multitude of bars, clubs, resorts, and cafes here, making it a popular place to visit during the warmer summer months (May-September). The main beach has a waterslide and plenty of space to swim and lounge. Just be sure to arrive early to get a good spot as it does get crowded in the summer.

3. Wander the Odessa catacombs

This is the largest catacomb system in the world. There are over 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) of catacombs under the city, created in the 17th century and expanded when the city mined for limestone in the early 19th century (the limestone was used to build the city). The catacombs were used by Soviet rebels during World War II after the Germans forced them to retreat. While dangerous to explore alone (people still get lost and die down here), you can join a 2-4-hour tour to show you around. Prices start at 350 UAH. For Star Wars fans, be sure to check out the nearby statue that was originally a tribute to Lenin and which has been transformed into a replica of Darth Vader! The Odessa Opera and Ballet is worth a visit too as it is super cheap and in a beautiful historic building.

4. See the Bohdan & Varvara Khanenko Arts Museum

Located in Kyiv, this museum hosts an impressive collection of European art. The interior is decadently coated in frescoes, intricately-carved woodwork, priceless antique furniture, and boasts an array of masterful art. Expect to see paintings from Western Europe (including works by Peter Paul Rubens, Gentile Bellini, Jacob Jordaens, and Luis de Morales), artifacts, and works from Egyptian and Greek antiquity, Persian Ceramics, Chinese paintings, and much more! Admission is 120 UAH and free on the first Wednesday of the month.

5. Hang out in Ploshcha Svobody

Located in Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, this massive city square is one of the largest in the world. At the western end stands the first Soviet skyscraper, complete with geometrically-set concrete and glass blocks and bridges. Renamed Freedom Square after Ukrainian independence, it spans a massive 30 acres. Don’t miss the empty pedestal where the statue of Lenin used to be (it was toppled during protests in 2014).

6. Spot wildlife at Askania-Nova Reserve

Established in 1898, this vast reserve spans over 333 square kilometers (128 sq mi)and is home to a plethora of animal life like buffalo, deer, antelope, horses, zebras, camels, gnus, the rare Central Asian Saiga antelope, and a huge array of birds. Within the reserve, there are a few small villages and one town which you can reach by bus. From April to November you can take a safari for around 150 UAH.

7. See Lutsk Castle

This fortress is located in Lutsk’s old quarter and dates back to the 14th century. The castle walls stand 13 meters (42 feet) high and are between 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) thick. It’s topped with three broad towers that have repelled several sieges, including attacks by Casimir the Great (1349), Jogaila (1431), and Sigismund K stutaitis (1436). During the Nazi occupation, over 1,000 Jews were murdered here (though there sadly is no monument or marker to commemorate the tragedy). Today, there are archeological remains dating back to the 12th century preserved and on display. The castle is featured on the 200 UAH bill and you can walk the ramparts and tour the three towers that make up the main defensive fortifications. Admission is 10 UAH.

8. Visit the National Chernobyl Museum

Located in Kyiv, this small museum is a good prelude to a trip to Chernobyl. There are three exhibits on display that highlight the accident, the aftermath, and the lessons we need to learn to avoid this happening again. It’s equally sobering and educational. Admission is 10 UAH or 60 UAH with an audio guide.

9. Visit the Museum of the Great Patriotic War

This is one of the largest museums in Ukraine and highlights the story of the German-Soviet conflict during World War II. Located in Kyiv, the museum contains over 300,000 exhibits as well as several monuments and memorials spanning over 25 acres overlooking the Dnieper River (including the 62-meter-tall Motherland statue). This museum offers a sobering and unique look at the war’s Eastern conflict. Admission is 50 UAH.

10. Tour St. Sophia’s Cathedral

Built in the 11th century in Kyiv, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has an elaborate Baroque exterior with 13 golden domes. Inside the cathedral, there are beautiful murals, mosaics, and centuries-old frescoes. The cathedral was used as a burial place for Kyivan rulers during the Middle Ages. Named after Hagia Sophia in Turkey, the cathedral offers some stunning views over Kyiv from the bell tower. Admission to see the cathedral’s museum is 20 UAH while access to the bell tower is 60 UAH.

11. Visit Lviv

Lviv is the cultural capital of Ukraine. Located 540 kilometers (335 miles) west of Kyiv, it has a Central European vibe and is full of history and incredible architecture. Don’t miss wandering the Old Town (another place that has made UNESCO’s World Heritage List), visiting the Lviv Historical Museum, and enjoying the view from High Castle. For a glimpse at the city’s past, visit the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life (it’s an outdoor museum with all kinds of traditional wooden buildings). As a university town, it’s a youthful city and hosts many of the country’s foreign students from around Europe!

12. Take a walking tour

One of my favorite things to do when I arrive anywhere new is to take a walking tour. It’s the best way to get your bearings and you might even meet and make some new friends. Kyiv Walking Tours, Guru Walk, and Free Tour all offer free walking tours in Kyiv covering most of the main points of interest. If you do take a free tour, be sure to tip your guide at the end! Get Your Guide also has a ton of tours around the country, including museum tours and trips to Chernobyl!

13. Go to a unique museum

Ukraine has to be home to some of the most interesting museums in the world. There’s a museum dedicated to the Ukrainian Easter egg in Kolomyya, a Museum of Unnecessary Things in Kyiv, a Micro Miniature Museum in Kyiv, and a Toilet History Museum in Kyiv. While we’re looking at random places and things, check out the giant crossword in Lviv, the brass Beer Belly of Ukraine (also in Lviv), and the statues of Peeing Colors in Kyiv.

14. Check out the sunflower fields

Sunflower oil is one of Ukraine’s largest exports. Reportedly with enough fields of sunflowers to cover Slovenia, it isn’t too hard to find one. Go in late July for the best views (the season lasts from July to mid-August).

Ukraine Travel Costs

Street lined with brightly colored buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine

Accommodation – Hostels start at 130-250 UAH for a bed in a 6-10-bed dorm. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have a kitchen. For a private room, prices start at 260 UAH.

Budget hotels start at 560 UAH per night. You can find cheaper options but they tend to be pretty gross places. Most budget hotels are a little outdated when it comes to decor. Don’t expect many amenities either.

Airbnb is available in larger cities throughout the country. Private rooms start at 520 UAH per night while an entire home/apartment costs at 1,000 UAH.

Wild camping is allowed in Ukraine, as long as you aren’t in nature preserves or near highways. There are also plenty of campgrounds around the country with a basic plot (without electricity) costing from 60-600 UAH per night.

Food – Food in Ukraine is similar to that in neighboring Eastern Europe and Russia. Borscht (beetroot soup), varenyky (pierogies), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), kovbasa (sausage), and deruny (potato pancakes) are some of the most popular and most common dishes.

For a meal of traditional cuisine, expect to pay 145 UAH or less. Portions are filling and hearty too. Fast food (like McDonald’s) can be found in the larger cities around the country and costs around 120 UAH for a combo meal. For Thai or Indian food, main dishes cost around 200 UAH. Expect to pay around 180 UAH for a large pizza.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal of traditional cuisine costs around 300 UAH. Beer can be found for just 30 UAH while a latte or cappuccino costs around 35 UAH.

For a week of groceries that includes pasta, vegetables, chicken, and seasonal produce, expect to pay around 750 UAH.

Backpacking Ukraine Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Ukraine, my suggested budget is 885 UAH per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, doing free activities like walking tours and hiking, limiting your drinking, visiting some cheap attractions like museums or galleries, and using local transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 2,425 UAH per day, you can stay in a budget hotel or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at cheap restaurants serving traditional cuisine, go out for some drinks, take some guided tours, take the occasional taxi to get around and take the bus between cities, and tour of Chernobyl.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,950 UAH or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at any restaurant you want, rent a car or take taxis everywhere, take higher-end guided tours, drink as much as you want, go skiing, take domestic flights to get around the country, and see as many castles and museums as you can handle. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in UAH.

Ukraine Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ukraine is an affordable country to visit. You’re going to be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money unless you go out of your way to do so. That said, it’s always good to make sure you get the best deals so here are some money-saving tips for Ukraine:

  • Eat local – By eating at restaurants serving traditional cuisine, you keep your food expenses low. Skip the western food.
  • Buy beer at the supermarkets – If you plan on drinking, buy your beer at the supermarket. Beer at the bar is cheap, but this is even cheaper!
  • Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to meet awesome people, get a local perspective, and get a place to stay for free. I used it while I was in the country and met a lot of great people through it. The community here is pretty small so be sure to make your requests in advance.
  • Book overnight trains – Take advantage of the slow and cheap trains in Ukraine by taking overnight trains. You save one night’s accommodation by doing this.
  • Save money on rideshares – Uber is way cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi. Currently, Uber is available in Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhia, and Dnipro.
  • Get the Kyiv PASS – If you’re planning on being in Kyiv for a few days, the Kyiv PASS gets you free admissions to certain attractions, discounts to partner restaurants, free Metro trips (offline cards only), and an audio guide. It’s available for 24, 48, and 72 hours and costs 447 UAH, 746 UAH, and 1,045 UAH respectively.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Ukraine is not safe to drink. Avoid single-use plastic by bringing a reusable water bottle with a filter with you. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles that also filter your water so it’s safe and clean to drink — no matter where you are in the world!
  • Take a free walking tour – Kyiv Walking Tours offers a free tour around the city. It’s the best way to see the main sights on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide!

Where to Stay in Ukraine

Ukraine has a growing hostel scene and you can now find hostels in most of the larger cities. Here are my favorite places to stay around the country:

  • Gar’is Hostel (Kyiv)
  • DREAM Hostel (Kyiv)
  • Mama Hostel (Odessa)
  • Park Plus Hostel (Lviv)
  • Yard Hostel & Coffee (Chernivtsi)

How to Get Around Ukraine

The Carpathian mountains covered in fog, in Ukraine

Bus – Ukraine has a mix of small, crowded, and outdated buses as well as larger, more modern coaches. FlixBus is your best choice here, as their buses are clean, reliable, and cheap.

You can take a bus pretty much anywhere in the country for under 700 UAH although if you’re prepared to change busses mid-way, the price can be half that.

Trains – Trains are perfect for longer journeys around the country. Many of the trains have an old, Soviet feel to them but they are safe, reliable, and cheap. And, because there are lots of overnight options, you can usually take an overnight train to save yourself a night of accommodation.

First-class couchettes, private and shared sleepers, and regular seats are all available. Most clerks do not speak English so buy your ticket online or have your hostel/hotel write down what you need/where you’re going.

The 9-hour trip from Kyiv to Odessa can cost as little as 300 UAH. The 7-hour trip from Kyiv to Lviv costs about the same while the 13-hour journey from Kyiv to Loskutivka (near Luhansk) costs 340 UAH.

Air – Ukraine International Airlines is the main domestic carrier here. Flights are relatively affordable, with most domestic flights costing as little as 1,000 UAH.

Car Rental – Car rentals in Ukraine can be found for as little as 575 UAH per day for a multi-day rental. The roads here are in rough shape, however, so drive carefully. Additionally, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle here.

When to Go to Ukraine

The summer is the most popular time to visit Ukraine. June-August offers plenty of warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 18-24°C (64-75°F). This is also the busiest time of year as well. However, the country only sees around 14 million tourists each year (that’s a fraction of the 90 million visitors a popular destination like France receives) so don’t expect massive crowds.

If you want to avoid the peak summer season, consider visiting in May or September/October. It won’t be as warm, but you can see the flowers blossom in the Carpathians or watch the leaves change in the autumn. It’s chilly at night, but the days are still perfect for sightseeing and hiking.

The winters in Ukraine are cold, with temperatures well below 0°C (32°F). Unless you’re here to ski or do winter sports, I’d avoid visiting in the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Ukraine

Crime and petty theft in Ukraine are on par with much of Europe. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity so as long as you keep your valuables out of reach when in crowded areas and on public transportation, you can avoid the most common issues. Don’t flash your valuables when out and about and avoid walking alone at night in the larger cities just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though they should take the standard precautions (not leaving their drink unattended at the bar, not walking home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Credit card fraud is a concern in Ukraine so stick to using ATMs inside of banks (and not random ATMs on the street).

The roads here are pretty terrible, so be extra careful if renting a car. Follow all the rules of the road, obey the speed limits, and wear a seatbelt. Drivers here are aggressive so be prepared. Also, don’t leave your valuables in your vehicle overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

With the rise of the far-right and Russian interference, attacks against people of color have been on the rise. Travelers of color need to take extra precautions and avoid traveling alone at night.

The war with Russia in Crimea is localized to the region (for now) so as long as you avoid visiting Crimea (which you need a special permit for) you won’t have to worry. While it is possible to visit Crimea (and there is a lot to see there), most governments have issued warnings and don’t provide assistance should an issue arise. In short, avoid visiting Crimea for now.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 102 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ukraine Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Ukraine Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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Travelers Remind Us of the Beauty of Ukraine Before the War

A little more than one month after russia’s invasion of ukraine, travelers offer their recollections of what visiting ukraine was like prior to the destruction and devastation. and remind us not to forget..

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Travelers Remind Us of the Beauty of Ukraine Before the War

Los Angeles–based writer Eric Newman snapped this photo of performers in traditional dress in Ukraine’s Dnieper Delta during a 2017 visit.

Photo by Eric Newman

Five weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the clashes continue while we watch, heartbroken and still somewhat in shock—whether we have ever been to Ukraine during our travels or not. More than 4.1 million refugees have now fled Ukraine since February 24, according to the United Nations , a number that keeps growing each day. Of those, nearly 2.4 million have crossed the border into neighboring Poland, while others have gone to Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia, among other countries.

“The escalation of conflict in Ukraine has caused destruction of civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties and has forced people to flee their homes seeking safety. . . . They are in need of protection and support,” the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) wrote in its latest report about the current Ukraine refugee crisis.

Last week, President Biden pledged $1 billion in humanitarian assistance for those affected by the war in Ukraine and announced plans to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing the war.

As we observe in horror as this humanitarian crisis unfolds, we have been reminded in recent days and weeks by travelers of better times in Ukraine, prior to the invasion, when the destination left an indelible mark on visitors’ hearts and souls.

“There was a time, just a few years past, when Kyiv would regularly host my visits,” my brother, Paul-Andre Baran, who owns and operates Anagram Brewing in Bucharest, Romania, recently told me. “The patchwork of images that still spring to mind flow from nubilous mornings walking through the slumbering city while visiting the glorious green and gold of the St. Sophia Cathedral, to late night descents into the deep caverns of beautifully ornamented subway stations that now house the many residents of that beautiful city.”

The bright green and gold St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv was a popular tourist destination prior to the war.

The bright green and gold St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv was a popular tourist destination prior to the war.

Photo by Sergiy Velychko/Shutterstock

He noted that rather than seem “hard or broken from their long communist legacy,” he found the people of Ukraine to be “confident and aspirational of a future they worked to define.” Kyiv, he said, was very much a welcoming capital city “that earned its place beside its European brethren.”

My brother isn’t the only person I know who has spent some time traveling in Ukraine. In 2017, while working as a senior editor at Travel Weekly , I sent Los Angeles–based writer, editor, and producer Eric Newman on assignment to Ukraine .

“When I visited Ukraine on a river cruise in May 2017, it was a place where one could almost viscerally feel the push and pull of history,” recalls Newman.

Newman was on one of the first river cruises to make its way from Odessa to Kyiv following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, “and spirits were so high that the ship was greeted at the Kyiv port by cheering pedestrians and a brass band playing the songs of composer Vlodymyr Ivasyuk. I will never forget that moment, which resonates differently for me today, when I see a country that offered so much warmth, joy, discovery (and food!) torn apart by war. It won’t always be, of course. Ukraine is a country that knows and lives perseverance, and I look forward to the day when others can walk those streets in Odessa and Kyiv as I once did.”

Véronique Banzet, who runs the luxury travel service VeronicTravel , lived in Kyiv for five years and was there during the 2014 revolution. She recalls a Kyiv “colored with the roofs of the monasteries, full of life with all the restaurants, the terraces of the cafés, enchanted by the Opera and the Philharmonic hall.”

Banzet tells AFAR that Kyiv, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Lviv, and many cities in Ukraine are in her heart these days. “We are totally shocked and sad,” Banzet says.

One traveler recalls her time visiting Lviv, which she referred to as the little Paris of Ukraine.

One traveler recalls her time visiting Lviv, which she referred to as the little Paris of Ukraine.

Photo by Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Four years ago, Loretta Becker of Cruise World Inc. traveled to Ukraine with her husband. “It was such a memorable time,” she recalls. “We love Ukraine and her people.”

Becker and her husband visited Lviv, Kyiv, Odessa, and the Carpathian Mountain region. “We loved Lviv, the little Paris of Ukraine, with her sidewalk cafés and beautiful churches,” says Becker. “I was amazed at the beautiful architecture in Kyiv.”

During her trip, Becker took a Ukrainian cooking class, hired a sailboat one afternoon and sailed down the Dnieper River, and took a tour of Odessa’s hidden courtyards and attended a ballet performance in Odessa.

“As my husband has Ukrainian heritage, it was an incredible journey for us to visit the country of his ancestors,” she says.

How travelers can help Ukraine

A little more than one month after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, help is still needed. Travelers who would like to assist refugees fleeing Ukraine as well as people who are displaced within the country can donate to organizations that are aiding and supporting those who are affected.

United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Dating back to 1950, UNHCR works to provide everything from secure shelter to food and medical supplies to those who are fleeing violence around the world. The organization has been in the Ukraine since 1994 and has currently established outreach efforts to Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. The current response plan includes partnering with emergency teams to ensure that basic needs are met for the now millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine.

“Millions of people—mostly women and children—have been forced to flee Ukraine. They are sheltering in underground train stations, walking hundreds of miles and leaving behind everything they’ve ever known,” the agency writes in its latest report about Ukraine.

To donate: give.unrefugees.org

The organization that works to protect children throughout the world estimates that 2 million children have been forced to flee Ukraine and more than 2.5 million children have been internally displaced.

“Children fleeing the war in Ukraine are also at heightened risk of human trafficking and exploitation,” UNICEF reports.

UNICEF is working to provide vulnerable children and families with essential services, including safe water, food, healthcare services, education, and protection.

To donate: unicefusa.org

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The IRC mission dates back to 1933, and the organization currently responds to humanitarian crises in more than 40 countries throughout the world. The IRC is working to help provide evacuation services to people who are trapped by the conflict in Ukraine and to provide essential items to those being forced to flee. In Poland, the IRC is offering legal counseling, social work services, interpreters, and psychological support to Ukraine refugees.

To donate: help.rescue.org

World Central Kitchen

Chef José Andrés’s nonprofit specializing in humanitarian food aid has set up services in Poland, where the group is serving hot meals at eight border crossings throughout the country. The organization is also supporting local restaurants preparing meals in the Ukrainian cities of Odessa, Lviv, and Kyiv and is handing out meals in Romania, Moldova, and Hungary.

To donate: donate.wck.org

>> Next: Is Europe Travel Safe During Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine?

Hot air balloons floating over high desert peaks in Cappadocia

What you need to know about Russia's blockade of Odesa

The grain terminal at the Port of Odesa is depressingly idle and silent.

ODESA, Ukraine -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine has meant vital food exports are stuck in Ukraine's ports.

ABC News foreign correspondent Tom Soufi Burridge explains a looming crisis by answering four key questions.

1. How important is Ukraine's food production for the world?

Ukraine is a vast agricultural production house.

The country produces 46% of the world's sunflower oil exports, 37% of global millet (a small grain cereal) exports, 13% of all barley exports, 10% of total wheat exports, 8% of honey and 7% of walnut exports, according to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club.

Before Russia invaded, most of Ukraine's food production was exported through the country's Black Sea ports.

PHOTO: Onlookers take pictures in front of the shopping and entertainment center in the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odessa on May 10, 2022, destroyed after Russian missiles strike late on May 9, 2022.

Earlier this month, the United Nations World Food Programme said those exports would normally feed 400 million people around the world.

The Middle East and Africa are Ukraine's main food export markets, said Professor Oleg Nivievskyi from Kyiv's School of Economics.

By gaining rare access inside a grain terminal in Odesa's port, ABC News was able to witness the vast infrastructure that would normally be used to ship the produce out.

MORE: Russia-Ukraine live updates: Russians, Ukrainians fight street by street in key city

Pre-war, the terminal would receive a hundred truck loads and a hundred train wagons of grain in a single day, said Oleksandr Guzenko, the plant's chief engineer.

In a single hour, 400 tons of grain would normally flow through the plant and out to ships waiting in the dock, Guzenko added.

However, these are abnormal times.

2. What is the impact of the Russia's blockade of the Black Sea?

Chief Engineer Oleksandr Guzenko told ABC News he felt "helpless."

The Russian threat at sea means there is no safe route for commercial vessels to exit and vast quantities of food exports are stuck in Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

It is becoming "a disaster" for Ukrainian farmers.

"If the ports don't open soon, we are stuck with the crops," said Kees Huizinga, who owns a 40,000-acre farm in Kyshchentsi in the Cherkasy region, south of Kyiv.

PHOTO: Russian Navy sailors of the Black Sea Fleet work near a Ukrainian warship sunken off the Mariupol Sea Port in Mariupol, a territory currently under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, in Ukraine, May 30, 2022.

His business would gradually run out of money, he told ABC News, and planting for next year's harvest is already at risk.

Huizinga predicted the world's food supply could be "disrupted for the coming decade" if the situation isn't solved soon.

However, the blockade is having a ripple effect far beyond Ukraine.

The U.N.'s World Food Programme said global food prices have risen sharply since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and vulnerable communities in parts of East Africa are at risk.

MORE: Foundation partners with United Methodist Church to donate medical supplies to Ukraine

Even before Russia attacked Ukraine, the WFP was forecasting a year of "catastrophic hunger," because global resources were not keeping pace with demand.

In the first month of the war, export prices for wheat and maize rose by 22% and 20%, respectively, "on top of steep rises in 2021," according to the WFP.

WFP Executive Director David Beasley told ABC News the war is a "catastrophe on top of a catastrophe."

"The world demands [that the ports open], because hundreds of millions of people globally depend on food that comes through these ports," Beasley said.

PHOTO: A warehouse destroyed after shelling in Feb. 2022, at a farm in southern Ukraines Odessa region, on May 22, 2022, on the 88th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

3. What is causing the blockade?

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his generals have spoken openly about their desire to capture Ukraine's largest port, Odesa, and possibly the entire Ukrainian coastline -- which would throttle Ukraine's economy.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, there was a possibility that the Russian navy might launch an assault on Ukraine's southwestern coast from the sea.

By capturing Snake Island, a strategically important slice of dry land off Ukraine's western coast, on day one of the war, the Kremlin signaled its intent.

In response to the Russian threat, Ukraine quickly placed mines in the Black Sea near Odesa and other major ports.

PHOTO: A grain storage facility is pictured in Boryspil, Ukraine, on May 30, 2022. Russia's foreign minister is scheduled to visit Turkey next week to discuss the possible release of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports.

In a briefing with ABC News this week, a NATO official said coastal defenses were necessary "in order to deter or thwart a potential Russian amphibious landing."

The Russian government recently said it was ready to provide a humanitarian corridor for ships carrying food, in return for the lifting of Western sanctions. It called on Ukraine to de-mine the Black Sea.

However, the U.K. Ministry of Defense accused Russia of "introducing an alternative narrative" to complicate people's understanding of the original cause of the blockade.

Ukraine has only deployed maritime mines, the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense said, "because of the continued credible threat of Russian amphibious assaults from the Black Sea."

4. Why do Western leaders accuse Putin of "weaponizing hunger" and is there a solution on the horizon?

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently accused Putin of "using food as a weapon."

The Biden administration and its Western allies make this accusation because Russia's invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked and the Kremlin has the ability to drop its threat on ports such as Odesa.

"If Kyiv solves the problem of de-mining ports, then the Russian navy will ensure unhindered passage of ships with grain to the Mediterranean Sea," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded on Tuesday to international criticism.

MORE: US-supplied howitzers to Ukraine lack accuracy-aiding computers

The White House has already ruled out meeting Russia's demand to drop sanctions in return for an end to the blockade.

What military guarantees Russia could offer Ukraine, in order for Ukraine to demine the Black Sea, is not at all clear.

A senior NATO official offered a blunt assessment to ABC News in the context of Tuesday's back and forth: Ukraine cannot trust anything Russia says.

PHOTO: A sign warning of "Mines Danger" is displayed at a beach in Odessa, southern Ukraine, May 28, 2022.

That said, European countries, namely France and Germany, are negotiating the issue with Russia.

In the meantime, Ukraine and the European Union are trying to increase Ukrainian food exports by road and rail.

However, Nivievskyi, from Kyiv's School of Economics, warned it is "not physically possible" to transport the huge amount of grain by rail and road.

By his calculation, rail and road routes have only about 10% of the export capacity of Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

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Why Odesa Is So Important to Ukraine in the War With Russia

Russia’s withdrawal from a U.N.-backed grain deal and its attacks on Odesa have brought the Black Sea port city’s importance back into focus.

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An aerial view of Odesa and its coast.

By Marc Santora

reporting from Odesa, Ukraine

  • July 19, 2023

The last two nights have brought some of the most furious Russian aerial assaults on Odesa, the southern Ukrainian port city, of the nearly 17-month-long war. The city on the Black Sea has long been Ukraine’s link to the global economy and home to its busiest ports.

With Russia’s withdrawal this week from an internationally backed wartime agreement that allowed for Ukraine to ship grain across the Black Sea, much of it from Odesa, the city’s importance has again come into focus.

Here is a look at Odesa and its role in the war:

What is Odesa’s history?

Established in 1794 by the empress Catherine the Great on land conquered from the Ottoman Empire on the site of the Black Sea fortress town of Khadzhibei, Odesa holds economic, symbolic and strategic significance .

is odessa ukraine safe to visit

In 1855, Robert Sears’ guide to the Russian Empire declared, “There is perhaps no town in the world in which so many different tongues may be heard as in the streets and coffeehouses of Odessa.” He wrote that the city included “Russians, Tartars, Greeks, Jews, Poles, Italians, Germans, French, etc.”

In many ways, Odesa represents the antithesis of President Vladimir V. Putin’s brand of Russian ethnic nationalism. But for Mr. Putin, who views himself as on a historic mission to rebuild the Russian Empire, Odesa holds a special place in his war of conquest.

What has happened in Odesa during the war?

In the first weeks after Mr. Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 — as his military rained missiles down on cities and towns across the nation — Odesa was left largely unscathed. The first reported bombing of the city was not until nearly a month after the invasion began and it was directed at the city’s outskirts. No casualties were reported.

Moscow had hoped to quickly topple the Ukrainian government in Kyiv, sending columns of fighters toward the capital in the early days of the invasion in an attempt to seize it. Russian warships also menaced the coast, but the Kremlin appeared intent on claiming Odesa without ruining the city known as “the pearl of the Black Sea.”

Russia’s forces were driven back from Kyiv, but even as its military campaign has been met by repeated setbacks — and as its forces are now trying mainly to cling onto land captured in the first weeks of the war — it has continued to try and ravage the Ukrainian economy by exercising a de facto naval blockade of the ports in and around Odesa.

Moscow is no longer intent on cutting off Ukraine’s ports simply by blocking ships from leaving, Ukrainian officials said after the latest aerial assault against Odesa on Wednesday. By targeting the city’s shipping facilities with missiles and drones, Ukrainian officials said, Mr. Putin wants to destroy the infrastructure that allows Ukraine, a major grain exporter, to provide food to the world.

What is Odesa’s importance in the grain deal?

The three ports that ring Odesa are Ukraine’s largest and include the only deepwater port in the country. Before the war, about 70 percent of Ukraine’s total imports and exports were carried out by sea, and nearly two-thirds of that trade moved through the ports of Odesa.

Under the Black Sea Grain Initiative , brokered last year by the United Nations and Turkey, Ukrainian ships set sail from the ports of Odesa and other cities, past Russia’s blockade, carrying food needed to keep global prices stable. Now that Russia has unilaterally withdrawn from the deal, saying it is one-sided in Ukraine’s favor, Moscow “does not guarantee security” of ships traveling across the sea, said Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey.

“And this means that they will attack ports, infrastructure and possibly ships,” he warned, speaking on national television.

With the main port now closed and coming under attack, Odesa is in a strange state of limbo, said Dmytro Barinov, the deputy head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. The famed Potemkin Stairs — a staircase of 192 steps that lead from the grand streets of the city to the gritty port — are closed off, guarded by soldiers on both sides and ringed with barbed wire.

“The working port means the life for Odesa,” Mr. Barinov said.

Marc Santora has been reporting from Ukraine since the beginning of the war with Russia. He was previously based in London as an international news editor focused on breaking news events and earlier the bureau chief for East and Central Europe, based in Warsaw. He has also reported extensively from Iraq and Africa. More about Marc Santora

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

Russian missiles streaked into Kyiv  in the biggest assault on the Ukrainian capital in weeks, injuring several people and damaging several buildings.

Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s top national security official, made a secret trip to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

Under pressure to come up with billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s military, the E.U. said that it had devised a legal way to use frozen Russian assets  to help arm Ukraine.

Symbolism or Strategy?: Ukrainians say that defending places with little strategic value is worth the cost in casualties and weapons , because the attacking Russians pay an even higher price. American officials aren’t so sure.

Elaborate Tales: As the Ukraine war grinds on, the Kremlin has created increasingly complex fabrications online  to discredit Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and undermine the country’s support in the West.

Targeting Russia’s Oil Industry: With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Kyiv has increasingly taken the fight beyond the Ukrainian border, attacking oil infrastructure deep in Russian territory .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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Russia-Ukraine war: death toll in Odesa attack rises to 21 as two killed in Ukrainian shelling in border town – as it happened

Attack in Belgorod comes day after devastating strike on Ukrainian port city and amid voting in Russia’s election

Ukrainian war briefing

  • 16 Mar 2024 Closing summary
  • 16 Mar 2024 Russian defence ministry: Russian air defence shoots down 15 rockets
  • 16 Mar 2024 Today so far
  • 16 Mar 2024 Record growth in Russian men with disabilities likely due to war injuries
  • 16 Mar 2024 Death toll in Odesa attack rises to 21
  • 16 Mar 2024 Opening Summary

Aftermath of the attack on Belgorod in which two people died.

Closing summary

That’s all for today. Thank you for following along.

Attacks continued on Russia’s Belgorod oblast, with the Russian ministry defence saying that Russian air defence shot down 15 rockets today. These attacks come after a man and a woman were killed in Belgorod oblast earlier today, and another person was killed by Ukrainian shelling in the Russian city of Grayvoron.

The death toll in the Russian attack on civilian infrastructure in Odesa has risen to 21 people after an emergency worker succumbed to injuries at a hospital. The Russian ballistic missile strike on Odesa was Moscow’s deadliest attack in weeks , wounding more than 75.

Ukrainian drones struck two Rosneft oil refineries in Russia’s Samara region, leaving one facility on fire on Saturday , the region’s governor said. The Volga river region’s Syzran refinery was on fire, Dmitry Azarov said on Telegram. His comments also confirmed an attack on the Novokubyshev refinery. Workers at both plants had been evacuated and there were no casualties, Azarov claimed.

Resistance forces set off an explosion yesterday near a polling station in Russian-occupied Skadovsk in the Kherson oblast, injuring five Russian soldiers , the national resistance centre of Ukraine said . The explosion forced Russian administration in Skadovsk to cancel voting at polling stations and allow it only at places of residence, the centre said.

There have been 11 attempts to set fire to polling stations in Russia, along with 19 cases of ballot boxes being spoiled with greenery and paint, Nexta reports. Russia is proposing eight-year prison sentences for those involved.

Russian shelling killed a 51-year-old man in the Donetsk oblast and injured another , regional governor Vadym Filashkin said. Russians shelled the Donetsk oblast about 11,000 times this week, Filashkin said.

There has been a record growth in the number of Russian men ages 31 to 59 with disabilities , the UK defence ministry said in its daily intelligence briefing. “The increase in the number of men with disabilities was most likely due to the growth in military invalids,” the UK defence ministry said. “This is almost certainly the case. A significant majority of the over 355,000 casualties that the Russian armed forces have suffered as a result of the conflict in Ukraine have been wounded personnel.”

In Kyiv today, the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war gathered in Maidan Square to call for their safe return.

A woman in black hands out yellow flowers to the family members of Ukrainian prisoners of war, who hold red heart balloons and blue-and-yellow banners with their loved ones' faces on them.

Russian defence ministry: Russian air defence shoots down 15 rockets

Russian air defence shot down 15 rockets over Russia’s Belgorod oblast today, the Russian ministry of defence said.

This is the latest in a series of Ukrainian raids into Russian territory. Over the past day, three people were killed by Ukrainian shelling in the Belgorod oblasts.

Resistance forces set off an explosion yesterday near a polling station in Russian-occupied Skadovsk in the Kherson oblast , injuring five Russian soldiers, the national resistance centre of Ukraine said .

The explosion forced Russian administration in Skadovsk to cancel voting at polling stations and allow it only at places of residence, the centre said.

Russian shelling killed a 51-year-old man in the Donetsk oblast , regional governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Another man was injured in the shelling and taken to the hospital.

Russians shelled the Donetsk oblast about 11,000 times this week, Filashkin said.

Here are some of the latest images of Russia’s presidential election coming in via news agency wires:

Leonid Slutsky waves with one hand while his other grasps the arm of his mother.

Nexta is reporting that there have been 11 attempts to set fire to polling stations in Russia, along with 19 cases of ballot boxes being spoiled with greenery and paint.

Russia is proposing eight-year prison sentences for those involved.

Voting continues through Sunday in the presidential election that is all but certain to extend Vladimir Putin’s 24-year rule. Alexei Navalny’s widow, Yulia, who has blamed Putin for her husband’s death, urged her supporters to protest against Putin by voting en masse at noon local time on Sunday, forming large crowds and overwhelming polling stations. The polling protest has been labelled “Noon Against Putin” and the plan was endorsed by Navalny before he died.

A woman spectacularly set fire to a polling station in Russia's Volgograd region pic.twitter.com/51ogp2ChPB — NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 16, 2024

Today so far

A man and a woman died in a Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Belgorod oblast and three other people were wounded. The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that Russia’s air defence systems destroyed two additional Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Belgorod oblast in what is the latest in a series of raids reported in recent days.

Two men were injured in a Russian unmanned aerial attack on the Kharkiv oblast , regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Over the past day, about 20 settlements in the Kharkiv oblast were hit by enemy artillery and mortar attacks.

Voters in Russia headed to the polls across the country’s 11 time zones on Friday in a three-day presidential election that is all but certain to extend Vladimir Putin’s 24-year rule until at least 2030. Putin is running against Communist Nikolai Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky, leader of the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party, and Vladislav Davankov of the New People party. Two anti-war candidates, Boris Nadezhdin and Yekaterina Duntsova were barred from running by the electoral commission.

Voting is also taking place in the four occupied regions of Ukraine which Russia claims to have annexed despite its forces only partially controlling the territory. Ukraine has said the election there is illegal. Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s security council, Putin accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the voting process and people in the border regions with “a number of criminal armed actions”. Putin said the attempts to break into Russia did not succeed. He said the acts would not go unpunished.

Two men – ages 48 and 35 – were injured in a Russian unmanned aerial attack on the Kharkiv oblast , regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Over the past day, about 20 settlements in the Kharkiv oblast were hit by enemy artillery and mortar attacks.

The Mariupol Drama theatre acted as the largest civilian shelter as the Russian army laid siege to the city in March 2022. More than 1,000 people were sheltering there when a Russian aircraft dropped two 500kg bombs, killing anywhere from 15 to 600 people.

While the city remains under Russian occupation, the players who survived the strike are taking to the stage in Kyiv to perform in Mariupol Drama, a play based on the memories of four actors who were sheltering inside the theatre.

Read more here:

Russian air defence systems destroyed two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the the Belgorod oblast, the Russian defence ministry said on Saturday – the latest in a series of raids it has reported in recent days.

Earlier, Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the Belgorod oblast.

Record growth in Russian men with disabilities likely due to war injuries

There has been a record growth in the number of Russian men ages 31 to 59 with disabilities, the UK defence ministry said in its daily intelligence briefing.

An analysis by Vorstka of Russian pension and insurance fund data found that in 2022, there were 1.67m Russian men in this age range with disabilities. This number grew by 30% – 507,000 – in 2023.

“The increase in the number of men with disabilities was most likely due to the growth in military invalids,” the UK defence ministry said. “This is almost certainly the case. A significant majority of the over 355,000 casualties that the Russian armed forces have suffered as a result of the conflict in Ukraine have been wounded personnel.”

The UK defence ministry noted that that the average daily number of Russian casualties reached a peak of 983 a day in February 2023 – the highest since the start of the war.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 16 March 2024. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/KmmciaHxmW #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/BXkLyLdMl6 — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 16, 2024

Russian forces launched 10 rockets and 68 aviation strikes, carried out 89 shellings and engaged in 78 combat clashes in Ukraine yesterday, general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces said in its morning briefing.

About 100 settlements of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts came under artillery fire.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian defence forces struck seven areas where Russian personnel were concentrated, and struck down two Shahed attack drones in the Kharkiv oblast.

Opening Summary

Welcome to our live coverage on Ukraine . It has just gone noon in Kyiv and 1pm in Moscow. Here are the headlines:

Ukrainian shelling of the Russian city of Belgorod, close to the border, killed two people on Saturday, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.

A Russian ballistic missile attack hit civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday, killing at least 20 people – including rescuers – and wounding more than 75 in Moscow’s deadliest attack in weeks , Ukrainian officials said. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called the attack “vile”. A three-storey recreational facility was destroyed in the attack, as well as at least 10 private houses, the southern military command said. Saturday was declared a local day of mourning.

Germany’s chancellor, France’s president and Poland’s prime minister met in Berlin and, in a public briefing, said Europe was united and determined in its support for Ukraine . Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk also said they would use frozen Russian assets to purchase more weapons for Ukraine on the world market. The meeting follows tensions between France and Germany over Russia.

One person was killed by Ukrainian shelling in the Russian city of Grayvoron in the Belgorod region , the governor said on Telegram. Earlier, Russia claimed it had thwarted attempts by Ukraine to stage cross-border raids into the territory, but produced no evidence to support this, while a senior Ukrainian intelligence official claimed that Kursk and Belgorod regions were “active combat zones”.

Two people were reported killed and five injured by Russian shelling in northern Ukraine’s Sumy region overnight to Friday, with houses and cars damaged. As well there were missile strikes in the Kharkiv, Poltava and Donetsk regions.

The EU is set to agree sanctions on several people seen as involved in the mistreatment and death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in an Arctic penal colony, three diplomats said on Friday.

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is odessa ukraine safe to visit

Dispatch From Odessa: Ukrainians Have No Plan B

Everyone in Odessa seems to think that Ukraine is on its way to total victory. What if that’s not possible?

O dessa, U kraine— “No, Odessa doesn’t have an evacuation plan. Why should it?” asked Tatiana Milimko, the chief editor of the Odessa-based news service USI.online, seemingly puzzled by the question. It was a rainy March day, and we met in the warm, old-world atmosphere of her favorite café, Pierre–La Sweet Boutique, tucked under the glass canopy of Odessa’s art-nouveau arcade. She stared at me searchingly, baffled by my query.

I stared back. Well, Ukraine is on its back foot, obviously, and the Black Sea port of Odessa is a priority military target for Russia, the capture of which would cut off Ukraine’s remaining sea route for exports, notably grain. Certainly she knows this, I thought to myself. After all, shrill air-raid sirens go off almost every day, followed by explosions that shake the city. And just across the street from the Pierre, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is boarded up, one wall lying in rubble after suffering a direct hit less than a year ago. The day after we met, Russian missiles killed 21 people and injured many dozens more, the hardest hit Odessa has taken since March 2022.

Milimko—like everyone I spoke to in Odessa and apparently representative of Ukrainian opinion across the country and in the diaspora, too—is confident that Ukraine will prevail, in full. “It’s impossible,” she told me, that Odessa will fall or that Russia will win this war. Ukraine is resourceful, multicultural, democratic, determined, and European, she said. It could well be a member of the European Union come 2030 , as Brussels recently said is possible. “All we need is more weapons, and that’s that,” Milimko said, abruptly ending any discussion about evacuations or peace processes.

As the grinding war launched by Russia enters its third year, the death toll keeps climbing, and the signs of faltering solidarity from Europe and the United States give even optimists pause to ask how long Ukraine can hold out—and whether it should broach negotiations with Moscow if it means sacrificing territory. Observers loyal to Ukraine—and fully aware of the staggering geopolitical implications of appeasing an expansionist Russia—are beginning to speculate that it’s time for Ukraine to cut its losses before more territory, much more territory, including Odessa, falls to Putin.

Ukrainians, however, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, are having none of it. In every discussion I had with journalists and businessmen, students, and lawyers, not one person questioned Zelensky’s proclaimed goal of retaking every centimeter of Ukraine land, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea—even if, as Milimko admitted, “it might take a long time.” In the city etched into our cultural conscious as the location of Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein’s classic 1925 epic silent film Battleship Potemkin , the residents’ sureness of purpose and righteousness matches those of the Potemkin’s anti-monarchist sailors.

The Ukrainians’ argument is made no more articulately than by Fedir Serdiuk, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, philanthropist, and army medic, and the founder of the Pulse training facility in Odessa that has schooled more than 25,000 Ukrainians in first aid, a need he perceived as early as 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea. That year, Serdiuk quit university to join the Red Cross frontline teams, and soon set aside his private-sector interests to focus fully on the first-aid course, shortly thereafter adding to it a course instructing infantry in the use of technology on the battlefield. A self-confident man, he told me, “You have no idea how many lives this has saved.” And indeed in 2021, Forbes magazine named him on its list of the top “30 under 30” in the category of social impact ; the project gets so many trophies and plaques that his office stores them by the box load.

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Like so many activists in Ukraine’s much-heralded civil society, Serdiuk is doing everything in his power to support the Ukrainian cause. This is “ total resistance ,” Serdiuk said, as taken straight from US Army special operations manuals, translated from the Swiss original: Everyone from street sweepers to university deans is pitching in to disrupt enemy operations and defend the country in any way possible. From Odessa, Ukrainian military drones—some of them purchased through crowdfunding and assembled by volunteers —have hounded the Russian navy. Yes, he said, Ukraine has suffered setbacks recently, but these little towns, like Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, which capitulated in February, are next to meaningless. Russia, he admitted, has learned lessons since the war’s onset, when it was shamed by Ukrainian forces that pushed them back not only from Kyiv but also from Odessa.

The Russian military’s spring 2022 assault on Odessa when its navy and air force bombarded the port for weeks, while undercover Russian agents wreaked havoc from within the city, is still evident. Jutting forlornly into the sea, the burned-out skeleton of the 19-story Hotel Odessa is just one example. But the Ukraine army prevailed by blocking the Russians’ access to Odessa at Mykolaiv, a city to its east; and the citizenry rallied, sandbagging infrastructure and historical monuments, fortifying beaches, and mining the harbor. Restaurants prepared meal after meal for the volunteers and soldiers. Businesses donated trucks and jeeps. In April, the Ukrainians sank the Moskva , the jewel of Russia’s Black Sea fleet.

Ukraine has learned a thing or two since then, too, and these lessons have been woven into its military strategies, Serdiuk said. Ukraine’s casualties—31,000 according to official sources , four times that according to US estimates —is acceptable, he allowed. The Ukraine armed forces are back, and on track, he said. All they need is the right weaponry. And this is going to come from the West—sooner rather than later, for its own good. The rules-based order is at stake here, he said—again, echoing everyone with whom I spoke with—and if anyone thinks Putin will stop with Ukraine, they are sorely, sorely mistaken.

When I broached the idea of negotiations with Russia, a peace process or cease-fire of some sort, Serdiuk responded like his countrymen: “In order for there to be negotiations, there has to be trust, and there is none. We’d trust Stalin before Putin. Putin lied and lied and lied, why would he stop?”

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Only toward the end of a two-hour discussion, which included a few whiskeys in an Odessa eatery, did Mikhail Shtekel, a media professional of mixed Jewish Tatar background, finally admit that, yes, there are “unhappy scenarios for Ukraine too.” And what did he mean by that, I asked? “Putin conquers Ukraine,” he spat out, as if I had intentionally served him a bad oyster. The war’s outcome is the hands of the West, he said. And what if Donald Trump is elected, I pushed him? “We really don’t know what Trump will do. In the end, whether Trump becomes president and doesn’t do anything or Biden is reelected and continues to give us support to live another day but not to win, what’s the difference? The problem is that there’s no real will to crush the Putin regime. You think Russia can’t lose.”

The Ukrainians’ unbending will is profound and heartbreaking. As I tried gently to intimate, it may not be in touch with reality. Russia has regeared its economy to all-out wartime production, enabling it to manufacture many times the quantity of ammunition that Ukraine can. The Western sanctions against Russia—complete with tent-size loopholes—has not undermined it as hoped. Of course, the West could plug those gaps and speed up the delivery of serious weaponry to Ukraine, including German Tauris missiles, many more F-16s, and other hardware. Shtetel told me that whenever the requisite materiel is there, Ukraine prevails on the battlefield.

A Negotiated Peace?

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A host of statesmen and politicos—some openly, others behind the scenes —are pursuing a negotiated settlement. EU High Representative Josep Borrell visited Ukraine in February talking about a “Korea solution,” but with no specifics on exactly what that would look like or how it would come to pass. As keen as many diplomats may be on stopping the war—who isn’t?—very few speak in detail of what this would, in their minds, entail. Certainly, it means territorial sacrifices on the part of Ukraine. But what lands exactly? Crimea and a slice of eastern Ukraine? How big a slice? “This is what no one says,” explained Viacheslav Tuliakov, a legal scholar in Odessa. There is no sign, he said, that the Russian president is satisfied with what the Russian military currently occupies. Putin wants much more of Ukraine—including Odessa.

Indeed, Odessa, Ukraine’s third-largest city and the gateway to the Black Sea, is critical to Putin’s plans, as he has expressed explicitly and regularly. “The whole southeast of Ukraine has always been pro-Russian because these are historically Russian territories,” he said in late 2023 , in contravention of historical fact and certainly of the sympathies of practically all of Odessa’s people today—Ukrainian, Russian, Jewish, and others. “Odessa,” states Putin, is a Russian city.”

The takeaway from the rambling fiction: Odessa is central to Putin’s war aims. Its capture would cut off Ukraine’s access to world markets and give Putin a lever to control grain exports to much of the developing world .

The only person in Odessa willing to talk to me about the possibility of a negotiated peace was an Italian businessman, involved for years in Ukraine. “It’s a very delicate subject, of course, because no one wants to be seen as weakening Zelensky or encouraging Putin. Ukrainians’ will to resist against all odds is what has them still here, now,” he said. As far as he is concerned, a deal that gifted the war-battered, rust-belt swaths of eastern Ukraine to Russia in exchange for a free hand for the rest of Ukraine to join the EU would be a blessing for Ukraine, which it could sell as a victory. But Putin, he feared, wants more than that.

As for Milimko, her teenage kids and their grandmothers may be in Vienna, but she’s not going anywhere. Just as reinforcements showed up for the Potemkin, she’s convinced, so too will they for Ukraine.

Dispatch From Odessa: Ukrainians Have No Plan B

Opinion A sadistic missile attack has rattled Odessa’s defiant citizens

Anna Husarska is a journalist and political analyst.

ODESSA, Ukraine — March 15 was a normal, drizzly Friday. At 10 a.m., when a “double tap” attack of Russian Iskander-M missiles fired from Crimea hit the southern neighborhood of Dacha Kovalevskovo, my Odessite friends were busy with their regular daily stuff: Misha Reva, an artist, was at work on a sculpture in his atelier. Nika Viknianskiy, a furniture producer, was returning from a business trip to Kyiv. Sasha Babich, a historian, was mailing packages. In my home at Soborna Square, I was deep into an internet shopping spree.

Misha, Sasha and I, we all heard the two explosions. It was seven miles away, but Iskanders are huge and make a very loud noise — a sort of shoo-boom — and leave enormous craters. It’s not the more familiar paf-paf-paf of Shahed drones, which the defense systems manage to shoot down rather effectively. We quickly checked Telegram channels for the approximate location of the impact and instantly knew that all in our group were safe.

But at the site it was carnage: Some people were killed by the first impact, others who rushed to help were hit by a second missile landing in almost the same spot just 12 minutes later. The death toll was 21 , with 75 wounded. Among the victims was a paramedic, two firefighters and a few police. I saw a photo of a corpse under a silver foil blanket — the fluorescent red trousers and jacket with reflective stripes identified this person as a samaritan, a civilian rescuer who paid with his life.

President Vladimir Putin launched the attack on the first day of Russia’s farcically misnamed presidential “election.” It might have not been intended symbolically. Perhaps it was just “one more”: the attack was the third major assault on Odessa in two weeks. On March 2, in the northern neighborhood of Peresyp, 12 people were killed by a Shahed drone, including five children. The apartment block now has this dollhouse look: with part of the building stripped away, you see the interior of the apartments. Four days later at the port, some 300 meters from where President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were getting into a car, a missile fired from occupied Crimea killed seven people.

What can normal mean in Odessa now? The day before this latest attack, I attended a conference. It was held in the cellar of a hotel. Not because people are afraid — when the air raid sirens sound, hardly anyone runs to shelters anymore. But the alarms are disruptive. Below ground, the conference could go on no matter what the Russians did.

Later that evening, at a friend’s house for drinks and dinner, we were reminded again of the war: We had to wrap up because the city — like the rest of Ukraine — is under curfew.

People here try to lead a normal life, but it is an imitation of normality. Take my friends: Misha has for the past two years been making sculptures from war debris, which — like Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” — convey the horrors of war. Nika travels to Kyiv to help procure both drones and antidrone weapons, so crucial for the defense of Odessa. Sasha sends first aid kits to military units in Kherson, something every soldier needs that is all too frequently not provided by the Ministry of Defense. Me, I was online, ordering three excavators from a Polish company, to be used for trench digging — funded through a recently launched crowdsourcing campaign.

Odessa is everything Putin hates: It is modern, cosmopolitan, sophisticated, multiethnic. He claims it is “a Russian town,” yet he sends missiles to destroy it. Although the inhabitants are inured to the war, they are also defiant — almost provocatively so. Trying to lead a rich cultural life is a way of resisting what Ukrainians call “Ruscism” — a Russian version of fascism. This month, the opera house here is offering performances of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro” and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” The Fine Arts Museum features the World Press Photo Exhibition 2023, where the picture of the year is of a pregnant woman on a watermelon-colored stretcher in Mariupol. The musical theater staged “Fiddler on the Roof,” sung in Russian with Ukrainian subtitles.

But defiance and art can only go so far. There is a new edginess in people as the attacks come more and more regularly. I can see it on the faces of my Odessite friends as they check the news about this war on their phones. They remain confident that Ukraine will prevail, hoping against all hope. But Putin’s impunity — with Western partners vacillating and Ukraine running out of men able to fight — hangs heavy over the city.

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is odessa ukraine safe to visit

Russian attack on civilian sites in Ukraine’s Odesa kills 20, wounds 75

Russia has stepped up its attacks on the southern port city in recent weeks with a series of deadly drone and missile attacks.

Odesa

The death toll in a Russian missile attack that hit civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday has risen to at least 20 and at least 75 people were wounded, in Moscow’s deadliest attack in weeks, Ukrainian officials said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia would receive a “fair response” from Ukrainian forces for what he said was a “vile” strike on a city that has been attacked by Russian drones or missiles almost every day this month.

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Ukraine holds out despite stalled us aid, fears ‘deep advances’ by russia, nato allies must do more as ukraine runs out of ammunition: stoltenberg, russia-ukraine war: list of key events, day 751, leaders of germany, france, poland meet to mend rifts over ukraine war.

Two Iskander-M missiles fired from the Russian-occupied Crimea Peninsula damaged civilian infrastructure and gas and electricity supply lines in the southern city, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on national television on Friday.

Some residents were facing gas and electricity supply cuts as a result of attacks, he added.

“The explosion was very strong, especially the second one … This is a very powerful missile that flies from the occupied Crimea in a few minutes,” Kiper said.

A medic and rescuer were killed by a second missile after rushing to the scene to treat people hurt in the initial attack. Ten people had suffered serious injuries, Kiper added.

“Our Defence Forces will certainly do everything to ensure that the Russian killers feel our fair response,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Residents were rushing to donate blood, creating queues at medical centres. Saturday was declared a local day of mourning.

Twelve people, including five children, were killed in a drone attack  on a residential building in Odesa on March 2.

On March 6, Zelenskyy was showing Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis the destruction caused by that attack when Russia hit the city again , killing at least five people.

Odesa

Odesa, one of Ukraine’s biggest ports, has long been a target of Russian attacks, especially after Moscow quit a United Nations-brokered deal that had allowed safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea.

“The Russian terror in Odesa is a sign of the weakness of the enemy, which is fighting against Ukrainian civilians at a time when it cannot guarantee the safety of people on its own territory,” Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram.

Ukraine has developed and used long-range drones to try to strike back at Russia, stepping up attacks on a string of oil refineries this week in the run-up to Russia’s three-day presidential election , which began on Friday.

Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine , which it launched in February 2022.

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Russian missiles kill at least 16 people in the latest strike on southern Ukraine’s Odesa

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services work at the scene of a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed, authorities said. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP Photo)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services work at the scene of a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed, authorities said. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP Photo)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, an emergency serviceman sits shocked after a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services help their comrade injured during a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

A Red Cross worker looks down at his phone next to covered dead bodies of people killed in a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

The hand of a victim lays in a pool of blood after a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed, authorities said. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, an emergency serviceman takes a moment after a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

The bodies of victims lay in a pool of blood after a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed, authorities said. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

Blood and debris on the floor after a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed, authorities said. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

A damaged fire engine attends the scene of a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed, authorities said. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services firefighters extinguish a fire at the scene of a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

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is odessa ukraine safe to visit

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Russian ballistic missile attack blasted homes in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa on Friday, followed by a second missile that targeted first responders who arrived at the scene, officials said. At least 16 people were killed.

The attack occurred as Russians began voting in a presidential election that is all but certain to extend Vladimir Putin’s rule by another six years after he crushed dissent, and as the war in Ukraine stretches into its third year.

The dead included a paramedic and an emergency service worker. At least 53 other people were wounded by the Iskander-M missiles, officials said.

At least 10 houses in Odesa and some emergency service equipment were damaged in the strike, which started a blaze, according to emergency officials and regional Gov. Oleh Kiper.

The tactic of firing a second missile at the same location, aiming to hit rescuers, is known in military terms as a double tap. Such strikes often hit civilians.

Kiper announced that a day of mourning in Odesa would be held on Saturday — the second such observance in less than two weeks.

On March 2, a Russian drone struck a multistory building , killing 12 people, including five children.

FILE - Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte speaks with the media as he arrives for a EU Summit in Brussels, Thursday, March 21, 2024. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is meeting with Chinese leaders Wednesday, March 27, 2024 for talks that are expected to include the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and Dutch restrictions on the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. (AP Photo/Omar Havana, File)

Moscow has repeatedly claimed that its forces do not target civilian areas, despite substantial evidence to the contrary .

Since last summer, Russia has intensified its attacks on Odesa, a southern port city with a population of around 1 million.

The attacks have primarily targeted port infrastructure, aiming to disrupt the export of goods after Ukraine managed to restore maritime navigation with a series of successful operations in the Black Sea.

Moscow officials have also claimed they are aiming at facilities where Ukrainian sea drones are stored for attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The Odesa region’s ports were key to last year’s international agreement that let Ukraine and Russia ship their grain to the rest of the world.

Odesa residents largely speak Russian, and the city’s past is intertwined with some of Russia’s most revered figures, including Catherine the Great, author Leo Tolstoy and poet Anna Akhmatova.

Its Orthodox cathedral belongs to Moscow’s patriarchate and — at least until the Kremlin illegally annexed the nearby Crimean Peninsula in 2014 — its beaches were beloved by Russian tourists.

Meanwhile, in the Russian border region of Belgorod, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said a member of the regional territorial defense forces was killed and two people were injured in Ukrainian shelling Friday.

Overnight in Ukraine, two people were also killed and three wounded in the central Vinnytsia region after Russia struck a building with a drone, according to regional Gov. Serhii Borzov.

The Ukrainian air force said it shot down all 27 Shahed drones that Russia launched over the Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi and Kyiv regions.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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National security adviser Jake Sullivan meets with Zelenskyy as Ukraine aid stalls in Congress

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National security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday to reaffirm U.S. support for the beleaguered country as congressional aid efforts have repeatedly floundered .

During the meeting, Sullivan "stressed the urgent need for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental to meet Ukraine’s critical battlefield needs," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

Sullivan acknowledged the difficulty in passing supplemental aid for Ukraine, saying at a news conference Wednesday that he knew there were "questions here because of the back-and-forth in our Congress and the months that have gone by without the supplemental bill coming through."

"We are confident we will get this done," he said. "We will get this aid to Ukraine."

Later in the news conference, Sullivan said he was "confident" that the U.S. would "achieve plan A" and get an aid package passed in Congress.

"We will get that money out the door as we should," he said. "So I don’t think we need to speak today about plan B."

Zelenskyy called Wednesday’s meeting with Sullivan a “very meaningful, very specific conversation,” according to the English subtitles of a video in which he spoke in Ukrainian.

They talked about “defense cooperation and the joint political results we need to achieve,” he said in the video posted to X, expressing his gratitude to the U.S.

The pair discussed efforts to hold Russia accountable — including through sanctions and export controls — as well as “progress on anti-corruption and other key reforms needed to further” the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in an informal media briefing.

politics political

Sullivan also met with Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenskyy’s office, as well as other senior Ukrainian officials, Watson said.

“It is vital that American leadership remains strong in protecting the international legal order,” Zelenskyy said, according to the English subtitles of his X video.

The trip to Ukraine comes against the backdrop of a bitterly divided Congress that shows no signs of moving closer to an aid package.

In February, the Senate passed a bipartisan national security package that included aid for Ukraine, as well as Israel and Taiwan.

In the House, however, hard-line conservatives have pressured Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to spike aid efforts until some of their preferred provisions regarding the southern border are included.

Earlier in February, Republicans killed a border and immigration deal their own party negotiated with Democrats.

In March, NBC News reported that Johnson and the chairs of certain House committees were working on a Ukraine aid package and considering treating some nonmilitary aid as a loan.

is odessa ukraine safe to visit

Megan Lebowitz is a politics reporter for NBC News.

IMAGES

  1. The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Odessa, Ukraine

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  2. The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Odessa, Ukraine

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  3. Besuchen Sie Odessa in der Ukraine mit Cunard

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  4. Odessa

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  5. The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Odessa, Ukraine

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  6. Odessa city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Ukraine’s

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VIDEO

  1. Одесса. Начало года 2024. Запись с регистратора#odessa #ukraine

COMMENTS

  1. Is Odesa Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    Odesa. Ukraine - safety as a country. Odesa, along with Lviv, is a city of regional significance in Ukraine, and it's also one of the biggest cities in the country. It used to be the most populous city in Ukraine during the second half of the 19th century. Odesa did not become the most popular Ukrainian resort city by chance, because there is ...

  2. Ukraine Travel Advisory

    Ukraine - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia's war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory. All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media ...

  3. Is Ukraine Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    Ukraine is quite safe to visit, except for the Donetsk & Lugansk regions (where the war is). The major tourist destinations like Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Carpathians are generally safe except for the pickpocketers. Well, there are some places where it is not advisable to walk at night, but they are usually far from the tourist centers.

  4. Travel Advisory: Ukraine

    Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia's war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory. All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about ...

  5. Ukraine travel advice

    Ukrainian national and dual-national males aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country. The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you ...

  6. Alerts and Messages

    Ukraine-Related Calls: +1 606 260 4379 (outside the U.S.) or +1 833 741 2777 (from the U.S.) Phone Numbers... [Skip to Content] Visas. Nonimmigrant Visas. ... Level 4: Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia's war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict.

  7. Odesa, Ukraine 2024: All You Must Know Before You Go

    About Odesa. With just over a million people, Odesa is Ukraine's fourth-largest city. Set in the country's south along the Black Sea coast, Odesa was founded in the late 18th century as a Russian naval fortress. For many years in the mid-19th century, it was a free port, becoming home to a multinational populace.

  8. Ukraine International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  9. Ukraine war: Odesa defies Russia and embraces signs of life

    Amid the whining air raid sirens, the checkpoints, neighbourhood patrols, and enduring fears of Russian attacks - from the sea, air, or land - the historic and cosmopolitan Ukrainian resort city ...

  10. Odesa travel

    Odesa. Ukraine, Europe. Odesa is a city straight from literature - an energetic, decadent boom town. Its famous Potemkin Steps sweep down to the Black Sea and Ukraine's biggest commercial port. Behind them, a cosmopolitan cast of characters makes merry among neoclassical pastel buildings lining a geometric grid of leafy streets.

  11. How is Odesa's tourist sector coping amid war?

    08/05/2022 August 5, 2022. Odesa has always been a popular destination for both Ukrainian and foreign visitors. But as the war in Ukraine continues, the city's tourism industry is suffering.

  12. Ukraine: Elegant Odesa is transformed by efforts to deter Russians

    BBC News. While Russian advances across Ukraine have slowed in recent days, people in the strategic port city of Odesa are preparing for an expected and imminent Russian attack. Decision-time is ...

  13. 5 reasons to visit Odessa, Ukraine

    The view of shipyards is very much present in the Odessa skyline. Young sailors are casually strolling the streets of the city. Even the majority of souvenirs are with the maritime theme. It all somehow fits perfectly to the city. I can't imagine Odessa without its maritime accents, it gives the city an extra twist.

  14. Ukraine's Odesa Opens a Few Beaches for the First Time Since Russian

    ODESA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Several beaches in Ukraine's Black Sea city of Odesa have officially opened for swimming for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion, although bathing is ...

  15. A blast rocks the Ukrainian city of Odesa during a visit by Zelenskyy

    CORRECTS FIRST AND SECOND SENTENCES - In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, a damaged apartment building is seen near the location of a March 2 Russian attack during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Odesa, Ukraine, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

  16. Ukraine's Odesa is alive and joking despite shelling, blackouts

    Many men in Odesa volunteered to join Ukraine's armed forces or became part of the territorial defence, or armed militias that installed roadblocks, guarded the city and monitored the seashore.

  17. Odessa

    People in Odessa are now agitating to do the same, and Eastern Ukraine areas have a similar mind set. Have to anticipate when the dust settles (if it settles at any time in the near future) that from now on Russian visa will have to be obtained to go on a Dneiper river cruise and cruises in Black Sea that visit Sevastapol, Yalta, Odessa. With ...

  18. Ukraine Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    2. Relax at Arcadia Beach. This is the country's most famous beach. Located in Odessa, it was created to be the country's main summer getaway spot so there's a multitude of bars, clubs, resorts, and cafes here, making it a popular place to visit during the warmer summer months (May-September).

  19. Travelers Remind Us of the Beauty of Ukraine Before the War

    A little more than one month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, travelers offer their recollections of what visiting Ukraine was like prior to the destruction and devastation. And remind us not to forget. Los Angeles-based writer Eric Newman snapped this photo of performers in traditional dress in Ukraine's Dnieper Delta during a 2017 visit.

  20. Odesa Is Defiant. It's Also Putin's Ultimate Target.

    ODESA, Ukraine — The Odesa Fine Arts Museum, a colonnaded early-19th-century palace, stands almost empty. Early in Russia's war on Ukraine, its staff removed more than 12,000 works for safe ...

  21. What you need to know about Russia's blockade of Odesa

    European Council President Charles Michel and Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal visit the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa, in an image taken and released by the Ukrainian Prime ...

  22. Why Odesa Is So Important to Ukraine in the War With Russia

    By Marc Santora. reporting from Odesa, Ukraine. July 19, 2023. The last two nights have brought some of the most furious Russian aerial assaults on Odesa, the southern Ukrainian port city, of the ...

  23. Operation Odessa: Russia Wants the Entire Ukrainian Black Sea Coast

    Odessa is the most important and well-known city on Ukraine's Black Sea coast, with a population of 1 million. Founded in 1795 by Empress Catherine the Great on the site of the ancient Greek ...

  24. Russia-Ukraine war: death toll in Odesa attack rises to 21 as two

    A Russian ballistic missile attack hit civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday, killing at least 20 people - including rescuers - and wounding more than ...

  25. Dispatch From Odessa: Ukrainians Have No Plan B

    Jutting forlornly into the sea, the burned-out skeleton of the 19-story Hotel Odessa is just one example. But the Ukraine army prevailed by blocking the Russians' access to Odessa at Mykolaiv, a ...

  26. Opinion

    ODESSA, Ukraine — March 15 was a normal, drizzly Friday. At 10 a.m., when a "double tap" attack of Russian Iskander-M missiles fired from Crimea hit the southern neighborhood of Dacha ...

  27. Russian attack on civilian sites in Ukraine's Odesa kills 20, wounds 75

    The death toll in a Russian missile attack that hit civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday has risen to at least 20 and at least 75 people were wounded, in ...

  28. Officials: Russian strike kills at least 14 people in Odesa

    The hand of a victim lays in a pool of blood after a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Friday March 15, 2024. A Russian missile strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine on Friday killed at least 14 people and injured 46 others, local officials said. A first missile struck houses and when emergency crews arrived at the scene a second missile landed ...

  29. Russian missiles kill at least 16 people in latest strike on Odesa

    By The Associated Press. A Russian ballistic missile attack blasted homes in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa on Friday, followed by a second missile that targeted first responders who arrived ...

  30. National security adviser Jake Sullivan meets with Zelenskyy as Ukraine

    March 21, 2024, 1:30 AM UTC. By Megan Lebowitz. National security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday to reaffirm U.S. support for the ...