Ukrainian's Unique Individualism (Captures Before Russian Invasian

I've lived in regional Russia and Moscow its capital, same for Ukraine where I also have lived in a village and also Kyiv, its capital. During the past 18 yearsI have lived half time in Ukraine and the other half in the United States Ukrainians more and more have been willing to show their individuality the closer their society has come to emulating life in he West -- an overwhelming goal of a vast number of Ukrainians accoding to well-regarded independen polls. Americans have long been held in high regard in Ukraine, and I've been a beneficiary of the good will shown Americans. That good will shows in the willingness of Ukrainians to allow theircapture in 'street' and/or 'candid' photos as well as portraits taken inpromptu. Also, though Ukraine and Russia 18 years ago when I first arrived, seemed quite similar to each other since each had been a constituent republic of the USSR, as Ukraine has developed affinity to the West, the more citizens have been willing to show their uniqueness, or as some would say -- quirkiness. Some of that quirkiness is shown in these posted images. John (Crosley)