Actually not very good... :( The Nazis destroyed all of us Slavic countries and the Soviet Union put up these big ugly communist style buildings everywhere. They are gross looking. There isn't necessarily a Soviet atmosphere, but the people defiantly act much different then lets say America. They have lived in a country in which saying anything wrong and get sent to Siberia, and wrong could be saying you don't have enough food. I believe this has made the country less open/friendly in a way. Not that they aren't friendly, but they are reserved. Hopefully in the future the country will advance in technology and relations! Much love from brotherly Poland :)
Have you heard something about the recent Lenin fall in Ukraine? Ukraine nowadays has almost nothing in common with the Soviet atmosphere. Now here is war with Russia and teenagers are greatly concerned with this.
I wouldn't say that teens life in Ukraine is bad. Yes, Ukraine is not rich country but if we compare it's standart of living with some African country... Teens in my country can do nearly all that they want. Of course for quality sport equipment or music instrument they should pay money but the same are in all world.
As for compare with Russia: You should know that in Russia situation with teens rights are much worse that in Ukraine. For example, subculture Emo and Goth Subculture was forbidden in Russia officialy. Different Rock subculture often were harassed in Russia.
Your cousin isn't half anything, he's just an American if he isn't fully Ukrainian.
