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1.I came to Ukraine after working and living in St. Petersburg, Russia. The markets, as well as environments in Russia and Ukraine, have quite regularly been subject to comparison. From my perspective, one of the most interesting aspects on Ukraine is the country’s struggle for independence, but rather to find an identity without having a long-lived tradition as a real independent state. The process of distinguishing the national identity in a mix of culture, language and religion, heavily infl uenced by the results of three generations under Soviet dictatorship is making this country very special.

2. During my stays in Ukraine, I have always been welcomed in a very warm way. At present, I very often come to face the representatives of Ukraine’s younger generation, many of whom have experience abroad and are now eager to contribute to the country’s development. In my personal opinion, Ukraine is the “European Tiger,” it is among the countries that are riding a wave of success at the moment and is sure to stay there within the next decade.

3. In the sphere of international legal services there was a niche between the local players and a few US/UK based law fi rms. The stage of transition of the entire legal framework and the new Civil Code which came in force in 2004 gave us a unique chance for market entry, due to the fact that all law firms had to

start over again. At the outset, we hired young talented lawyers who were attracted by our more continental approach. After a short while, more experienced lawyers learnt about our operation and benefits we offer, and made their choice in favour working in our team.

4.What amuses me most in Ukraine is that a lot of things are restricted and at the same time possible here. I once saw a really long row of anglers at the Dnipro – next to sign “Fishing forbidden”. In fact, I cannot think about any other occupation that would bring along as many opportunities, challenges, chances and fun at the same time. I love being right here, right now.



1. The country is changing for the better by the year – its economy, its politics and its society. In a few years, Ukraine will be the up and coming country of Europe.

2. The country has become less “post-Soviet” and more “Western.” It has become a democracy and is moving further in the right direction. The cosmopolitan younger generations are slowly taking over the leadership positions.

3. Ukraine is one of the most interesting countries in the world demonstrating in an exemplary way how genuine political pluralism and relatively free elections can change even a crisis-




ridden, divided country for the better.

4. Ukraine is Europe, but it is not as boring as most European countries today are. The people are friendly, but not as intellectually immobile as many in the West. Here, they have to fi ght for their future every day. They truly live their lives. That makes you, as a visitor, feel more alive too.


1. Ukraine is the perfect base for a consultant focusing on the whole of Eastern Europe due to the well-developed flight connections to and from Kyiv. It is easy to socialize here. Kyiv provides a lot in terms of leisure activities starting from an outstanding Opera House to interesting galleries and, last but not least, extremely good restaurants. The mixture of outstanding business opportunities and an excellent leisure environment makes Ukraine a really good place to live at.

2. Defi nitely these two changes: the impressive economic growth, and the new, surprisingly liberal visa regime.

3. Ukraine’s business environment is extremely suitable for the particular specifics of my profession.

4. It was love at first sight: the people, the nature, the food, the culture…. I have traveled almost everywhere in the world, but never felt as comfortable in a country as I feel in Ukraine.