A travel company is giving tourists the chance to see what it's like to live in a war-torn country.
Last month, the online site Visit Ukraine began offering guests guided tours through the cities that were impacted by Russian forces.
Since the site was updated, the company has provided more than 200 tours, according to the CEO. Most of the interest has come from Ukrainians who were displaced during the war. Over a dozen Americans have also booked tours.
The conflict with Russia has led to the highest travel advisory level forUkraine. The US Department of State has told all US citizens to leave the country immediately and warned it won't be able to help Americans there.
There is no official approval from the Ukrainian government. It is possible to enter Ukraine through a number of locations in Europe.
People who sign up for a tour of "Brave City" will be able to see bombed buildings and military equipment. Travelers are at risk of land mines and air raids.
As many people have resumed normal activities, it is the safest city to visit.
Millions of tourists visited Chernobyl before the war began, and he doesn't think the tours are any riskier now.
About 10 people are led by a guide on a Visit Ukraine tour. The tour guides provide detailed instructions on avoiding land mines and where to go in the event of an air raid.
The safety of a tourist depends on how close they are to the directions. Failure to follow directions could lead to death in Bucha.
When taking people to Chernobyl, the guide would warn them not to go that way because they would be exposed to more radiation. People will do what they please.
It's a matter of "dark tourism" for the CEO to say that the tour is about connecting with your country.
Some people like that sort of thing. Those are always present. They would like to see it in person.
The company seems to lean into this narrative on the website.
Visitors to the site will be able to see the results of the most massive civilian massacres that took place during the Russian attack on Ukraine.
There are also other tours on the site. Mariupol and Mykolaiv are off limits for tourists as they are either under Russian control or have been attacked by the Russians.
The site is meant to show the courage of the Ukrainian people. The money from the tours is used to support war refugees.
There are strong people living in Ukraine. He said you can sense the atmosphere. You can't see everything on TV. People are living with hope that the war will end soon.
"If tourists can come to Ukraine, enjoy our amazing city, and tell friends about it, they too will understand the pride we have in our country, our independence."
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