So what are the jokes that are making Ukrainians laugh?
Comedian Hina Kochura says that this kind of humor is very serious, but making fun of the danger makes it easier to deal with.
“From abroad it looks even darker, and it’s clear why. Anyone who’s been in Ukraine knows there are no safe spaces,” she says.
“You never know if this airstrike will be your last. You don’t know if a witness drone is going to hit your house or your family’s house.
“Naturally, all our topics are related to war. Because it is our life now. Stand-up comedy is a clear genre where comedians talk about their experiences or thoughts,” says Ms Kochihura.
Here’s an example – a joke from Anton Tymoshenko’s performance at Palace Ukraine:
“I have never worried about a nuclear attack because I know it would mean death for the rich residents of Kiev. I live in the suburbs – but nuclear attacks would hit the central parts. .
“More realistically, I’d be killed by Iranian Shahid drones. The sad thing is – have you heard their noise? They sound so desperate, like the cheapest death.”
“People might laugh at the news,” Anton told me.
“If we are not allowed to use [Western] Missiles against targets in Russia – yes, it’s funny because it’s funny. I hold on to this ridiculous fact, and it gets ridiculous.
“Of course, the Ukrainians find it funny.”
Western allies were initially reluctant to allow Ukraine to use its missiles against Russian targets. But after months of pleading by Kiev, permission was granted: first short-range missiles in May 2024, then long-range missiles in November.
