Customs & Traditions in Ukraine

Updated: Nov 9, 2021

Traditions and customs vary by region in Ukraine. Here is the basic Etiquette in Ukraine.

General Etiquette

Ukrainians are honest people and will express their emotions freely no matter if they are positive or negative.
Ukrainians are curious people, so they may ask you personal questions like inquires about salaries, political and religious views, etc.
It is a bad manner to sit on the floor, or the ground, or on the stairs.
It is forbidden to walk and sit on the grass in many public places, especially where flowers grow.
It is considered bad manners to talk loudly, to talk waving hands, etc.
Ukrainians also have a strong emphasis on respecting the elders, so one is expected to give up seats to elderly people in public transportation.
Ukrainians are proud of their country and heritage. While they may often talk negatively about a variety of things in Ukraine, we would advise foreigners not to do the same, keep discussions neutral, and let Ukrainians criticize their country.

Ukrainian names are composed of the First names + Middle name+ Last name.
The First name, which is the person’s given name, the Middle name, which is a patronymic, or the father’s first name formed by adding "-vich" or "-ovich" for a male and "-avna", "-ovna", or "ivna" for a female. Example The son of Alexi would have a patronymic of Alexivich while the daughter’s patronymic would be Alexivina.
Last name, which is the family or surname.
In formal situations, people use all three names.
Friends and close colleagues may refer to each other by their first name and patronymic.