Issue №5 January – February 2018

HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL HAS NOTHING ON THIS HOME-GROWN STARLET Victoria Trofi menko talks about the local fi lm industry, the future, and her opinion on recent controversies

Contents | Issue 5 January – February 2018

Issue №5 January – February 2018

HOLLYWOOD

SCANDAL HAS Backstage Dovzhenko at NOTHING ON THIS HOME-GROWN STARLET Victoria Trofi menko talks about the local fi lm industry, the future, and her opinion on recent controversies

4 WO Words from the Editor On the Cover A new year means new opportunity Ukrainian director, Victoria Trofimenko 6 What’s New Venue: Dovzhenko Archives Some news, some notes, some opinions, all good stuff Photographer: Tyoma Myronenko 8 WO Around the Country We start off 2018 with a new partner – Ukrainer. Watch this space for some incredible stories – and images – featuring the country we love

10 WO the Cover Ukrainian director, Victoria Trofimenko, talks about her experience as a female in the industry

Serozh’s pick this month: 12 What’s Important A new business is finding its feet here in this month to help Regardless of whether local homes and organisations – Assistanspoolen happily married or on 14 What’s On this Month your first date, take her All you need to know, broken down by category, about what you need to see and do in Kyiv for the next 30 days. Including a new out and make it special. theatre project keeping the Kyiv intelligentsia on their toes Be creative and we will help you with some tips! 20 What’s Ahead A few top events you must put in your calendar now!

22 What’s On Means Business Top Kyiv law firm gives readers a few tips on tax, and local expat Lee’s pick this month: and pundit laments on practices of corruption still prevalent More than 2.1 billion 26 What’s the Score people will be tuning into WO’s Lee Reaney heads to to take in the . To start you off, a list of the events to watch and a quick the Olympics next month. chat with Kyiv’s Winter Olympics darling Want to know how 28 What About the Guys is doing – in Serzh Velichanskyi spills his secrets for the best V-Day ever English? Keep reading 30 What’s All the Fuss What’s On A collection of bits and bobs for those on the run

34 What’s for Dinner? We head to Argentina Grill for some meat, Zamis for pelmeni, and a few of the city’s best spots to brunch

40 What’s in Focus Photo coverage of events from around Kyiv in the last month

The Team: Contact details: Registration information: © All materials published in What’s On Kyiv Originally founded in 1999, What’s On Kyiv business community, both expatriate and Lana Nicole Niland Serzh Velichansky For general enquiries, submissions, What’s On Kyiv magazine is registered with are the unconditional intellectual property is an English language monthly magazine local, and provides brief news articles on Paul Niland Sam Kearley complaints, or comments write to the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine as a print of Outpost Publishing and as such are with a goal to inform residents and visitors events of relevance to Kyiv and Ukraine and Jared Morgan Tyoma Myronenko [email protected] media magazine, License Number 22834 protected by Ukrainian and international to Kyiv of events in the entertainment and the wider region. Lee Reaney Ksenia Karpenko To advertise in What’s On Kyiv, contact – 12734P dated 7 August 2107. This mag- copyright laws. No materials from this cultural life of the city. As well as providing Alina Smolina Anna Kondratyuk [email protected] azine is published by Outpost Publishing, a magazine, or the associated website, advice, guidance, and listings of live mu- Anna Azarova Igor Hodokov company duly incorporated in Ukraine. may be reproduced without the express sic, theatre, nightlife, sporting events and Kateryna Kiselyova Artem Nikitin permission of Outpost Publishing. more, What’s On also interacts with the Nina Bohush DoubleK 3 From the Editor

Editor-in-Chief Lana Nicole Niland

Citius, Altius, Fortius – it’s the Olympic motto in Latin, which means Faster, Higher, Stronger. It seems apt that such an adage should start this issue, as, not only are the 23rd Winter Olympics kicking off in South Korea next month, but we are kicking off a new year. New years always bring a sort of melancholic nostalgia – you are, in essence, saying good-bye to times that will never again return. In some cases, this is a blessing, as there are some events I would not wish to relive. The Trump administration taking office is one of them; the numerous mass shootings and acts of terror that occurred around the world with relative ease is another; the frequency with which nature showed its fury last year, in the sheer number and severity of hurricanes, mudslides, and forest fires. And then, there are other events, which elicit joy just at the thought – the defeat of Marine Le Pen by Emmanuel Macron in France, and with it hopes of the far right getting more of a footing in Europe; the destruction of the caliphate of the Islam- ic State, a militant group known for some of the most horrific human rights abuses anywhere; the landslide vote that passed into law marriage equality in Australia. Closer to home we have some of our own milestones to delight in – bezvis opened the doors of Europe to Ukrainians; the EU Association Agreement was finally signed and came into force; “Faster, Higher, Stronger. It pensions were increased – not to where they need to be, but moving in the right direction; an antiquated list of jobs that seems apt that such an adage women were prevented from doing here in Ukraine, dating back to 1994, was abolished, though few reported on this. should start this issue” Among other worthwhile events, What’s On returned, with lit- tle pomp and grandeur. Rather, quietly, seamlessly, almost as though we had never left. This first issue in 2018 is tribute to all that we have come through, and more importantly all that we have yet to accom- plish. On the cover is the resolute Victoria Trofimenko, whose tenacity and determination will serve her well in her chosen profession; inside this magazine is a group who, with a nod to National Geographic, are showcasing a Ukraine you have nev- er seen before; then there’s Assistanspoolen, a Swedish group that could very well revolutionise the care industry here in Ukraine; as well, an Olympic hopeful who will soon be heading to South Korea with dreams to make the country proud; and that’s just for starters. We live in a world where almost anything is possible. I hope this next year is one that allows you to continue to live by the Olympic motto. Regardless of the business you are in, or the profession you have chosen, may you find the inspiration to push faster, climb higher, be stronger.

4 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

What’s New

Church Refuses to Bury Baby Priest Eugene Molchanov who represents the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Patriarchate refused to bury a baby in Zaporizhia, because the boy had been baptised by the Kyiv Patriarchate, which is not recognised by Moscow. The 2-year old died on New Year’s Eve after being crushed by a man jumping from his Sad loss, apartment, committing suicide. Reports say the father punched the priest, Sean Carr after telling the family their child was “unchristened” and their “church was a Although Carr hadn’t lived in Kyiv for sham”. The priest seemed unmoved by a few years, his recent passing has been the boy’s mother who threw herself on felt by many in the community here. He the floor at his feet. Forced to leave, the was one of life’s real characters, a cobbler family took the body of the boy to the from Leeds, a biker covered in tattoos ESPN Names church where he was christened to per- (some spelt incorrectly). He met a girl form the burial rights. from Ukraine, they fell in love, and the Lomachenko The priest told a local paper that he was rest is history. However, in Sean’s case, sorry, and that he felt for the family. “But that girl, Zhenya, was none other than there are certain lines I cannot cross,” the daughter of former Ukrainian prime the World’s he said. “A child christened by the Kyiv minister, Yulia Tymoshenko. Patriarchate remains unchristened...And The story goes that Carr wasn’t told who Best Boxer the Kyiv Church itself is a hoax.” his soon-to-be mother-in-law was until Ah religion. Isn’t it great. about 30 seconds before they were- in Ukrainian two-time Olympic champion troduced. Regardless of the shoulders he (2008, 2012) and current WBO super was now rubbing with, he stayed exactly featherweight world champion Vasyl who he was. He rode bikes (sometimes- il Lomachenko (10-1, 8 KOs) capped off legally) and he sang in his band the Death an incredible 2017 in December beating Valley Screamers – who were not very Cuba’s previously undefeated two-time good. But they did once make a video Olympic champion Guillermo Rigon- with the guys fromAmerican Chopper. deaux in the 6th round. It marked the Did you know? Always ready to sit and have a chat with fourth straight fight where his opponent anyone, Carr became a restaurateur surrendered on the stool rather than American Football is gaining popularity in Kyiv, where he and Zhenya opened come out and take any more punishment. in Ukraine. More than 20 teams unite Ciro’s Italian eatery. His marriage to - regularly under the Ukrainian League of He dispatched Colombia’s Miguel Mar Zhenya wasn’t to last – they divorced in American Football (ULAF) where players riago and the US’s Jason Sosa in the same 2012. Carr died from internal bleeding receive no salary but use their own mon - fashion earlier in the year (and Jamaica’s and complication with his esophagus in a ey for uniforms, field rental, and coaching Nicholas Walters in Nov. 2016). hospital in Prague on 8 January with his staff. The 29-year-old’s dominance has won daughter by his side. RIP Sean, thanks for accolades from across the boxing world, everything. he was named ESPN’s best active pound- for-pound boxer, The Ring’s Top Fighter Watch the DVS / Orange County of 2017, and HBO Sport’s Boxer of the Choppers video Year. The world’s greatest super feath - here: erweight fighter may need to move up a division to meet a worthy opponent, and the boxing world hopes he’ll soon face undefeated three-weight world champion Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs).

6 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Ukraine’s World Champion Forfeits Titles for Gender Rights Stance

Ukrainian world rapid and blitz chess champion Anna Muzychuk has decided to forego her chance to defend the titles Take a and possibly win the substantial payouts that come along with a victory – in order bow, David to protest the move to hold the event in Saudi Arabia, a country notorious for its Beckham women’s rights record. She says she has no interest in wearing the abaya (the long, Many years ago, a teenager trying to loose-fitting dark robe Saudi women are make an impact at the legendary Man- made to wear); in being accompanied chester United picked up a loose ball in when outdoors; or to “altogether not to his own half of the pitch. He looked up, feel like a secondary creature”. saw that the opposing goalkeeper was The country was awarded the event, in hopelessly out of position, and shot- to part, due to the substantial prize packages wards goal from a ridiculous distance. As it is offering. The $2 million in total prize the ball flew half the length of the pitch money is nearly 350% more than when and then sailed into the back of the net, she won last year in Doha, Qatar. “In Becks threw his hands in the air with the five days,” she explains, “I was expected commentator shouting, “take a bow Da- to earn more than I do in a dozen events vid Beckham”. He had arrived on the Kyiv, Backdrop combined.” Her sister Mariya – herself a former scene, and the spotlight would never leave British pop star Calum Scott recently re- world champion – boycotted this year’s him. leased a new music video shot exclusive- Although Beckham has since hung up World Chess Championship in Tehran, ly in Kyiv. Showing off some of the best Iran, as she did not want to wear the hi- his footie boots, Goldenballs (as his wife sights of our beautiful city, such as the jab while playing. She will be joining her calls him) has turned his image and fame Opera House, Khreschatyk, and Maidan, sister in boycotting this event. “The most into a business career, and has recently the video for You Are The Reason is already upsetting thing is that almost nobody launched a grooming brand called House a great piece of promo for Kyiv having really cares,” says Anna. “For those few 99. Why are we, What’s On Kyiv, -writ racked up 6.25 million views at the time ing about this? Because the legend that is who do, we’ll be back!” of going to print. Scott was nominated in We care Anna, that’s why we are writing Becks chose the legends that are Ukraine’s the Best British Single category at the Brit about the stand you’ve taken. DakhaBrakha as the soundtrack for the awards last year for his song Dancing On My global advert of his new venture. - Da Own, which also reached number two in khaBrakha have been one of the leading the UK music charts. names in the Ukrainian music scene for more than a decade. For noticing this and Watch the video recognising this special Ukrainian talent, here: we say, one again, take a bow David Beck - ham.

Watch the ad featuring DakhaBrakha here:

7 A flock of sheep near an airplane in the village of WO Around the Country Frumushyka-Nova caught by helicopter. Photo by: Pavlo Pashko

Follow the Journey

THE WORLD-FAMED PUBLICATION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HAS DISAPPEARED FROM THE UKRAINIAN MEDIA SPACE, LEAVING FEW OPTIONS FOR FANS OF INTELLECTUAL MEDIA AND GEOGRAPHIC DISCOVERIES. UNTIL NOW.

Vasyl Bovgar plays trembita on the porch of his “staya” The view from a drone of a solar station, located in An 83-year-old museum-owner rides with a classmate house on the polonyna, as cattle descend to the village. Starokozache village. Photo by: Pavlo Pashko in the village of Hrushivka, Chernivtsi region, on a Photo by: Alina Kondratenko IZH-49, manufactured in 1949. Photo by: Vasyl Salyha

How much do we know about Ukraine in an unexpectedly interesting, unpredicta- es, interesting people, traditional arts and its diversity, in its everyday life of people in ble, and very colourful land that belies all crafts, and food. It presents the stories about small cities and villages, the same people stereotypes. all of us, and encapsulates the best about who help the country evolve as a whole? But how do Ukrainians see their country? Ukraine for both Ukrainians and foreign- In the past decades, Ukrainians have been On the one hand, we still hear negative com- ers. Created by a team of volunteers in migrating toward urban centres, moving ments from those who come from abroad, Ukraine and abroad, people with diverse to cities and gradually leaving their land comparing Ukraine to European countries. backgrounds and skills but with a shared- vi behind. The stories of small abandoned On the other hand, many Ukrainians have sion, Ukrainer showcases the country in its settlements do not attract any particular never even crossed the borders of their own best light. So far, the expedition has lasted media attention. Rather, they are kept region. And those who travel a lot around 18 months and embraced 14 historical re- in family archives and vanish from- liv Ukraine may have noticed how little we ac- gions of Ukraine, from Slobozhanshchyna ing-memory over time. tually know about other regions, or even the to Podillya, from Volyn to Tavria, in all their country as a whole. natural glory and cultural diversity. UKRAINE GETTING ATTENTION Join What’s On as we hang on to the coat- Ukraine is a focus of world media mainly CHALLENGING PRECONCEPTIONS tails of Ukrainer, to learn the secrets that because of current political and econom- In order to change this, Ukrainer was a make this land as fabulous, sometimes in- ic issues, plainly put – war. Nevertheless, founded, a new media project aimed to dis- furiating, but always as fascinating as it is. a number of foreign visitors describe cover who Ukrainians really are. Ukrainer Ukraine differently. They view Ukraine as shares stories about the most remote plac- Watch for more featured in Issue 6

8 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

WO the Cover

Jared Morgan the girl is in the pictures

Victoria Trofimenko SHE MADE MOVIE MAGIC WITH HER MOVIE DEBUT, ACHIEVING MANY cemented a place UKRAINIAN FIRSTS. WITH SUCCESS COMES SET-BACKS. WHAT’S ON ASKS with her direc- WHY? WHERE TO NEXT FOR THIS FILMMAKER? AND DO THE MISOGYNY torial debut AND SCANDALS RECENTLY HIGHLIGHTED IN HOLLYWOOD AFFECT THE Brothers. The INDUSTRY HERE. Final Confession (Braty. Ostan- GROWING PAINS nya Spovid) in A year later, she returned to Ukraine, and women have a voice. 2013, based entered the theatrical university on a seri- “Once there was a case when one producer on the work ous basis. “It was my third attempt with this wrote about me as ‘he’ several times, I com- by Swedish - writ university. By that time I had already made plained, saying: ‘he sees me as a man, and er Gustav Torgny my first full-length documentaryBack Home, I’m a woman. I wear dresses and skirts. And Lindgren, with the story which was screened in Soho, London. The the producer then wisely remarked: ‘Vika, transplanted into the Carpathi- question was asked: ‘Is this really the first he sees you as a director’.” ans. It was the first Ukrainian movie to bething she has made? She made nothing accepted into three international film- fes before?’ The producer replied: ‘Yes, it’s her SCANDALISED HOLLYWOOD tivals. Ever. Petit, steely, and razor-sharp, first work’. They said they would show it. The issues plaguing Hollywood do not go Trofimenko speaks passionately about her The producer told me: ‘Victoria, not every unnoticed and Trofimenko is strong in her work and honestly about the challenges. director has their first film shown in Soho.’” views. “How could I continue to work with In her second year, she worked in televi- someone who committed an act of vio- BEGINNINGS sion as a director, and finally had a resume lence or humiliation toward me? If every- As she tells it, her career almost happened behind her. The calls started to come, she one knew? It’s like a totalitarian regime, on a whim: “I decided to go to theatre had a professional reputation. She had also where (Harvey) Weinstein is Mussolini and university two weeks before entering, be- completed theatrical training with a covet- everyone keeps quiet, pretends everything fore that I wanted to be an artist. I wasn’t ed ‘red diploma’. Her work was the feature is OK. In keeping this silence, there is an prepared and did not act.” However, she filmBrothers. The Final Confession, made with act of responsibility. It tells the perpetrator was inspired: “Because they had the best the company Pronto Film. “After graduat- everything is OK and he continues... teacher from theatre – Viktor Kisin – and ing from the institute, I worked for five more “I once heard, in movies, you become ei- he was going to create an institute with- years on this project. As a result, this film ther relatives or someone’s mistresses. I re- in the institution, he had that dream. Do was the first in the history of independent member being lost for words when I heard something grand, but six months later he Ukraine, which was selected for three festi- that, it did not compute with me...I did not died.” She was perhaps even more deter- vals ranked in the ‘A’ group.” have any relatives in movies and I was not mined. “The course I studied was not the anyone’s mistress. most successful for mastering the profes- MONEY sion, so not to waste time, a year later I Still it was not easy. “The main challenge transferred to another faculty – man- is common – money. Cinema is an expen- agement of international tourism, and sive art form. It requires a large number of in parallel decided to enter the theatre people. The director, is a conductor with a institute.” wand, idea, and knowledge (often he/she is After this, she left for the UK, to gain -prac also a composer), but he/she is solitary – the tical experience. According to Trofimenko, vision is in his/her head, it is a start, but not in Ukraine the film industry was at a stand- enough.” still: “It was the beginning of the 2000s. I She is honest. “To be a woman director in entered the UK film industry. Working on Ukraine, at this time of cinematic develop- a voluntary basis, a girl running errands, ment, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a a clapper, assistant director, all as part of woman or a man. Earlier, yes, there were the diploma work of a young British film- sexist statements that ‘a woman director is maker who graduated from the Welsh film more than a woman, but less than a direc- school.” tor’.” Now, she says these statements are irrelevant, because in Ukrainian cinema

10 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 She is very clear about the situation in the local industry: “This scandal does not affect the girlUkrainian filmmakers at all. At least I don’t know of anything like that.”

THE FUTURE After stops and starts, Trofimenko has two projects in development. Firstly Yakiv, again a collaboration with Pronto Film, a Holo- domor story about a man who saved 2 800 people from the Stalin-created famine – a historical drama based on real events. She has no intention of infusing it with propa- ganda. “My main character is a Communist who renounces Communist ideology in the name of humanism. I like this very much about him, he doesn’t burn the party card and grab the trident, he doesn’t do -it cheap ly as many people do. He doesn’t jump from one ideology to another. He finds value not in ideologies, but in human life.” It was the first Ukrainian project to- be select ed in the professional script-development program Equinoxe in Bavaria, , Trofimenko says. “I had the opportunity to work on finalising the script with experts from around the world…America, Europe, Asia, Australia – they all agree this story must be told, they find it universal and- un derstandable to everyone, because it’s about confrontation.” Her second project, one she is still seeking funding for, is a story of redemption. “Luci- fer decides to return to the ‘light’ and become God’s favourite angel again as he was at the beginning of creation. To prove his inten- tions to God, Lucifer takes human form, that of an acclaimed and rich artist who travels to India for charity. It is in India he meets a very special human who seduces him.” There is lot more to come from this sil- ver-screen storyteller. Stay tuned.

ADVICE FROM THE STEELY TROFIMENKO When Trofimenko announced her intention to direct to her dad, his reaction was less than favourable. “Vika, go through the theatre credits and find at least one fe- male director named.” Her reply was curt. “‘I’ll be the first...’ Clearly I was not the first, but still, the film-direction landscape is still male dominated.” In September, she took her project Yakiv to Bavaria for a script workshop. “Of eight projects from around the world, there was only one author that was a woman – me and my Yakiv, the other seven projects were by men. They were surprised. We need to learn to claim some of this territory for women. It’s a challenge. And nothing is impossible. The main thing: do not stop, no matter how hard it is, the main thing is to continue, which is in a way the most difficult thing. Do not give up, try again and again, go on no matter what.” 11 What’s Important

THE SUCCESS OF A COUNTRY’S SOCIAL SERVICES ARE THE BACKBONE OF A TRULY DEMOCRATIC AND WELL- FUNCTIONING SOCIETY. WHILE UKRAINE HAS YET TO LIVE UP TO ITS POTENTIAL IN THIS AREA, ASSISTANSPOOLEN – A NEW SWEDISH- BASED COMPANY ABOUT TO OPEN ITS DOORS HERE IN KYIV – FILLS THE GAP.

Lana Nicole Niland

The Swedish model of social welfare is hard to beat. While taxes are high, so too is the country’s standard of living, entitling everyone to quality health care, family services, and other social benefits, regardless of income. For Carina Ryder and her family, the idea that she might be able to help Ukrainian families look after their loved ones with truly meaningful care is a “dream”.

A POOL OF POSSIBILITIES The Swedish island of Oland is where Carina and her sister Annette spent their childhood. An injury to her back since birth means Annette has used a wheel- chair for much of her life. Rather than Pooling Resources have her daughter placed in an institu- tion, the girls’ mother wanted Annette to have her own place. But she also wanted to have a say in who was going to help for a Better Life take care of her. “My whole family, created a home for my sister and three of her friends, who also children in November 2016. “We were to do is scan the code and the necessary had disabilities. They each had their own also able to visit the homes of some chil- tasks appear. And this will be the case for small apartment, with one shared space, dren – it was shocking. This one woman all employees – whether cleaner, nanny, and everyone had their own personal was living with her 21-year old disabled or personal assistant. assistant.” The process allowed Ryder’s daughter in a (communal space). To wash Ryder gets excited: “But there will be so mother the opportunity to get a real feel her, she had to carry her down the stairs much more! We will also have key lock for what the industry needed and what and wait for someone to help carry her boxes that require either a QR code or might still be lacking. Wanting to help back up. This to me was so hard.” fingerprint to unlock,” which makes the others make the transition and ensure a key for the premises available “We don’t certain standard of care, Assistanspoolen FILLING IN THE GAP want our staff compromised when they was formed. Over the last year, the group has been are travelling through the city,” she con- That was 24 years ago. Since then, the hard at work developing the business for tinues. “We want everyone to be safe and company has been taken over by Ryder Ukrainian clients, focusing on care for secure.” and her husband, and has grown to - in disabled persons, but also bringing in ser- At some point, Ryder wants to bring peo- vices for cleaning, nanny/daycare, and ple with disabilities on staff. For now, she elderly care. is happy to report that part of their pro- “We plan to take 4% of our turnover to use More than just a business, Assisstanspoo- ject is also non-profit. “We plan to take as non-profit services, so those who cannot len looks to create a completely different 4% of our turnover to use as non-profit - afford to pay can also be helped” approach to welfare, and not just con services, so those who cannot afford to cerning their clients – their staff as well. pay can also be helped.” “We offer training, called “The Life Though this is the first time this bussiness Leadership”. We believe that if we edu- model is implemented outside of Sweden, cate and take care of our staff, they will Ryder has big plans: “we want to move clude a client list of 76, and personal -as be proud of what they are doing” which into other cities of Ukraine. And then the sistants numbering more than 450. “We positively affects all involved. rest of the world!” have it really good in Sweden – we have Not only will staff treatment perfect inter- Locals who know about the project think, laws that mean everyone is taken care of, national standards, but the company’s op- “it’s amazing”, she says. “Those who have so I have this dream to help others,” says erational system is also quite impressive, the means send their loved ones abroad Ryder. which includes a unique QR code for to get the help and care they need. There The idea to start something here in Kyiv each individual client. When staff come will be a day soon when they can bring came after a visit to a centre for disabled in to clean, for example, all they need them home to get that same assistance.”

12 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

Live Music | January – February 2018

National Selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2018, First Semifinal 10 February at 18.00 Palace of Culture and Arts NTUU “KPI” (Pr Pobedy 37) 250-1 290 UAH www.ckm.kpi.ua

4 Positions Of Bruno (RU, electronic) 10 February at 19.00 AMOR APASIONADO Mezzanine (Nizhnyurkovskaya 31) FORGET ABOUT INSECTS Rico Sanchez (MK, flamenco, 250 UAH Crazy Town (US, rap rock) gypsy rumba) mezzaninekyiv 23 January at 19.00 14 February at 19.00 Bel’Etage (Shota Rustaveli 16a) Freedom Event Hall (Kyrylivska 134) SHADAZZ, Special guest Edison’s A couple of crazies from LA are headed This ardent maestro grabbed hold of a Garden (alternative rock, indie) for Kyiv this month – Bret “Epic” Ma- - guitar at 10-years old and has been play 11 February at 19.00 zur and Seth “Shifty” Binze are the boys ing his heart out ever since. Presenting Docker Pub (Bogatyrskaya 25) behind rap rock band Crazy Town, who, the fervour of Spanish flamenco to the 100-1 050 UAH in 2004, set the charts on fire with their Ukrainian capital, Rico Sanchez and his www.docker.com.ua single Butterfly. The song hit the top of charismatic voice will enchant with hits the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, which - Volare, Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba, and Ho Thomas Anders meant more than 1.5 million copies of tel California. Come and enjoy this gypsy (DE, pop, eurodance) album The Gift of Game sold. Now, with and his guitar. 13 February at 19.00 a new line-up, Crazy Town are bringing 500-1 500 UAH Palace of Ukraine (V Vasylkiyvksa 103) their new hip-hop metal rock mixes to the

www.freedomhall.com.ua 450-3 450 UAH Ukrainian capital – come, come my Kyiv! www.palace-ukraine.com 360-680 UAH www.etage.kiev.ua Street Jazz – Kusturica (jazz, blues) Mountain Breeze (pop, indie) 20 January at 19.00 14 February at 19.00 House of Architects (Hrinchenko 7) Bel’Etage (Shota Rustaveli 16a) 225-450 UAH 199-1 499 UAH

www.concert.ua/ru/eventpage/street- www.etage.kiev.ua jazz-kusturica

Bones (US, hip-hop, cloud rap) 21 January at 19.00 Bingo (Pr Pobedy 112) 800-1500 UAH www.bingo.ua

Irina Fedishin (pop) 21 January at 20.00 International Centre of Culture and Arts (Nebesnoi Sotni Alley 1) 330-1 200 UAH www.icca.kiev.ua

Hudaki Village Band (folk, pop) 26 January at 20.00 Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) 200-550 UAH www.caribbean.com.ua

Ray Collins Hot-Club (DE, jazz, swing) 3 February at 19.00 CALL OF AMORE win numerous awards, such as the Indie Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) 560-1 100 UAH Eve Cornelious (US, jazz) Award, the Jazz Composers Fellowship - www.caribbean.com.ua 14 February at 20.00 Award, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Perfor Vysotsky Gallery (Vozdvizhenskaya 40) mance Award, and more. Her racy voice YUKO (electropop, folk, house) Eve Cornelious is a star on the horizon will pierce the senses and melt the heart 9 February at 20.00 of a music style somewhat forgotten. De- of your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Bel’Etage (Shota Rustaveli 16a) veloping her own style, this New Jersey Don’t miss it. 249-490 UAH native made her debut at a televised vo- 1 200 UAH

www.etage.kiev.ua cal competition, and has since gone on to vysotsky.gallery

14 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Art & Family | January – February 2018

My Mountains Boychukism Exhibition of by Yuriy Musatov Exhibition of art 19 December – 27 January 7 December – 28 January Shcherbenko Art Centre (Mykhaykivska 22v) Mystetsky Arsenal (Lavrska 10-12) Free www.artarsenal.in.ua www.shcherbenkoartcentre.com Charisma of Iran Invisible Exhibition of Persian art Exhibition of works 1 December – 2 February by Mariya Prymachenko Khanenko Museum of Western and Oriental 21 December – 21 January Art(Tereshchenkivska 15-17) CHRISTMAS LIBRETTO National Museum +38 044 235 3290 Exhibition of sketches and (Shevchenko Blvd 12) decorations from ballets The www.museumshevchenko.org.ua Nutcracker, The Snow Queen, and others 3-31 January Homemade chocolate Sofia Kyivska National Museum (Volodymyr- master-class ska 24, building 3) 27 January at 11.00 You’ve undoubtedly enjoyed the de- Znayka family club lights of The Nutcracker and other holi- (Kostyantynivska 46/52) day favourites at the National Opera of 220 UAH Ukraine. To witness the way these ballets https://goo.gl/V8cnuI were decorated nearly a century ago, take time to take in this exhibition. It gives one Irish Music Family Concert and all the chance to peek under the cur- 28 January at 11.00 tain of great theatre mystery. BabyMazoart (Khmelnytskoho 7) /events/1774964145878531/ TASTY REMESLO CRAFT FESTIVAL 150 UAH Festival of culinary art /events/1975801359343018/ 27-28 January Atmosfera Trade Centre (Stolychne Shose 103) Winter is a time for long cosy evenings and tasty creations! If you still haven't quite found your calling regarding the latter, the Tasty Remeslo Craft Festival is a must – you’ll meet up with local Ukrain- ian farmers, their products, the latest in culinary trends and design ideas, culinary master classes, and the best part of all, taste tests! Make sure you set aside the whole weekend. DUO Free Exhibition of paintings by /events/592808231110751/ Mykhaylo Deyak and art-objects by Rudolf Burda () 25 January – 18 February The Snow is Coming to Town Voloshyn Gallery (Tereshchenkivska 13) Theatre play for kids SNOWTUBING IS FUN After presenting works last year by art- 27 January at 12.00 open-air entertainment program ists Mykhaylo Deyak and Rudolf Burda Bozha Korivka Theatre (Mykhaylivska 24) 15 – 30 January at an art-show in Basel, Switzerland, the 150 UAH Spivoche pole (Lavrska 33) Voloshyn Gallery invites lovers of art www.nut.kiev.ua to enjoy them here in Kyiv. Deyak with When was the last time you tried tobog- his deep and meditative landscapes on The Story of Kai and Gerda ganing? Take your kids – no matter big or small – and enjoy some fabulous winter canvas, and Burda sharing his infinity Opera for kids for minimalistic space-like art-objects of 27 January at 12.00 fun at Spivoche Pole! In addition to snowy glass and steel make up this drastic yet Kyiv Municipal Academic Theatre of Opera hills, you'll enjoy giant snow sculptures, an alluring exhibition. and Ballet for Kids (Mezhyhirska 2) exhibition of frozen flowers, and after all www.voloshyngallery.art the fun, warm yourself up in the onsite 30-150 UAH food court. www.musictheatre.kiev.ua 50 UAH City KhA Holiday Alchemy spivochepole Exhibition of artworks by artists from Kharkiv Performance for kids 16 December – 18 February 27 January at 10.00 National Art Museum (Hrushevskoho 6) State Toy Museum (Klovsky uzviz 8)

10-40 UAH 20 UAH

namu.kiev.ua /events/792653854279195/

15 WANT TO ATTEND KYIV’S ‘LOFTIEST’ THEATRE? HEAD UP TO THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE DOVZHENKO CENTRE, UKRAINE’S LARGEST FILM ARCHIVE, AND EXPLORE STAGE 6 – A PLATFORM FOR INDEPENDENT THEATRES AND EXPERIMENTAL PERFORMANCES. BIG SPACE. NO CURTAINS. FULL AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT.

Anna Azarova neither money, nor fame – they reflect their inner selves and communicate with audi- ences. Innovation encompasses the fourth ingre- New Stage dient. As independent theatre often can’t afford advanced technical equipment,- di rectors have to invent new approaches to A New Age of Ukrainian Theatre staging – both effective and impressive. I would add a fifth aspect typical of inde- Stage 6 (Scena 6) emerged within the walls ately reacting to what was going on in the pendent theatre – a democratic atmosphere of this former motion picture printing shop country and producing up-to-date stuff. and a focus on thought-provoking or even thanks to the efforts of four inspiring indi- “Theatre ought to be first of all socially scandalous plays, like Tom at the Farm. viduals – Oleksiy Ananov, project author oriented”, explains Ananov. “Even classics “Academic Ivan Franko or Lesia Ukrainka and presenter at 112 Ukraine; Yaroslava should address crucial issues facing us here theatres have long formed their audiences Kravchenko, Dykiy (Wild) Theatre found- and now.” from generation to generation. Our audi- er; Serhiy Perekrest, stage director; and Relevance comes second, as audiences tend ences – mainly 25- to 35-year olds – come Volodymyr Sheiko, director of arts at the to identify themselves with what unravels on from diverse backgrounds. They do not British Council. stage. “It should appeal personally, even if it have a vast theatre experience, but they do Launched in early September, Stage 6 is a Shakespeare’s play,” comments Ananov. made a ‘combat’ style debut. Right off the The play Vitalik is a good example. Vitalik top, it co-hosted GogolFest, Ukraine’s most is like a present-day Hamlet, a middle-aged “Theatre ought to be first influential festival. International and local man, who moves from Mariupil to Kyiv. He of all socially oriented” actors, dancers, and musicians showcased witnesses both Maidan revolutions, in 2004 their versatile talents to sold-out crowds. and in 2014. His personal and professional Soon after, it became a venue for yet anoth- life is a mess. Confused and tired, he sets off soul search. We want to build a community er important event – Taking the Stage, the on a journey of self-discovery. “When you of individuals who will contemplate what new British drama mini-festival. The space watch the play, you realise it refers to 70% they watch here and share their thoughts literally came to life and got a sense of -pur of your colleagues. It is about you and me,” with others,” says Ananov. pose – to bring together people and projects says Ananov. generating creative breakthroughs at an -in Based on facts, Our Schoolmates tells a story MULTI-GENRE ART CLUSTER tersection of different genres. about complicated Polish-Jewish relations Stage 6 boasts a large transformer-stage, in the 20th century. However, it is also about 300-seat hall, smaller hall, rehearsal rooms, INDEPENDENT THEATRE AS Ilovaisk, Slovyansk, Luhansk; it’s about far and lobby, with some facilities still under PHENOMENON right parties and LGBT representatives; renovation. The platform will also host a Unlike cinema or literature, theatre re- and it’s about a misunderstanding between choreography workshop and music corner, sponds to historical moments as they hap- individuals erupting into a national-level and be part of a big cultural cluster based on pen, in fact it is one of its key features. In conflict. the Dovzhenko Centre, accommodating the the wake of the Euromaidan protests, Plivka art space, Uho music agency, Black independent (non-state) theatre became SMALLER PARTS OF A LARGE WHOLE Box media art school, a photo school, and noticeable to rival contemporary art that Passion is the third component. Sometimes bookstore. The Cinema Museum and Mul- previously dominated public attention. The independent theatre hires amateurs who timedia library will be launched in future. reason was simple – theatre was immedi- lack skills but act with passion. They chase Currently, Stage 6 cooperates with Dykiy Theatre and Serhiy Perekrest, as well as the Theatre Union of Artists, Writers, Aсtors, CHECK OUT THESE UPCOMING PERFORMANCES AT STAGE 6 and Musicians. “We have just started. We would like to partner with other independ- For Love (performance) 18 January ent Kyiv-based groups like Misanthrope, Joy Division (concert performance) 19 January Teatr Pereselentsya (Theatre of Displaced Tom at the Farm (play) 22 January People), and Theatre Practicum, as well as Turkestan–SiberianRailway exciting projects in Kharkiv and ,” Ana- (musical film-performance) 25 January nov explains. Bread (musical film-performance) 26 January Above all, however, Stage 6 is establishing Kill (toxic thriller) 27 January strong relationships between audiences and Our Schoolmates (play) 28 January, 25 February performers to make true theatre happen. Oxygen (play) 31 January, 14 February Viy2.0 10 February Stage 6 Transformation Coefficient (contemporary dance) 5 March Dovzhenko Centre (Vasylkivska 1) FB scene6

16 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Theatre/Classical Music | January – February 2018

UKRAINIAN BALLAD UNDER THE Forest Song SPOTLIGHT 3D ballet, OSDC modern Marusya Churai (poetic drama, choreography theatre premiere) 2 February at 20.00 9 and 10 February at 19.00 Kyiv Planetarium (V Vasylkivska 57/3) Kyiv National Operetta Theatre 150-350 UAH (V Vasylkivska 53/3) www.planet.org.ua For the first time ever, Kyiv’s -Oper etta Theatre stages Marusya Churai – a The Fourth Sister historical novel in verse by major contem- Black comedy in 2 acts porary Ukrainian poet and writer, Lina 10 February at 19.00 Kostenko. The epic and lyrical poem is Kyiv Academic Molodyi Theatre (Prorizna 17) considered an artistic encyclopaedia of 100-300 UAH the Ukrainian people living in the 17th www.molodyytheatre.com century. The performance, or rather a poetic drama, conveys the spirit of the Music of Hearts epoch through authentic music and song. Festive show Grab tickets to attend the premiere – a 14 February at 19.00 relevant performance responding to the Kyiv National Operetta Theatre demands of our modern society. (V Vasylkivska 53/3) 40-350 UAH 50-500 UAH www.operetta.com.ua www.operetta.com.ua

Push Up 1-3 – Under Pressure Maria. Tangus Dei Love Stories for Adults Chamber play Mystery in tango rhythm based on the Cabaret-comedy 19 January at 19.00 Piazzolla operetta 14 February at 19.00 New Drama Theatre at Pechersk 26 January at 19.00 House of Officers (Mykhaila Hrushevskoho 30/1) (Nemyrovycha-Danchenka 5) National Philharmonic of Ukraine 150-450 UAH 120 UAH (Volodymyrskyi Descent 2) central.house.of.officers www.newtheatre.kiev.ua 70-250 UAH filarmonia.com.ua Silent Film and Jazz Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights with score Girl with a Teddy Bear, or the by Ukrainian pianist Pavel Ignatyev Adolescent 23 January at 19.00 Love without taboo in 2 acts, premiere House of Architects (Hrinchenka 7) 26 and 27 January at 19.00 200-300 UAH Kyiv Academic Drama Theatre on Podil (new www.kiev.karabas.com stage, Andriivskyi Descent 20b) 120-500 UAH www.theatreonpodol.com

What Is Your Name? Subtle French comedy 28 January at 19.00 Kyiv Conservatory (Arkhitektora Horodetskoho 1-3/11) NEW AGE MAGIC 180-530 UAH The Illusionists (international, www.knmau.com.ua magic production) WANT A GOOD LAUGH? 7-11 February at 16.00, 18.00, IMPROV Workshop in English La Vida Es Asi 19.00, and 20.00 (improvisation theatre) Tango De Verdad Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103) 21 and 28 January at 13.00 29 January at 19.00 This story began on Broadway with a per- ProEnglish Hub (3 Smolenska) Kyiv National Operetta Theatre formance showcasing tricks of the seven Improvisational comedy and real life (V Vasylkivska 53/3) greatest wizards on earth. Each of them have much more in common than it 200-600 UAH rivalling Harry Potter, their brain-blow- might seem. The outer world shifts on www.operetta.com.ua ing stunts and sophisticated acts of levi- a daily basis to challenge us with unex- tation and disappearance challenge the pected twists, turns, and tangles. If you Most Wanted Show laws of physics and make audiences of all want to win a game ruled by spontaneity, Gangster style performance, Kyiv Jazz ages drop their jaws in wonder. For years, unleash your creative powers through im- Theatre the show has been breaking box office- re provisation. No script, no preparation, no 1 February at 19.30 cords around the globe. Contemporary clue – you are the master of the moment. European Theatre Centre Krakow aesthetics and fabulous costumes lend a Remember, the best things in life are not (Rusanivska Naberezhna 12) theatrical flavour to the miraculous -pro always planned! 100-150 UAH duction. 250 UAH (150 UAH for current Pro- etc.krakiv 590-3 590 UAH Englishers) www.palace-ukraine.com www.proenglishtheatre.com

17 Night Life | January – February 2018

Dance & Cocktail (Svitlo Project) 27 January at 20.00 The Park (Parkova 16a) 250 UAH www.svitloconcert.com

Velvet Seasons & The Hearts Of Gold (UK) 2 February at 23.59 Haze (Reitarskaya 16) call to enquire hazehairdressingbar

Zenker Brothers (DE, break) 3 February at 23.55 Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska St 31) call to enquire closerkiev

FRENCH DJ DUDE Ray Collins’ HOT CLUB: Juicy David Guetta (FR, DJ, electronic) Beats Party #7 28 January at 19.00 3 February at 19.00 International Exhibition Centre (Brovarskiy Pr 15) Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) David Guetta is rightfully considered one of the most popular and authoritative electronic 560 – 1 100 UAH musicians on the modern stage. The two time Grammy Award winner has remained in +38 067 224 4111 the British magazine DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs for the last decade. Stars literally stand in line to work with him as a music producer, and he has collaborated with artists such as David Super Flu (Monaberry, Germany) Bowie, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and many more. 3 February at 23.59 This is a big deal for Kyiv – don’t miss out. CHI by Decadence House (Parkova 16a, Kyiv) 999 – 11 999 UAH call to enquiry goo.gl/Q2e8Lh +38 067 488 2013

Jazz at Closer. Session #132 Betoko (MX) Caribbean Jazz Dinner Show: 18 January at 20.00 26 January at 23.00 Freedom Jazz Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska St 31) Skybar (Arena City, V Vasylkivska 5) 8 February at 20.00 150 UAH call to enquiry Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) closerkiev +38 044 223 8888 1 590 – 3 900 UAH +38 067 224 4111 Republik Dom 44 20 January at 23.00 27 January at 22.00 Alden Tyrell (NL) Otel (Nizhnoyurkivska 31) Regenschirm (Khoyvaya 25) 9 February at 23.59 call to enquire call to enquire Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska St 31) otelleto regenschirmbar call to enquire closerkiev Kyiv Vogueing Nights Vol 3 Magdalena (Diynamic, DE) 20 January at 21.00 27 January at 23.59 Steve Bug (DE) K.Point (Hlybochytska 72) CHI by Decadence House (Parkova 16a, Kyiv) 10 February at 23.59 129 – 209 UAH call to enquiry Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska St 31) kpointplace +38 067 488 2013 call to enquire closerkiev Voloshyn/Vaschenko 20 January at 23.00 Vstavka Techno 001 (T Shevchenko 4B) FEEL THESE DRUMZ 10 February at 23.00 100 UAH (D’N’B PART VOL3) Otel (Nizhnoyurkivska 31) ffspace 19 January at 23.00 call to enquire Around (Lesi Ukrainky 28V) otelleto 80s and 90s Diskoteka Kick off 2018 right with Kyiv’s first 21 January at 22.00 drum’n’bass party, featuring Panton Lama Freedom (Kyrylivska 134) from Poland. Locals Strictly, Slimjah, 14 February at 20.00 350 UAH and FTDZ will be on hand to help out, Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) www.fredomhall.com.ua and ensure the party stays on track. Only 390 – 1 160 UAH 18+ allowed into this jam session. Come +38 067 224 4111 House Authority prepared to dance ‘til morning. Over 26 January at 23.00 and out. Indigo Project (Kudryashova 3) call to enquire call to enquire lumberroom.dnb indigo.ambitious

18 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Festivals/Film/Sport | January – February 2018

The Shape of Water (2017, adventure, fantasy) At a top-secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature being held in captivity. 20-21, 27-28 January Zhovten (Kostyantynivska 26) 70-100 UAH www.zhovten-kino.kiev.ua

Tuesday Evenings at Cinema Citi English language movies show every Tuesday at Cinema Citi in Ocean Plaza. USYK IN WORLD BOXING SUPER New and old titles alike feature. Popcorn SERIES SEMIS + the silver screen = a good outing. 27 January 19:00 Every Tuesday at 19.00 Arena in Riga, Latvia Cinema Citi (Ocean Plaza, Antonovycha 176) Ukraine’s undefeated 2012 Olympic 120 UAH champion and current WBO cruiser- www.cinemaciti.ua weight champion (13- 0-0, 11 KOs) will take another step in Charlie Chaplin Silent Films & unifying the crowns when Jazz Program BRITISH THEATRE IN CINEMA he meets Latvia’s Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs) in Riga on 27 January in a World Architect’s House (Grinchenka 7) In original language with Ukrainian Boxing Super Series semi-final. Designed 200-300 UAH subtitles to unify the belts in boxing’s cruiserweight www.kinopanorama.com.ua Kiev Kino (V. Vasylkivska 19) and super middleweight classes, the event 175 UAH features many of the divisions’ top fight- The Circus www.kievkino.com.ua ers. In addition to becoming the division’s The famed silent comedy by Charlie undisputed world champion, the tourna- Chaplin Yerma ment winner receives the Muhammad Ali 30 January (based on Federico García Lorca novel) 23 January Trophy and a cool $10 million USD.

City Lights www.worldboxingsuperseries.com Romantic comedy written, produced, di- A Woman of No Importance rected, and starring Chaplin (based on Oscar Wilde novel) 13 February 6 February CSKA Kyiv – Ukrainian Men’s SuperLeague Handball 17 January at 17:00 vs. Donbas 31 January at 17:00 vs. Motor Walrusfest Zaporizhiye Fun in the snow! 10 February at 17:00 vs. Portovik 19-20 January Kyiv Sports Lyceum (Heroes of Sevastopol 37) X-Park (Moskovskiy Bridge) Free www.xpark.kiev.ua www.handball.net.ua

Respublicafest Budivelnyk Kyiv – Ukrainian Music and Street Art Fest SuperLeague Basketball 3-4 February 18 January vs. Kharkiv Polytechnic K.Point (Hlybochytska 72) 20 January vs. Dnepr 100-250 UAH 15 February vs. Mykolaiv kpointplace Kyiv Palace of Sports (Sportivna Pl 1) www.budivelnyk.ua Aperitif 3-4 February Ukraine National Basketball Vsi Svoi (Desyatyna 12) Team – European Championship Entrance: FREE Qualification vsi.svoi= 10 February vs. Spain Kyiv Palace of Sports (Sportivna Pl 1) Kyiv Battle 2018 Ukrainian Fashion Week 60 – 500 UAH Crossfit Challenge FW 18-19 /events/1504701119643975 3-4 February 3-8 February AKKO International Exhibition Centre Mystetskiy Arsenal (Lavrska 10-12) (Pr Pobedy 40b) by invitation only call to enquire ukrainianfashoinweek Kyivbattle.org

19 What’s Ahead

BE WARY Nothing But Thieves (UK, alternative rock) 10 April at 20.00 Bel’Etage (Shota Rustaveli 16a) They have no problems with the law. The only thing they may steal is your atten- tion, which, after the first song you hear, will be easily be all theirs. The five-man English band from Essex plays a fabulous selection of melodic modern rock. At the same time, the powerful voice of the lead vocalist Conor Mason puts a sensual and tangible value into their songs. Bringing their newest albumBroken Machine to Kyiv this spring, this will be the second time CAN YOU FEEL THE RHYTHM? they grace the Ukrainian capital. The Sukhishvili Georgian National first saw them partying together with our Ballet (GE, national dance) own The Hardkiss as well as The Kills, 7–11 March at 19.00 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103) NO WINKS U-Park fest in 2016. Since its inception, this ensemble has White Nights Festival 790 – 2 200 UAH performed to more than 90 million peo- 15-17 June concert.ua ple across the globe, unfailingly receiving Art Zavod Platforma (Belomorskaya 1) thunderous applause whenever they go. Music, light, art installations, five dance- Rightfully called ‘a hurricane on stage’, floors, and your favourite cocktails – it’s ‘unrivalled phenomenon’, and ‘the eighth all part and parcel of one of this sum- wonder of the world’, these hot-tempered mer’s hottest events. Featuring all of the Georgian dancers return to Kyiv to show sounds of a sizzling summer, from disco off their incredible footwork coupled with to drum’n’bass, some of Europe’s biggest pulsing energy and national charisma. and best DJs are lining up to keep you on Don’t miss the mind-blowing Sukhish- your feet until 10.00! Stay tuned for more. vili Georgian National Ballet, featuring Must be 18 to enter. Prepare not to sleep 100 dancers, 2 500 flamboyant costumes, a wink. and one powerful orchestra with unique 549 UAH instruments. concert.ua 200 – 1 750 UAH palace-ukraine.com

SURE TO BE GOOD FILL UP BEFORE LENT Dynamo to face AEK Athens in Maslyana in Ancient Kyiv Europa League Playoffs 17-18 February 22 February at 20:05 Kyiv Rus Park (Kopachiv village, Obukhiv Olympic Stadium (V Vasylkivska 55) region) Dynamo looks to pick up where they left Ukrainians love winter and its holidays off when the Europa League resumes with and even have a farewell party for the a Round of 32 tie against AEK Athens BOOK ARSENAL cold season, called Maslyana. On this on 15 and 22 February. Kyiv controlled Book fair-market day, we say goodbye to winter and be- Group B with a 4-1-1 record, while Ath- 30 May-3 June gin the countdown to Easter. Head out ens managed only a single win in six fix- Mystetskiy Arsenal (Lavrska 10-12) to Kyiv Rus Park, just 50 or so km from tures (1-5-0). Led by Europa League lead- Book Arsenal is one of the annual key Kyiv, where you’ll be invited to ride hors- ing scorer Junior Moraes (6), Europe’s cultural events in Kyiv, attracting more es, fill your belly with mlintsi and other 26th-ranked club has been a goal-scoring than 50 000 visitors to Mystetskiy Arsenal national dishes, and dance and be enter- machine, averaging 2.5 a game. They will every year. And it’s not about books only tained around the fire. With the recrea- like their chances against a No. 37-ranked – the five-day program includes public tion of the Kyiv Rus fortress as backdrop, Athens side that has netted only six times talks, lectures, art exhibitions, concerts, the weekend is sure to be very special. in six games. This will be the first time the and theatre performances. The event is 100-200 UAH two sides meet. Get your tickets early as usually hosted by several world-famous parkkyivrus.com this game will likely sell out. writers, so be sure to mark the dates in 35 – 800 UAH your calendar – you’ll want to be part of it. fcdynamo.kiev.ua artarsenal.in.ua

20 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

What’s On Means Business

Are you perpetuating corruption? Is it ‘bizness’ as usual in your business? Getting on the list was achieved by paying relative who is a residential real estate ‘ex- Realtor with more than 20 years of expe- someone in the bank a substantial amount pert’ and the task of sourcing residential rience in Ukraine, Terry Pickard, shares his of cash. The scam then usually went some- real estate is passed to that individual. The thoughts. thing like this: you pay the accreditor to embassy pays the agent a normal fee for get accredited, then anybody applying for this type of service, probably 50% of one LOOK AT HOME a loan must use a valuer from the accredit- month’s rent. The agent then pays 50% of Back in the day, it was common practice in ed list. On the other side, the valuer is then this fee back to the embassy employee who grocery stores for sugar to be sold damp to paid by the potential borrower to inflate engaged them. It’s not complicated, but it’s increase the weight. Or, for the scales to be the value of the loan collateral by 20% (or probably more prevalent than you think. ‘fixed’ to add weight, with the surplus sold more). as ‘specials’ for birthdays, weddings, and so In 2009, when the property market really BUSINESS – THE REAL HONEYPOT on. This was ‘bizness’ – an expression that turned sour, many banks were faced with a International companies operating in continues to this day. Corruption is not ex- significant problem: if an original value was Ukraine typically have local staff who are clusive to this part of the world and certain- 100, but the stated value was 120, and the long term, whereas expat management get ly exists elsewhere. The difference is that bank had loaned 70% of the inflated- ap rotated after three to five year assignments. in more recent times, much of the western praised value of 120, the actual loan amount The result can be a sort of internal mafia world has taken steps to defeat it. was 84, but when actual prices dropped by who keep control of certain matters inside While major western institutions repeated- 40%, the real collateral value was just 60. the company. ly and justifiably complain about Ukraine’s In real estate terms, a scam can occur when failure to address this issue with any forti- FRIENDS OF THE EMBASSY? a company needs to relocate their offices and tude, there are some institutions in Ukraine Generally, acquisition or leasing of embassy usually works like this: a tender for relocation that, may be inadvertently, naively, or un- premises are handled by special represent- services is issued to several real estate agen- willingly perpetuating corruption within atives who directly represent their govern- cies and bids are received in response. The their own organisations. ments, so there is little to no opportunity for company official responsible then reviews the Here’s a few ways to check. ‘fiddling’ in this area. However, leases for offers and suggests a specific agent to lower residential accommodation for diplomats their price just enough to win the “tender” WESTERN BANK MANAGERS: are often handled by local embassy staff, and the informative insider is given a bonus CHECK OPERATIONS and so for this particular sector the situation for their help. This used to be the norm for all Until recently, many local banks worked can be somewhat different. government related tenders. To combat such with just a small list of accredited valuers. If a scam does exist in these circumstances, practices, a transparent tender system called it usually occurs in this fashion: the relevant ProZorro was introduced, but these practices person in the embassy often has a friend or are still sadly common in private business.

Taxation of Foreigners in Ukraine Everlegal knows their stuff. In recent years idential/commercial property) and type of TAXATION OF A REGISTERED the number of foreign individuals doing transaction (eg, sale, gift, etc). INDIVIDUAL ENTREPRENEUR’S business and making foreign investments in BUSINESS INCOME Ukraine has increased. In this article they EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS Foreign individuals registered as individu- look at key aspects of taxation for expats in If a foreigner hires Ukrainian taxpay- al entrepreneurs under Ukrainian law are Ukraine in the context of real estate trans- ers, he or she must calculate and deduct treated as residents. Individual entrepre- actions, employment, and taxation of regis- from an individual’s salary their income neurs can be taxed on their business income tered individual entrepreneurs. tax at the rate of 18% and military tax under a regular taxation model or the sim- of 1.5%, as well as pay such amount to plified taxation model. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS the overall budget. They also have to pay The simplified model is more common for Taxation of foreign individuals in real estate to the budget a single social contribution individual entrepreneurs and takes into ac- transactions depends on whether one is a of 22% on top of salary (subject to a stat- count four taxation groups to be chosen by seller or a purchaser. For example, on the utory cap). The relevant reporting must an individual entrepreneur subject to meet- sale of residential real estate the seller has be filed with the tax authority. The same ing certain criteria (basically, number of to pay state duty in the amount of 1% of rules apply to a foreign individual hired hired employees and/or turnover). For ex- the purchase price. In addition, the seller has under Ukrainian law (those employed un- ample, the most flexible and frequently used to pay personal income tax to the amount der a work permit and having a tax iden- is the third group, and is for individuals with of 18% and military tax to the amount of tification number). income up to 5 million UAH. The income 1.5% of the purchase price. Personal in- Expats who are tax residents in Ukraine is taxed at 3% if the entrepreneur is a VAT come tax and military tax are not paid if (1) can benefit from a network of double tax payer and at 5% if not. In addition, such en- the property is owned by the seller less than treaties (DTTs) to which Ukraine is party. trepreneur must pay a single social contribu- three years, and (2) during the year a person DTTs can allow reduction of the amount tion of 22% of the statutory minimum wage sold no more than one piece of real estate. of annual tax in Ukraine by relevant tax (819.06 UAH or approximately EUR 28). The purchaser has to pay pension fund duty paid abroad. For this, a person needs to re- It’s not simple. But it’s getting there. to the amount of 1% of the purchase price. ceive a certificate regarding the amount of The taxation rules may also differ depend- tax paid as well as the basis and/or object ing on the type of real estate (eg land or res- of taxation.

22 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

The British Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (BUCC)

The British Ukrainian Chamber of Com- presence of the Mayor of Lviv, Lviv City on the BUCC’s proposed major exhibition merce (BUCC)1 brings together British, and officials, BUCC members, of Tkachenko paintings to be shown in Ukrainian, and international companies and Lviv business leaders, at which the Min- leading museums in Kyiv, London, Paris, and individuals doing business in Ukraine istry of Infrastructure made a presentation. New York, Chicago, and Toronto (discussed or the UK, including in the City of Lon- further below under CSR). don, the financial capital of Europe, the Receptions and dinners with Profes- Middle-East, and Africa. We provide in- sor James Rubin for the BUCC Tk- Ukrainian Week in London and depth information on business, commerce, achenko Art Project Ukrainian IT Days in the UK trade, and culture in Ukraine and the UK For 2018, the BUCC is organising Ukraini- to assist our members and others interested an Week in London and Ukrainian IT Days in business opportunities in Ukraine and in the UK to promote trade, investment, the UK, hold regular meeting with inter- and cultural exchange between Ukraine esting speakers, and conduct a wide variety and the UK. of other activities, including those described below. The BUCC also supports the Com- MONTHLY NETWORKING monwealth of Nations, formerly known as RECEPTIONS the British Commonwealth. In Kyiv, the BUCC holds monthly recep- tions on the last Wednesday of each month SPECIAL EVENTS Last month, the BUCC held exhibitions (except in December, when it is mid-month) During the past year, we held a number of and receptions on the Ukrainian Impres- at leading hotels, restaurants, and other in- special events. sionist artist Mykhailo Tkachenko. The first teresting venues, like the Hyatt, Fairmont, event was held in Lviv, at the Lviv National and Hilton. Pictures and short press releases A Reception and Dinner for the offi- Museum of Art, followed by dinner at the on all BUCC events can be found on our cial isit of President Poroshenko to Leopolis Hotel Dining Room. The event web site (www.bucc.com.ua) and the BUCC the UK then moved to the Hyatt Hotel Ballroom Facebook Page. In 2018, we will be holding This event was held last April at the Armour- in Kyiv which ended with dinner in the regular meetings in London and Lviv, and ers Hall in London between the President Hyatt’s London Room. later in 2018, in Odesa. and senior officials from his administration Professor James Rubin, one of the world’s and members of the BUCC. The President leading experts on Impressionism and the COMMITTEES AND PROJECTS gave an excellent review of Ukraine’s recent author of the principal study of Manet and The BUCC focuses on facilitating the de- achievements to recover from the sharp eco- over 60 other books and important arti- velopment of major projects to address im- nomic decline resulting from the conflict in cles (his biography is in Wikipedia), spoke portant needs for Ukraine. eastern Ukraine, resolve the banking crisis, at these events as well as at three leading lower inflation, solve the VAT problem, de- Ukrainian universities. The exhibition at Brexit velop the army, etc. A number of potential the Hyatt’s Ballroom specially featured 20 The BUCC’s Brexit Committee is study- major new projects for Ukraine were dis- paintings by Tkachenko that are privately ing how best to react to Brexit (the existing cussed over dinner, which should significant- held and are not otherwise generally availa- of the UK from the EU) so as to develop ly benefit the Ukrainian economy. ble for public viewing. Professor Rubin con- further trade between Great Britain and The luncheon was held on 23 June this year tinues to advise the BUCC on its proposed Ukraine when the DCFTA with the EU to open the Lviv Alpha Jazz Festival, in the book on Tkachenko (with Korners Art) and ceases to apply for the UK. The BUCC believes that because the UK imports more than half of its food, it should be in favour of expanding food imports from Ukraine, unlike the EU, which severely restricted such imports in the DCFTA to protect EU farmers. Consequently, as a major food exporter and for other reasons, Ukraine should be a major beneficiary from Brexit.

Political/Conflict Risk Insurance Ukraine needs greater availability of po- litical/conflict risk insurance, so that such political/conflict risk does not continue to deter foreign investment into Ukraine. The BUCC’s proposal is based on increasing

advertising feature advertising the level of political/conflict risk insurance Annual BUCC Luncheon in Lviv available from the World Bank’s MIGA, just as has been done, for the same reason,

24 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 for the West Bank and Gaza. for Ukraine and certain Ukrainian cities ations, such as where a foreign law (e.g. Eng- Legal/Judicial Ombudsman to show potential UK tourists the excellent lish law) governs a cross-border contract, as For Ukraine’s judicial reform and anti-cor- sites, restaurants, and hotels Ukraine has to is so often the case. ruption programs to actually help pro- offer. (2) Scholarships to the UK tect UK and other foreign investors into We are developing a scholarship pro- Ukraine, Ukraine needs a Legal/Judicial CORPORATE SOCIAL gramme to send Ukrainian students to Ombudsman, as was developed by Sweden RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PROGRAMME study at UK universities for graduate busi- when corruption in the Swedish courts was The BUCC presently has the following ness and law studies. We are presently seek- a problem in the early 1900s. The BUCC’s CSR projects. ing sponsors to fund scholarships at Cam- proposal would allow all litigants in Ukraine bridge and Oxford. to take court decisions that constitute an LAW REFORM abuse of justice to this Legal/Judicial Om- Our law reform/foreign investment protec- Art Promotion/Ukrainian Impressionism budsman for immediate review. This does tion project to improve Ukrainian legisla- As noted above, the BUCC is organising an not preclude judges responsible for such tion is presently focused on exhibition of paintings of Ukrainian im- abusive decisions, who would be investigat- (1) curing the problem due to special (and pressionist Michael Tkachenko to be shown ed for presumed corruption (this would be unnecessary) drafting requirements that in Kyiv and London, and then in New York, different from lustration that is not based on makes over 60 per cent of agricultural land Paris, Chicago, and Toronto. Tkachenko, the actual judicial misbehavior of judges). leases currently invalid (the BUCC’s pro- in the period 1890-1910, was considered posal to repeal the legislation that caused one of the leading impressionists in Paris. PORT/RAIL CONTAINER TRAFFIC this problem starting in 2008 was adopted He had, for example, major exhibitions at The BUCC’s Transportation Committee in 2016, so land leases executed since 2016 the Grand Palais in Paris, and his paintings is focused on its project to facilitate moving are valid, but the BUCC’s proposal to pre- received medals at major exhibitions. How- containers from Asia through Ukraine to vent land leases executed between 2008 and ever, after Ukraine was overrun by the Bol- Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and Scandina- 2016 from being voided due to this problem sheviks in 1921, he was forgotten by west- via. This was a principal focus of the discus- still needs to be adopted); ern art historians. The BUCC is leading the sions with the President at the BUCC’s din- (2) curing problems due to certain Ukraini- project to restore Tkachenko’s reputation ner for his official visit to London last April. an Supreme Court rulings that a land lease as a leading Impressionist, which should registration can be voided for relatively mi- thereby generally improve the recognition IRRIGATION FARMING nor problems (the relevant case law is incon- abroad of Ukrainian artists and of Ukraine. The BUCC’s Agriculture Committee is sistent); and focused on providing for greater irrigation (3) correcting the currently proposed draft Digitalisation Project to address the problem that crop yields in Limited Liability Law, to, for example, We have a project to digitise ancient southern Ukraine are decreasing due to more appropriately protect minority inves- Ukrainian books held at foreign libraries, to increasing drought from climate change. tors from being coercively removed. make this part of digital- This has also has an effect on the Oleshky ly accessible to Ukrainians. Sands, one of Europe’s largest deserts locat- Anti-Corruption and Anti-Corporate ed in Kherson Oblast, which have become Raiding Program SPORTS even larger, and risks damaging soil quality Following up on our previous conferenc- We actively promote sports, including crick- and yields throughout southern Ukraine. In es on the British Bribery Act, the Law of et and golf (with a programme with the connection with this, the BUCC is working Ukraine “On the Prevention of Corrup- Kyiv Golf Club, Kyiv’s leading golf course). on a proposal to exempt, from the current tion”, the US FCPA and other anti-corrup- moratorium on the sale of agricultural tion laws and their application in Ukraine, THE BUCC E-CARD for DISCOUNTS land, the sale of land in designated drought we continue to hold meetings and distribute The BUCC’s new membership E-Card destressed areas to farmers who commit to information on compliance with anti-cor- system provides substantial (5% to 50%) spending the required significant amounts ruption laws. In 2018, we will be holding discounts for our members at leading - res on equipment to irrigate this land. conferences focused on changes in an- taurants, hotels, shops, and other estab- ti-corruption law compliance practices. We lishments in Kyiv, London, Lviv, Odesa, THE OSBB PROJECT also continue to make proposals to combat Kharkiv, and elsewhere. (Members should The BUCC’s Real Estate Committee ear- corporate raiding, such as to oblige enforce- be able to more than cover their member- lier obtained significant changes to the ment officials to provide advance notice of ship cost through these discounts.) implementation of OSBB laws and regu- most enforcement actions and have prior lations (please see our previous KyivPost judicial endorsement for most coercive JOIN THE BUCC FOR 2018 article on this2). We are now organising an measures, and to limit or regulate better To join the BUCC, please contact Natalia internet “clearing house” at our website so such actions that may affect the ability of a Dobrovolska or Maria Atamanyuk at +38 that business to continue its operations. (044) 490-6000 or +38 (044) 278-1000 or (1) different OSBBs can compare their ex- by email to Bate Toms, Chairman, at buc- periences managing their buildings; and EDUCATION: (2) details on the relative performance of (1) Bringing Foreign LLM Programs suppliers of services and goods for buildings to Ukraine and their apartments can be posted for all The BUCC is endeavouring to attract to see. UK and certain other foreign LLM pro- 1The BUCC was originally established in 1997 by its founders under the grammes to law schools at Ukrainian auspices of the Ukrainian Embassy in London and the UK Department of Trade and Industry to promote trade and investment between the United TOURISM PROMOTION universities, so that more Ukrainian law Kingdom and Ukraine. Our founder members include AON Group Ltd., B.C. Toms & Co, British Petroleum plc, De La Rue plc, First Ukrainian The BUCC’s Tourism Committee pro- students have an opportunity to study for- International Bank, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Procter and Gamble, Shell International Ltd, Thomas and Adamson, Ukraine International Airlines motes tourism between the UK and eign and international private law relevant and Unilever plc. 2https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/business-wire/the-develop- Ukraine, and is presently aimed at obtain- to international business transactions. This ing-crisis-for-the-owners-of-multi-apartment-buildings-in-ukraine-due-to- the-1-july-2016-deadline-for-their-building-management-arrangements- ing UK destination tourism PR services will help prepare Ukrainian lawyers for situ- to-be-in-place-411617.html

25 What’s the Score 2018 Winter Olympics WHO TO WATCH, WHERE TO WATCH, WHEN’S IT ON – HERE’S YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE A Viewer’s Guide TO UKRAINE AT THE 2018 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES IN and Maksim Nikitin in the ice dance. PYEONGCHANG, SOUTH KOREA. Hnychenkova is likely a good bet for a top Lee Reaney five finish. While events in its northern neighbour have Competition dates: 9, 11-12, 14-17, 19- carried the headlines for much of the last 21, 23, 25 February year, South Korea will have the world’s fo- cus in February as the world’s best athletes FREESTYLE SKIING – 1 MAN, – and Ukraine’s finest – head to Pyeong- 2 WOMEN Chang for the 23rd Olympic Winter Games. Likely Ukraine’s best chance at a medal Ukraine thrives at the summer editions. outside , Oleksandr Abramenko Outside of biathlon, however, Ukrainian and Olga Polyuk return after their top winter athletes are hardly medal threats. For 10 performances in Sochi. After finishing good reason: fully half of Ukraine’s Olym - sixth at his third Winter Games in 2014, pic budget is spent on its biathletes (€17.9 Abramenko became the first Ukrainian to million), and that paid off in 2014 when win the World Cup in any freestyle disci- the women’s biathlon team captured only pline in 2014-15, winning the season title the second Winter Olympic gold medal in in aerials. Ukraine’s post-independence history. The Competition dates: 9, 11-12, 15-23 entire team is returning to the Olympics ALPINE SKIING – 1 MAN, 1 WOMAN February this year, and with three skiers in the top 10 Ukraine has never produced a truly elite of the world cup standings, the team stands alpine skier, but if you love the sport and LUGE – 4 MEN, 1 WOMAN a good chance of repeating their previous are looking to cheer for the home grown, Newcomer Anton Dukach will join success. check out Ivan Kovbasniuk and either Ukraine’s experienced luge team of Ole- Tanya Tikun or Olga Knysch. na Shkhumova (2014), Oleksandr Obo- It’s just not our thing: Ukraine has only Competition dates: 11-15, 17-18, 21- lonchyk (2014), and Roman Zakharkiv ever medalled in two Olympic sports – biathlon 24 February (2010, 2014) as they look to improve on and figure skating. The country has only won their 11th place finish in 2014. seven medals in six Winter Games. Ukraine’s BIATHLON – 5 MEN, 6 WOMEN Competition dates: 10-15 February only Winter Olympic champions are Oksana Approximately one quarter of all of Baiul (1994 figure skating) and the women’s Ukraine’s 2018 Olympians are biathletes NORDIC COMBINED – 1 MAN biathlon team (2014). The only Ukrainian man and the women look set to shine. Mark Viktor Pasichnyk will return for his second to ever win a Winter Olympic medal is Ruslan 22 February (13.15 – 14.45) in your cal- Winter Games to wave the blue and yel- Goncharav – a bronze in ice dance with Elena endar as the women’s team of Vita and low banner in this discipline that combines Grushina at the 2006 Winter Games. Valj Semerenko, Olena Pidhrushna, and cross-country skiing with ski jumping. Yuliia Dzhima again look to become Competition dates: 14, 20, 22 February With qualification events still pending, the women’s relay champions. Also, watch Ukrainian team is not yet confirmed. Still, for Vita to be awarded her silver med- SKELETON – 1 MAN approximately 40 of Ukraine’s best will be al from 2014, after the silver-medalist Kyiv’s 19-year-old skeleton phenom Vla- in Korea. Other than biathlon, keep your Russian was disqualified from the Sochi dyslav Heraskevych will make his Olym- eyes on Ukraine’s figure skaters and aerials Games for doping. pic debut in PyeongChang. He currently skiers, who have outside chances of land- Competition dates: 10-12, 14-15, 17- sits in 24th in the IBSF World Cup. ing on the podium. Overall, Ukraine will 18, 20, 22-23 February Competition dates: 15-17 February compete in nine sports. See below for who, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING – 2 MEN, where, and when to watch. All Ukrainian SNOWBOARDING – 1 WOMAN 2 WOMEN Olympic programming can be found on Annamari Dancha will return for her the UA: First channel. But yours truly will The women’s team finished 12th in the third Winter Games in February, where be reporting on all the goings-on in English. relay in 2014 and will see newcomer Da- the No. 38-ranked snowboarder will try rina Blasko join veterans Marina Antsi- to beat her best result – a round of 16 That’s my claim to fame: Who is bor, Tetyana Antipenko, and Valentina loss to the eventual bronze medalist in the Ukraine’s first post-independence Winter Olympic Shevchenko in an effort to best that result. 2010 parallel slalom in Vancouver, Can- champion? Most would say figure skater Oksana Competition dates: 10-11, 13, 15-18, ada. Baiul, who won gold in Lillehammer, in 21, 24-25 February Competition dates: 9, 11-12, 15-23 1994. But don’t tell Viktor Petrenko that. He’s February FIGURE SKATING – 3 MEN, 3 WOMEN still miffed that he didn’t hear the Ukrainian an- them when he captured gold in Albertville, France Ukraine will be represented in all fig- EVENTS NOT QUALIFIED FOR at the 1992 Games. The Ukrainian National ure skating events with Ivan Pavlov and Ukraine has yet to qualify any athletes in Olympic Committee wasn’t recognised in time for Anna Hnychenkova in the singles events, Bobsleigh, Curling, Ice Hockey, Short- Ukrainian Olympians to compete under their own Renata Oganesyan and Mark Bardey Track Speed Skating, or Speed Skating flag, much to Petrenko’s chagrin. in the pairs, and Aleksandra Nazarova events.

26 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Gold is this Lady’s Best Friend

EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH FOR KYIV’S OLYMPIC CHAMPION BIATHLETE YULIIA DZHIMA AHEAD OF NEXT MONTH’S WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES. SO HOW IS UKRAINE’S BEST MEDAL HOPE DEALING WITH THE PRESSURE?

bronze in both the 15km individual and – at home – featuring three women sanc- 7.5km sprint events in Sweden. tioned for doping violations. The women Ranked No. 9 in the world, Dzhima is skied to a remarkable 26.4 second victory looking to become Ukraine’s first-ever over the runners up – the now-disquali- two-time Winter Olympic medalist. fied Russians. Their celebration is mem- orable for its emotion. They were denied THE PRESSURE OF SUCCESS permission to wear black armbands, but The biggest pressure for Dzhima – and had media observe a minute of silence at the rest of Ukraine’s female biathletes – the post-race press conference. will certainly be in defending their 2014 Olympic championship in the relay. The PAINTING THE PRESSURE AWAY same team will attempt to repeat – and As the only Ukrainians expected to medal three are ranked in the world’s top 15 in PyeongChang, the relay team is facing (Vita and Valj Semerenko are at No 6 and immense pressure at home, which was No 13, respectively). evident after a recent fifth-place -show The relay team has been a powerhouse ing at a World Cup race in Germany. since 2011. In that time, they’ve claimed The frustration of public comments led four European championships, two world Dzhima to take to her Facebook account championship silver medals, and the cov- to respond. “It’s disgusting when you eted Olympic gold in 2014. That race look after yourself, do your job well, and was legendary. still read these comments,” she writes. Taking place at the height of Euro- “What’s shameful is when men don’t give Maidan, just hours after many protesters up their seats on the metro or don’t hold were killed by police snipers, the team not the door for a woman. That’s what is em- only had to put that out of their minds, barrassing. Not our results.” but had to contend with a Russian team And what is there to be ashamed of ? The team is still a favourite in PyeongChang and Yuliia is looking to inprove on her seventh place finish in the 15km race in Most Ukrainian winter athletes would Sochi. Be sure to check out the team’s love to be in the enviable position of Ky- rifles – Dzhima has painted them with iv’s Yuliia Dzhima. Already an Olym- wonderful Petrykivka drawings. pic champion, the 27-year-old biathlete is The talent and patience required for one of Ukraine’s few athletes to be con- those paintings fit well in a sport where sidered a favourite at next month’s Winter talent and patience is vital while shoot- Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South ing. After all, it was Dzhima that built a Korea. 15-second advantage using just that skill- Now in her prime, Dzhima has shown set in that memorable race in Sochi four a string of recent successes in biathlon’s years ago. biggest events. She is the reigning Euro- For Dhzima, there may be no better way pean champion in the sprint, and added to buck the pressure than behind the a silver and bronze in the pursuit and paintbrush. mixed relay. There was also a second world championship silver medal last year DON’T MISS in . Ukraine’s women’s biathlon team go Her successes have led her to the podium for gold on 22 February at 15.15 on in two World Cup races this year, winning UA: First.

27 What About the Guys Depositphotos.com

Serzh Velychanskyi

fortunately, their website is in only local languages, but if you call their number they will be glad to re-direct you to an English speaking manager. It is advisable to first scroll through their website it’s full of photos to understand the options avail- able. My recommendation is, of course, Be the horse ride. It lasts an hour-and-a- half and costs between 600 to 900 UAH. my They’ll even throw in an instructor if you need one. Gents – just remember to warn Valentine? your ladies about the shoes. +38 044 593 33 22 THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LOVE IS ON THE HORIZON. FORGO THE bodo.ua CHOCOLATE, MAYBE NOT THE FLOWERS, AND BE A LITTLE MORE CREATIVE. OPTION 3 Should you choose to go and see a movie, As February nears, one of the greatest Of course, you can always go with a nice don’t just settle for your average multi- western traditions, which has become an dinner and after the cinema is always plex. I’m talking take it to the next lev- obsession thanks to heavy marketing, is an option. However, in case you want to el with Re/luxe cinema. As a luxury Valentine’s Day. It is still a mystery how do something a little different, I made a venue, you can comfortably wine and Ukrainians managed to survive without few calls to some of my more successful dine while you watch your movie. The this mandatory ‘dating ritual’, however, buddies in the romance stakes and came finger-food menu from their chef and now that it’s here, we’re just as obsessed! up with a few top options. signature cocktails or wine of your choice will make your time there more than GUYS JUST THINK DIFFERENT OPTION 1 memorable. They bill themselves as a I’m just as much of a sucker when it At the top of my list is one of the best ‘movie restaurant’ and prove it with their comes to V-day as the next guy, and in art galleries in Kyiv – Spivakovska approach to service. Unfortunately, their wanting to plan the perfect outing, I’ve Art:Ego located in the centre of the city. site does not have an English version, but had a few mishaps. Once, I invited a girl They offer the unforgettable experience they can answer any question you might horse riding but failed to tell her the de- of creating a masterpiece to express your have over the phone. tails. She arrived in heels – not the best mutual ardour. If you are not artists, an (Stepana Bandery 34V) shoes for the occasion, and was less than experienced art instructor is on hand to +38 080 030 0600 impressed. Another time I invited a girl guide you in the process. The high- planetakino.ua/relux to a restaurant, which, as it turned out, light of the date will be a romantically did not accept bankcards, and I had zero decorated dining table in another room. OPTION 4 cash. I had to borrow money from a girl I All options can be discussed according to One more helpful resource is Love had met just a few days before, not cool! your desires and preferences, and it can Event, a business that specialises in or- To help you get ahead of the game, I’m all be done in English! ganising special events, including extrav- pleased ot off a few pointers to help you (Saksaganskoho 59B) agant dating locations with a romantic create a special date for your Valentine. +38 068 305 4000 atmosphere guaranteed. I’ve not tried it, artego.center but have heard only good things. A Little Advice love-event.com.ua 1. Plan ahead – details matter, especially OPTION 2 to the ladies. BODO is a service specialising in adven- Ladies and gents, dating can be minefield, 2. Be romantic. ture. Their mission is to bring you the so I wish you the best of luck! 3. If something goes awry, treat it as best experience possible and they have Yours, adventure. more than 400 adventures available. Un- Serzh Velychanskyi PS – always remember your bank card!

28 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

What’s All the Fuss

is a perfect sanctuary for keeping the enigmatic heritage of the city’s found- ers safely buried. Some 200 years later, the main protagonist stubbornly strives to uncover mysteries despite someone’s attempts to thwart his plans... In the 1860s, Ignatius Kaminski, a Pol- ish patriot, lawyer, smuggler, and later Stanislav’s mayor, accidentally gets hold of the old letters. They mention some prominent leaders of the past whose lives were weirdly interwoven through centuries. Kaminski believes they were all mem- bers of a clandestine league that still op - erates in Stanislav. Their goal is to estab - lish an alliance of free countries, a realm of justice and equality between various nations – the true Malkuth, which means ‘The Kingdom’ in Hebrew. WHAT’S BREWING Following the best traditions set by Umberto Eco, Dan Brown, and JRR CRAFT VS PUB Tolkien, the story blends a variety of Like many establishments set up on the Malkuth plot threads with historical facts, Hutsul back of a burgeoning scene, this cellar mysticism, and European magic. By the bar is a little out of the way. Still, it oc-

wo book club wo by Ostap Ukrayinets way, Kaminski is a real political figure cupies a space in one of Kyiv’s most considered Stanislav’s best mayor ever. vibrant and hippest neighborhoods – In 2015, his statute was unveiled in Iva - Podil, and is worth venturing to. Craft no-Frankivsk. vs Pub specialises in locally produced Have you ever heard about the legendary Every city must have its own myths. If it craft beers, deviating from Ukraini- City of the Sun? If so, it is Stanislav (previ- does not, create them… an-brewed beers only to offer some ously part of Poland and the Austro-Hungar- Polish variants to bolster its range. That ian Empire, now known as Ivano-Frankivsk ABOUT THE AUTHOR amounts to up to 18 Ukrainian brews in Western Ukraine). The city was established Born in Western Ukraine, translator on tap, plus an extensive bottled selec- in the mid-17th century as the citadel of the and writer Ostap Ukrayinets works tion that, combined, amounts to more famous Polish Potocki noble dynasty. within the genre of historical fantasy. than 30 different beers. The range is ex- He started writing fiction in 2016 and tensive enough to please even the most Designed by French and Italian archi- within a year completed his first big expert connoisseur. tects, Stanislav’s fortress is an intricate novel Malkuth. His translated works Its minimalistic, no-fuss, almost indus- hexangular construction with numer- include TS Eliot’sThe Waste Land, and trial-style interior spread across two ous secret passages where danger and books by HP Lovecraft, Erin Hunter, halls does not distract from the job at mysteries lurk around every corner. It and Neal Stephenson. hand, which is to sample quality - craft ed beers in good company at what are reasonable prices. Your research will be complemented by decent food based on Cyborgs pub stables but with a unique twist and great service that really gives you the It sounds like a plot from Doctor Who. impression the staff have an extensive However, the long-awaited Cyborgs flick knowledge of the craft beer industry. is not a fantasy, it’s not sci-fi, it’s real and There is a reason for this: Craft vs Pub it’s based on an incredible true story. It (like many similar institutions across the takes place in September 2014 when Rus- capital) is an independent business. The sian-backed forces undertook multiple at- lish-language version is on the horizon, owner is almost always onsite and this is tempts to take control of Donetsk Interna- with negotiations going on for the rights to another feature that sets this joint apart tional Airport – a strategic territory in the distribute the film internationally. As far as from the cookie-cutter franchises that ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. domestic showings on Ukrainian TV net- dominate the Kyiv bar and restaurant The film’s director, Akhtem Seitablaev, works, dates are soon to be released for a landscape. In our books, that is reason who says the main message – “to be four-part series. There are also plans for enough to look for places like this for a Ukrainian is to choose between the past a worldwide non-commercial broadcast different experience. and the future”, portrays the defenders as at embassies of Ukraine with assistance Craft vs Pub is the ideal place to while typical Ukrainians, who speak both Rus- from the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine in away an evening as winter continues. sian and Ukrainian, with different back- other countries, as a way of introducing in- Craft vs Pub grounds, but with a desire to see Ukraine ternational communities to the legendary (Nyzhnii Val 37/20) free from Russian invasion. Every showing Cyborgs. Hours: 16.00 – 02.00 of this movie ends with viewers in tears This is a must-see for anyone wanting to +38 050 272 1434 what’s playing what’s and a standing ovation from the audience. understand the heart of modern Ukraine. craftvspub According to the producers, an Eng- WO highly recommends.

30 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Top 3

DIGITAL TRENDS COMING IN 2018

PHARMACY MUSEUM Secrets of monks and quacks The Pharmacy Museum occupies the 03:00 MUSEUM building of Kyiv’s first private drugstore, - See without looking founded by German-born Johann Heit We’re kicking off 2018 by looking at some Named after the darkest time of night, er in 1728. Later, his son-in-law Georg digital trends expected to define our new the three after midnight museum boasts Bunge inherited the business and began reality in the coming year. Jot them down a pharmaceutical dynasty. Currently, the an extraordinary concept. Unlike tradi- to apply to your 2018 marketing strategy, - tional museums, 03:00 offers visitors the museum exhibits more than 2 000 arte or casually bring them up at your next opportunity to not look at art, but feel facts – apothecary bottles, tools, jars with get-together with friends to sound like a it. Blind guides take you on a 90-minute snakes preserved in alcohol, cans with real digital top banana. Either way, these #whatstrending walk around five interactive zones in total cream, tooth powder, and even ink. The digital trends will soon enough become darkness. The aim is to highlight capabil- basement features an alchemist’s cellar, less buzzword and more daily-speak. ities and emotions otherwise unnoticed in monk’s cell, and charlatan’s hut. Those the light of day. Visitors will also experi- wishing to try ‘a healing potion’ can at- AUGMENTED REALITY ence typical situations the blind face daily. tend the phyto-bar on site. Unlike virtual reality, augmented real- (Prytysko-Mykilska 7) (Olesia Honchara 45V) ity integrates new digital information Open: 12.00-22.00 Open: Monday-Sunday at 10.00-17.00 on top of a habitual user environment

800 – 1 000 UAH for group of four 25-30 UAH without inventing something completely

0300.com.ua Excursions: 85 UAH new. While we use it mostly for fun at the + Book your visit 38 044 425 2437 moment, augmented reality will become an integral part of our lives in the very near future. When shopping for example, you’ll be able to figure out if those fancy chairs from IKEA really blend with your Its legendary name, Borychiv Descent, is current living room style, or if your de- derived from either the name of a wealthy sired party outfit won’t actually turn out Kyivan who lived there at the turn of the to be a total mess. 19th century, or from the word borych/ biruch (Ukrainian: борич/бірюч), which VOICE RECOGNITION - means a herald or customs officer serv How often do use your voice command ing the Kyiv Prince in the Middle Ages. tech instead of taking the time to type? - Some scholars believe that today’s Bory At one time a completely intangible tech- chiv Descent corresponds to that men- th nology, voice interaction with mobile and tioned in the 12 century poem, The speaker devices has already turned into Tale of Igor’s Campaign (Slovo o polku daily routine. Along with saving time, Ihorevim), while others state that the an- they assist in moments when attention cient Borychev Descent is actually today’s is required elsewhere. If you still haven’t Andriyivskyi Descent. Even in the Tale met Siri or Alexa, find someone who has of Bygone Years by Nestor, a road with NEW MUSEUM IN PODIL? – and give it a try. You’ll no doubt find the name Borychiv Descent is mentioned. conversation with them eerily satisfying. 5 000 square metres of history In former times people walked along Bo- - For the past four years, a team of enthu rychiv to the river Pochayna, into which BLOCKCHAIN siasts led by Mikhail Sagaydak the direc- pagan idols were dumped, a river where Even though everyone has heard of tor of the Centre of Archeology of Kyiv people were also baptised. Blockchain, very few people are aware of the National Academy of Sciences - Thus far, the excavated area under Poch of what this buzz is actually about. In a of Ukraine has been carrying out exca- tova Ploshcha covers 5 000 square metres. nutshell, Blockchain is a software plat- vations under Poshtova Ploshcha. Here, Among the interesting finds are the remains form that helps to store retail information the remains of city buildings dating from of dwellings, a glass workshop, a port, about transactions from numerous com- the 15th and 16th centuries and artifacts household items, and even six of the prince’s puters at the same time. Data maintained of the 11th century have been uncovered. lead seals. Currently, excavations are frozen in blocks of the chain are available at any Archaeologists surmise this area was a due to lack of funding. And whether there time and are never lost. As such, Block- part of the ancient Borychiv Descent – a will be an authentic underground museum chain technology makes all transactions historic lineage in the historical and mer- on this site, or if the planned mall will be transparent, fast, and cheap. On top of chant quarter of Kyiv in the Podil neigh- built here, as the investor originally wanted that, Blockchain embodies cryptocurren- bourhood. – remains a mystery. cies at its core.

31 What’s All the Fuss Long-awaited freedom leased after completing prison sentences, for elderly relatives in Donetsk. At the and about 30 from the “DNR”/”LNR” same time, 160 prisoners were released list who were still detained by Ukraine from Ukrainian custody. Igor, a scholar simply refused the exchange – they would of religion from Donetsk, couldn’t hide rather stay in Ukrainian prisons than go his emotions: “I went two years without to the occupied territories. One of the my family, my friends, my teaching activ- prisoners said, “I was there (in the “DN- ities… Of course I missed all that.” Then R”/”LNR”) by accident. I made a -mis we see a military intelligence officer called take. My advice is to stay away – nothing Oleksandr, who had been in prison for there is good.” more than two years after being caught in Finally, the first buses from the self-pro- an ambush near Debaltsevo. claimed “republics” brought Ukrainian The president himself met the freed pris- prisoners to the checkpoint. Starting with oners at the zero checkpoint, ushering the “LNR”, as 73 people crossed to the them to safety on nine helicopters to fly Tears, smiles, hugs... Many of them still occupied side, 16 returning Ukrainian them to Kharkiv. There they were met can’t believe that they’re free now. “We heroes were met with applause. Ruslan, a with hugs and cries from relatives. The had many thoughts, couldn’t sleep, we fan of the Luhansk Zorya football team, next stop is Kyiv. Oleksandr’s mother ar- still cannot believe it.” These are the first was imprisoned for more than a year, rived at the airport five hours before his impressions and words after the mon- his “crime” was burning an “LNR” flag plane was due to land. “When I heard umental events of 27 December. It was in occupied Luhansk. In a similar story, him say, ‘Mom, I’m here,’ I passed out,” a prisoner exchange: in total 233 people Anton spent eight months in prison for she says. “It’s hard for me to say what I were released at the request of the so- singing an Okean Elzy song in a karaoke feel now. Probably only mothers can -un called “DNR” and “LNR”, and 73- re bar. “I became a spy for them, they were derstand, mothers who haven’t seen their leased at the request of Ukraine. telling me that Ukraine didn’t care about sons for such a long time.” The operation happened in two stag- me and no one would take me back.” And yet, 103 people are still being held. es. The first took place at the Mayorsk In the second stage, the operation moved The president says he will continue to checkpoint on the Ukrainian government to the occupied territory in Horlivka for fight for those detained in Makiivka and - the exchange of prisoners between the Horlivka, because Ukraine doesn’t forget notes from the east notes from controlled side. Negotiations lasted sev eral hours. Why? Valeriya Lutkovskaya, “DNR”. In this phase, 57 people were its people. the ombudswoman for human rights in freed and returned to free Ukraine, while one person decided to stay in order to care Ukraine, explains that from an initial list WO Eastern Ukraine of 306 names, 43 had earlier been- re correspondent Сhoose your Identity This is a story about the myth and image each of us, intentionally or unwitting- ly, perpetuates through social media. In April last year, Ukrainian artist Misha Al- ekseenko, after two months of prepara- tion, flew at the invitation of Hollywood to work on a new project. At least, that’s what he told his friends... The fact is, the artist closed himself off for a month in his apartment in Troe- shchyna and began to weave a fictitious story. Traveling on Google maps, using Photoshop and actively posting on social networks – he told his fictitious Holly- wood story. Having created this illusion, he managed to convince the majority of Check out the his friends and followers he really was on video here: the other side of the Atlantic. Alekssenko called the experiment Hol- lywood – Troeshchyna, and it paid div- idends. He took home the Grand Prix competition of young Ukrainian artists at MUHi 2017.

32 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 Delicious Asian Chow

If you are an Asian food lover, you may have heard about MEIWEI. A fast mov- er on the food scene, which caught on quickly after launching a food delivery service. In November, the MEIWEI res- taurant, with a spacious stylish interior and show-kitchen, opened near Lva Tols- togo metro station. What the restaurants and delivery service share in common is a Pan-Asian menu. MEIWEI translates as “delicious” from Chinese, and is the only city restaurant where traditional Chinese baozi with pork are served. Meat and seafood - ra men and udon, Thai and Korean soups, and one-of-a-kind mango bubble tea are also on the menu. Even though you may feel you’ve overeaten, don’t leave the res- taurant without trying the desserts. Both the Jasmine Cake with matcha tea and Pan-Asian Egg Cupcake are genuinely Asian-tastic. wo the street wo MEIWEI THE WHAT’S ON CHECK LIST (Velyka Vasylkivska 23) English Menu ü Open: 08.00-23.00 Wifi ü 0 800 301 303 Price $ meiwei.com.ua WO Rating Meiwei.OKKO Celebrating Local Holiday Traditions Holidays across Ukraine are celebrated in different ways. I spent of before, like putting garlic on the corners of the table to protect the week leading up to Ukrainian Orthodox Christmas in villages against evil spirits. Tricks of the trade in the kitchen, like adding of the Ivano-Frankivsk oblast. A family in Tulova hosted myself halva (a dense sweet made from sunflower seeds) to kutya (a cereal and a dozen other Canadians for a Christmas meal three days be- dish eaten traditionally on to Ukrainian Christmas), I was also made fore the actual holiday. The celebration started with carollers privy to. singing at the window, and finished with us all singing Many Canadians still practice Ukrainian Christmas traditions, together for hours. There was plenty of food and such as putting hay under the table and throwing kutya on drink, including the host’s homebrew, on which the ceiling to see how good the next year will be (though I practiced a newly-learned Ukrainian drinking talking with some Ukrainians, it seems this one isn’t as tip – to reduce the burn, blow out, take the popular in Ukraine as it is in Canada!). shot, blow out again, then smell someone’s This holiday season in Ukraine included so many spe- hair. It works surprisingly well! cial and memorable celebrations, but what stands out Christmas Day was spent in Kryvorivnya, a the most is the number of young people continuing Hutsul village. Driving to the village, I watched to practise the customs of their ancestors. Preserving as people came from every direction to walk to traditions honours the local way of life and keeps alive church, as is tradition. Afterwards, hundreds of local knowledge. Seeing people – young and old – proud people gathered outside to watch the local men per- of their roots is inspiring. form carols traditional to the Verhovyna region. Wear - No matter your background and no matter what holidays you ing traditional wool coats with bright embroidery and shiny observe, may you have celebrated with pride and happiness, setting embellishments, they stood in a circle holding axes, flipping them the tone for the new year. to the beat of their song, which was more like a chant, with some playing instruments, like the trembita or violin. Kaitlin Vitt On the ride home, carollers rode beside us in wagons pulled by ukrainian addict horses going door to door, with children dressed as animals, shep- herds, angels, and other characters from the traditional Ukrainian Christmas story – Vertep. FOLLOW KAITLIN AS SHE DISCOVERS UKRAINE Throughout the holiday, I learned of traditions I hadn’t heard @kaitlinvitt @kaitlinvitt 33 What’s On the Menu All You Knead is Dough A COUSIN OF CHINESE JIAOZI, ITALIAN RAVIOLI, GEORGIAN EDIBLE INVENTORY KHINKALI, AND ASIAN MANTI, PELMENI IS WIDELY FAVOURED Chicken broth (300ml) 20 UAH FOR WHAT IT IS – A SIMPLE NOURISHING DISH FOR Red lentil soup (300ml) 49 UAH Anna Azarova BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH, OR DINNER. YET, YOU MAY Pelmeni with mussels (250g) 89 UAH BE WRONG IN THINKING YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT Pelmeni with lamb PELMENI. GIFTED CONTEMPORARY CHEFS HAVE RECENTLY and mint (250 g) 79 UAH BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO THE CLASSIC RECIPE. Pesto sauce (50g) 9 UAH Sea sauce (50g) 9 UAH For the main, we rely on the server who Uzvar (330ml) 15 UAH diligently goes through the menu offering Tomato juice (200ml) 20 UAH eight types of pelmeni. Zamis offers a mod- Ginger tea x2 (600ml) 80 UAH ern twist to well-known cuisine by using unique fillings, producing new taste and TOTAL = 370 UAH visual combinations. We order a set of var- ious pelmeni to try them all. They come in ture and generous amount of stuffing. different shapes and colours – white, yellow, Any type could become a favourite. How- - red, green, and black. Yet, no artificial col ever, we unanimously vote for the black ouring agents are used. All the ingredients delicacies with mussels, which have a strong - People who don’t like homemade pelmeni are 100% natural, using things like curcu seafood taste, creating a specific feeling for are few in number. This food is never out the palate. It is a dish for real connoisseurs. of season. Every family in Ukraine has their To enjoy our feast even more, we choose own preparation secrets passed from gener- certain dipping sauces for certain pelmeni, ation to generation. However, nowadays which is a sacred ritual. Apart from com- nobody has time to cook. A diner serving monplace sour cream or vinegar, the list in- pelmeni with ‘the taste of home’ is a good cludes yoghurt with greens and pesto, soya, alternative. sea, and piquant satsebeli sauces. A few steps away from the Hedgehog Mon- ument you’ll find Zamis, a brand-new res- STAY OR TAKE AWAY TO GO taurant launched last year on 22 December. The vital thing about Zamis is you can eat in Its name can be translated from Ukrain- or take-out – pelmeni (both cooked and fro- ian as ‘dough kneading’, but also known zen), soups, varenyky, pickles, and salads (Ol- in slang as ‘a situation as tough as dough’. ivier and vinaigrette). Business people work- Much more than just another snack-bar ing nearby frequent the place for lunch but in downtown Kyiv, Zamis turns ordinary also grab something to take home on their stuffed dumplings into masterpieces. way out. In future, the restaurant plans to ex- pand its menu and introduce more distinctive A TASTE OF HOME breakfast and dinner solutions. Of course, Located in the basement, Zamis has three some things still need improving, but it is a dining halls decorated in Scandinavian-in- ma, tomatoes, and cuttlefish ink. The food promising start with delectable prospects. spired fashion – clean lines combined with presentation is impressive – forget about a P.S. Zamis does not serve alcohol. However, - white walls, wood, and the odd splash of dull Soviet-style “pelmennaya”. All the el uzvar and kompot (dry/fresh fruit drinks) - colour. Potted-plants on tables add warmth ements are excellently arranged and gar as well as an assortment of sumptuous teas nished on the plate. and character to the atmosphere. Like it or (ginger, sea buckthorn, currant) will defi- loathe it, this type of minimalist design is nitely fill the gap. taking over the world based on the ‘less is BAKED IN DIFFERENT OVENS more’ motto. As the server puts the rainbow platter on At 19.00, the restaurant is not crowded, the table, we set off on a gourmet journey. THE WHAT’S ON CHECK LIST since it is still operating in test mode. We The white dumplings are traditionally filled English Menu ü make ourselves comfortable and start our with chicken, beef, or pork. The yellow pel- English-speaking staff dinner with a bowl of hot soup, to whet the meni blends chicken, parmesan and basil, (but to be launched) û appetite. The old-fashioned chicken broth is while the red ones are stuffed with shrimp Wifi ü just the way our mums made it – light and and pork. The further we go, the more ex- Price $$ healthy. The creamy red lentil soup is rich, citing our experiment gets. The first variant WO Rating thick, and packed with flavours. of green pelmeni has spinach, cheese, and nuts inside to provide a truly Italian flavour. Zamis MAKE SURE YOU TRY… The second variant combines neatly minced (Zolotovoritska 2/3) Varenyky with cherries (250 g) 65 UAH juicy lamb with fresh mint and cilantro. All Open: 10.00 – 21.00

Varenyky with potatoes (250 g) 45 UAH the dumplings are great, with a tender tex- zamis.kyiv +38 097 340 30 39

34 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 16 КВІТНЯ

БАЛЕТ - !СЕНСАЦІЯ What’s On the Menu Depositphotos.com

Paul Niland

When in doubt,

Several of the Borysov family of restau- rants have brunch offerings, Barsyk is a restaurant of European and Ukraini- an cuisine located in Pechersk, Vatra is a steakhouse located on Horodetskoho just off Khreschatyk, andRonin is a restau- Brunch rant offering a unique Japanese/Peruvian THE COLDER TEMPS ARE MAKING IT VERY EASY TO REMAIN based dining experience located behind INSIDE COME THE WEEKEND. GOT NO PLANS THIS SUNDAY? the Kyiv Zoo. Each offer their own take BOOK A TABLE, AND BRUNCH. on this super Sunday pastime – all you have to do is decide what you’re after. Yes, to brunch. We can (and have) spent ticular brunch is that it is not held often For contacts check out www.borisov.com.ua hours brunching given the right occasion. enough! What used to be a regular Sun- And, with this absolutely non-exclusive day feast is now only available on special Tres Branche is a lovely little French list of Kyiv eateries at your fingertips, you occasions, with the next event sched- bistro-resto located next to the beauti- too can brunch to your heart’s, and belly’s uled for International Women’s Day – 8 ful Golden Gate monument. Inside, - ta content. March. bles are snugly set close together, as they You will need a reservation – huge would be in almost any eatery in France. Barvy bill themselves as a restaurant waiting lists are commonplace, Start with their tasting plate, and then of contemporary Ukrainian cuisine, +38 044 581 1234. take in, literally, the eggs benedict with a so it is no surprise that their brunch is choice of ham or salmon accompanying laden with local gastronomic delights. If you don’t want to wait for a special perfectly-poached eggs and spot-on hol- Here’s the kicker: sourcing locally and occasion to treat yourself to 5-star luxu- landaise sauce. To be enjoyed with ample helping Ukrainian businesses means ry, don’t worry, the Hilton has got your quantities of their very drinkable, French, Barvy can offer this three hour all-you- back! Their brunch is open to all every house wine. can-eat feast for just 459 UAH. No, single Sunday. The restaurant is opulent Find them at Lysenko 4, call ahead (advised): that’s not a typo. and the wines flow freely from start to -fin +38 044 278 6125. Call to reserve, +38 098 306 3333. ish. Not inexpensive, but 5 star is 5 star, and this is 5 star. Zheltok is a popular little restaurant Find them at Blvd Shevchenko 30, call chain operating four locations in Kyiv. them at +38 044 393 5400 NINA’S FAVORITE Designed in the style of an American SPOT TO BRUNCH diner, the interior and menu offer -famil We wrote about the fabulous interior Kachorovska на Льва iarity and comfort for North Americans design of Casa Nori in Podil a few Having brunch in Kachorovska is more especially, especially if you’re looking for months back, this Sunday make some akin to waking up in a paradise with only the famed Sunday breakfast plate of eggs, time to check out both the design and one difference – fancy shoes and fabulous bacon, and pancakes. food over a long Bunch. Their Eggs- Af bags act as breathtaking scenery. Stop in Find their locations at www.zheltok.ua fogatto with truffle is to die for, not to at 08.00 and be treated to fresh-baked The considered opinion among the gour- mention the super selection of cicchetti, croissants with soulful coffee. Take your met community in Kyiv is that the best and quality Italian cheeses, time before the place gets crowded with brunch in the city is at Grill Asia, in the For an advance look at their mouth-watering city shoe lovers and coffee-to-go fans. Hyatt. The only problem with this par- menu, go to www.casa-nori.com kachorovskastoreandcafe

36 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

What’s On the Menu Posh in Pozniaky UKRAINE’S TOP MEAT GRILL OPEN’S LEFT-BANK LOCALE – READ ON FOR THE GOOD STUFF.

Lee Reaney and Serzh Velychanskyi

When we heard that, on 3 Decem- ber, Argentina Grill opened its sec- ond location in Kyiv – and the first on the city’s left-bank – we sent a couple of What’s Oners to check it out. Voted Ukraine’s Best Meat Restaurant at the 2017 Salt Awards, our own Serzh Velychanskyi and Lee Reaney wined, dined, and sat down with restaurant co-owner Pavel Moroz.

LOCATION / CLIENTELE Lee: So Kyiv’s left bank isn’t exactly where most restauranteurs would think to build prepare them to perfection in Ukraine’s a high-end steakhouse specialising in for- only Argentinian Parilla grill or our very eign fare. I’ve never even been to Pozniaky. own Josper oven. How’d you settle on this area? Serzh: Do you have any dishes that you like Pavel: This area was strategic. It’s high- to recommend? Or that are your own per- ly-populated and many people here have sonal favourites? just purchased a new apartment. It’s been Pavel: All of the foods developed here are less than a month and already it’s becoming cooked in full accordance with Argentinian quite difficult to find a table on the weekends. norms. Our most popular dishes are the Serzh: ribeye and T-bone steaks. Our burgers are I bet – the natural sunlight, great EDIBLE INVENTORY nighttime views, spacious décor, and rustic excellent and that’s what I like. All of our Black Burger (490g) 229 UAH trimmings – you must attract many corpo- dishes are very tasty. Grilled Pork Ribs (300g) 261 UAH rate parties as well. Wine (750ml), Merlot Pavel: Sure, but people come for the food! FUTURE PLANS from Argentina 183 UAH Our location in Obolon has been nom- Lee: So what’s next for the Argentina Grill? Pavel: We are currently building two new inated one of the top 10 restaurants in TOTAL = 673 UAH Ukraine for the past three years by the pres- locations, including one that we hope to tigious SALT Awards. And our location in open in Podil this spring. We don’t just want a handful of restaurants, we have a vision Kharkiv was named Best Meat Restaurant Pavel: I love to cook meat, so you could say to become an international brand, with up in Ukraine in 2017. - we have excellent qualifications. We want to 300 locations worldwide. Currently we’re ed to open a meat restaurant, but not your ATMOSPHERE / SERVICE emphasising Eastern countries, like India, average steakhouse. After travelling Europe, China, and the Middle East. Our partner is Lee: So we were greeted in Spanish on we saw many Argentinian restaurants. Ar- arrival – by both staff and your enormous headed to Dubai tonight to look at oppor- gentinian cuisine is 70% Spanish and 30% tunities there. ‘Hola’ sign at the entrance. It seems all of Italian. That’s where the idea of an afforda- - Serzh: Anything else you’d like our readers your staff can speak English. Is this are ble steakhouse came from. quirement for the job? to know? Pavel: There are restauranteurs, and then Pavel: We offer our own “mini MBA” in FOOD / DRINK there are restaurant businesspeople. I like the fields of human resources, marketing, Lee: Looking at the menu, there is a great - things to be natural. We’ll let our food do and management to servers. It’s our com variety of prices. Your burgers are 229 - the talking. mitment to high-level service and manage UAH for 490g, while your ribeye steaks run ment that makes us stand out. anywhere from 516 UAH to 1 099 UAH for Serzh: THE WHAT’S ON CHECK LIST There aren’t so many grill houses in 400g. Even your wines have a great range, - English Menu ü Ukraine, never mind ones that are Argenti from 183 UAH for a bottle of your Argen- English-speaking staff ü na-inspired. How did a couple of guys from tinian merlot to 592.50 UAH for the Argen- Wifi ü Kharkiv come up with the idea? tinian malbec. Is this by design? Pavel: Our idea was to keep it in the mid- Price $$ WO Rating MAKE SURE YOU TRY... dle – affordable food for everyone and The Big Black Burger – they serve it with black rubber high-end dishes for those in the mood. The Argentina Grill gloves so your hands stay clean most important thing is the quality of in- (Anna Achmatova 22) The Ribeye Steak – either from Ukraine or from the US gredients, with our more expensive meats +38 067 126 0000 Churros – a traditional Ibero-American treat – a MUST! imported from Europe and the US. We can www.luxcarte.ua

38 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018

What’s In Focus

A new face in town

ALL CHRISTMASSED UP WO’s Lee Reaney knows what Oleg Demchik, president of the Professional It was a full house at Kyiv’s you want for Christmas Negotiators Club, in…negotiation colourful Cuban restaurant, Habana, on 15 December as networking turned festive for the 2017 Fryday After- work Christmas Party. The event was enjoyed by several hundred business people from across the globe, all in jolly festive spirits. As the night went on, networking turned to dancing as guests enjoyed live Cuban music and perfor- mances from the talented pro- prietor Nelson Carrasco and Tetiana Medvid and Nadya Kruzman his band. join the festivities

IT’S PARTY TIME On 21 December, the premiere of British tragicomedy Party, starring Christine Scott Thomas, Emily Mor- timer, Cillian Murphy, and Patrice Clarkson, premiered at Kiev Cinema. Guests of the event were treated to cocktails from Jack Daniel’s and had fun with a stylised photozone, where no one missed the opportunity to capture a pic with characters from the film. Were you one of the lucky ones who was there??

40 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018 CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN The international charitable or- ganisation Orphans are our Chil- dren celebrated the New Year on 9 January at the Premiere Palace with a whole host of dignitaries. But the real guests of honour were those from the Kalinka, Solomaha, Ischuk, and Ray of Hope orphanages. From a beau - tiful spread to dancing with local stars to a visit from Did Moroz, the evening went off without a Yuliia Ivanii of the Orphans are our hitch, and all went home with bel - Children project with Ambassador Having too much fun! to Malaysia Datuk Ayauf Bachi lies full and hearts happy.

Orphans are our Children president Nataliia Prabowo Himawan of the Embassy of the Republic Uvarova speaks with Deputy Minister of Youth and of Indonesia talks to Vitya and other children from Sports of Ukraine Mykola Movchan the Ray of Hope orphanage

Stylist Vyacheslav Dyudenko

Fashion photographer The Timeless Gres Collection Gennadiy Chernomashencev, Victoria Gres, stylist Igor Ignatenko and model Iryna Dyudenko

TIMELESS GRES We had the distinct pleasure to take in the opening of the Timeless Gres event by one of Ukraine’s best designers – Victoria Gres on 16 De- cember. With 24 years in the business, Gres has helped transform the country’s fashion industry, and will no doubt continue to wow at the next Ukrainian Fashion Week in February. Hopefully you caught the post on - our FB page – anyone was free to take in the exhibition at the Serip Or Actor Oleksiy Vertynskiy ganic Lighting showroom until 23 December.

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42 What’s On Issue 5 January - February 2018