Alexander Kleimenov

Freelance Journalist

Alex Kleimenov is a Ukrainian TV producer, photographer and writer who lives in Kiev.

Policemen detain a person dressed as Star Wars character Chewbacca during a regional election near a polling station in Odessa, Ukraine, October 25, 2015.

The Force was with Ukraine's local elections

Ukraine's local elections featured dozens of candidates who legally changed their names to run as Darth Vader and other Star Wars characters. But behind the antics, and the excitement over the arrest of a man in a Chewbacca costume in Odessa, is some murky "political technology" that would do Emperor Palpatine proud, says one Ukrainian journalist.

The Force was with Ukraine's local elections
Memorial to a Ukrainian soldier

Violence in Ukraine seems foreign to a city that has been at peace while war rages just a few hundred miles away

Violence in Ukraine seems foreign to a city that has been at peace while war rages just a few hundred miles away
Baristas at Cup&Cake discuss the potential cease fire between Ukrainian forces and separatist rebels.

Life in Kiev is normal — but only at first glance

Life in Kiev is normal — but only at first glance