You might think comedy is off the menu in Ukraine amid the horror of Russia’s invasion.
But in a country that has elected its most famous comedic actor as president, it is perhaps fitting that Ukrainians are turning to laughter as a coping mechanism for the war.
One place it is happening is at a basement comedy club in the Ukraine capital Kyiv.
Here, jokes about Russian President Vladimir Putin and his army serve as a form of therapy for both the audience and the comedians themselves.
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“This is the only way to save your mental health in war, I suppose,” said comedian Anton Tymoshenko.
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“Because I don’t have money for a psychotherapist. A lot of Ukrainians don’t have money for psychotherapists.”
A night out at one of these clubs costs between €7 and €9.
Some attendees say that they feel happier after watching a show, including Yuliia Shytk, an audience member.
“Thanks to them, we can actually gather together and, you know, experience and enjoy together as well.” So it’s really nice. And I bet it’s really hard for them, of course, to write down those jokes, you know. But it helps everyone. So it’s really cool.