ukrainian travel show

Venice Documentaries Attempt to Reckon With Russia’s ‘Historical, Transformative, Apocalyptic’ War in Ukraine

By Christopher Vourlias

Christopher Vourlias

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When Russian troops invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Feb. 24, 2022, documentary filmmaker Olha Zhurba was seized by an “apocalyptic feeling” that life as she knew it had come to an end. Her first impulse was to take her camera onto the streets of Kyiv to record history as it unfolded. “I just understood that I want to be here, in the middle of this historical, transformative, apocalyptic time in Ukraine,” Zhurba tells Variety .

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Two years later, “Songs of Slow Burning Earth,” the sophomore feature by Zhurba, and Trofimova’s “Russians at War” are premiering at the Venice Film Festival , where both films are screening out of competition. Taken together, the two documentaries offer a striking portrait of a conflict that has dragged on for close to 1,000 days, while also illustrating how the unbearable cost of war has disproportionately fallen on the victims of Russia’s unprovoked act of aggression.

In the first weeks of Russia’s military campaign, when many feared that Kyiv itself might fall and Ukraine would be ruled by an occupying army, a massive mobilization effort was underway: to evacuate the country’s most vulnerable, to serve on the frontlines, to marshal medical supplies and other resources for the soldiers and volunteers on the battlefield.

With time, however, as the Russian advance was stymied and the war became a grim new reality for millions of Ukrainians, Zhurba felt compelled to document how the conflict had “started to be a part of our life.” “I needed and I wanted to show this collective transformation of society which is adjusting to the war,” she says. “Where is the limit of this perception of destruction, war, death? Where is the limit of our adjusting to this?”

Back in Moscow, Trofimova — who left Russia for Canada at the age of 10 and returned 17 years later — witnessed a different, equally unsettling type of normalcy taking hold, as the Kremlin’s propaganda efforts seized control of the narrative around the war, hiding its brutality and human cost from the average Russian. As the months wore on, with draconian laws and vicious crackdowns stamping out the country’s fledgling anti-war movement, the director watched the creation of an alternate reality that would help prop up the Russian war effort.

“If you travel around Russia, it doesn’t feel like there’s a war going on,” Trofimova says. “People live their lives. Cafés are open. Everything is business as usual.” A veteran correspondent of conflicts in Syria, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere, the director hitched along with a Russian army unit and traveled to the war’s frontline, hoping to puncture that illusion of normalcy while also searching for a better understanding of what the soldiers taking up arms against Ukraine believed they were fighting — and dying — for.

Trofimova’s portrait of Russian soldiers is largely sympathetic — likely too sympathetic for some, as the director herself acknowledges — and viewers may ask whether a documentary that depicts war from the perspective of an invading army can fully reckon with its toll. “Russians at War,” however, strives to put a human face on the countless disposable and interchangeable cogs in the Kremlin’s relentless war machine, with Trofimova illustrating how many of the soldiers fighting Putin’s war have been misled by government propaganda, conscripted against their will, or lured — whether by lofty, misguided ideals or the promise of a phantom paycheck — to fight a war whose purpose few can explain. “There was an order. We went in,” as one soldier bluntly puts it.

Such justifications aren’t likely to move the millions of Ukrainians whose lives have been upended or destroyed by Putin’s folly, and there are many who will undoubtedly question the Venice programming team’s decision to include “Russians at War” in the official selection. (The festival did not respond to a request from Variety to discuss its decision-making process.) For her part, Trofimova made the movie at considerable personal risk; when the production consulted lawyers in Moscow, according to the director, one compiled a list of potential criminal articles violated by “Russians at War” that ran for nearly three pages. “We don’t know what the reaction will be [after the premiere],” Trofimova says.

The question of where the conflict goes from here, however, and what will remain in the aftermath is one that neither filmmaker is able to answer; it will be left to historians to make sense of another senseless, misbegotten war. “We don’t have time to reflect on this pain and this trauma that we’re going through,” Zhurba acknowledges. “Now we’re just in the process of reacting and adjusting. We can’t understand fully, to analyze it and reflect and to heal.”

That painful reckoning remains a good way off, with no end to the current conflict in sight. But it is a process that the two countries — bound by history, culture and geographic fate — will eventually have to face. “We can’t erase this country or transport ourselves somewhere else,” says Zhurba. “We will always be next to this aggressor country.” Or, as Trofimova frames it: “Russia’s not going anywhere.”

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Raw Travel TV Blog

My summer in ukraine announced.

• Post author By Rob
• Post date January 17, 2024

RAW TRAVEL’S “MY SUMMER IN UKRAINE” SERIES TO PREMIERE IN APRI

Four-Part Docuseries to Premiere on Broadcast TV Before Hitting Film Festival Circuit 

NEW YORK, NY: January 18, 2024 – AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) , producers of the nation’s most-watched travel show,  Raw Travel,  announced plans to premiere a four-part docuseries entitled “ My Summer in Ukraine ”  beginning  April 27 for four weeks through May 19, 2024,  on broadcast syndication. Later, a film version will tour a film festival circuit. 

Based on Raw Travel Producer and Host Robert G. Rose’s travels in Ukraine in the summer of 2023, the film explores what it’s like to travel in a war zone as Rose profiles various humanitarians, filmmakers, soldiers, and inspirational Ukrainians.

Rose traveled to several hotspots such as  Odesa, Mykolaiv ,  Kharkiv,  and a harrowing trip to  Kherson City , where he and his cohorts came under mortar fire from Russian munitions. 

The trip coincidentally timed during some key moments, including arriving just days after the Russian explosion of Ukraine’s  Kakhovka Dam , which flooded numerous farms and villages, killing dozens and displacing tens of thousands of Ukrainians. Rose and his friends were also just a few miles from the Russian border when Wagner head  Yevgeny Prigozhin  made his ill-fated coup attempt against Russian dictator  Vladimir Putin . 

Rose and his crew were able to film evidence of Russian war crimes and atrocities, as well as garner rare access to an early version of a Ukrainian Kamikaze Drone School and a top-secret military hospital where recent amputee soldiers were undergoing therapy. They spoke to numerous individuals held captive by Russian troops or with traumatic tales of survival. 

However, “My Summer in Ukraine” is far from a sprawling tragedy. Rose filmed heartwarming scenes at orphanages and humanitarian centers, and a particularly moving moment when Raw Travel Ukrainian refugee videographer Anastasia Zui reconnected with her father in Kharkiv after he’d spent many harrowing and dangerous weeks fighting in Bakhmut. 

A trailer is at  MySummerInUkraine.com , and a newly launched website,  RawTravelUkraine.com,  features content, tips, and information on ways to take action to help Ukraine while learning crucial history and facts. The site will also be a portal for booking media interviews or engagements of vetted experts with unique stories to share. 

“Opinion polls and social media likes don’t inform my morals. Assisting Ukraine in its fight for freedom is the honor of my lifetime so far,” Rose said. “They have sacrificed so much. I’ll never abandon them, and we will help them with their fight for victory and rebuilding for as long as it takes. Ukraine must and will win, and the US and the rest of the civilized world must continue our support and never normalize Putin’s brutal tyranny and horrific war crimes,” Rose continued.

ABOUT RAW TRAVEL TV

Raw Travel is an adventure travel & lifestyle series showcasing socially and environmentally aware, independent travel. The series weaves together themes of eco-tourism and voluntourism (giving back) with underground music and authentic culture uniquely. Since 2013, the show has raised funds and highlighted dozens of non-profit organizations helping the unhoused, orphaned children, people with disabilities, displaced refugees, etc., as well as encouraging earth stewardship, sustainable living, and travel with a purpose. 

Each weekend the show is broadcast in 185 U.S. cities on major broadcast affiliates and several international territories (Asia, Africa, Europe…). It can also be found on several major airlines. AIM Tell-A-Vision Group produces the show and oversees its domestic and international distribution. Visit  RawTravel.tv  for more information. 

ABOUT AIM TELL-A-VISION GROUP

AIM Tell-A-Vision (AIM TV) Group is an independent production, content, and distribution company founded by media veteran and entrepreneur Robert G. Rose. Since 2000, AIM TV has produced and distributed positive, compelling content that reflects a mission of presenting “Media That Matters.” Visit  AIMTVGroup.com  for more information.

ABOUT ROBERT G. ROSE

Robert G. Rose is an independent media entrepreneur and travel journalist. During his travel journalism career, Rose has traveled to dozens of challenging, politically charged destinations to film, including Haiti, Cuba, China, and Vietnam (all while undercover), Colombia, Georgia (including Russian-occupied territories), as well as Russia (2010) and Ukraine before and during Russia’s full invasion. Rose spent a month in the summer of 2023 filming in Ukraine, documenting his experience traveling with volunteers, interviewing soldiers and civilians, some while subject to Russian bombs and munitions. 

ABOUT “MY SUMMER IN UKRAINE”

“My Summer in Ukraine”  is a four-part documentary series filmed during Robert G. Rose’s travel to Ukraine in the summer of 2023 with Anastasia Zui, a Ukrainian-based cinematographer, as they traveled through various parts of Ukraine, such as Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Irpin, Bucha and more with humanitarians, soldiers and more.  The documentary seeks to show a unique side of war that most are not aware. Tragedy, resilience, sorrow, and exceeding joy. “ My Summer in Ukraine”  will premiere on April 27 ,  through May 19, 2024, on broadcast TV before hitting the film festival circuit. 

Short History of Ukraine PDF

• Post date January 15, 2024

ROBERT ROSE TO BE FEATURED AT WARM UP UKRAINE

• Post date October 5, 2023

  – Travel Producer & Host to Speak at Fall 2023 Fundraiser for Ukraine in San Francisco –

NEW YORK, NY: October 5th, 2023 – AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) , the producers of the internationally syndicated television series Raw Travel® , announced that Robert G. Rose , the Executive Producer and Host of the series will be a featured presenter at Warm Up Ukraine: Fall , a multimedia fundraising event to showcase Ukrainian culture through music, art, talks, and activities.

The event will occur on Saturday, October 14 th, from 11 AM until 8 PM at the Midway in San Francisco. From 11 AM until 3 PM , the event willfeature talks on “Transformations for Good” from Ukrainian and American veterans, doctors, documentarians, volunteers, tech entrepreneurs, and more.   

During his talk, Rose will premiere the official trailer of “ My Summer in Ukraine” from the forthcoming travel documentary series to debut via Raw Travel in 2024 and photos and inspiring anecdotes from his travel to Ukraine in the summer of 2023 during an intense time of war.

“I’m honored to be able to share my life-changing experience traveling through Ukraine this summer to help raise awareness and funds for such a great cause,” said Rose. “I went to Ukraine to give something of myself, but I received so much more in return. Good people of good conscience cannot stand idly by while others suffer needlessly. I hope we can inspire more people to help a country and people who need our support and assistance, now as much, or more than ever,” Rose Continued.

Warm Up Ukraine’s mission is to raise funds for urgent causes and create a positive influence in Ukraine and among the community in the Bay Area. The funds raised from ticket sales and donations will help provide critical supplies to battlefield medics in Ukraine and bring innovative professional education to Ukrainian veterans.

In addition to TED-style talks and presentations, attendees can enjoy live performances by renowned Ukrainian and international musicians and DJs, discover and acquire authentic Ukrainian artworks, taste delicious Ukrainian-inspired food and drinks, and attend a series of classes for adults and children.

Other presenters include Evgeniy Maloletka , Pulitzer prize-winning Ukrainian journalist and photographer, who will discuss documenting war crimes, and Yuliia Matvieieva , a therapist, discussing communicating with war-scarred veterans. Also presenting are T.J. Collins and Lesya Kalynska from the documentary film “ A Rising Fury,” speakers and companies working with people with physical impairments and PTSD, representatives from the End Violence Partnership, and many more.

Among the artists whose prints will be for sale include Iryna Babanina, Maryna Maliarenko, Slava Babanin, Tetiana Kopytova , and Vidro (Andrii Bunyak) and the music program will feature the Fima Chupakhin Trio and more.

Warm Up Ukraine: Fall is organized by and will benefit Leleka Foundation and New Horizons Hub , 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Ticket sales and donations are tax-deductible. For tickets and more information, please visit www.warmupukraine.org .

Raw Travel is an adventure travel & lifestyle series showcasing socially and environmentally aware, independent travel. The series weaves eco-tourism and voluntourism (giving back) themes uniquely with underground music and authentic culture. Since 2013, the show has raised funds and highlighted dozens of non-profit organizations helping the unhoused, orphaned children, people with disabilities, displaced refugees, etc., as well as encouraging earth stewardship, sustainable living, and travel with a purpose.

The show is broadcast in 185 U.S. cities on major broadcast affiliates and several international territories (Asia, Africa, Europe…) each weekend. It can also be found on several major airlines.

AIM Tell-A-Vision Group produces the show and oversees its domestic and international distribution. Visit  RawTravel.tv  for more information. 

ABOUT LELEKA FOUNDATION & NEW HORIZONS HUB

Leleka Foundation is a non-profit that supports Ukrainian military medics with equipment and supplies. Since 2014, Leleka has raised over $8 million and provided thousands of first aid kits, backpacks, medical evacuation vehicles, and hospital supplies. With Leleka Ukraine, we work with front-line medics and are recognized as one of the most trusted and effective organizations in this area. Funds from Warm Up Ukraine: Fall will be used for equipment and supplies for field medics. Visit https://www.leleka.care/ for more information.

New Horizons Hub is a non-profit organization that supports veterans in rebuilding their lives by providing them with the education and essential skills needed to pursue a rewarding career in the tech industry. Visit https://www.horizonshub.org/ for more information.

• Tags aim tv group , bay area , california , eastern europe , fundraiser , press release , raw travel , raw travel tv , robert g. rose , robert rose , russia invasion , san francisco , ukraine , voluntourism , war , war crimes , war in ukraine , warm up ukraine

RARE ACCESS TO UKRAINE DRONE SCHOOL

• Post date June 30, 2023

Just when I think things can’t get any more surreal in Ukraine, the next day one-ups the previous. We were allowed rare access to a drone-flying school where we hung out with soldiers of various platoons for a full day, some fresh from the front and returning there the next day. This realization put me in a solemn mood.

It was final exam day, and the students had all passed with flying colors and received diplomas at the end of the day.

We took part in some of the drone-flying games out in the field. It occurred to me I was a legitimate Russian military target now. Still, if past history predicted future actions, the Russians were more likely to bomb a restaurant, hospital, daycare center, or playground than a military target.

It was a beautiful spring-like day. I could hear roosters crowing, mixing in with gunfire from a practice range a few miles away. Whenever the joy of the day’s beauty hit me, I was reminded of destruction, misery, and war. I was up and down all day.

One field exercise included hitting a target, kamikaze style. There were no bombs on these, as that would eat up too many drones during practice. But the drones had been souped up, built from scratch, and could scream through the air at incredible speeds. In the first round, I was taken to the practice field in a brand-new fancy Audi car, unsuitable for the barely-there dirt path and bumpy and muddy terrain. On the second, it was a junker that the soldiers and I could barely fit into, and the trunk kept popping open every time we hit a bump. It was apparent these were civilian cars being used for military purposes. These guys need more trucks.

Whether in a car or on foot, we stuck to the same route each time. The instructor informed me that we wanted to be careful not to veer off the path in case there were any unexploded ordinances, as we were on land that Russians once occupied.

The instructor knows what he speaks. He is from the Donbas region, which Russia invaded with the assistance of separatists in 2014. He recounted that he was captured by the Russians when he was just 17 years old and a minor, so they let him go… in the middle of a minefield.

At the time, apparently, the Russian military at least pretended to care about war crimes and didn’t want to kill a minor, so they hoped a minefield would do the job for them, giving them deniable plausibility. He disappointed them and somehow made it across the field in one piece. Now they’ve created a mighty enemy. I was reminded that this “special military operation” of Putin’s has been happening for almost ten years. But it’s even older, as Russia has attempted to destroy the Ukrainian people, culture, and language for centuries.

Later that day, the instructor who relayed this information to me found out one of his peers, a fellow instructor at another school and a good friend, had his right hand blown off by an unexploded ordinance and needed blood. He sent me a photo of the poor kid (very young looking) in a hospital bed, smiling… it was the anesthesia talking. Maimed Ukrainians will be just part of the Russian legacy and a long-time reminder of the shame that we should never allow them and their supporters to forget.

Next, we were shown a demonstration of drone flying skills on the homemade indoor course. It demonstrated the precision with which these machines are flown and the skill of Ukrainian drone pilots.

Drones are an inexpensive and efficient way to save lives. Soldiers’ lives are saved by allowing the pilot to be further away from the action. But there are challenges, not the least that the primary maker of drones, DJI, a Chinese company, has stopped manufacturing and importation to Ukraine and severely restricted neighboring countries’ importations.

Officially, the same policy from DJI applies to Russia. However, unofficially, according to Ukrainians, DJI supports Russia. I believe this is true. Anastasia purchased a brand new DJI Steadicam, and she could not download the software and app to use it for more than the 24-hour trial period simply because she is Ukrainian. Thankfully, I was with her and could download it on my phone in order to use her new gear.

The Chinese government doesn’t seem to care about morality, the systematic and state-sponsored murder of innocent children, or right or wrong, but only about money and geopolitics. While some may argue the same applies to the United States of America, and while the US history of intervention isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, I don’t buy it here.

The “what about” and “both sides-isms” is just a way for weak-minded people unable to distinguish nuance and feel better about supporting what deep down they know is evil. Again, 1,000 plus Ukrainian children were killed versus zero Russian children. I could list dozens more facts like this but isn’t that all you really need to know. Arguments stop there. There is no justifying the unjustifiable.

And the Russian people are not totally innocent in these atrocities. One other journalist on location, a Ukrainian photojournalist, recounted an all too familiar story of a family torn apart by the war. His father lives in Moscow and believes Russia is correct in invading Ukraine. It’s common to write off this widespread belief that everyday Russians do not have accurate information on the war, BUT his son lives in Ukraine. He knows the facts of civilian carnage and the killing of innocent children and the elderly (presumably pensioners like the father).

He’s been told of the maiming, orphaning, and kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia, and he CHOOSES to believe what Putin has to say. Indeed, some in the USA believe that we should “listen to what Putin has to say” (Rock Musician turned Country Artist Loon, Aaron Lewis of the 2000s band Staind, Tucker Carlson, formerly with FNC, a variety of right-wing politicians, and their ignorant and ill-informed followers).

Anastasia’s Ukrainian soldier boyfriend has a cousin who lives in Russia and believes Russia should kill Ukrainians until Ukraine “comes to its senses.” You can’t reason with people with such beliefs; you can only defeat them.

As the students received their diplomas, I noticed the cheerful atmosphere. It dawned on me that most of these men hadn’t even known each other 11 days prior (school is only 10 days long) and now were jocular and jovial with each other and me. They shared a bond of war, sadness, and now of drone school and joy.

I, however, had to struggle with my emotions, understanding that some of these men I’d grown to admire over the past few hours might not make it back in one piece.

But eventually, at the ad hoc barbeque celebration that evening, I let go of my somber mood. For a moment, I was in high school again, back home in Tennessee, hanging with my buddies by a bonfire. Indeed, many of these men could have passed for avid hunters down south with their beards, bowie knives, and humor… I felt completely at home though only a couple (former IT or businesspeople in civilian life) spoke any English.

As the evening wore on, it got windy, chilly, and cold. Someone loaned me a hoodie to keep me warm. They ensured my plate and my glass was filled, even though I was a visitor, not accounted for when they bought the provisions.

A couple had eyed me slightly suspiciously all day, probably because they were wary of having their image taken by a foreign journalist. That can be dangerous here, for them if captured, or their families live in occupied territory. I, of course, was very conscientious of this fact. Still, ALL warmed up to me that evening.

As they recounted stories from the battlefield, comrades and family members lost, with translations made for my sole benefit, I tried to keep it together. They were stoic and strong, So I must try. I felt a kinship with these men, along with a deep admiration. I said so in my toast, which Anastasia translated for me. But I couldn’t find the words in English, much less translate them to Ukrainian to fully express my feelings. Still can’t. War absolutely sucks, but witnessing Ukraine’s fight for freedom is THE noblest cause I have ever been a part of. I feel so blessed and humbled to have played even a small role.

PLEASE NOTE: Though I have permission to post photos, out of an abundance of caution, I’ve decided not to include faces or landmarks that might give away ANY sensitive information.

• Tags drone school , help ukraine , raw travel , robert g. rose , russia , slava ukraine , ukraine

Helping the Flooded Villages in Kherson Ukraine

• Post date June 21, 2023

JULY 19th, 2023 – Driving from Kyiv to the Southern parts of Ukraine, I can see that farmland is everywhere and that Ukraine is the world’s breadbasket. Wheat is ripening. Fruit is in season. Farms, as far as their eyes can see, make the flooding brought on by the Russian destruction of the Kakhovka Dam so unspeakably harmful.

Yesterday Mark & Hymie arranged for us to embed with the Red Cross offices of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv to help them assess and help the victims of the flooding of their neighbors in Kherson Oblast (Oblast is like a state in the U.S.) caused by the June 6th eco-terrorism event from the Russians destroying the Kakhovka dam.

After a briefing, some coffee, and some getting lost, we finally made our way from Mykolaiv to a small community where a local school now serves as a relief site where distressed locals can pick up food, clothing, water, etc. The children’s playground was full of lovely little kids playing under the watchful eyes of their mums. (Yes, I’m talking a bit British these days, thanks to a few days in the van with Hymie, who hails from London).

Just across the street was a destroyed building with a man selling fruit next door. I have mostly stopped taking photos or videos of demolished buildings as it is becoming redundant and a common site. But it was not lost on me that it was directly across the street from a school. I posted something on Instagram (you can follow at Instagram.com/RawTravelTV ) about taking a risk jogging by a Russian military target, a playground recently because so many Ukrainian children have been killed or maimed on them by the Russians, who seem not to value anyone’s life or humanity. I digress.

The Soviet-style playground for the school was like a look back into the 1970s or 80s at the height of the cold war, today all painted blue and yellow, Ukrainian colors, which would not have been allowed back then. Of course, I toured the outdoor toilet. Too bad “Don’t Skip the Loo” is already in “the can,” as it would have been good footage. At the school, we loaded a big water bladder capable of holding 10K liters of water to act as a water tank for two villages. This would be a test run; if successful, more would roll out.

In all, we visited two villages with the Red Cross. The smells in the villages where the water had now receded were intense, where the flood water had receded. The first village was unique in that when the Russians once occupied it, the village head did not flip to the Russians to save his skin but stayed loyal to Ukraine.

The seemingly tight-knit community gathered around to collect water and gossip. The town is luckier than most because electricity has been restored, though some are afraid to turn it on because many of the homes are still wet.

Hymie donated one of her brand-new laptops, courtesy of the Royal Bank of Montreal, to the “mayor” and the administrative center.

The next village was far away over some bumpy roads and not a very pleasant ride in the backseat of a cargo van. As we rolled up, it was apparent it had been completely devastated by the flood and the adjoining farmland, on which I assume the village once depended.

We dropped off the water bladder and toured a couple of the homes. The first home I toured had a giant collapsed sinkhole right next to the house.

Valentina is the sweetest grandmother, and she immediately grabbed me and started talking to me as she pulled me into her home, speaking in Ukrainian the entire time. I got the feeling she wanted me to witness her pain and what the Russians had done to her home as she encouraged me to film.

When Hymie walked in, she continued but broke into tears, with Hymie comforting her and me fighting back my own (something I’m getting used to as well) as I continued to film.

Artem, one our Kharkiv Red Cross bi-lingual contacts, translated for us. Valentina had been in this house for 54 years and raised a family with her husband. Some of her children had become medical professionals, but most were teachers. It was all gone within just 12 hours as the water rose and destroyed their home along with their garden upon which they depended.

You could see carefully saved items out in the front yard and on the upper reaches of the house, out of reach from the flood waters, containing beautiful religious imagery and lovely chandeliers. This was once a lovely home put together and was tended with tender loving care by its owners, who likely weren’t even remotely wealthy as they were subsistence farmers. Still, it was obvious that they took excellent care of what they had been blessed with.

A family photo album was drying in the sun out front, which was particularly upsetting. Luckily the photos seemed in good shape.

Valentina’s adult daughter, Natalia, came in and spoke a little English. I toured the home with both of them and picked up some words here and there. Somewhere in the conversation, I tried to ask if they spoke Ukrainian or Russian so I could figure out if it was better to say “Dyakuyu” (“thank you” in Ukrainian) or “Spasiba” (“thank you” in Russian) since we were in Southern Ukraine where Russian was also spoken. (Russian was the only language taught in schools during Soviet times as the Soviet government tried mightily to stamp out the Ukrainian language and all signs of Ukrainian culture and identity).

I couldn’t verbalize it properly, so I did what I always do when I run into an awkward silence with folks and let out a “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine), to which they both brightened, smiled, and even laughed as they let out the response “Heroyam Slava” which means “Glory to the heroes.” When we left Valentina’s uninhabitable home to tour other homes, Valentina was far from defeated. She was a bit defiant. Talking about how the Russians would never win and that they would rebuild as soon as she got the materials in hand.

I tried to give them a little money, but they staunchly and vehemently refused. I can’t understand much of Ukrainian, but I understood that they just want the building materials and will rebuild themselves. While inspiring, I’m not sure how true that may be because the farmland all around the village, on which they rely for a living, has been ruined for decades. The smell alone was toxic, and I was unsure when the air would be safe.

With the village leaders (a woman this time), we toured around the rest of the village, where I saw a boat sitting in the middle of the street and a ruined honeybee colony. The next house was in much worse shape than Valentina’s and was well beyond repair, so they had yet to bother with any cleanup.

The air was so dank and horrific I used my shirt to cover my nose and mouth and watched carefully where I stepped. There was very little salvaged from the house, but a well-fed dog whined as I passed by. I felt the same way. The smell became overwhelming, and I realized I might be breathing in toxic chemicals, not to mention walking around in it, so we left off touring the flooded homes to do something to actually help these folks and install the water tank.

It reminded me a bit of the public works projects I often see, where it appears a couple of folks are doing all the work. Everyone else is standing around, but I have a new perspective now. Everyone had a role in driving, manual labor, or engineering. And everyone did their part when it was time. Village members made their way over to offer their help or just opinions. It was a relaxed atmosphere. I filmed everyone getting some big stones to serve as the roadblock to keep anyone from driving over the flaccid bladder of the water tank lying on the pavement, waiting to be filled with H2O. We had a little world-central kitchen food the Red Cross folks had brought in, which was welcomed (support those guys if you can). We were on high ground, away from the flooded area and toxic air.

All was peaceful and tranquil when we heard what sounded like thunder. I know by now that it was not thunder. Mark, our group’s retired marine and military expert, commented that it must have been a big blast to carry all that way.

A few minutes later, I wandered off to a field to record a video diary and noticed plumes of smoke on the horizon. They grew bigger and whiter as the day wore on, and Mark was afraid the Russians may have bombed a Ukrainian ammunition dump. Turns out, it may have been the other way around, as I read later. I hope so.

Either way, the realization that most likely people (be it Ukrainian or Russian, it’s a tragedy in my eyes) died when I heard that first thunderous boom sobered me even more.

On this day, in this small village tour with the Red Cross, we were told we didn’t need our body armor, and I think that was a correct call. Though visible and within hearing distance, the bombing was far away and was likely a targeted missile. However, we read in reports that a 27-year-old man had been killed in his home in Kherson, the town we visited the day before. I’m not 100% sure of the odds, but it feels a bit like getting struck by lightning. Your odds of getting hit are stronger in a raging thunderstorm, and the thunderstorm rages constantly in Kherson and near the front. The further you are away from the front, the less likely you are to get struck.

I’m torn between showing war and devastation or the normalcy we feel most of the time in most of the country. Both are true, and both are realities. I don’t want to glibly pretend that life is pleasant in Ukraine or that it’s constant fear and danger here. I simply wish to show the reality as I experience it, not on the front lines, but as a DIY travel journalist embedded with volunteers.

As we drove to Mykolai to spend the night before returning to Kyiv the next day, I reflected on the last three days and how I’d changed.

I was no longer nervous or afraid… now I was just profoundly sad yet somehow content… and an odd mix that adds a new perspective to the cliche of “mixed feelings.”

And I wondered how it would have been such a great road trip if only no war had been raging.

KHERSON OBLAST – Is a “state” in Southern Ukraine, partially controlled by Ukraine and partially Russian Occupied. The city of “Kherson” is fully controlled by Ukraine after several months of Russian occupation in 2022 and is about five miles from the “front.”

• Tags flooding , Kakhovka , kherson , mykolaiv , russian occupation , Russian terrorism , ukraine

Return to Przmesyl, Poland

June 9th, 2023 – Day two of my trip, I was so tired that I spent 15 minutes thinking I was locked IN my apartment share because I was pushing a pull door. I was JUST about to call the apartment owner when I figured it out. Thank goodness. The language barrier is terrible enough without her thinking I’m just plain dense. So don’t expect this written account to be anything one would write home about.

Still, making my way from Krakow (Crack-of for the pronunciation police) to Przemyśl almost a year after our filming here was moving. Leaving Krakow by train was NOT easy. I got yelled at twice at the Krakow train station, once by the ticket agent and another by the security guard. They were angry I spoke English and didn’t know where I was going. I suppose. Touristy places always have a resentful local or two, and I get it; I’m the same way in NYC. Still, I don’t yell at people who ask me a question. I wonder if they realize how much their salary depends on travelers like me.

But Valentina came in to save the day. Valentina (Pictured with me) is 1/2 Polish and 1/2 Italian. She was traveling to visit her grandparents for the summer, something she’s done summer after summer for many years. She also spoke good English, helped translate for me, and ensured I got on the correct train because the information was sparse. We were in the same car coincidentally, so I paid her back by helping her with the luggage.

But boarding the train at Krakow was the biggest disorganized circus I have EVERY seen. And so unnecessary too! Everyone has an assigned seat; what’s with the stupid chaos? Is this a roller derby match or an MMA event?

I have a nice shin injury from a roller suitcase slamming me during the scrum. People filed onto our car from both ends, meeting in the middle in a too-narrow aisle that would not allow either to pass the other with luggage. We were at a standstill for a good five to ten minutes with no one willing to back down before I jumped in, in English, and began ordering people around. They listened to me?! and thanked me! I couldn’t believe it. Then they asked ME where to get off for THEIR stop, and I was like, “Whoa, that’s enough now… this is my first time taking a train from Krakow to Przmesyl. And maybe my last.

Also on the train were two very sweet Ukrainian refugee women (sisters or maybe a YOUNG grandmother and daughter) with a young baby in tow. Unlike the Polish ticket agent and Security Guard, they were exceedingly helpful in getting me on the right train. They said they were worried they had “lost me” when they saw me on board afterward.

So by the time the train was halfway to Przemyśl, I felt I knew 1/2 the car, though hardly anyone spoke English, and just an hour earlier, I knew NO ONE. That’s travel. That’s why I love it.

The World Central Kitchen Volunteers are gone at the Przemyśl train station. In fact, I didn’t see a single volunteer of ANY organization welcome the exhausted and on-edge refugees who were on the train from Krakow and, like me, heading back to Ukraine. There is a war still going on, you know? In fact, it’s worse than before in my observations thus far. People are STRESSED to the limit.

Elderly women and ladies with tired children dragging their massive suitcases up and down flights of stairs disheartened me. I saw two disturbing bouts of distress, one from an elderly lady upset about something with her, I assume, adult daughter… and another young girl, 8 or 9, I’d say, also scarily upset and causing a scene and evidently super stressed with her family about something. The psychological toll of this horror show has yet to be played out, but I saw a sneak preview today, and it was NOT good.

I missed Anastasia’s language skills several times today, not just on getting from Point A to Point B but also on more practical matters. I had to buy dental floss at the Pharmacy and test my charade skills. Deodorant was fun too. Thankfully…. all stocked up on toilet paper, but I’ve got the perfect charade move ready to go should I need to get some.

Walking to the San River, I met a colorful “anti-war” protestor on the bridge. Unfortunately, I couldn’t understand precisely how the war might be ended (since Russia is 100% in charge of that situation) as his English was minor and my Polish was nil. Not suitable for such a complex subject.

If Mr. Ant-War Protester has any good ideas on how to end this madness and ensure that this NEVER happens again (we know that won’t happen if Putin wins), I’m all ears because witnessing people mentally breaking down is not fun to watch; not to mention the physical toll I’m ABOUT to see first-hand.

Still reminiscing in Przemyśl (Shey-mish for the pronunciation police) has been fulfilling. I wish I could stay longer, but I hope to see it again on the return trip in a few weeks.

Tomorrow, I’m off to cross the border back to L’viv for a few days before continuing into Kyiv. Nervous and excited, of course. I have some plans. It will be very different this trip. More on that later.

Sorry for the stream of consciousness, but I don’t have time to write correctly. I have more push doors to try to pull open.

• Tags aim tv group , periogies , poland , przmesyl , raw travel , raw travel tv , return to poland , robert g. rose , robert rose , russia , stop putin , stop war , ukraine , voluntourism , war

Raw Travel Wins Two Telly Awards for Steadfast in Ukraine

• Post date May 31, 2023

RAW TRAVEL WINS TWO TELLIES FOR “STEADFAST IN UKRAINE” – For Ten Seasons I resisted nominating Raw Travel for any awards, for a variety of reasons I won’t get into. However, I felt it was finally time to allow the people who worked on the very special “Steadfast in Ukraine” to garner some well-deserved recognition. Some shows may be titled “Solo in…” but they are anything but. Television is a collaborative medium, and thankfully so, as I enjoy nothing more than working with fellow creators to hopefully create something of value.

Congratulations to Creador Pictures (Editing), BtOVEN Music (Sound Design), Chaliwa Music + Sound (Audio Mix), Anastasia Zui (Videographer) Julia Avramenko (Consulting Producer), for winning the Silver in “TV – Travel & Tourism” and the Bronze for “TV – Video Journalism.”

Also, a shout out to fellow Telly Award winner Mickela Mallozzi of “Barefeet with Mickela” who convinced me to apply, proving she’s broad-minded and big-hearted enough to know it’s all about “coopertition”, not competition. Press Release Below:

RAW TRAVEL’S “STEADFAST IN UKRAINE” WINS AWARDS Visit to Ukraine During Wartime Wins Two Telly Awards in Two Categories NEW YORK, NY: May 31st, 2023– AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV), producers of the nation’s most-watched travel show, Raw Travel®, announced their episode “Steadfast in Ukraine,” featuring a visit to wartime Ukraine garnered two Telly Awards. The episode won a Silver Telly in the Television, Travel and Tourism category and a Bronze Telly in the category of Television, Video Journalism. The special episode featured Executive Producer, Writer, and Host Robert G. Rose as he and Ukrainian refugee videographer Anastasia Zui traveled from Poland to film in Western Ukraine. Anastasia, a talented cinematographer and regular member of the Raw Travel crew, is a twice-displaced refugee from the Donbas region. In the episode, she continues from Lviv to Kyiv to reunite with her mother for the first time since fleeing the country with her young brother. At the same time, her father serves in the military. The episode also documents the difficulty and misery of crossing borders during wartime and an impromptu “off-camera” interview with an anonymous escapee from then-Russian-occupied Melitopol. There is also a life-affirming on-camera exchange with a recently injured Ukrainian soldier and an emotional visit to the ever-expanding Lychakiv Cemetery, where recently killed soldiers are buried. All set among the unpredictability, suspense, and drama of air-raid sirens as Russia fires missiles into Ukraine. But the show’s primary theme is the Ukrainian people’s steadfast, optimistic, and hopeful spirit as they bravely fight for survival and freedom.

In addition to Anastasia and Robert providing videography and direction, the episode was edited by Renzo Devia, Executive Producer at New York City-based Creador Pictures, and sound designed by New York City-based BtOVEN Music. The episode was audio mixed by Chaliwa Music + Sound in Miami, Florida. Julia Avramenko, a Ukrainian television professional living in New York City, provided Consulting Production services. “Winning awards is never our objective, especially in this case,” says Robert G. Rose, Producer and Host. “However, I felt it was important for the creatives on this special episode to be recognized for their work and professionalism, especially under the circumstances. I’m grateful for the Tellys for recognizing their achievements,” Rose continued. Raw Travel is currently in its Tenth Season of broadcast syndication and can be viewed in 180 U.S. cities in over 96% of US TV homes. Viewers have thus far helped raise over $20,000 to support grassroots organizations such as Care4Ukraine.org and Keep the Kids Learning, two organizations led by Joseph Nichols, an American logistics professional living in Ukraine. Viewers may visit RawTravelGiveBack.com to learn more and donate. ###

• Tags aim tv group , anastasia zui , bronze telly , btoven music , chaliwa music + sound , julia avramenko , press release , raw travel , raw travel tv , renzo devia , robert g. rose , silver telly , steadfast in ukraine , Telly award , travel and tourism , video journalism

TEN WAYS TO HELP UKRAINE

• Post date January 17, 2023

This site was put up rapidly in 2022 to respond quickly to the Russian full invasion of Ukraine. RawTravelUkraine.com is currently re-designing for a longer-term expansion, with the new site set to debut in December 2023, so please stay tuned.

The new site will feature a repository of our extensive and growing content emanating from and dedicated to Ukraine, research, resources, and various ways you can help, from monetary to volunteering, to militarily and politically.

In the meantime, here are TEN tangible ways you can help now!

1) TRAILER: View and share the “My Summer in Ukraine” trailer.

2) VIEW OTHER UKRAINE VIDEOS: Videos produced before and after the full invasion HERE:

3) SEE PHOTOS : See photos from “My Summer in Ukraine” HERE.

4) READ BLOG 2023: “My Summer in Ukraine” 2023 HERE .

5) READ BLOG 2022: Summer of 2022 travel to Ukraine HERE

6) TAKE ACTION POLITICALLY: Please tell our politicians to continue to support Ukraine. You can visit this link for an easy way to do this. It takes less than two-minutes and is very effective (and needed). https://www.votervoice.net/RAZOMFORUKRAINE/Campaigns/107413/Respond

7) BUY MERCH : Empathy = Strength, Let Freedom Ring shirts and merch save lives. Order your Official Raw Travel “Empathy = Strength” Shirts and Mugs HERE

Order the Empathy = Strength T-shirt that Rob wears on the show, and $10 of every order will support our efforts to help those in Ukraine directly, including our videographer, Anastasia’s father’s troop, who desperately need essential supplies.

Your “Empathy = Strength” T-shirt, Sweatshirt or Hoodie will literally save lives.

Or check our new Coffee Mugs as well. Same deal. All profits (approximately $10) will go to help our pals at Care4Ukraine.org and Keep the Kids Learning.

Order your shirt and Mugs HERE

8) DONATE DIRECTLY: If you prefer to donate directly, you may do so at our GoFundMe page at the link below: https://gofund.me/ad765274

9) MORAL SUPPORT: Like & Follow on Social Media. Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media for more frequent updates @RawTravelTV on Facebook , Twitter Instagram and Threads

10) SPREAD THE WORD: Help us reach more people by spreading the link RawTravelUkraine.com on your social media.

• Tags aim tv group , care4ukraine , eastern europe , Empathy , empathy equals strength , help ukraine , how to help ukraine , joseph nichols , keep the kids learning , putin , raw travel , raw travel helps ukraine , raw travel tv , robert g. rose , robert rose , russian war , shirt , Strength , t-shirt , voluntourism

Raw Travel Presents – Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine!

• Post date May 31, 2022

RAW TRAVEL TV TO HELP FREEDOM RING IN UKRAINE!

Multifaceted Media Campaign Poised to Help Ukraine for the “Long Haul” –

NEW YORK, NY: June 1 st , 2022  –  AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) , producers of the nation’s most-watched travel show,  Raw Travel®,  announced  “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine”  to help Ukrainian refugees. The multi-platform and multi-faceted initiative will provide grassroots, long-term financial, and tangible assistance to externally and internally displaced Ukrainian refugees and citizens affected by the Russian invasion. 

In June, producer, and host,  Robert G. Rose  will be filming in Paris, France, and then at the border of Poland and Ukraine with Raw Travel videographer and displaced Ukrainian refugee  Anastasia Zui . Conditions permitting, they hope to go into Ukraine embedded with  “Keep the Kids Learning”  and “ Help 4 Ukraine,”  two small, independent organizations founded by American logistics engineer  Joseph Nichols,  living in Ukraine, and other Expatriates. The grassroots organizations are dedicated to helping keep Ukrainian refugee children and teachers in school and moving needed medicines and medical supplies from the US and Europe into Ukraine. 

On  July 2nd and 3rd,   2022 just before USA Independence Day, Raw Travel will premiere a special episode entitled “ Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine.”  The special will feature updated, relevant Ukrainian segments that showcase the country before the 2022 invasion, along with updated narration and ways viewers can help. The episode will re-air  on August 27th-28th. 

“Raw Travel offered valuable context to viewers when filming in Ukraine and the border areas of Russian-occupied Georgia in 2019,” said  Robert G. Rose, Executive Producer and Host  of the series. “Given our past coverage of Russian aggression’s consequences in both Georgia and Ukraine, we feel we can offer a unique perspective,” Rose continued. “I think we can show a different, potentially more uplifting angle of this tragedy that may inspire people to help the many good folks and organizations helping Ukraine on the ground, long after the raw emotion of Russia’s 2022 invasion has subsided, but the need persists.”

The  “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine”  effort has already begun in a limited capacity

with on-air billboards and social media posts encouraging viewers to visit 

RawTravelGiveBack.com . The special web page is a constantly evolving, dedicated entry point for concerned viewers. There, they can get updates about Ukrainians featured in the show and donate directly to vetted organizations or buy specially designed Raw Travel “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine” merchandise (shirts, mugs, glasses, etc.) benefitting the efforts of these organizations. 

Raw Travel’s milestone Season 10 begins September 19th, 2022. A trailer of Raw Travel’s Let Freedom Ring episode can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl88AHSCsGo

Raw Travel is an adventure travel & lifestyle series showcasing socially and environmentally aware, independent travel. The series weaves together themes of eco-tourism and voluntourism (giving back) with underground music and authentic culture in a unique way. Each weekend the show is seen in 174 U.S. cities on major broadcast affiliates and several international territories (Asia, Africa, Europe…). It can also be found on several major airlines. AIM Tell-A-Vision Group produces the show and oversees its domestic and international distribution. Visit  RawTravel.tv  for more information. 

AIM Tell-A-Vision (AIM TV) Group is an independent production, content, and distribution company founded by media veteran and entrepreneur Robert G. Rose. Since 2000, AIM TV has been producing and distributing positive, compelling content that reflects a mission of presenting “Media That Matters.” Visit  AIMTVGroup.com  for more information.

ABOUT KEEP THE KIDS LEARNING AND CARE 4 UKRAINE

Joseph Nichols is a US Citizen and logistics expert that has lived and worked in Ukraine since 2014. He and other US Expatriates are raising money for medical supplies and medicines distributed to Internally Displaced People (IDPs – Ukrainians displaced within Ukraine). They are also purchasing computers, books, and supplies to set up learning centers in Lviv, Ukraine, for children that the conflict has displaced. They have established transport lines across the Ukrainian/Polish border into most areas of the country and have received donations of supplies, equipment, and medicines. They are also offering space on trucks to other aid groups. Visit  https://gofund.me/13be73ab  and  https://gofund.me/06fa1840  for more information on Keep The Kids Learning and Care 4 Ukraine. 

• Tags aim tv group , eastern europe , help ukraine , let freedom ring , press release , putin , raw travel , raw travel tv , robert g. rose , russian war , tv special , tv to help ukraine , ukraine , voluntourism , war crimes , war in ukraine

Let Freedom Ring Coffee Mugs

• Post date April 28, 2022

Thanks everyone for your donations and for buying the exclusive Raw Travel designed “Let Freedom Ring” T-Shirts and Pint Glasses based on my photo of Freedom Square in Kyiv that I took in 2019.

You can order yours at our special merch page

or if you prefer, you may also donate at our GoFundMe Page

I’m including below the latest update from Joseph there, who is planning a trip back to the USA to gather medical supplies, etc. to take back. I hope to catch up with him in person or by zoom. My trip to Ukraine has been delayed a bit until early June, but it’s still on.

Thank you for all your support once again!

Here’s the latest update from Joseph at Care4Ukraine / Keeps Kids Learning.

As you might know, the areas we are starting these “pop-up” classrooms are located in the western region of Ukraine. Not only have IDP’s relocated from where the intense fighting is concentrated to cities like Lviv, Ternopil, and Uhzgorod, but also to the smaller villages. Recent attacks in the west have knocked out power in many places and our sister-site on GoFundMe – “Care4Ukraine” is beginning to address needs of IDP’s in these areas. Many refugees are returning to Ukraine as the war drags on. Issues like the higher cost of living and separation from family takes it toll, and the choice to return begins to look better than being a refugee in a foreign country. It is now estimated that there are eight million IDPs in Ukraine, economic output is down more than 50%, and the conflict is growing more intense each day.

Thank you for your help. Joseph

UPDATE May 2nd, 2022 –

ROB INTERVIEWS JOSEPH NICHOLS OF “KEEP THE KIDS LEARNING” FROM UKRAINE – Rob caught up with Joseph via zoom, while Joseph was making a quick trip to Chicago to pick up some medical supplies to take back to Ukraine.

• Tags help ukraine , help4ukraine , kyiv , let freedom ring , medical supplies , nato , putin , raw travel , refugee education , refugees , russian invasion , stop putin , tragedy , ukraine , war , war crimes

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Ukraine’s foreign minister kuleba resigns as russian strikes kill 7 people in lviv.

Ukraine’s foreign minister submitted his resignation Wednesday ahead of a major government reshuffle – as a Russian airstrike took out seven people in the latest aerial assault from the Kremlin.

Dmytro Kuleba, 43, one of Kyiv’s most recognizable faces in the international stage, stepped down from his position just a day after four other Cabinet ministers handed in their resignation in the biggest government reshuffle since the war began.

Kuleba, who has served as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s most valuable advocate since the Russian invasion, did not state a reason for his departure.

In July, Kubela became the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit China amid the war to ask Beijing’s help to push Russia toward a cease-fire.

It remains unclear who will replace him as the Kremlin continues its steady advance in Ukraine.

Several Ukrainian outlets, citing unmanned sources, suggested Kubela’s deputy, Andril Sybiha, would take up the role as Kyiv’s chief diplomat to accompany Zelensky on his latest trip to the UN next week.

Zelensky had indicated last week that a major reshuffle of his administration was imminent as the war nears its 1,000-day mark. The Ukrainian president said Wednesday that his country needed “new energy, and that includes in diplomacy.”

Davyd Arakhamiia, a leader of Zelensky’s party in the Ukrainian parliament, said more than half the current Cabinet will undergo changes, with the new appointments expected to be announced on Thursday.

The government shakeup comes as a major Russian strike hit the city of Lviv on Wednesday, a western area far from the front-lines and near the border with NATO member Poland.

The strike killed at least seven people and injured another 52, according to Ukraine’s Rescue Service. The attack was carried out with a Kinzhal missile and drones, which targeted Kyiv’s defense industry, the Kremlin said.

Liv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi disputed the claim as he shared photos to the press of a mother and three daughters who were killed when their home was struck in the attack.

The European Youth Forum, a platform of the continent’s youth organizations, confirmed the death of the oldest daughter, Yaryna, 21.

“We will neither forget nor forgive” the attack, her colleagues said in a Facebook post.

During his last official duties as Ukraine’s foreign minister, Kuleba said Wednesday’s attack demonstrated yet again the need for the West to support his nation.

“To put an end to this terror, Ukraine’s partners must promptly deliver the promised air defense systems and ammunition, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and allow us to launch long-range strikes on all legitimate military targets in Russia,” he wrote on X.

Wednesday’s attack took place just a day after two ballistic missiles destroyed a military academy and a nearby hospital in eastern-central Ukraine, killing 53 people and leaving nearly 300 others injured, Ukrainian officials said.

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My Summer In Ukraine

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Raw Travel Ukraine

Opinion polls and social media likes do not inform our moral compass..

Thank you for visiting RawTravelUkraine.com. My name is Robert G. Rose.

I've been an independent media entrepreneur for most of my career. My company, AIM TV Group , prides itself on creating " media that matters ."

I began traveling several years ago, producing a blog about punk music worldwide and creating a record label from those travels. This eventually led me to produce Raw Travel TV , which is in its 11th season and has been the most-watched authentic travel show on U.S. commercial television for most of that time. Our mantra is " empathy = strength."

I've visited Ukraine five times, including two times after the full Russian invasion. My most recent visit was in the summer of 2023. I filmed "My Summer in Ukraine," a four-part documentary series that will debut on Raw Travel the weekend of April 27, 2024, through May 19, 2024 .

The series will then be reformatted as a feature-length documentary film before making the film festival circuit.

I've also visited Russia (2010), Russian Occupied South Ossetia, Georgia (2019), and several post-Soviet states where I have many friends and relationships. These travels and relationships made me curious to learn more about Ukraine's unique history and geopolitical concerns surrounding Russia.                                

The history of Ukraine is long and fascinating and   I am still learning, but every day is a massive undertaking of absorbing content from credible sources. I wish to share this knowledge to better inform others of the geopolitical, cultural, and historical issues surrounding Ukraine. Hence, this website.

HOW TO HELP UKRAINE

This site was initially launched as a simple blog in early 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion to raise funds for our friends and refugees in Ukraine.

The redesigned site you are browsing now is dedicated to supporting Ukraine by sharing research, resources, and various ways to support Ukraine, from monetary to volunteering and from military to political.

We've outlined four significant ways to take action, including DONATE (not just your money but your expertise or time or simple moral support), ADVOCATE (politically and on social media), EDUCATE yourself and others (recommend books, publications, movies, etc., that are vital tools to combatting Russian propaganda and disinformation) and HIRE (resources for hiring Ukrainian talent and companies)

Continue to visit this site for Ukraine news and ideas for supporting Ukraine

Even after this horrific war, there will be much to do for years to aid Ukraine. From helping refugees to amputees and the wounded to the traumatized children and adults to the clean-up of mined territory and rebuilding of bombed buildings, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, the list is long.

In other words, this site will grow and evolve over time as Ukraine's needs change, but we are here for the long haul.

Donate money to support Ukraine. Click here to learn more about how to donate money to Ukraine

Advocate for Ukraine. Click here to learn more about how to advocate for Ukraine.

Educate about Ukraine. Click here to learn more about Ukraine and how to educate others.

Hire to help Ukraine. Click here to help Ukraine by hiring.

UKRAINE CENTERED CONTENT

One primary goal is to amplify the efforts of the many people and grassroots organizations doing so much to help support Ukraine during this difficult time while educating and fighting back against Russian-sponsored disinformation and propaganda that has taken hold worldwide, but especially in the United States and infected our political discourse.

Stay educated on what life is like in Ukraine today.  I invite you to check out the site's different content sections, including our VIDEOS channel, which will be updated with new relevant content frequently, along with some new interviews. By visiting regularly, you can stay apprised of the current situation in Ukraine at any point in time.

Please check out our Blog Section, where you can follow my blog posts and Guest Bloggers, U.S. Marine and Humanitarian Mark Cary and U.S. Expatriate humanitarian in Ukraine Joseph Nichols .

Their posts can offer essential historical records in almost real-time documentary evidence of the history of this most crucial issue of our time.

Along those lines, please visit our HALL OF FAME page, acknowledging just a few of the many people and organizations sacrificing so Ukraine can be free. It will be updated frequently.

Sadly, we find it necessary to host the HALL OF SHAME , which calls out the spineless, compromised, or confused individuals or organizations that, purposely or not, amplify Russian propaganda and lies or are helping Putin continue his campaign of murder in other ways.

                          BOOK A MEDIA INTERVIEW, SPEAKER, OR GUEST                                 WITH UKRAINE EXPERTISE AND  FIRST-HAND INSIGHTS

If you need a speaker or presenter for your event or organization, or need Ukrainian expertise for your media outlet, with personal knowledge of, and experience related to Russia's current war in Ukraine, please check out our CONTACT/BOOKING page where we have a curated list of impressive and articulate speakers with unique, credible first-hand insights and expertise into Ukraine.   

I have been a featured on many media interviews as well as a featured speaker, panelist, and presenter at numerous conferences worldwide for years. To view some of our most recent media interviews, please visit our  PRESS page.

LET US HEAR YOUR VOICE!

If you have a collaboration or some other thoughts on how we can help Ukraine, or want to reach us for any other reason, please visit our CONTACT page to say "hello." Even simple words of encouragement are welcome and provide a much-needed morale boost.

As we expressed above, when Russia's war on Ukraine concludes, there will be much work to be done to ensure casualties of the war have what they need to get back on their feet, both physically and emotionally. Those of us who are committed to supporting Ukraine, and want to help, have a long journey still ahead of us!

EVEN THE SMALLEST EFFORTS TO SUPPORT UKRAINE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE:  One of the purposes of disinformation is to demoralize and silence those working for the greater good. We will never be silent, and there are many more good people than the relatively small number of evil but vocal few. Let us hear your voice!

Along those lines, please follow us on our social media channels with links at the bottom of the page and help us spread the word about this page by sharing it on your social media.

Together, Ukraine, peace, freedom and democracy will prevail. Slava Ukraini!

"Imagine a peaceful and beautiful world. Then go make it possible." - Robert G. Rose

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Big, diverse and largely undiscovered, Ukraine is one of Europe’s last genuine travel frontiers, a nation rich in colourful tradition, warm-hearted people and off-the-map experiences.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

St Sophia's Cathedral

The interior is the most astounding aspect of Kyiv's oldest standing church. Many of the mosaics and frescoes are original, dating back to 1017–31, when…

Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra

Tourists and Orthodox pilgrims alike flock to the Lavra, set on 28 hectares of grassy hills above the Dnipro River in Pechersk. It's easy to see why…

Lychakivsky Cemetery

Don't leave town until you've seen this amazing 42-hectare cemetery, only a short ride on tram 7 from the centre. This is the Père Lachaise of Eastern…

Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Be it celebration or revolution, whenever Ukrainians want to get together – and they often do – 'Maidan' is the nation's meeting point. The square saw pro…

St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

Looking from St Sophia's past the Bohdan Khmelnytsky statue, it's impossible to ignore the gold-domed blue church at the other end of proyizd Volodymyrsky…

Skvorechnik

It's hard to characterise this beachfront hippie haven on Trukhaniv Island. It derives its name from the smattering of raised wooden chill-out huts that…

National Museum and Memorial to the Victims of Occupation

This infamous building on vul Bryullova was used as a prison by the Poles, Nazis and communists in turn, but the small and very moving exhibition over two…

Museum of Political Prisoners

Western Ukraine

A block back from bul Shevchenka, this former KGB prison is where several prominent members of UPA and OUN were held, tortured and shot in the years of…

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Ukraine Travel Advisory

Travel advisory may 22, 2023, ukraine - level 4: do not travel.

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts.

The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.

There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email [email protected] for assistance. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas . U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passports, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries .

On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each province (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections, among other measures. Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Many in the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, do not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea in 2014, nor the September 2022 purported annexation of four other Ukrainian oblasts -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. There are also abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s occupation.

Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine severely restricts the Embassy’s access and ability to provide services in these areas, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – to the extent possible given security conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ukraine.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps:

• Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first and how they should share the information.
• Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

If you are currently in Ukraine:

• Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
• Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices related to your travel.
• Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
• Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas .

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War in focus as Ukrainian Fashion Week returns

STORY: :: Ukrainian Fashion Week takes place for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion

:: Kyiv, Ukraine

:: September 2, 2024

:: Ihor Sidletskiy, Ukrainian designer

"The theme of the war was reflected through the internal component, that is, we showed the pain of people, the pain of women, because our collection is about them. And our collections in general are about them. We have women's clothes and we reflect on all these events through our clothes. This was reflected in some complex decor and in complex shapes. So we showed this pain, this suffering and strength through line design and different shapes."

:: Gloria Vyshnevetska, attendee

"This shows that we are unbreakable. It shows that we are going to victory. It shows that we are working for victory. That we have wings, and these wings - even though they try to cut them a little bit - we spread them and fly forward."

As local designers presented their latest spring-summer 2025 collections, some of them shared how the war influenced their fashion creations.

"The theme of the war was reflected through the internal component," Ukrainian designer, Ihor Sidletskiy said as his collection was shown on Monday (September 2).

He added that the event is important for the creative industry, as it’s not only about the fashion show, but the contribution to the country's economy.

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Ukraine mounted the daring incursion into Russian territory in early August, marking humiliation in the war for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian fighter pilot, whose call sign is Karaya, used an American-provided munition system that is engineered to work with Ukraine's Soviet-era MiGs to complete his mission.

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In April 2023, Karaya spoke with Scripps News about the risk of flying in areas protected by Russian air defenses.

"Entering the air defense zone means there's a high chance of being destroyed," he said. "We do work in the areas covered by the anti-aircraft defenses at extremely low altitudes. Flying at the lowest safe height above the terrain, we're able to get close to the front line."

RELATED STORY | Ukraine's foreign minister resigns as part of Zelenskyy's wartime reshuffle

Karaya became legendary in 2022 after shooting down five Russian drones that threatened a Ukrainian city before ejecting from his debris-damaged aircraft. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented him with the prestigious Hero of Ukraine award.

Scripps News reached out to Ukraine's air force to ask whether Karaya's mission in Kursk required him to fly into Russian airspace, but officials declined to comment on the operational details.

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Raw Travel Presents – “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine!”

RAW TRAVEL TV TO HELP FREEDOM RING IN UKRAINE!

Multifaceted media campaign poised to help ukraine for the “long haul” –.

  NEW YORK, NY: June 1 st , 2022  –  AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) , producers of the nation’s most-watched travel show,  Raw Travel®,  announced  “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine”  to help Ukrainian refugees. The multi-platform and multi-faceted initiative will provide grassroots, long-term financial, and tangible assistance to externally and internally displaced Ukrainian refugees and citizens affected by the Russian invasion.

In June, producer, and host,  Robert G. Rose  will be filming in Paris, France, and then at the border of Poland and Ukraine with Raw Travel videographer and displaced Ukrainian refugee  Anastasia Zui . Conditions permitting, they hope to go into Ukraine embedded with  “Keep the Kids Learning”  and “ Help 4 Ukraine,”  two small, independent organizations founded by American logistics engineer  Joseph Nichols,  living in Ukraine, and other Expatriates. The grassroots organizations are dedicated to helping keep Ukrainian refugee children and teachers in school and moving needed medicines and medical supplies from the US and Europe into Ukraine.

On  July 2nd and 3rd,   2022 just before USA Independence Day, Raw Travel will premiere a special episode entitled “ Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine.”  The special will feature updated, relevant Ukrainian segments that showcase the country before the 2022 invasion, along with updated narration and ways viewers can help. The episode will re-air  on August 27th-28th. 

“Raw Travel offered valuable context to viewers when filming in Ukraine and the border areas of Russian-occupied Georgia in 2019,” said  Robert G. Rose, Executive Producer and Host  of the series. “Given our past coverage of Russian aggression’s consequences in both Georgia and Ukraine, we feel we can offer a unique perspective,” Rose continued. “I think we can show a different, potentially more uplifting angle of this tragedy that may inspire people to help the many good folks and organizations helping Ukraine on the ground, long after the raw emotion of Russia’s 2022 invasion has subsided, but the need persists.”

The  “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine” effort has already begun in a limited capacity with on-air billboards and social media posts encouraging viewers to visit

RawTravelGiveBack.com . The special web page is a constantly evolving, dedicated entry point for concerned viewers. There, they can get updates about Ukrainians featured in the show and donate directly to vetted organizations or buy specially designed Raw Travel “Let Freedom Ring in Ukraine” merchandise (shirts, mugs, glasses, etc.) benefitting the efforts of these organizations.

Raw Travel’s milestone Season 10 begins September 19th, 2022.

A trailer of Raw Travel’s Let Freedom Ring episode can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl88AHSCsGo

  ABOUT RAW TRAVEL TV

Raw Travel is an adventure travel & lifestyle series showcasing socially and environmentally aware, independent travel. The series weaves together themes of eco-tourism and voluntourism (giving back) with underground music and authentic culture in a unique way. Each weekend the show is seen in 174 U.S. cities on major broadcast affiliates and several international territories (Asia, Africa, Europe…). It can also be found on several major airlines. AIM Tell-A-Vision Group produces the show and oversees its domestic and international distribution. Visit  RawTravel.tv  for more information.

ABOUT AIM TELL-A-VISION GROUP

AIM Tell-A-Vision (AIM TV) Group is an independent production, content, and distribution company founded by media veteran and entrepreneur Robert G. Rose. Since 2000, AIM TV has been producing and distributing positive, compelling content that reflects a mission of presenting “Media That Matters.” Visit  AIMTVGroup.com  for more information.

ABOUT KEEP THE KIDS LEARNING AND CARE 4 UKRAINE

Joseph Nichols is a US Citizen and logistics expert that has lived and worked in Ukraine since 2014. He and other US Expatriates are raising money for medical supplies and medicines distributed to Internally Displaced People (IDPs – Ukrainians displaced within Ukraine). They are also purchasing computers, books, and supplies to set up learning centers in Lviv, Ukraine, for children that the conflict has displaced. They have established transport lines across the Ukrainian/Polish border into most areas of the country and have received donations of supplies, equipment, and medicines. They are also offering space on trucks to other aid groups. Visit  https://gofund.me/13be73ab  and  https://gofund.me/06fa1840  for more information on Keep The Kids Learning and Care 4 Ukraine.

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Wearing prosthetics, Ukraine war veterans take to the runway as fashion week returns

Ukrainian war veterans with prosthetic limbs have taken to the runway in Kyiv as the country's fashion week returned home for the first time since the Russian invasion in 2022

KYIV, Ukraine -- Fashion shows have returned to Ukraine with a striking statement: war veterans — both men and women — walking the runway with prosthetic limbs.

Ukrainian Fashion Week is being held for the first time since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, with the headline event on Tuesday in Kyiv featuring these veterans.

As attendees applauded the models, dressed by Ukrainian designers Andreas Moskin and Andriy Bilous, news broke that dozens of people were killed in a Russian missile strike at a military training facility and a nearby hospital in Poltava, about 350 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Kyiv.

“We wanted to show that Ukrainian fashion is adapting to society, for people with amputations who survived the war,” Bilous told The Associated Press. “We are showing that people are unbreakable — without limbs, they can be stylish. They need to be loved, respected, and perceived as an integral part of society.”

Bilous said that he was happy to present his collection at home for the first time in three years. Fashion shows in London, Berlin, Vienna and other European cities had hosted Ukrainian designs while the Kyiv event remained closed.

As models rotated through a spacious dressing and makeup room, they passed numerous reminders of the war: a series of portraits of service members in uniform who are part of the fashion industry, and a display area of military uniforms placed at the center of the exhibition.

A black jacket created by the designer Maria Starchak bears an embroidered design of the Mariupol drama theater, in southern Ukraine, where a large number of civilians were killed in a 2022 Russian airstrike . The site was being used as an air raid shelter.

Iryna Danylevska, co-founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week, said that the four-day event was aimed at supporting the local industry and also reminding the world of the human cost of war.

“We are trying to keep the voice of Ukraine heard constantly in the world,” Danylevska told the AP.

“If people are tired of the way politicians sound, tired of pictures where houses are destroyed, where soldiers are wounded, then this new information carries a new message,” she said. “It’s a message that this is a country of talented people who are being destroyed just because they want to be Ukrainians. Shouldn’t we help them?”

Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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News Wrap: Suspected school shooter and father arraigned in Georgia courtroom

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In our news wrap Friday, the teenager charged with killing four in a Georgia school shooting made his first court appearance, Southern California is sweltering in the peak of a late-summer heat wave, the White House called on Israel to investigate the death of an American in the occupied West Bank and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the U.S. will provide additional weapons to Ukraine.

Read the Full Transcript

Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.

Geoff Bennett:

And we start the day's other headlines inside a Georgia courtroom.

The teenager charged in Wednesday's shooting at Apalachee High School that killed four people made his first court appearance today, and so did his father. The two were arranged separately in back-to-back hearings, while families of the victims were seated in the front row. The suspect's father, Colin Gray, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder for providing a firearm to his son while knowing he was a threat to himself and others.

The 14-year-old suspect will be tried as an adult. Both will remain in custody after their lawyers decided not to seek bail.

Southern California is sweltering in the peak of a late summer heat wave today, with some places expected to soar above 110 degrees. Excessive heat warnings are in effect until Monday with triple-digit temperatures on deck all weekend. That fits with a global pattern of hot weather, with data out today showing it's been the hottest summer ever recorded worldwide.

The European climate service Copernicus says that puts 2024 on track to be the warmest year observed in human history. Scientists mostly attribute the heat to human-caused climate change.

The White House is calling on Israel to investigate the death of an American citizen in the occupied West Bank today. Witnesses say the 26-year-old woman was shot by Israeli troops during an anti-settlement protest. Doctors say she was struck in the head and later died in a hospital.

In a statement, the IDF wrote that its forces — quote — "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks" and that it's looking into reports that a foreign national was killed.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. officials are gathering more information on what happened.

Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State: We deplore this tragic loss. I have no higher priority than the safety and protection of American citizens around the world, wherever they are, something I take with the utmost seriousness. So, if we have more info, we will share it, make it available, and, as necessary, we will act on.

That comes as Israel appears to have withdrawn from several West Bank refugee camps after a military operation that lasted more than a week and left dozens dead.

Residents of the Jenin camp describe the destruction as the worst they have ever seen. Israel says it was targeting militants to curb attacks against its civilians.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the U.S. will provide $250 million in additional weapons to Ukraine. Austin made the announcement in Germany today, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again pushed for permission to use long-range weapons to strike targets deeper inside Russia. U.S. officials fear such attacks could escalate the war.

Speaking to reporters today, Secretary Austin defended the administration's position.

Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense: We have said all along, U.S. there's no one capability that will in and of itself be decisive in this campaign. Each time, we point out that it's not just one thing. It's a combination of capabilities and how you integrate those capabilities to achieve objectives.

The meeting comes after a series of Russian airstrikes this week, including today's missile attack on the city of Pavlohrad in the eastern part of the country. Regional officials there say at least 50 people were injured.

The Chinese government says it will no longer allow international adoptions of its children, except in the case of blood relatives adopting a child or stepchild. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson gave few details, except to say the decision is in line with the spirit of relevant international conventions. More than 160,000 Chinese children have been adopted by overseas families since 1992.

About half of those were by Americans. The U.S. State Department says it's seeking clarification how the decision will affect hundreds of American families with pending applications.

And on Wall Street, stocks tumbled after the latest jobs report sparked new worries about the U.S. economy. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped more than 400 points, or about 1 percent. The Nasdaq fell more than 400 points and is now more than 10 percent off its record highs. The S&P 500 closed out its worst week since March of 2023.

And it's the sprint to the finish for the Paralympic Games in Paris. The Closing Ceremony is on Sunday. Today saw some impressive performances. British cycling star Sarah Storey added a 19th gold medal to her, got to say it, storied career. The 46-year-old actually won her first Paralympic gold as a swimmer at the Barcelona Games back in 1992.

China set a new world record in the qualifying heat in the 4×100-meter universal relay. They went on to win gold in the event, which features two men and two women, each with different disabilities. And Team USA's Hunter Woodhall took home gold in the men's 400 meter. His wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, herself a gold medalist in the Paris Games, was there to cheer him on.

And a passing of note. Celebrated Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes has died. The Grammy-winning pianist, songwriter and arranger was one of the country's biggest stars, bringing bossa nova to a global audience. His biggest hit was a cover of the song "Mas Que Nada" with his group Brasil '66. Mendes was still performing in 2023, but spent months dealing with the effects of long COVID before his death.

Sergio Mendes was 83 years old.

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