2023-08-12 20:20:09
Last Updated Saturday, 12 August 2023 – 20:20
The market has survived the Russian war in Ukraine, although tourists have disappeared and the purchasing power of most Ukrainians has dropped.
Soviet-era gas masks for sale at the flea market. Jae C. HongAP Direct breaking war in Ukraine
the neighborhood of Pochaina of the Ukrainian capital comes alive every weekend when hundreds of people flock to its famous flea market in search of treasures.
Hunters of antigedades, collectors, and many others search through seemingly endless rows of trinkets and timeworn items. There is a strange mix that includes relics from the Soviet era such as decorative medals, ceramic pieces with portraits of communist leaders, Cold War gas masks and items of military uniform.
Despite Ukraine banned Soviet and Nazi symbols in 2015 In an attempt to distance themselves from their totalitarian past, sellers, buyers and security forces seem unfazed by the broad daylight sale of these historic relics.
“It is something purely commercial, there are no sympathizers (of the USSR) here. Items like these are in high demand,” he said. Kristian Zander, a 49-year-old vendor, pointing to the “We buy USSR relics” sign at his stall. There he displays kitchen utensils, hunting knives, Soviet insignia and bottle openers.
A man sells old cameras and accessories. Jae C. HongAP
The market has survived the Russian war in Ukraine, although the tourists have disappeared and the purchasing power of the majority of Ukrainians has fallen.
Even as more and more shoppers have to tighten their belts, the market continues to offer a wide and eclectic variety of products for those with money to spend.
A single booth may have items ranging from almost “vintage” VHS tapes, World War II tableware, manicure scissors, imitation brand-name sneakers, decades-old lingerie, and broken media players or guitars. The seller waits sell your pieces at low prices rather than throw them away.
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