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• Learning a couple of words or phrases in Ukrainian can help make your Ukrainian counterpart feel more welcome. The gesture is likely to be appreciated.
• Take the initiative to offer your help or contribution whenever possible. Many Ukrainians prefer not to draw attention to themselves. They may not state their needs openly or directly to avoid causing an imposition on others. Therefore, it is important to ask questions about what they might require instead of waiting to be told.
• Repeat any offer multiple times to show that you are being sincere. Ukrainians commonly refuse or protest things out of politeness and wait for the person to offer it again. For example, if you offer a Ukrainian person a ride home, they may initially decline the gesture even if they do not have another form of transport. It is expected that you will insist on your help to show the gesture is genuine. Ukrainians will similarly persist in offering you something after you’ve declined it.
• Make an effort to follow through on any promises to do things with or for another person. Ukrainians tend to assess the authenticity of a relationship based on the person’s reliability. Being dependable shows earnest interest in a friendship. See Relationships in Business Culture.
• Uphold any plans you make to see your Ukrainian counterpart sooner rather than later. Ukrainians tend to follow up on invitations to see friends and acquaintances quite quickly (often the same day or the day after it was offered). If you make a suggestion to meet, it will be expected that this will be organised in a timely fashion. See Etiquette.
• Try to prioritise the conversation and person over other factors, such as the time schedule. If you become inaccessible or distracted (e.g. too busy to talk), Ukrainians may misinterpret this as a signal that you are not actually interested in them.
• Expect professional relationships to extend into personal friendships. Ukrainians are often eager to build a personal relationship with those they work with and may ask a lot of questions about your life. See Relationships in Business Culture.
• Address any issues or mistakes politely and privately. Ukrainians are generally more receptive to criticism when it is delivered in a way that validates the person’s expertise and input. It is best to present the problem and solution in a collaborative way rather than a direct instruction or critical opinion.

Don'ts

• Do not misperceive a Ukrainian’s serious demeanour as coldness. This is usually a sign of politeness and respectfulness when first meeting someone. Ukrainians tend to be reserved with those they don’t know well and, at first glance, may appear standoffish. Generally, the more time you spend with people, the more relaxed interactions become. See Communication for more information.
• Do not refer to Ukraine as “the Ukraine”. Using ‘t���’ in this context is reminiscent of the Soviet era and carries the implication that the country is a region within the since-dissolved USSR.
• Don’t take photos of people without first asking their permission. Ukrainians can feel uncomfortable being the subject of too much attention, and many are suspicious of strangers.
• Some Ukrainians may become uncomfortable when singled out with public praise.
• Avoid refusing a dish of food. Ukrainians are a hospitable nation, and food and eating are a big part of the culture. Usually, people cook a lot for gatherings and expect the guests to spend a lot of time at the table. See Etiquette.
• Avoid presenting instructions or advice as orders. Ukrainians can be resistant to blunt direction. Instead, explain why something needs to be performed before asking a person to do it. See Considerations in Business Culture.
• Do not openly support or criticise a specific politician (especially a current or former President). While Ukrainians gladly discuss politics, it is one of the most contentious subjects in Ukraine. The topic is not recommended for small talk to build a personal connection.
• Do not associate Ukraine with Russia or draw similarities between the two countries. Ukrainians are likely to take offence at any suggestion that they are a part of the Russian people or culture.
• Never say or imply that Ukraine is Russian territory or was once part of the Russian state. This is highly offensive. While Ukraine used to be one of the USSR Republics, it has never been part of the modern Russian state.