When Russia invaded Ukraine, Orest Zub’s life took an unexpected turn. As the conflict engulfed his homeland, his once-thriving business as a travel content creator on YouTube, faced its own battle.
But Orest found a new purpose, a mission to tell the world about what is happening on the ground in Ukraine and create international connections. And now he wants to invite the world to his country. As a part of NomadMania, he’s organizing a tour to Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.
In this episode, we will…
- Uncover the deep-seated impacts of the Ukraine conflict on the nation and its people.
- Gain insights into the crucial importance of global support towards Ukraine’s growth and prosperity.
- Acquire knowledge on the multifaceted effects of the war impacting various aspects of life in Ukraine.
- Learn the necessary safety and security protocols when considering travel to Ukraine during these tumultuous times.
Meet Ores Zub … again
The first time I met Orest and had him as a guest on The Radio Vagabond was in May 2022. Now he’s back on the show to talk about the current situation in Ukraine – because he’s a big part of organizing a tour with NomadMania to his country. So, I will ask him the question that is on everyone’s mind:
“Is it really safe to visit Ukraine during a war? “
We will also be talking about safety is the different parts of the country, as the NomadMania tour will go to in Lviv, Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Understanding the War
Orest Zub is a Ukrainian man who has a deep understanding of the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian conflict. From the heart of Lviv in Western Ukraine, he talks about living in Ukraine during the ongoing war. He has seen first-hand how people’s determination and resilience surge in times of adversity.
When I had Orest on the podcast 15 month ago he hoped the war would be over within a year. Now he predicts that the war in Ukraine will not be confined within Ukrainian borders, foreseeing potential conflicts in Crimea, Belarus, and other regions. He also mentions the possibility of Russia facing internal challenges in the future.
Adapting to the New Reality
Every conflict brings about sweeping changes in the landscape it touches, physically and metaphorically. The war in Ukraine is no different. With every passing day, one gets further from the familiar world and is forced to navigate a new reality shaped by destruction, displacement, and deep trauma. Yet, there has always been a human tendency to adapt, to persist, and to make the most of whatever situation one finds oneself in. In my conversation with Orest, he beautifully captures this spirit of adaptability. As he talks about his people’s determination and the importance of making the best out of a difficult situation, we get a real sense of the resilience that permeates the Ukrainian war-struck society. It’s a testament to their unyielding spirit, despite the horrors of the conflict.
Fighting the Information War
Orest’s role in the conflict is to spread the news to the world by speaking at conferences and through his YouTube channel. Also, he does media support and being interviewed – like on this podcast.
He explains that supporting one soldier at the front line requires a network of at least 15 people in the rear for various forms of support, emphasizing that the war in Ukraine is a multifaceted and complicated issue.
When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, he saw this as a calling to fight for his country. Not by shooting with a gun at the frontline but with a camera and a microphone. He changed the focus of his YouTube channel from travel to reporting about the situation in Ukraine and the impact of the Russian invasion. He also travels around the world, speaking at conferences and events, establishing, and strengthening international connections for Ukraine.
NomadMania Tour to Ukraine
He’s also a part of the NomadMania staff. It’s an online community for extreme travellers, where you can tick off where you’ve been in the world. They also do an Award Show, and this year they are taking this offline for the first time and having the event in Ukraine in October this year. The award show is where the most remarkable travellers will be awarded for their achievements.This will be a combination of a conference and gala event which will take place in a special underground bunker venue.
Orest is taking the lead on planning this, and also a tour to different parts of Ukraine:
“I truly believe that the success of Ukraine depends on western presence in Ukraine. So, one of my recent major activities, of what I’m doing, is that I try to attract as many people as possible into Ukraine.”
Orest believes that a part of Ukraine’s succession lies in its connections with the Western world. He’s a realist but also has a lot of optimism and works tirelessly to see his homeland flourish once again.
Organizing tours to Ukraine is not new to Orest Zub. He had a travel agency that had to close when Russia invaded Crimea in 2014 – and people thought that the whole of the country was a dangerous place
Visiting a Country at War? Really?
Ukraine is chosen as the location because of its unique historical context and logistical feasibility. The award show will be held in an underground bunker in Lviv, with additional options to visit other areas in Ukraine, such as Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Obviously, the closer you get to the Russian border, the more dangerous it gets. So, I asked Orest to talk about this.
Safety, particularly in a conflict zone, can be a relative term. While danger is palpable, daily life continues, underscoring people’s resilience. Despite their precarious situation, these cities continue to function – a testament to the spirit of their inhabitants.
Listening to Orest’s account of life in these cities is fascinating. He talks about the peaceful life in Lviv and people going on with their daily life despite two recent missile attacks. Also, that the capital, Kyiv, is more of a target but has the protection systems in place. And the spirit of Kharkiv, despite its proximity to the Russian border.
His words paint a picture of a war-torn country where people still strive to live as best, they can, highlighting not just the relentless onslaught of war but also the indomitable spirit of its people.
Would you go?
Send me a voice message and let me know what you think.
Safety in Lviv
Lviv is the largest city of Western Ukraine. Being located far from the frontline, it plays a crucial role as the main logistical hub of the country. For example, during the initial months of the full-scale war, over 50,000 refugees and internally displaced people transited through the city.
Because of its position 1000 km from the front line, Lviv is considered somewhat a safe haven. Life on the streets might look somehow normal like nothing is happening. So, many events and high-profile meetings take place in Lviv due to its strategic position only 1 hour drive away from the EU and NATO border.
Despite it being so far away from the front line, Lviv has experienced missile attacks in recent months. However, the attacks are isolated incidents, and the city continues to function normally with minimal street crime. The overall risk to individuals is lower than the risk of traffic accidents.
Safety in Kyiv
Founded in the 5th century, Kyiv is the cradle of East Slavic civilisation. The city is a remarkable metropolis which is standing strong during its toughest times in recent history.
The NomadMania visit will be mostly focused on Kyiv’s landmarks and understanding the history of Ukraine. They will also try to arrange a meeting with local authorities and community leaders.
Kyiv, being capital and strategically significant, is a more desired target for attacks. However, the city is well-protected with an Iron Dome-like system, resulting in most missiles or drones being intercepted. The attacks may occur more frequently, but casualties are minimized.
Safety in Kharkiv
Kharkiv is the second largest city of Ukraine with a prewar population over 1,5 million residents. The city is located closer to the Russian border, experienced intense battles during the early stages of the war. The frontline and active fighting was concentrated along the outskirts of the city for several months. So, the downtown of Kharkiv is badly damaged, but the city has seen improvements and a return to normalcy, and the local residents are doing their best to keep the city running, showing remarkable resilience.
I heard in the news that Ukraine authorities have ordered civilians to evacuate nearly 12,000 civilians from 37 towns and villages near the north-eastern front line in the Kharkiv region as the Russians have been advancing. But that’s two hours away, and not in the city itself.
Overland Travel to Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has restricted air travel, so now the overland routes from neighbouring EU countries like Poland are becoming the way to enter if you want to visit Ukraine. Orest suggests entering Ukraine by train from Poland and emphasizes that the EU borders are open and functional. He also talks about his own experience crossing the border by foot.
Despite the ongoing conflict, he assures us that it is not only possible to visit Ukraine but also a unique experience in understanding the resilience of the Ukrainian people. His words serve as a call-to-action, inviting everyone to participate in an upcoming NomadMania tour and event in October 2023.
Key Moments
01:01 – Spontaneous Decision to Attend Bansko NomadFest
Orest shares how he made a last-minute decision to attend the Bansko festival in Bulgaria, highlighting the convenience of being in Istanbul and having a free ticket as a former speaker.
03:04 – The Complexity of War in Ukraine
Orest explains his role in the conflict and that supporting one soldier at the front line requires a network of at least 15 people in the rear for various forms of support, emphasizing that the war in Ukraine is a multifaceted and complicated issue.
10:45 – The End of the War in Ukraine
When I had Orest on the podcast 15 month ago he hoped the war would be over within a year. Now he predicts that the war in Ukraine will not be confined within Ukrainian borders, foreseeing potential conflicts in Crimea, Belarus, and other regions. He also mentions the possibility of Russia facing internal challenges in the future.
15:59 – Adapting to the New Reality
Orest encourages accepting and adapting to the new reality in Ukraine, acknowledging the need to learn how to live during ongoing conflict and uncertainty. He also highlights the significant refugee and migration movement in the country.
19:20 – The Significance of Ukraine
Ukraine is chosen as the location for the event due to its unique historical context and logistical feasibility. The event will be held in an underground bunker in Lviv, with additional options to visit other areas in Ukraine, such as Kyiv and Kharkiv.
21:15 – Safety in Lviv
Despite being 1000 km from the front line, Lviv has experienced missile attacks in recent months. However, the attacks are isolated incidents, and the city continues to function normally with minimal street crime. The overall risk to individuals is lower than the risk of traffic accidents.
25:53 – Safety in Kyiv
Kyiv, being capital and strategically significant, is a more desired target for attacks. However, the city is well-protected with an Iron Dome-like system, resulting in most missiles or drones being intercepted. The attacks may occur more frequently, but casualties are minimized.
27:35 – Situation in Kharkiv
Kharkiv, located closer to the Russian border, experienced intense battles during the early stages of the war. However, the city has seen improvements and a return to normalcy. While there have been evacuations in some frontline areas, life continues in other parts of Kharkiv.
33:05 – Differentiating News Reports
It is essential to differentiate between news reports of attacks occurring in urban areas and more rural areas. Explosions in heavily populated cities have a significantly different impact than
34:17 – The NomadMania Tour
Orest says that it’s not without risk, but that they will keep it as safe as possible and stay away from “dark tourism-spots”.
37:21 – Limited Spots on the Kharkiv Tour
Limited spots are available for part of the NomadMania tour to Kharkiv. Check NomadMania.com for availability. A small group will be going to Kharkiv before returning to Kyiv and joining a larger group for the main event in Lviv.
38:17 – Overland Travel to Ukraine
Due to the closure of Ukrainian airports, entry into Ukraine can only be done overland. EU borders are open, and individuals can enter Ukraine by train, bus, or simply walk across the border. The most convenient way is to fly into Poland and take a train to the border town of Przemyśl.
40:00 – All are Welcome to the NomadMania Event
The NomadMania event in Ukraine is open to everyone, regardless of their travel experience. While there will be participants who have visited every country in the world, the event aims to create a friendly community and showcase the best of Ukraine.
41:06 – Preparing for the Event and Showcasing Ukraine
Orest Zub is working hard to prepare for the event and present the best of what his country has to offer. The event is a response to the support and embraces Ukraine has received, with the goal of making the world a better place together.
Links
- Stay informed about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for the region by following Orest Zub’s YouTube channel for videos about the war in Ukraine.
- Experience the determination and inspiration of the Ukrainian people first-hand and consider participating in the NomadMania tour to Ukraine in October, organized by Orest Zub and the rest of the NomadMania team. Watch the video about the tour.
- Would you go to Ukraine right now? Join the conversation on The Radio Vagabond’s Facebook page.
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