Ukrainian Diaries

iShkraba
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A local’s diary on navigating life, resilience, and human behavior in Kyiv, Ukraine. Weekly insights into the invisible drivers of a city in war and transformation, and the search for meaning from the ground up.

  1. Ukraine Is Building | Ukrainian Diaries #25

    1H AGO

    Ukraine Is Building | Ukrainian Diaries #25

    Ukrainian real estate market: not an investment pitch but a window into how a country at war adapts. Enjoy the episode or read a 2-minute reflection here. Image: bunker project on stroimdom.com.ua

    15 min
  2. Spending Habits, Magic Carpet Logistics | Ukrainian Diaries #24

    6D AGO

    Spending Habits, Magic Carpet Logistics | Ukrainian Diaries #24

    Ukrainians spend 84% of their monthly budgets on essentials. In Germany and the Netherlands, that number is 56-59%. Only 1% goes to leisure in Ukraine, while in France it’s 19%. One important caveat — this data has its limits. Enjoy the episode or read a 2-minute reflection here.

    9 min
  3. The Cappuccino Index | Ukrainian Diaries #23

    MAY 1

    The Cappuccino Index | Ukrainian Diaries #23

    Kyiv has a kind of small business you won’t find in most cities. But rising energy costs and inflation are not helping those who miscalculated. This week’s episode is about MAFs. Enjoy the episode or read a 2-minute reflection here. Image: MAF by skymax

    10 min
  4. Beyond the Instagram Wedding | Ukrainian Diaries #22

    APR 24

    Beyond the Instagram Wedding | Ukrainian Diaries #22

    I am, fortunately, a pleasant enough person that people keep inviting me to their weddings. I have been to enough weddings, in places like Paris, Istanbul, Slovakia, across Ukraine, and in other cultures, to have opinions. Last weekend, I was at one again. We celebrated love, as one does. Enjoy the episode or read a 2-minute reflection here. Image: Return from the Wedding, Ivan Ayvazovskyy, 1891

    11 min
  5. Standup Comedy In Ukraine | Ukrainian Diaries #21

    APR 24

    Standup Comedy In Ukraine | Ukrainian Diaries #21

    Ukrainian stand-up didn’t start in a club with a brick wall and a microphone. It began in the post-Soviet 90s, shared on audiocassettes. At the center of it all was someone most people know from Eurovision: Verka Serduchka. She took second place at Eurovision 2007, with her sequins, silver star, and the song that got Europeans dancing in their chairs. Enjoy the episode or read a 1-minute reflection here. This episode was originally published on April 17, 2026. Image: Verka Serducka, photo by telekritika.ua

    6 min
  6. The Black Prize | Ukrainian Diaries #20

    APR 24

    The Black Prize | Ukrainian Diaries #20

    While the world watches gas prices, I stand on the black prize. All eyes are on the Middle East and the surging price of oil, the “black gold.” We know its price will eventually dictate the cost of your commute and heating. But there is another black gold that doesn’t burn but feeds. Enjoy the episode or read a 1-minute reflection here. This episode was originally published on April 10, 2026. Photo by Andrii Motygullin on Unsplash

    4 min
  7. Expect Princess Treatment | Ukrainian Diaries #19

    APR 24

    Expect Princess Treatment | Ukrainian Diaries #19

    Talking from exoerience living in multiple countries, Ukrainian service culture has a special quality that you might not notice until you leave. It’s not just about being available, though that stands out. It’s the attitude — the feeling that you are truly welcome, not just tolerated. Enjoy the episode or read a 1-minute reflection here. This episode was originally published on April 3, 2026. Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

    10 min
  8. Rethinking Guilt | Ukrainian Diaries #18

    APR 24

    Rethinking Guilt | Ukrainian Diaries #18

    Everyone in their place. Not everywhere at once. Not helping with everything because the guilt of not doing enough feels louder than the question of where you actually belong. Enjoy the episode or read a 1-minute reflection here. This episode was originally published on March 27, 2026. Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash

    9 min
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About

A local’s diary on navigating life, resilience, and human behavior in Kyiv, Ukraine. Weekly insights into the invisible drivers of a city in war and transformation, and the search for meaning from the ground up.

Information

  • Creator
    iShkraba
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © iShkraba
  • Show Website
    Ukrainian Diaries