Ukraine map

These maps show the location of Kharkiv on the Ukraine map

Ukraine map with cities

Kharkiv is located in the north-eastern part of Ukraine right south of the Ukrainian-Russian border. The distance from the downtown to the border is 35 km (22 miles) while the distance from the northern suburb of the city is 23 km (15 miles). Kharkiv occupies a convenient transport and geographical position at the crossroads of international routes "north-south" and "west-east". The development of road and transport significance, the proximity of the borders of industrially developed regions of Ukraine, makes it attractive in terms of production location. The location next to the border defined close ties of the Kharkiv community and business with Russia even after the independence since 1991. In recent years the ties became much weaker due to the conflict, political tensions, and economic sanctions, yet many people in Kharkiv still try to maintain relations with people across the border.

Ukraine map showing its position in Europe

Kharkiv and the conflict in Ukraine

Kharkiv is situated in a region well controlled by the Ukrainian government. Despite being 200-something kilometers from the uncontrolled zone in the Lugansk region, the conflict has a surprisingly small effect on the day-to-day life of the city. In 2014 and 2015 a city had around a hundred thousand people fleeing from the conflict. Mostly, they found refuge with their relatives in Kharkiv. Generally speaking, life in Kharkiv remain quiet and ongoing conflict reminds only by a relatively large number of army veterans living in the city.