Ukraine, which has become the epicenter of the war, has also attracted the attention of foreign tourists who want to see the consequences of Russian aggression with their own eyes. This phenomenon has been called “black tourism” and is causing a lot of controversy.
According to the Swiss publication Sarganserländer , about a dozen Ukrainian companies are organizing so-called “war tours.” The cost of such excursions varies from 150 to 250 euros, and part of the profits are directed to support the army. The main focus is on Kyiv and its suburbs, such as Irpin, where the destruction still reminds us of the hottest moments of the war.
Tours to war zones attract not only those seeking thrills, but also those who want to better understand the tragedy of war.
“It’s not about money, it’s about education. Our tours are a kind of vaccine that can prevent a repeat of war,” says Svitozar Moiseyev, co-founder of one of the travel agencies.
However, not all participants in such tours have an ethical attitude. For example, American Nick Tan traveled to Kharkiv, located just 20 kilometers from the front, in July 2024. “I just wanted to see it,” he said, emphasizing that life in the West is too comfortable. His comments are surprising to local residents who are forced to live in constant danger.
“A drone recently crashed just 300 meters from my house. I find it hard to understand why anyone would voluntarily want to see this,” says Ruslan Savchuk, a resident of Irpin.
Local residents have mixed feelings about “black tourism.” Some support the tours, believing that they draw attention to the war, while others question the morality of such visits. Irpin local council member Mykhailyna Skoryk-Shkarivska recalls that some Ukrainians ask tourists, “Why do you want to see our sadness?”
The head of the National Agency for Tourism Development, Mariana Oleskiv, also draws attention to the need for an ethical approach to military tourism. The agency plans to launch special courses for tour guides who will work on such tours.
Despite the decline in tourism flows due to the war, the Ukrainian industry is already preparing for the post-war period. Contracts are being signed with international platforms such as Airbnb and TripAdvisor, which could open up new opportunities for attracting foreigners.
