Ukrainian comedians keep Kyiv cheering and laughing

'Being encircled gave us an advantage: We could shoot in a 360-degree radius'

Underground Standup leader Sviat Zagaikevich says he now has "a real mission in my job -- our jokes are contributing to the victory by raising people's fighting spirit." (Photo by Eiji Furukawa)

EIJI FURUKAWA, Contributing writer

October 1, 2022 14:14 JST

KYIV -- Comedy clubs in Kyiv are thriving as residents seek escapes from the unrelenting stress that Russia's invading army has been heaping on the country for more than seven months now.