Ukraine has dropped off the tourism radar because of the nasty on-again/off-again war with Russia to the south and east. But most of the country remains safe. Besides, there's no denying it's a gorgeous place to sightsee, especially the tourist-friendly capital city of Kiev.
Kiev's central Maidan Square with a view of Ukraine's Independence Monument across the street.
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Closeup of Ukraine's Independence Monument in front of the Ukraine Hotel.
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More shots from around Maidan Square.
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Kiev Founders Monument.
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This just might be one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen: the 1000+ year old St Sophia's Cathedral.
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Looking down on Sophia Square from atop the St Sophia Cathedral bell tower.
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Sophia Square.
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St Michael's Monastery.
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Princess Olga Monument, unveiled in 1911 to commemorate the first and only woman to have ruled the Ukrainian state, from 945 to 962.
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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Kiev from the front seat of a taxi cab.
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Open-air war museum at the base of the Motherland Monument.
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Socialist realist stone carvings at the base of the Motherland Monument. Soldiers and workers striving together for the collective.
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Massive "Defend the Motherland" monument in Kiev.
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Map of Ukraine made from flowers in the Motherland Monument park.
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The nearly 1000 year old awesomeness that is the Kiev Pechersk Lavra UNESCO World Heritage site.
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The stunning interior of the Dormition Cathedral. Pictures were not allowed inside, but I managed to snap off a quick couple shot before the docents spotted me.
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View of the Dormition Cathedral from the top of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra bell tower.
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Refectory Church, Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
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"Glory to the heroes" at a makeshift memorial next to Maidan Square.
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View of Kiev and the Dnieper River blow from the city's Sky Park.
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Ukraine International aircraft at Kiev Airport.