Arriving in Kyiv
This post is part of a series of reports about our trip to Ukraine in 2026. Some of them were also written by my friend Alex, who traveled with me.
29.07.2026, 16:53: About eight minutes left until we arrive.
Coming from the south, the city - on this beautiful Wednesday evening in July - is bathed in gold. As befits the fashion capital on the Dnieper, the streets are bustling with activity - despite the heat. Especially in the summer, the city becomes a magnet for many who want to leave their gray everyday lives behind for a few moments.
At first glance, nothing out of the ordinary for a European capital. But beneath the light, airy feeling of summer lies the fear and uncertainty of war - the war that has been waged with full force against Ukraine since 2022. An unjustified war that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of victims. Women, children, and men whose only “crime” was being Ukrainian.
A brief moment of reflection; Fuck! This whole thing has been going on for four years now, I think. What a load of unnecessary crap.
There! The Bessarabia Square! Turn the next right and we are only 800 meters away from the Maidan!
Marius is full of excitement and turns the music volume up - The radio plays Bonnie Tyler.
Focusing on the here and now again. I brush aside the heavy thoughts and refocus on what really matters. Arriving-slowly, the buildings start to look familiar again, and I begin to recognize the first shops, bars, and viewpoints I’ve visited here over the past few years.
Great Memories, Lousy Setting
Now we’re heading toward the Maidan in all its splendor - a symbol of the Ukrainian spirit and the suffering that goes with it. Behind it is our hotel. We’ve finally arrived!
I’m happy and relieved to have a little piece of home here in the midst of war.
