A Canteen Like No Other
On our way to deliver humanitarian aid to soldiers in eastern Ukraine, we came across a canteen unlike any other you’ve probably encountered.
Heading from central Ukraine toward the front line, you pass through checkpoints at strategically important locations — bridges, city entrances. People and cargo are checked before entering the zone. At night, you turn off your headlights so soldiers can inspect your vehicle with a flashlight. But I suspect it also gives them the upper hand — they can see you, while you’re driving in darkness, seeing nothing.
When we’re stopped, we say “Volonteri” – Volunteers, and “Humanitarka” – Humanitarian aid. Sometimes there’s a document or cargo check, sometimes not — most of the time, we’re trusted. About 40 kilometers from the front, there’s a canteen I want to tell you about. It’s open to everyone 24/7. Most people eating there are soldiers coming from or heading to the front, or volunteers like us — but no one asks who you are or whether you "qualify" to be there.
From the outside, it looks like a temporary structure. Inside, there are two rooms. The first, right at the entrance, is where the food is prepared. Two women are there, working. One is peeling potatoes, the other is chopping vegetables. It’s late summer — we’re wearing T-shirts and shorts. But as soon as you enter, you’re hit by intense heat — likely from the three wood-fired stoves they cook on.
You walk past them into the main room. Along one wall is a long table full of food and ready places for diners. Opposite is the service counter and more space for food prep. At the entrance to the room is a sink where you wash your hands. The staff consists of two women, and they serve soup and a main dish, plus all the side dishes already on the table. You’re served almost immediately after sitting down — just let them know if you want soup or a full meal.
You eat in 10 minutes max and head out again. You pay nothing. It’s entirely a service for others. The people are incredibly kind, and you can see this work fills them with purpose — and with good reason. The walls are adorned with Ukrainian flags signed by soldiers, unit banners, small gifts, and military insignia. Gratitude from visitors is everywhere — this place makes a hard life a little easier.
We always stop here. And I always wonder why it still feels so remarkable.
It’s the reality of this brutal time, but also proof that good-hearted people are still out there, defending their values. That feeling is everywhere.
To help explain it back home, imagine the Czech team playing Russia in a World Hockey Championship — everyone’s heart flashes “1968,” and suddenly we’re all united. That’s how it is here — always. You are, without question, on the side of good, and you feel motivated to defend your nation to your last breath. That’s the spirit here. And I’m proud to have joined those values. Regardless of my personal interests — stopping the aggressor before he reaches our country — with these people beside me, Ukraine is my country too. I wish you could experience it.
Watch our video. Read the update “GDPR Ukrainian Style”, which is also connected to this canteen.
Thank you to the people working in this canteen.
Together to victory!
We will endure because we must, because we want a better world for our children.
СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ! ГЕРОЯМ СЛАВА!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!
