Dare to Ukraine | Kharkiv: Living and surviving near the Russian border

In the fifth episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we explore Kharkiv, a city that embodies resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. As Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv is renowned for its diverse architecture and vibrant arts scene. Despite enduring severe damage and remaining under the constant horror of Russia’s war, Kharkiv’s spirit remains unbroken, with its community determined to keep the city alive through art, innovation, and unity.

Join our host, Masha Lavrova, as she explores the multifaceted character of Kharkiv — from the haunting history of Slovo House to the dynamic energy of the Yermilov Center and Nafta Theater. Discover local culinary gems and hear powerful stories of resilience that define this extraordinary city.

00:00 - Introduction to Kharkiv
01:44 - Derzhprom building and the impact of war on the city
02:46 - Cafe Makers: Coffee, community, and resilience
10:30 - Kharkiv metro: Life that moved underground
16:23 - Wartime theater scene in Kharkiv
23:00 - Exploring street art
25:54 - Slovo House: One of the darkest chapters in Ukrainian cultural history
28:46 - Sense of Safety: Contemporary art during war
36:23 - Dare to Ukraine challenge
37:10 - Spontaneous Ukrainian cuisine
45:10 - Conclusion and next steps

Team:
Executive producer & story editor: Toma Istomina
Director: Tetiana Koronkova
Host & scriptwriter: Masha Lavrova
Line producer: Valeriia Snopkova
Camera persons: Olena Zashko, Max Pavlun.
Video editor: Vladyslav Samusenko.
Motion designer: Dana Loboda
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Places & people in this episode:
Dmytro Kabanets — Instagram: @dimakabanets
Artem Vusyk — Instagram: @scissor_vus
Gamlet Zinkivskyi — Instagram: @gamletzinkivskyi

Makers — Instagram: @makerscoffeeshop
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🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of “Dare to Ukraine.” Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you’d love to explore in Ukraine!

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Additional footage:
Getty Images
Wikimedia Commons
Youtube channel: Blog 360
Ukraїner

[MiladJP]

As a foreigner I have to admit, that I have been blinded by other places, until I went to Kharkiv during the war to see that this city is alife and there is love, art, culture, music, passion, some of the best coffee I had in my life and people who love their city as much as their love their own children. I can't wait to be back soon.

[christhomson]

Masha, I congratulate you on showing the world how resilient the beautiful people of Ukraine are...💙💛🇺🇦

[Lovlviv]

Your visit could not be better timed for Kharkiv as they have been having a rough time lately. Thank you.

[RudyfromGraz]

Dear Masha and team, thank you for this exciting video. What a wonderful country you have. Long live Ukraine! 🟦🟨

[philippebouvard]

I’m French and I worked in Kharkiv for three weeks in July and August. I´m happy and moved to see the city and so many places I visited. Happy and moved to see again in this report people I met (Gamlet, Trypichchia…). I will return next summer, for longer. Thank you, KI!

[olena]

Oh I was so looking forward to a Kharkiv episode! ❤

[michelemarr]

Thank you so much for helping this American understand Ukraine a little better. You are an amazing people! Your reporting is wonderful! Thank you! 💪🇺🇦

[someonesomewhere]

I was crying almost all this episode. This is my city where I used to live and work. I'm so proud of all incredibly brave and talented people who make this city so alive. And thank you for sharing it unique atmosphere with others❤

[ОлегПустовой-дь]

I visited Kharkiv only once at 2012 and I hope to be there one more time!! Enjoy this video and appreciate this channel for this job!!

[raybeaumont]

Извините, я немного знаю русский язык, но не знаю украинский.
Большое спасибо за публикацию этого влога о жизни в Харькове. В прошлом я много раз посещал этот город. Это хорошо, что пробуждают воспоминания.

[m_scott]

Nothing can stop Ukraine. It's inspiring to see you bring out people's true character even in the worst of times. I don't think I've ever been so willing to take a dare, but here we are… Ukraine never looked so good! Thank you for sharing something so special.

[JAGzilla-urlh]

A very solid documentary. As an American, I went from knowing Kharkiv as another contextless map dot along the front line to properly grasping it as a vibrant city where people are somehow living semi-normal lives. Their stories are very moving and frankly a reality check I think I needed. I've mostly followed the war through Western news or analysis sources and the majority of the footage I see of your country is artillery firing out in the woods somewhere. Thank you for helping to put a human face on this tragedy and expanding my limited knowledge of Ukraine. I'll absolutely be watching the rest of the documentaries in this series! 🇺🇦

[jeffm]

I've made four trips to Kharkiv this year with aid runs and got to spend a few days there as well. The best people you will ever meet are there - the literal tip of freedom's spear!

[Ashley-ukld]

Dear Masha and the Dare to Ukraine team, thank you, this is a cracker of a video from Kharkiv and it's wonderful. If I were to visit this great city I would have to stop at the Amazing Yermilov centre and of course afterwards feast at Makita's. By the way that teapot looked huge, I love a cuppa'; I would definitely eat there too! 😋😋 Unfortunately, the longer the war continues, the greater the destruction by russia; they will continue to destroy anything that says Ukraine! So, it is vital that Ukrainians keep painting, making music, singing, dancing, writing indeed everything that says UKRAINE! 💙💙💛💛

[okan]

The resilience of the Ukrainian people is nothing short of extraordinary. No force can break their spirit or diminish their will! Sending unwavering support and heartfelt greetings from Istanbul/Türkiye. We stand with you, our brothers and sisters—our love and solidarity are with you always.

[nathanielsanders]

Once again, a job well done Masha. I travel to Kharkiv regularly and am happy to see this beautiful and unbeaten city represented with such dignity. Молодець!

[ConcernedCiti-Zen]

I can't believe I ever supported Ruzzia. I'm sorry. The Russian propaganda in Bulgaria is just overwhelming. But I finally saw through it. Slava Ukraini!

[timsecord]

Amazing stories, amazing journalism, amazing journalist! Such a beautiful young woman!Slava Ukraini, Heroyam Slava!🇺🇦🇨🇦🌻

[SparkyTenMile]

Outstanding! Thank you so much! I feel so deeply about your incredible people and want so desperately for Ukraine to prevail. Thank you again!

[jonlittle]

Thank you for showing us typical scenes and telling us ordinary stories of Kharkiv and its extraordinary people.