Ukraine gained its independence in 1991. but traces of the Soviet past is present in all Ukrainian cities. and it can be much more interesting than you think at first glance!

 For example, in cities such as Cherkasy, Poltava and Lutsk there are a museums-exhibitions of military equipment (you can climb up to the real battle tank, an airplane or cannon and take a funny photo;) tickets to such museums are very cheap - less than 5 dollar. many big cities in Ukraine have military glory memorial (dedicated Soviet Union soldiers). entrance there is usually free.

architecture since Khrushchev and Brezhnev also has a unique style. you can walk by the central avenue, which used to be known communist "parade". In some cities (such as Odessa, Kiev, Lutsk), you can dine in the restaurants in the style of Soviet design.