Kiev, Chernobyl and Black sea - I don't see a problem for you there. Ive been there 2 years ago, walking around villages, lakes, and locals are very friendly, we could easily stayed for a night at someone's house/hay and have very good breakfast...they even gave us keys from their house and left :-X Everything is cheap, food is delicious, alcohol connects people so there's nothing to worry about. But don't rely on your English...it's not Russia and apart Chernobyl and few places in Kiev I don't think someone will understand. get yourself ukrainian (or at least russian) - english dictionary