'Why do I work here while others are dying?': the Kyiv bar staying open for Ukraine

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  • Опубликовано: 20 мар 2022
  • The Buena Vista Music Bar was one of Kyiv's most popular cocktail venues until war arrived. It has remained open despite the conflict engulfing the city, and is now a refuge for citizens, military and the press.
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    People come for a hot meal, to meet others who have remained in the Ukrainian capital and to take in the day's news. Maks Leonov, the bar's owner, is determined to keep the doors open for as long as possible
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    #buenavista #kyiv #kiev #ukraine #ukrainewar

Комментарии • 205

  • @borisjohnson3085
    @borisjohnson3085 2 года назад +288

    He is such a strong man. I strongly hope that he will keep serving fresh and hot meals for those heroes who have been protecting Kyiv from Russian troops.

    • @user-vu8mx2iv4n
      @user-vu8mx2iv4n 2 года назад +1

      Just watch this video on this channel.
      “Ukraine's far-right children's camp: 'I want to bring up a warrior'”

    • @casebarreoltt5990
      @casebarreoltt5990 2 года назад

      Lol

    • @blueocean8569
      @blueocean8569 2 года назад +3

      @@user-vu8mx2iv4n FCF Soviet Mordor

    • @blueocean8569
      @blueocean8569 2 года назад +1

      @@user-vu8mx2iv4n Siowiecki trollu idź gdzie indziej. Wracaj do swojej KGB i NKWD Rassiji

    • @andrewcutler1380
      @andrewcutler1380 2 года назад +3

      @@user-vu8mx2iv4n Russian troll/bot. You’re losing to humble Ukraine, how does that feel?

  • @AidanS99
    @AidanS99 2 года назад +91

    Places like these are important in times of war. They keep moral up!

  • @gentz8310
    @gentz8310 2 года назад +134

    This bar is already a legend

    • @Tula-cs1ef
      @Tula-cs1ef 2 года назад +6

      And that bars on the list of places I want to go when I ever get to Europe

  • @Thor.Jorgensen
    @Thor.Jorgensen 2 года назад +94

    Oh man, when the war is over I really want to visit this bar. It looks great, even despite the circumstances.

    • @AA-hy6nb
      @AA-hy6nb 2 года назад +9

      One day, when the war is over, and brave Ukrainian army will throw away putler's Zombies, there will be peace. And many movies will be made about heroes of this war: pilot "Ghost of Kiev", President Zelenskij, Ukrainian soldiers, firefighters & nurses.... and also a nice old man, owner of the last bar in Kiev, helping people to keep morals up. Amen to that!

    • @veritas88n4
      @veritas88n4 2 года назад +2

      Same, seems like they had tango going on as well

    • @oldbloke135
      @oldbloke135 2 года назад +1

      Sadly, I doubt if Putin will leave Kyiv with one brick standing on top of another one. He's resigned to living the rest of his life as a war criminal, so the safest thing for him now is to finish the job and rebuild the Iron Curtain. He will want that to be on Ukraine's western border, not its eastern one,

    • @MegaIam007
      @MegaIam007 2 года назад +1

      @@oldbloke135 My thoughts exactly. He's at the point of no return so might as well inflict maximum pain and destruction. He must hate the Ukranians so much! 😥 Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

    • @karansharma2352
      @karansharma2352 2 года назад +2

      Great idea sir and what a delicious name you've got there!

  • @liiosm
    @liiosm 2 года назад +90

    Such wise words:
    The war will end but everyone will face up to what they have done. Even in their conscience.

    • @rl4416
      @rl4416 2 года назад

      Very wise words. Im afraid it's the end for Putin his own ppl might do him in.

    • @suprotyv7534
      @suprotyv7534 2 года назад

      @@rl4416 It is the end of Russia.

  • @lauracepkauskaite5150
    @lauracepkauskaite5150 2 года назад +75

    Incredible guy. He is helping so much in his cafe everyday.

  • @JonRawlinson
    @JonRawlinson 2 года назад +57

    Thank you for capturing this heartbreaking story.

    • @danielwhyatt3278
      @danielwhyatt3278 2 года назад +4

      It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.👏🏼👏🏼

    • @JonRawlinson
      @JonRawlinson 2 года назад

      @@danielwhyatt3278 yes indeed!

  • @utubefreshie
    @utubefreshie 2 года назад +26

    Someone needs to put up a GoFundMe page for this place so the whole world can donate to keep it going!

    • @andreamazzeo4306
      @andreamazzeo4306 2 года назад +7

      If I understand correctly, right now there are problems with payments towards and from Ukraine. If you donate money, be extremely careful of where it is actually going.

    • @Secret_Sun33
      @Secret_Sun33 2 года назад +2

      Set up a gofundme with a bitcoin adress, would just need to show the owner how to use crypto.

  • @neddered77
    @neddered77 2 года назад +40

    This is a bar I want to visit when we get back to Kyiv. Amazing guy .

    • @danielwhyatt3278
      @danielwhyatt3278 2 года назад +1

      Same here

    • @AA-hy6nb
      @AA-hy6nb 2 года назад +2

      One day, when the war is over, and brave Ukrainian army will throw away putler's Zombies, there will be peace. And many movies will be made about heroes of this war: pilot "Ghost of Kiev", President Zelenskij, Ukrainian soldiers, firefighters & nurses.... and also a nice old man, owner of the last bar in Kiev, helping people to keep morals up. Amen to that!

  • @allanwest777
    @allanwest777 2 года назад +38

    Well done, keeping the peoples spirits up.

  • @RitzyBusiness
    @RitzyBusiness 2 года назад +35

    There is more than one way to fight, and this is one service that might help save a hundred men, if not their bodies, their spirits. It's not everyone's destiny to hurl bullets, and I hope he is able to keep going for many more moons to come.

  • @MOJORAPSCALLION
    @MOJORAPSCALLION 2 года назад +69

    Well done this establishments owner what a great thing to do hope they all stay safe love & prayers to Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️🙏🏼

  • @williamgoss4691
    @williamgoss4691 2 года назад +62

    Love and admiration, but huge sadness and sympathy for the horrors you are facing. Ukraine Forever !!

    • @williamgoss4691
      @williamgoss4691 2 года назад +6

      I also have sympathy for the young Russian soldiers who are dying in their thousands fighting (and killing) Ukrainians who were their neighbours and friends until 3wks ago …. It’s Putin’s War, not the Russian people’s.

    • @suprotyv7534
      @suprotyv7534 2 года назад +1

      @@williamgoss4691 friends until 3 wks ago? lol what. We are in war with Russia for 8 years, they are not our friends. They've been killing Ukrainians for centuries, so what are you talking about?

    • @countmorbid3187
      @countmorbid3187 2 года назад

      @@suprotyv7534 I get what you mean. But can't deny many Russians live in Ukraine and vise versa ...
      Is no excuse for fighting though. Just drive your tank to Ukrainian forces and surrender.

    • @lukecameron9230
      @lukecameron9230 2 года назад

      Agreed

  • @chrismaguire8165
    @chrismaguire8165 2 года назад +31

    How unfortunate that my fellow Indians and Modi are not supporting Ukrain ? It is so bad. 😥

    • @danielwhyatt3278
      @danielwhyatt3278 2 года назад +4

      It is very upsetting to see indeed. I haven’t heard much vocal support online from many on the Indian media threads not any videos of people trying to volunteer or join the foreign forces to fight over there.😞 Has there been any big news of volunteers for large donations happening from India?

    • @freedomlife3623
      @freedomlife3623 2 года назад +2

      Maybe you can start with your friends partitioning your MPs to support Ukraine.

    • @Clarkem1
      @Clarkem1 2 года назад

      @@danielwhyatt3278 indian recieves russian military equipment.
      70-80% of all Indian equipment is soviet/russian made...

    • @oddballsok
      @oddballsok 2 года назад

      the least the indians can do is opening Tandoori takeaway restorants in Kiev...

  • @dosantosbojan
    @dosantosbojan 2 года назад +56

    Buena Vista Bar, Cuban style bar; I wonder why is the last bar in Kiev:
    "¡Hasta la Victoria Siempre!"

    • @vitpav1164
      @vitpav1164 2 года назад +9

      ¡Hasta la Victoria Siempre!
      there are left warriors in Ukraine as well
      we know the hardships and the good sides of Cuba and hope for better future for your people

    • @danielwhyatt3278
      @danielwhyatt3278 2 года назад +5

      Yeah I really would’ve thought there would be more than one. That is or they are just trying to make sure that food supplies are not being arbitrarily used, and everything is being distributed evenly. I would feel though like these kinds of locations are worth it for morale long term.

  • @jolene8497
    @jolene8497 2 года назад +16

    How helpful that these people have a small sense of normalcy and comfort while in this horrible situation.

  • @marko4666
    @marko4666 2 года назад +30

    I love these guys, beautiful people

  • @SandrasSpicySpanishSalami
    @SandrasSpicySpanishSalami 2 года назад +8

    *How is it possible to make a place and people look so beautiful and hospitable during such a tragic time?*

  • @Budanevey
    @Budanevey 2 года назад +43

    Is it wise to show this? The buildings coordinates will be known.

    • @crazypoorasian9043
      @crazypoorasian9043 2 года назад +18

      Same thought. They must take cover later. No one should go there from now on. It will be the next target.

    • @DarkPesco
      @DarkPesco 2 года назад +6

      The Guardian....of Putin has called in missile strikes on this specific location by publishing this story, yes. They have endangered many Ukrainian lives and if any do die as a result of this location catching attention the blood is on the hands of this news agency....The Guardian.

    • @divix4313
      @divix4313 2 года назад +4

      My thoughts exactly..

    • @randomclick2826
      @randomclick2826 2 года назад +3

      In about an hour we’ll be hearing how a civilian bar in “Kieayth” has been blown up.

  • @flourbvoy1269
    @flourbvoy1269 2 года назад +8

    Maks Leonov and his team are doing wonderful work. Keeping a sense of normalty and providing a community space in the current situation is incredibly important. Thank you for sharing this story.

  • @Telluwide
    @Telluwide 2 года назад +10

    Back in the Day 2004 "The Drum" "Baraban" was the "go-to" place during the Orange Revolution....Now it's The Buena Vista Music Bar...Heroyem Slava!

    • @danielwhyatt3278
      @danielwhyatt3278 2 года назад

      I’ll have to make a note of that if I’m ever able to make it into the country someday when this is over.

    • @Telluwide
      @Telluwide 2 года назад

      @@danielwhyatt3278 Unfortunately, the "Drum" or "Baraban" is no longer(...

  • @DANIMAAAAL
    @DANIMAAAAL 2 года назад +9

    Long live the Buena Vista!

  • @RowerRob76
    @RowerRob76 2 года назад +6

    Liquid morale. :) The joy of company.

  • @dawnmarie506
    @dawnmarie506 2 года назад +8

    God Bless & be safe 🙏

  • @CAPTINKING
    @CAPTINKING 2 года назад +18

    Glory to Ukraine!!

    • @AA-hy6nb
      @AA-hy6nb 2 года назад +3

      Glory to Ukrainian heroes!

  • @priyv8710
    @priyv8710 2 года назад +14

    No one can understand the yearn for little mundane things...for a normal time than a war torn country...
    Btw..you would have just shown the interior of the bar for your story..it was foolish to show the location....

    • @beckiwildeman600
      @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

      Much is said that people are not looking for. Turn off the sound and look at everything.

  • @markloginov8856
    @markloginov8856 2 года назад +8

    Дякую! Дуже правильно, вважаю...

  • @sharondownie6008
    @sharondownie6008 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for doing your part.

  • @SuperFunHappyTobi
    @SuperFunHappyTobi 2 года назад +5

    It is a hard thing to wish to take up arms and defend your country but to know and choose that you contribute more to those who fight by not doing so.
    His choice is more than just a meeting place, it is a symbol of why those who are fighting continue to do so and what they are trying to defend, a beacon of hope.

  • @miroslavaharnuskova3717
    @miroslavaharnuskova3717 2 года назад +1

    Great video, thank you.
    This precious man does not carry weapons, but fights the best way he can. ❤from Slovakia🇸🇰

  • @xx-yt2fb
    @xx-yt2fb 2 года назад +5

    When this is over i will visit kiev sure sure.

  • @albertocampolongo4036
    @albertocampolongo4036 2 года назад +11

    I've never seen in my life such bravery from normal people. They are masters of courage. Keep strong Ukrainians, free world is with you!

  • @soopahfly6692
    @soopahfly6692 2 года назад +2

    He's doing more in keeping morale up and giving a sense of normalcy, an oasis of peace and friendship than he would ever do holding a rifle. This man's a treasure.

  • @marymunro1142
    @marymunro1142 2 года назад +4

    I wish I was there. I would buy a round for the house! Cheers and hang in there. We love you 😘.

  • @harrybosch4765
    @harrybosch4765 2 года назад +3

    A Beautiful Story

  • @QuantumWalnut
    @QuantumWalnut 2 года назад +7

    Guy looks like he's seen some stuff.

    • @beckiwildeman600
      @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

      Turn off the sound and just look at the symbolism and reactions?

  • @nebojsa1976
    @nebojsa1976 2 года назад +2

    Still 10 times better looking then the best restaurant in USA.

  • @gemil9933
    @gemil9933 2 года назад

    Blessed soul

  • @cookiecami18
    @cookiecami18 2 года назад +3

    I hope to have a beer there one day 💛💙

  • @brucegelman5582
    @brucegelman5582 2 года назад

    Bless him and may he be safe

  • @RoseUnseen
    @RoseUnseen 2 года назад +9

    a cuban sandwich in ukraine , wow !! just wow !

  • @desertsunset8025
    @desertsunset8025 2 года назад +2

    Bless these Brave Ukrainians 🙏!

  • @robbinpringle6906
    @robbinpringle6906 2 года назад

    To answer the titular question. "BECAUSE YOU'RE SMART"

  • @acendagrowth
    @acendagrowth 2 года назад

    My next Travel Destination!

  • @ems7623
    @ems7623 2 года назад

    Great story, Guardian. Really. Thank you.

  • @playstation8779
    @playstation8779 2 года назад +1

    Its great to see that this place still exists in times of war the man who owns it is strong meanwhile my body shuts our doors when it rains.

  • @colleenshaw1607
    @colleenshaw1607 2 года назад +1

    Makes sense. Everyone needs a bit of courage and normalcy

  • @hkja99
    @hkja99 2 года назад

    If I visit Kyiv, I need to visit this place…

  • @amberyooper
    @amberyooper 2 года назад +1

    This war needs people like this just as much as it needs fighters. Someone has to provide the food and other things to keep everyone else going.

  • @sooie27
    @sooie27 Год назад

    This place is amazing on the weekends before the war. Great live musis. (Salsa) Best bar in kyiv

  • @fabricio4794
    @fabricio4794 2 года назад

    i Hope UK donate their food for this Man....he is a true Hero....

  • @ampornsrisermbhok5573
    @ampornsrisermbhok5573 2 года назад +1

    Brave Ukraine men Glory to Ukraine.

  • @Michael_Angelo-ww9yi
    @Michael_Angelo-ww9yi 2 года назад

    If this war ends it looks like we have to go to this Bar ️♥️♥️♥️

  • @waterramp1
    @waterramp1 2 года назад

    He reminds me a spopovich. A great man indeed.

  • @maureen669
    @maureen669 2 года назад +1

    "Rick's Cafe" Ukraine... 🥂🙏🇺🇦

  • @frapino
    @frapino 2 года назад +7

    This reporting of where the soldiers/fighters hang out seems like a very bad idea.

    • @taramattiemanieram6222
      @taramattiemanieram6222 2 года назад +1

      Agreed the report ters r making stuff up and worst , too much info

    • @imtherealvict1m
      @imtherealvict1m 2 года назад +1

      Russia has a lot of satellites and can easily find out where soldiers ‘hang out’ but why would russia want to take out some little restaurants who may have a couple soldiers in it at a time when they can use that missile/bomb on a military camp or on a convoy of Ukrainian military

    • @frapino
      @frapino 2 года назад +1

      @@imtherealvict1m I dont know why russia targets civilian buildings, you can ask putin why he has bombed over 43 hospitals, orphanges and thousands of civilian buildings. probably to scare the population into submission because he is desperate.

    • @tymondabrowski12
      @tymondabrowski12 2 года назад

      @@imtherealvict1m or a civilian building

    • @beckiwildeman600
      @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

      Is that all anybody see's is what they hear? Turn off the sound and just look at everything.

  • @giuliaspendolini
    @giuliaspendolini 2 года назад

    ❤️

  • @finaladvance5085
    @finaladvance5085 2 года назад

    I don’t want him to pick up a weapon. He is fighting the kind of fight that most people forget about and it is the fight to feel like things can be how they used to be again.

  • @pucciann
    @pucciann 2 года назад +3

    Thank you Maks Leonov for supporting your neighbors and friends in Kyiv. дякую, що нагодуєте своїх сусідів і друзів у Києві Thank you so much for this story. Salo Ukraine

  • @dusk4923
    @dusk4923 2 года назад

    A truly stout people.

  • @naturepark4684
    @naturepark4684 2 года назад

    Great..there is still electric power to supply electricity for the cafe

  • @JOSHY-dm6sb
    @JOSHY-dm6sb 2 года назад

    If this war ends. And hopefully he survives. We will start a gofundme for this guy.

  • @rl4416
    @rl4416 2 года назад +1

    Props to him and all Ukrainians fighting ffor there freedom.

  • @dailyukraine_korea
    @dailyukraine_korea 2 года назад +24

    Слава Україні і Героям Слава!
    Корейці завжди з українцями.
    (South Korea) 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

  • @teutonic_crusader1175
    @teutonic_crusader1175 2 года назад

    Kinda reminds me of the bar in Far Cry 2

  • @freespeech6999
    @freespeech6999 2 года назад

    I was surprised they serve chili and cuban sandwiches. Will forward this video to my Cuban and Mexican friends here in Miami.

  • @cyberla
    @cyberla 2 года назад +3

    Shocking this would happen in 2022. Enlightening story!

  • @jvk5013
    @jvk5013 2 года назад +2

    At some point there will be movie about this place, Slava Ukraini

  • @arthurwagar6224
    @arthurwagar6224 2 года назад +1

    Go Ukraine.

  • @anidiquaojala1804
    @anidiquaojala1804 2 года назад +5

    💛 🇺🇦 💙

  • @harriettjoyner9162
    @harriettjoyner9162 2 года назад +16

    What put this in the news? You have now made this place a target. Everything should not be news.

    • @beckiwildeman600
      @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

      Can you not see with your eyes? Shut the sound off and just watch what you see.

    • @parlinmains
      @parlinmains Год назад

      I'm sure the Russians knew about this place already.

  • @prabirchakraborty61
    @prabirchakraborty61 2 года назад +29

    GOD IS GREAT. UKRAINE WILL WIN THE WAR SURE. LOTS OF LOVE FROM INDIA.

    • @markgreen4612
      @markgreen4612 2 года назад +5

      One thing is for sure and that is that decent people will hate Putin and those who support his unforgiveable invasion of Ukraine for many years to come.

  • @noelnegele6039
    @noelnegele6039 2 года назад +1

    Humans are such a trip.

  • @jameswilson3991
    @jameswilson3991 2 года назад

    go for it guys scotland is behind you

  • @beckiwildeman600
    @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

    Whole lot of symbolism in this short video.

    • @beckiwildeman600
      @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

      @D K Turn off the sound and just use your eyes to see what you see.

  • @EdemirLandau
    @EdemirLandau 2 года назад

    why don't just keep it secret

  • @AllanLaal
    @AllanLaal 2 года назад

    @The Guardian could've done this piece without doxxing the location, its not like someones life depends on it right?

    • @parlinmains
      @parlinmains Год назад

      I'm sure the Russians knew about this place already.

  • @GoldvibesTV
    @GoldvibesTV 2 года назад

    Don't wonder when that's the next target for russian missles...

  • @giomadera9666
    @giomadera9666 2 года назад

    Why is the one guy being rude, the thumbnail this channel decided to use

  • @vada7259
    @vada7259 2 года назад

    💙💛

  • @leandrodamschi3826
    @leandrodamschi3826 2 года назад +1

    Peacekeeping Force for Ukraine and Air Blockade. Civilians are starving!!!! USA, Poland, France, German, help us!!!

  • @ampornsrisermbhok5573
    @ampornsrisermbhok5573 2 года назад

    We will visit Ukraine after the war to taste the local food.

  • @dmj1419
    @dmj1419 2 года назад +16

    Way to put a massive target on this bar.

    • @danielwhyatt3278
      @danielwhyatt3278 2 года назад +2

      I hope it and him will make it through this.

    • @parlinmains
      @parlinmains Год назад

      I'm sure the Russians knew about this place already.

  • @agunggumelar8796
    @agunggumelar8796 2 года назад

    Information...!!
    ✌️ Worlds..!!
    Is dad no back sir.
    I like people fis(✌️) worlds.

  • @xiongpaolee
    @xiongpaolee 2 года назад +1

    Wonderful story, such humanity in the face of terror! Slava Ukraine! 🇺🇦🇺🇸

  • @peterfaherty3936
    @peterfaherty3936 2 года назад

    why publish a location that is known to have Ukrainian soldiers? why publish this during the war and not after?

    • @beckiwildeman600
      @beckiwildeman600 2 года назад

      Look at the symbolism within the video. Turn the sound off.

    • @parlinmains
      @parlinmains Год назад

      I'm sure the Russians knew about this place already.

  • @ehrgeiz5649
    @ehrgeiz5649 2 года назад +5

    4:08 they are normal people Economists. Yeah not really a normal profession, pretty rare honestly.

    • @LyricsFred
      @LyricsFred 2 года назад

      Im going to say that he probably means Business owners, but the word is lost in translation... Being a former Soviet they probably don't use the word for business that often. But then again, I'm just guessing, maybe a lot of people study economy there.

  • @zzizahacallar
    @zzizahacallar 2 года назад +9

    The owner of the establishment is straight G. Will leave when he wants to.

  • @tonyyarbray
    @tonyyarbray 2 года назад +1

    I'm glad the military and police and firefighters had a place to gather but he is full of it he stayed to make money

  • @RoccosVideos
    @RoccosVideos 2 года назад +7

    Long live Ukraine. 🇺🇦💙💛

  • @Shotzie
    @Shotzie 2 года назад +10

    Keep the faith, praze the lord and pass the ammunition. You all are in my family's prayers 🙏 ❤

  • @edit11
    @edit11 2 года назад

    Spoken like a true Ukrainian. Most Kyiv people decide to speak in Russian

  • @seratonin7004
    @seratonin7004 2 года назад +1

    I've seen a lot of comments lately from Russian citizens saying they wish they could do something, but they're too scared to protest.
    This man, and others with him, are a great example of there being endless ways to help. We can use our gifts, hands, voices, votes, influence, feet, compassion, money, time, goods or whatever we have to offer.
    Bless all of you standing with Ukraine 💙💛

  • @jdmmg4904
    @jdmmg4904 2 года назад

    💟✊💟

  • @marinadela1361
    @marinadela1361 2 года назад +2

    I've wondered about such establishments

  • @criticalthinker3855
    @criticalthinker3855 2 года назад +1

    Slava🇺🇦✊✊✊ Slava brave🇺🇦 people ✊✊✊

  • @geigercourtier
    @geigercourtier 2 года назад

    The speaking said “like” as if he was a blonde from California….I believe it’s harder to relate to people speaking another language, painfully easy to relate when they sound exactly like your childhood friends….I wish this never to y’all. I’m sorry

  • @meiyanglaue5266
    @meiyanglaue5266 2 года назад +1

    乌克兰🇺🇦加油!!!!🙏🙏

  • @kelvinkewlidge783
    @kelvinkewlidge783 2 года назад

    Zelenskyy is too vainglorious, no?

  • @HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings
    @HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings 2 года назад +1

    Mind Begs the Question:
    To support & aid an Apartheid State
    Righteous,Evil?