AboutDaniel Reynolds Riveiro Expertise I can answer questions about Ukrainian places of interests and activities, including extreme sports like climbing, skiing and multi-sport racing (yes, they have them in Ukraine). I can also answer questions about Ukrainian culture, customs, language, politics and dating.
Experience I am a Peace Corps Volunteer currently living in Ukraine
Question QUESTION: I saw a question similar to my concern already asked. I want to know if it's safe for a a person of african descent (I'm afro-american) to visit the Ukraine. I've heard a mix of responses saying yes it is to no it is not. I just want to visit my friends (in Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa and Ternopil) am I running a risk?
ANSWER: Skinhead violence in Ukraine has been on the rise. I personally know a few Ukrainians who target non-whites on the streets and there have been a handful of minority deaths from stabbings/beatings. You should go to Ukraine, but try not to be on the streets alone, especially at night. Most likely you will have no problems and have a great time, but be aware and stay safe.
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QUESTION: You know them personally, eh? Why do they attack non-whites? What is the psychological basis for such animalistic behavior? If I'm attached to a another person or persons, I'm safe?
Answer I directed a documentary on the rise of skinhead violence in Ukraine and spent several months with a number of skinheads in Kyiv, Zhytomyr and Poltava. Essentially they are nationalists and white supremacists and their reasons are based on that, although I feel that they are nothing more than frustrated young adults who need an excuse to beat someone up.
In general they have no desire to spread their beliefs or help their "cause", they just want to attack people who don't have the opportunity to defend themselves. They grew up in the poverty and instability following the collapse of the Soviet Union and while the economy is heating up and money is being made, they are usually the kids left behind, looking at western goods through glass windows that they can never afford. On top of that is the mire that is Ukrainian politics and the idea that their government is corrupt, nothing will ever change and the only thing they can do is blame minorities and punish them.
Although they will attack groups of people and will attack in daylight, in general they attack those alone or in pairs and at night.
