Ukraine’s vibrant culture takes the spotlight

If all you know about Ukraine is learned from brief war reports in the media, you’re missing out on much about a rich and vibrant culture.

That’s the view of Olya Viazenko, host of OAR FM podcast and radio show Borsch Club.

The Ukrainian national, who has lived in Dunedin for the past four years, has been active in the local effort to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight, organising weekly gatherings in the Octagon.

Borsch is the national dish of Ukraine.

Ms Viazenko says every cook has their own recipe, which can be "a mix of everything", just like the podcast.

"Ukraine is a beautiful, rich country with fertile soils, with amazing landscapes, with ancient culture and traditions.

"To understand this war, people need to know more about Ukraine."

Borsch Club airs on 105.4FM and 1575AM every second Tuesday at 8.30pm.

Visit www.oar.org.nz for the full programme.