Kharkiv was the first capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic; but later lost the role to Kyiv, in the 1930s. In World War II, Kharkiv changed hands between Soviet & Nazi German forces several times, suffered huge damages. Kharkiv is just around 40km from the Russian border & is considered a cultural hub. Kharkiv is known for its wealth of art, music and history, the city is also home to many I.T. Firms. Kharkiv residents have strong ties to Russia - the resistance is bound to have surprised the Russian troops.
