Despite the war, Dutch entrepreneur Leo de Lange is still active in Ukraine. He has built a new life in Kiev since he fled the Ukrainian port of Kherson, which has become a target of the Russians. Now he was able to open his own coffee shop in Kiev. “Kyiv is relatively safe, a missile almost never falls here,” he told European journalist Geert Jan Hahn.
The cafeteria is a way out of the war for De Lange and his wife. “This allows us to pay our running costs, but we also don’t have to think about war all the time.” With his café, the Dutch entrepreneur also sees an opportunity to help Ukraine in the war against Russia. ‘We can help the economy with that, because we have people working here as well. This ensures that the economy continues to function.’
“I chose to go to Ukraine, I just want to finish it, successfully”
When the war began, De Lange was not an option to return to the Netherlands. “A lot of people I know said we should come back, but it was really bad. Then I should also come to Holland with my girlfriend and two children, but my children are simply Ukrainians. I think they should grow up in their own culture.”
Kiev is safe, but a war zone
He also saw the way out to Kiev as a “safe” haven. “It is a very large city, measuring 20 kilometers by 30. And a rocket almost never falls here. While it’s obviously a real war zone, you’ll notice it in the economy and people in the city. It’s gotten a lot quieter.’
Despite this, the entrepreneur still does not intend to give up his existence in the country. ‘I chose to go to Ukraine, I just want to finish it, successfully.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
