American men are traveling to Kiev in search of love with Ukrainian women. Facilitated by the matchmaking agency A Foreign Affair (AFA), serious men venture into a war zone, driven by the hope of finding companionship with Ukrainian women who are interested in dating foreigners. This story, rich with personal anecdotes and bold decisions, highlights both the romantic aspirations amidst the sobering realities faced by Ukrainian women, still hoping to guaranty a match.
Mike, a 59-year-old sales representative from South Carolina, reports on his Eastern European dating journey live from Kiev. He decided to take advantage of this unique journey by partnering with A Foreign Affair to meet Ukrainian women. Mike’s story, like many others, began with watching Ukraine dating videos on YouTube and dreaming of the possibilities they presented. “Guys, get off the couch and do it,” he urged, recounting how he went from a “keyboard Romeo” to someone experiencing these dreams in reality.
Traveling to Ukraine during wartime is far from straightforward.
With no flights available due to martial law, the journey involves a complex combination of planes, trains, and buses. Mike’s own trip took him from Charlotte to Munich, then to Warsaw, followed by a grueling overnight bus ride to Kiev. Despite the challenges, he remained undeterred, drawing parallels to the classic film "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" to describe his experience.
Upon arrival, the stark contrast between media portrayals of the war and the relative calm in Kiev became apparent. Although missile strikes and military presence were undeniable, Kiev’s daily life continued in a surprising semblance of normalcy. The ongoing conflict, while not to be trivialized, did not completely overshadow the purpose of his visit: the social events organized by AFA where men and Ukrainian women could meet.
Speed dating in Kiev, described by Mike as “beyond my expectation,” were bustling with activity. AFA speed dating events brought together dozens of Ukrainian women, all meticulously prepared to meet potential partners. The atmosphere was both overwhelming and exhilarating. “I was starting to fear for my life at one point,” Mike joked, recalling how he found himself surrounded by multiple Slavic women vying for his attention.
Mike’s meticulous preparation paid off. He had spent nearly a year studying Ukrainian culture, history, and language, which helped him make a positive impression. His efforts to learn basic phrases in Ukrainian were particularly appreciated by the women he met. He also stressed the importance of personal grooming, noting that the women at the socials had spent hours getting ready and deserved the same respect in return.
Despite the successes and positive experiences, Mike and others like him were fully aware of the potential dangers. AFA makes no effort to downplay the risks, emphasizing the need for participants to be aware and prepared. The war is a backdrop that cannot be ignored, and while the majority of the country may appear peaceful, the reality of conflict looms large.
For many, the journey to Kiev is not just about finding love but also about overcoming personal fears and societal expectations. It is a testament to the lengths people will go to in search of connection and companionship, even in the most unlikely and challenging circumstances. The story of serious American men traveling to Ukraine is a poignant reminder of the power of human hope and resilience in the face of adversity.