Dare to Ukraine | Lviv, the ultimate first stop to experience Ukraine

For the first episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we journey to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, known for its magnificent architecture, lively streets, and delicious cuisine. Since its founding in the 13th century, Lviv has flourished under various empires until the Soviet occupation in the 20th century, and now stands as a beacon of the Ukrainian spirit. Join our host, Masha Lavrova, as she uncovers the many layers of this captivating city.

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00:00 - Introduction
02:26 - Lviv: The largest city in western Ukraine
03:33 - Exploring the weekend market at Rynok Square
05:30 - Behind-the-scenes at the Lviv National Opera
12:42 - Dare to Ukraine challenge
13:45 - Cooking traditional vorshmak and Lviv palianytsia with locals
25:07 - Must-try foods and experiences in Lviv
25:40 - Lviv street art tour
33:47 - Lychakiv Cemetery: one of Europe’s oldest and largest cemeteries
39:19 - Savoring Ukraine’s victory
44:00 - Conclusion and next steps
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“Dare to Ukraine,” produced by The Kyiv Independent, is more than just a travel show — it’s an invitation to explore Ukraine beyond the wartime headlines in the media. Through Masha’s adventures, you’ll see the beauty, culture, and resilience of a nation that continues to thrive despite adversity.

Team:

Executive producer: Gaygysyz Geldiyev
Editor: Toma Istomina
Director: Tetiana Koronkova
Host & scriptwriter: Masha Lavrova
Line producer: Valeriia Snopkova
Camera persons: Oleksii Matiushenko, Maryna Vereshchaka, Olena Zashko
Video editor: Alexander Zabolotnyi
Motion designer: Dana Loboda


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Places & people in this episode:
Lviv National Opera: https://opera.lviv.ua/en
Lolia Landa – Instagram: @lola_queen_of_herring
Marianna Dushar – Instagram: @panistefa
Vidro.ua: https://vidro.lviv.ua
Lychakiv cemetery: https://lviv-lychakiv.com.ua/en
Pretty High Kitchen – Instagram: @prettyhighkitchen
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“Dare to Ukraine” is open for commercial partnership/sponsorship! Contact us today at [email protected] to talk to the sales team and learn about commercial partnership opportunities.

The Kyiv Independent E-store: https://store.kyivindependent.com/

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Additional footage:
Getty Images
Wikimedia Commons