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Verbal

• Indirect Communication: Ukrainians are relatively indirect communicators and are careful to remain polite throughout the discussion. They tend to deliver information in a sensitive manner that understates their point or opinion. While open and honest communication is valued, the speaker’s message and intention may sometimes be layered through sophisticated and nuanced language. Therefore, Ukrainians often ‘read between the lines’ to understand the implicit meaning behind the words.
• Familiarity: Ukrainians tend to be more direct with those they have a close or more familiar relationship with. People feel more comfortable speaking frankly once a relationship has developed. The level of directness may also depend on the speaker's social status. Generally, senior people tend to be more direct when talking to subordinates. Meanwhile, juniors generally speak to a higher-ranking person in an indirect manner that understates their opinion or point. Ukrainians also have a strong emphasis on respecting the elderly and are likely to be extra polite towards those who are older.
• Formality: There are two forms of address in Ukrainian that communicate different levels of courtesy and formality. The polite form of speech involves addressing people using the plural or second-person form of ‘you’ (vy). This is used when meeting someone for the first time, addressing elderly people or someone of a higher status. The informal form of ‘you’ (ty) is generally used between people who know each other very well and among the youth. It is considered rude to use the familiar form when you meet someone for the first time unless they are very young.
• Emotional Expression: The overall structure of the Ukrainian language lends people to have quite a matter-of-fact or literal style of communication. The forms of politeness are much simpler than those used by English speakers, and the language used is less evocative or hyperbolic. For example, Ukrainians are not as likely to use expressive adjectives, such as “awesome”, “wow”, or “great”. This communication style can sound brusque and unemotional or seem abrupt to foreigners. However, it is often unintentional.
• Communication Style: While Ukrainians can speak in quite literal terms, this does not necessarily mean communication is direct or concise. Ukrainians may use many words to articulate a simple thought and talk for a long time about something that could be expressed concisely. The long-winded nature of Ukrainian communication is most evident in their celebratory toasts and speeches (see Toasting in Etiquette). It is common for people to draw out conversation, taking their turn to speak for as long as possible.
• Disagreement: Ukrainians may avoid giving a straightforward ‘no’ to avoid upsetting someone, seemingly agreeing to ideas they are not necessarily interested in. Other times, they may refuse something or voice disapproval as an initial reaction to hearing new information. It is important to read between the lines and ask follow-up questions to discern true thoughts and opinions. If a person strongly disagrees, ask questions and allow the person to express their reasoning as to why they oppose something. A person’s stance may change after hearing a clear explanation and a detailed plan of action, although this depends on the context.
• Criticism: Ukrainians tend to express negative emotions openly. They may criticise a variety of things freely. However, negative feedback about a person’s character or actions is usually taken personally. It is best to offer any personal feedback in an indirect way that frames it as advice, not criticism.
• Humour: Metaphors and humour are common methods of indirect communication in Ukraine. Ukrainian humour often plays with words, aiming for fun, relaxation and friendliness. Ukrainians do not generally laugh at dry humour or slapstick (for example, they are unlikely to find slipping on banana skins funny).
• Volume: It is considered bad manners to talk loudly in public. Ukrainians tend to prefer a calm and mild tone of voice.

Non-Verbal

• Expressions: Ukrainians generally do not smile unless they are in conversation or given a reason to. While they are known to be very animated with friends, they often have a serious outward expression towards strangers. For example, smiles are not often exchanged between strangers in public. This differs from English-speaking Westerners, who may smile out of everyday politeness or at nothing in particular. When Ukrainians smile, it is sincere. However, avoid misinterpreting Ukrainians’ expressions as rudeness, dislike or sadness. Their serious disposition often softens once they build familiarity and they will smile if you start talking to them.
• Personal Space: Ukrainians tend to stand quite close to one another during conversations. A bit less than arm’s length is common.
• Physical Contact: Ukrainians are not overly affectionate with those they do not know well and tend to limit physical contact with others. It is generally inappropriate to touch someone during conversations unless you are confident in the closeness of the relationship (e.g. an arm around the shoulder or a pat on the back). Close friends and family tend to be more physically affectionate (e.g. hugging, kissing, nudging, back-slapping). Overall, Ukrainian men are less tactile with one another than women.
• Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is the norm and expected. Making eye contact indicates sincerity and trust. However, it is considered rude to blatantly stare at someone. Noticeably avoiding direct eye contact may raise suspicion.
• Body Language: Ukrainians’ movements and body language are usually quite limited in public places. It is considered bad manners to be overly loud and expressive (e.g. waving hands around).
• Gestures:
  • It is polite to point with your whole hand rather than a single finger.
  • It is rude to make a fist with the thumb protruding between the middle finger and index finger. This is an obscene gesture, which means “You are not getting it!”.
  • The symbol for ‘Okay’ (forming a circle with the forefinger and the top of the thumb, with the other fingers stretched out) also has offensive connotations.
  • Flicking your neck with your finger is a signal for saying you want a drink or pointing out that someone is drunk.
  • The ‘thumbs up’ gesture is recognised as a sign to show your approval.