by Toby Brockelbank and Mykhaylo Tevkun

Who are you and what’s your favourite skate trick?
My name is Mykhaylo Tevkun—people call me Mike T. I’m the founder of Association Skateboarding Ukraine (@skateukraine), where I’ve been leading the charge for over a decade. I’ve got more than 20 years of experience as a pro skateboarder (inst @tevkun), and on top of that, I’m the current Ukrainian national champion in wakesurfing and also work as a snowboard coach. My favorite trick? A bluntstall double kickflip out on a miniramp. There’s nothing quite like the feeling when you land it clean—it’s pure satisfaction. If you want to get a feel for the kind of skating I love, check out one of my favorite pool profiles here: https://youtu.be/ZO8ZedFTSjs?si=_kIAsMeqUUbQOY1t

What’s the scene like in Ukraine?
It’s a passionate, growing scene that’s held together by small communities. We don’t have the luxury of city-funded skateparks or huge brand sponsorships, but what we do have is dedication. Skaters here build DIY spots, organise grassroots events, and push through challenges like war, weather, and lack of resources. (inst @lvivskateboarding, @midzerosmag @kharkivskateboarding, @lutskskateboarding, @chernihivskateboarding, @frankivsk.sb etc) https://www.freeskatemag.com/2023/06/28/bomb-hills-not-countries-ukraines-skateboarders-keep-on-pushing/

To check out Ukrainian skateboard scene, check these videos: GSD Kyiv https://youtu.be/Gb6gp8bNCPg?si=29RWt96eeDvihJWR GSD Lviv https://youtu.be/mHYz_j9HMdI?si=UEyo26lSUib1SmoM

Where can you find Ukraine’s best skaters?
Kyiv has the largest concentration of skaters and spots, but great talents are spread across the country—Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Khmelnitskiy, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia have amazing local scenes. You’ll often find the best skaters wherever there’s a mini ramp, a good ledge, or a crew filming a clip despite the odds. After the beginning of full-scale war many talents fled the country and were scattered around the globe: USA, Germany, Portugal, Canada, Spain, Lithuania etc.

Is sorting boards and equipment over there a struggle?
Absolutely. We don’t have much of local board production or a strong internal skate industry, so most of our gear is imported and expensive. With the war, the cost and logistics got even harder. That’s why skaters here tend to ride their setups into the ground and get really creative with what they’ve got. A big thanks to Skate-Aid and Zero Skateboards for supporting our community with gear—it means a lot, especially during these challenging times.

When it comes to skate shops in Ukraine:

  • The biggest online skateshop right now is radiusshop.com.ua (Solid selection and great service.)
  • The biggest offline (physical) skateshop is boardshop.ua,
    (A central hub for skaters, gear, and good vibes.)

New Zealand skaters are jealous of the smooth tiles you’ve got, what are these plazas like to skate?
We’ve got many iconic Soviet-era plazas that are smooth and spacious—great for skating. Spots like Poshtova Square

in Kyiv or Priberezhniy Alley in Dnipro are so exciting to skate. Many of these places are true skate-friendly spaces with local community, the other have the “No Skateboarding” sign and/or security guards. Still, we make it work despite the circumstances.

Do you guys skate more street or ramps?
Definitely more street. Ramps are rare in Ukraine. Most of the few skateparks we have are built with a street-oriented layout, so skaters naturally adapt and make the most of the urban environment—ledges, stairs, plazas, whatever they can find.

That said, when someone does build a proper mini ramp or quarterpipe, it instantly becomes a local hotspot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8IcH2-6k6Q&ab_channel=%23BABYLON%2713

Are you close with any other countries skate scenes?
Since the 2022 invasion, solidarity from skaters abroad has built more connections globally thanks to social media. Shout out to
@bryggerietskateorg,
@lietuvosriedlenciufederacija,
@skateaid,@kekeleppala, @darwin,
@skateboardigrevolution,
@czechskateboarding,
@impactskateclub,
@thegoodpush,
@polishskatefederation,
@concretejunglefoundation,
@sverigeskateboardverbund,
@samu.karvonen, @skateboardgb,
@chasingthespot, @gleisdskatehalle
@backsideskatemag, and many others.

Do you have problems with cops and security?
It’s uncommon to get fined, but harassed – easily. Security guards are not too quick to kick you out, and you have a couple tries before the conflict arises. I wish police officers could see skateboarding as a sport or culture, not as vandalism. But again, the we push through and find ways to skate regardless. Some street vibes from youngsters https://youtu.be/7vzNtAzgGnw?si=TnxTqFvociYA1iFg Shout out to Ilich.

What does the average Ukrainian think of skateboarding?
It used to be seen as a rebellious Western thing, but that’s changing. People are starting to respect it more, especially when they see it in Olympic broadcasts or local festivals. But there’s still a generational gap—many older folks still associate it with hooliganism.

Can you teach us some skate words in Ukrainian?
My Respect = Моя повага (Moya Povaha)

To Skate = Катати (Kataty)

Powerful = Потужний (Potuzhniy)

Trick = Трюк (Tryuk)

Who are the big names in Ukraine’s skate scene?
The scene’s full of raw talent and style. Some of the most influential skaters right now include:
inst @vlad_pirat Ukraine’s Skater of the Year 2024. His Thrasher part, “Truna,” put him on the global radar. Check it out here: https://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/trash/vlad-pirat-s-truna-part/

@jurasssick @dmytrohaiduk,
@mxmpvlnko, @vasilkan_,
@bohdanporada, @sanyagro,
@aleksandr.burchak, @pluggggo.

Are international brands and organisations supporting Ukrainian skateboarding enough?
There’s been some help—mostly symbolic or one-off donations—but it’s not enough to sustain the scene. We need deeper, long-term support: gear, funding for skateparks, and mentorship for building skate infrastructure and culture. We appreciate what’s been done, but more can always be done.

Thanks @tlakbeton, @jamiethomas,
@stevecaballero, @titusdietmann, for your support.

How can we support Ukrainian skating?
Start by amplifying our voices—follow Ukrainian skaters, share their videos, and tell our story. If you’re a brand or shop, consider donating gear or collaborating with local crews and @skateukraine. And if you’re ever traveling through Europe, make a stop in Ukraine—you’ll be inspired by the hospitality and resilience of skateboarders, and sick skate spots.

What’s the best Ukrainian alcohol?
Wine. Hands down. Ukraine has some incredible local wineries—especially in the Odesa and Zakarpattia regions. It’s underrated internationally, but if you ever get the chance to try a Ukrainian dry red or sparkling white, don’t think twice. Craft culture is growing too, but wine is where the real heritage and flavor are.

Is Kyiv still skating at Maidan and what’s the meaning of this spot for the skate community?
Maidan is still skateable, but it’s not the go-to spot like it used to be. These days, most skaters prefer quieter, less crowded places around Kyiv where they can focus and skate without the city center congestion.

But Maidan Nezalezhnosti—Independence Square—means much more than just ledges and flatground. It’s a powerful symbol. This is where the Revolution of Dignity began. I was there, along with my family and many friends. That moment marked the turning point away from Russian influence and toward a pro-European future. For Ukrainian skaters, Maidan isn’t just a spot—it’s a reminder of our fight for freedom, identity, and direction. Skating there connects you to that history, even if only for a moment. Well, I cannot explain the phenomenon of Maidan better, than the Thrasher documentary “Revolutions on Granite” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfEcckWtB8

Big thanks to my American friend Peter Dayton Conopask for your brilliant work.

Most overrated skate city in Ukraine?
Honestly, Kyiv gets a lot of spotlight—and for good reason, with its history, infrastructure, and energy. But the hype sometimes overshadows the reality: it’s crowded, heavily filmed, and skated to death. If you’re hunting for untouched spots or creative freedom, it might not feel as magical as expected.

Most underrated skate city in Ukraine?
I’d say Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv. These places don’t make the headlines, but they’ve got a strong DIY vibe, local crews that are pushing the scene forward, and a rawness that you don’t always find in bigger cities. They are beautiful, compact, and have a unique skate energy all its own. Sometimes the best scenes grow where there’s less spotlight.

Is Lviv or Kyiv winning in a game of skate?
Kyiv for sure—right now. It’s still got the numbers, the experience, and the spotlight. But Lviv is on the rise. The scene there is getting stronger every year—more crews, more energy, and a lot of raw talent bubbling up. Give it time, and it might just flip the script.

What does skateboarding mean to your scene?
It’s freedom, resilience, and identity. Skateboarding in Ukraine isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to survive the chaos. When everything feels uncertain, skating is something solid to stand on. It’s creative, it’s social, and it builds a sense of home in a country that’s been shaken again and again. Check out the Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/jan/10/skateboarders-ukraine-photo-essay.

What makes Ukrainian skaters different to the average Ukranian?
We question things. We build things. We fall, and we keep getting up—literally and metaphorically. Ukrainian skaters are some of the most determined people I know. They challenge norms, bring art and movement into the streets, and stay true to themselves.

What’re you listening to at the skate sesh?
Depends on the mood—could be old-school hip-hop like A Tribe Called Quest, or something heavier like Rage Against the Machine. Lately, a lot of local underground rap and post-punk has been hitting too. Music’s a big part of the vibe—it keeps the energy flowing.

Any Ukrainian music New Zealand needs to check out?
Yes! Here’s a mix worth diving into:

DakhaBrakha – Experimental folk with deep cultural roots.

Kalush Orchestra – Won Eurovision, but also tied to hip-hop and tradition.

Tvorchi – blend electro and folklore.

Go_A – electronic folk that’s wild and beautiful.

Carpetman – if you’re into mellow indie sounds.
And plenty of local punk and hardcore scenes worth digging into if you’re into DIY spirit.

Is conscription harming the skate scene?
Absolutely—and it goes far beyond just skateboarding. Ukraine is facing a demographic disaster. The war has created deep uncertainty. Teenagers—16, 17 years old—are leaving the country in search of a peaceful future elsewhere. At the same time, men aged 18 to 60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine, and many are being forcibly mobilised into the army.

It’s a tragic and complex issue. If this war continues for several more years—we’re already 11 years since the annexation of Crimea, and 3.5 years into the full-scale invasion—our skate scene could collapse. The skateboard industry here depends on a young, creative, mobile generation—and that generation is being erased by the aggressor. Skateboarding is a youth culture. And if there are no youth left, there’s no future for it.

#russiaisaterroriststate

Regular or goofy?
I’m regular-footed, but interestingly, from my experience coaching skateboarding, wakesurfing, and snowboarding, I’ve noticed that most riders in Ukraine are actually goofy. It’s one of those quirks of our scene—maybe something in the DNA or just the way we learn!

Kickflip or heelflip?
I’ve always loved the feeling of a kickflip—there’s something special about how it snaps and floats. But if we’re talking control and consistency, the heelflip has the edge. So yeah, kickflip for the soul, heelflip for the land.

Anyone you wanna shoutout?
Big shoutouts to Nexus Magazine and all the readers of this interview. Thanks to Toby for reaching out, and paying attention to Ukrainian skateboard community. Also, shoutout to the entire Skate Ukraine crew, all the DIY warriors, and every kid grinding a ledge in war-torn streets. You’re the real heartbeat of the culture.

Any final words?
Skateboarding is more than just four wheels and a deck—it’s a statement. In Ukraine, it’s a protest against fear, war, and oppression. If you’re reading this from New Zealand or anywhere else, know that we see you, and we’re skating with you—even if it’s from the other side of the world. Keep pushing. And never take peace for granted.