Current Local Time in Ukraine
Current Weather in Ukraine
Country Information
Oblasts & Major Cities
Ukraine is divided into 24 oblasts (regions) and 1 autonomous republic.
Top Attractions
Saint Sophia's Cathedral
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyiv with stunning mosaics and frescoes.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Site of 1986 nuclear disaster, now a haunting memorial and tourist attraction.
Lviv Old Town
Beautiful historic center with Austro-Hungarian architecture and coffee culture.
Carpathian Mountains
Stunning mountain range perfect for hiking, skiing and traditional Hutsul culture.
Odesa Opera House
Magnificent theater building and one of Ukraine's architectural gems.
Kamenets-Podilskyi Castle
Medieval fortress on a picturesque island in the Smotrych River canyon.
Brief History of Ukraine
Kyivan Rus'
Prince Oleg establishes Kyivan Rus', the first East Slavic state.
Christianization
Prince Volodymyr the Great adopts Christianity from Byzantium.
Cossack Uprising
Bohdan Khmelnytsky leads uprising against Polish-Lithuanian rule.
Pereyaslav Agreement
Cossacks ally with Muscovy, beginning Russian influence.
Ukrainian Revolution
Ukrainian People's Republic declares independence from Russia.
Soviet Ukraine
Ukraine becomes founding member of Soviet Union.
Holodomor
Man-made famine kills millions of Ukrainians.
World War II
Nazi Germany invades Ukraine; devastating battles occur.
Chernobyl Disaster
Nuclear power plant explosion causes worst nuclear accident in history.
Independence
Ukraine declares independence after USSR collapse.
Orange Revolution
Peaceful protests against election fraud.
Revolution of Dignity
Euromaidan protests lead to government change; Russia annexes Crimea.
Full-scale Invasion
Russia launches full-scale war against Ukraine.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visa Requirements
90-day visa-free entry for EU, US, Canada, Japan and others. Check current war-related restrictions.
Currency & Payments
Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). Cards widely accepted but carry cash for smaller shops and rural areas.
Transportation
Extensive rail network (UZ). Domestic flights available. Check safety due to war conditions.
Cultural Etiquette
Handshakes common. Remove shoes in homes. Bring flowers (odd numbers). Be respectful about war topics.
Best Times to Visit
Ukrainian Cuisine
Borscht, varenyky, holubtsi, salo, deruny, chicken Kyiv, syrniki, uzvar.
Major Festivals
Malanka, Ivana Kupala, Vyshyvanka Day, Kyiv Day, Lviv Coffee Festival.
Cultural Highlights
Pysanky eggs, vyshyvanka embroidery, Cossack traditions, Hutsul culture.
Natural Wonders
Carpathian Mountains, Askania-Nova, Dnipro River, Synevyr Lake, Oleshky Sands.
Safety & Laws
Check war updates. Emergency number 112. Drinking age 18. No smoking in public places.