In the face of war, humor has become an unexpected ally for Ukrainians, offering a lifeline to both emotional survival and practical support for the military. On October 14, 2023, a historic event unfolded at Palace Ukraine in Kyiv, as Anton Tymoshenko became the first Ukrainian stand-up comedian to perform solo at the prestigious venue. His rise to prominence in the comedy world is deeply intertwined with the ongoing full-scale invasion by Russia, which has spurred a wave of interest in Ukrainian culture and stand-up comedy.
Tymoshenko, who grew up in a small village, faced skepticism from some who believed stand-up would never reach such high-profile stages in Ukraine. However, the war and the shift in public sentiment toward Ukrainian culture have made comedy a vital part of the national conversation. “Stand-up comedy is a budget version of psychotherapy,” Tymoshenko says, underscoring how comedians are helping the public navigate the grim realities of war.
The full-scale invasion in February 2022 brought about a surge in demand for comedy, says comedian Nastya Zukhvala. “Comedy supports and unites. It can also make reality look less catastrophic,” she explains. In a country where daily life is overshadowed by air raids and the constant threat of violence, humor serves as a tool for Ukrainians to process the overwhelming stress and stay mentally resilient.
Jokes from comedians like Tymoshenko often reflect the dark reality of war. One of his most notable jokes pokes fun at the threat of nuclear attacks, saying, “I never worried about a nuclear attack because I know it would mean death for rich residents of Kyiv… but I’ll get killed by Iranian Shahed drones.” His jokes, laced with absurdity, help audiences laugh at the otherwise unbearable situation, a coping mechanism for many.
However, the line between humor and trauma is a delicate one. Tymoshenko and other comedians are mindful of the emotional impact their jokes can have. “Stand-up comedy in wartime is the most difficult type,” says Tymoshenko, acknowledging the challenge of making people laugh without triggering deep-seated fears or traumas. His approach focuses on absurdities, allowing audiences to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
Beyond entertainment, Ukrainian comedians are contributing to the war effort. Many perform at charity shows, raising funds for the Ukrainian army. Tymoshenko himself has donated over 30 million hryvnias (approximately $710,000) to military causes. In this dark time, humor has not only become a means of emotional relief but also a tangible resource in the fight for Ukraine’s survival.
