Ukrainian coffee shop owners rebuild after missile strike in Kyiv
According to a report from NPR, a large-scale Russian missile strike hit downtown Kyiv last week, destroying dozens of homes, schools, and businesses. Among the damaged properties was a newly opened coffee shop called Hogo, owned by husband and wife Yevhen Prusak and Olena Saienko. The shop had opened just hours before the strike, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, and a DJ. After the attack, the couple returned to find the shop’s windows, refrigerators, and equipment smashed. Prusak discovered that the coffee machine and grinder were still working and began making coffee. The couple launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild the cafe. Prusak stated that coffee holds cultural significance in Ukraine, representing hospitality beyond a morning routine. He noted that local business owners have become closer through the shared experience of the aftermath. As cleanup continues at the neighboring Chernobyl Museum, Saienko and Prusak are serving coffee and treats at the cafe’s remaining tables while awaiting a damage assessment.
What’s reported
A Russian missile strike hit downtown Kyiv, destroying dozens of homes, schools, and businesses.
The coffee shop Hogo, owned by Yevhen Prusak and Olena Saienko, opened only hours before the strike.
The shop’s windows, refrigerators, and other items were smashed.
Prusak found the coffee machine and grinder still working and started making coffee.
The couple launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild the cafe.
Prusak said coffee represents hospitality and that shared experiences have brought local business owners closer together.
The couple is serving coffee at remaining tables while awaiting a damage assessment.
Open questions
The article does not specify the full extent of the damage to the coffee shop or the timeline for the assessment and rebuilding.
Key figures
Yevhen Prusak (co-owner of Hogo coffee shop)
Olena Saienko (co-owner of Hogo coffee shop)
Hanna Palamarenko (NPR reporter)
Sources: NPR
