“Dare to Ukraine” is a travel documentary series produced by The Kyiv Independent that challenges the dominant narrative of Ukraine as merely a country at war. At a time when most global audiences learn about Ukraine through battlefield updates and geopolitical coverage, this project offers a new lens — one that captures the depth, resilience, and vibrancy of a country fighting not only for survival but for its identity, culture, and future.
Over six episodes, “Dare to Ukraine” takes viewers on a journey across Ukraine, showcasing the country’s rich heritage, creative communities, and breathtaking landmarks. Shot entirely during summer 2024 by a Ukrainian team of journalists and filmmakers, the series blends travel journalism with human storytelling, highlighting everyday life and personal narratives that rarely make international headlines. The series covered Lviv, the Carpathians, Odesa, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chornobyl — cities and areas chosen for their historical, cultural, and emotional significance.
Produced with a deep commitment to editorial integrity and local perspective, the series features conversations with Ukrainians who speak honestly about their roots, their cities, and how they’re navigating the impact of war without losing connection to joy, tradition, and forward momentum. The tone is both emotionally resonant and visually cinematic — designed to inspire empathy, curiosity, and engagement far beyond traditional news coverage.
With English subtitles and international distribution through YouTube and social media, “Dare to Ukraine” reached more than 500,000 viewers globally. The series was created specifically with an international audience in mind — people who may have heard of Ukraine but never seen it, or only understand it through the lens of conflict. By positioning Ukraine as a travel destination worth discovering — not someday, but even now — the project reclaims the narrative of a nation that refuses to be defined solely by war. Viewers and readers of The Kyiv Independent could also explore the series through an immersive landing page that offers behind-the-scenes context, bonus visuals, and episode highlights.
What sets “Dare to Ukraine” apart is its innovative fusion of journalism, travel storytelling, and cultural documentation under extreme conditions. The production team traveled and filmed under the constant threat of air raids, navigating military checkpoints and infrastructural instability, making the creation of each episode an act of both creative and logistical courage. Yet the tone remains inviting, hopeful, and unflinchingly real, celebrating Ukraine’s complexity while acknowledging its current challenges.
This project exemplifies The Kyiv Independent’s mission: to bring honest, independent, and deeply human journalism from Ukraine to the world.
