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Martin Pfister | Life Under Fire: 18 Years in Kyiv
We are joined by Martin Pfister, a Swiss expatriate who has called Kyiv home for nearly two decades. While the world often views the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of geopolitical strategy and military maps, Martin provides a raw, "straight from the shoulder" account of the daily reality on the ground. Recorded in early 2026, this conversation marks the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion and 12 years since the occupation of Crimea.
From the eerie scream of incoming drones to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian youth, Martin explores the "unreal" dichotomy of living in a city where everything is controlled yet everything is possible. He offers a candid critique of Western rhetoric, the shifting perception of President Zelenskyy, and why, despite the constant threat of "10 Mach" ballistic missiles, he chooses to remain in his adopted homeland.
The 12-Year War: Why Ukrainians view 2014, not 2022, as the true beginning of the conflict and the cost of the West "looking the other way."
The "Body Shrink" Effect: Martin’s fascinating comparison between the hyper-regulated life in Switzerland and the grit and openness of Ukrainian society.
Survival by App: How modern technology—from secret service warnings to drone-tracking apps—has become a fundamental part of daily life in Kyiv.
The Betrayal Metric: A breakdown of international support on a per-capita basis and why many Ukrainians feel let down by the United States and the Budapest Memorandum.
The Domestic Arsenal: How Ukraine has ramped up its own production of "pink" cruise missiles and high-tech weaponry to reach 45% self-sufficiency.
The Corruption Fight: The internal struggle for transparency and why the youth are taking to the streets to protect the independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
About the guest:
Martin Pfister is a former executive in the duty-free industry who moved from Geneva to Kyiv in 2008. After a decade of leading regional operations, he chose early retirement in Ukraine over a return to Western Europe, captivated by the country’s culture and people. Today, he remains a dedicated observer and resident of Kyiv, offering a unique bridge between Swiss precision and Ukrainian resilience.
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By Michael McKay
5
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We are joined by Martin Pfister, a Swiss expatriate who has called Kyiv home for nearly two decades. While the world often views the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of geopolitical strategy and military maps, Martin provides a raw, "straight from the shoulder" account of the daily reality on the ground. Recorded in early 2026, this conversation marks the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion and 12 years since the occupation of Crimea.
From the eerie scream of incoming drones to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian youth, Martin explores the "unreal" dichotomy of living in a city where everything is controlled yet everything is possible. He offers a candid critique of Western rhetoric, the shifting perception of President Zelenskyy, and why, despite the constant threat of "10 Mach" ballistic missiles, he chooses to remain in his adopted homeland.
The 12-Year War: Why Ukrainians view 2014, not 2022, as the true beginning of the conflict and the cost of the West "looking the other way."
The "Body Shrink" Effect: Martin’s fascinating comparison between the hyper-regulated life in Switzerland and the grit and openness of Ukrainian society.
Survival by App: How modern technology—from secret service warnings to drone-tracking apps—has become a fundamental part of daily life in Kyiv.
The Betrayal Metric: A breakdown of international support on a per-capita basis and why many Ukrainians feel let down by the United States and the Budapest Memorandum.
The Domestic Arsenal: How Ukraine has ramped up its own production of "pink" cruise missiles and high-tech weaponry to reach 45% self-sufficiency.
The Corruption Fight: The internal struggle for transparency and why the youth are taking to the streets to protect the independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
About the guest:
Martin Pfister is a former executive in the duty-free industry who moved from Geneva to Kyiv in 2008. After a decade of leading regional operations, he chose early retirement in Ukraine over a return to Western Europe, captivated by the country’s culture and people. Today, he remains a dedicated observer and resident of Kyiv, offering a unique bridge between Swiss precision and Ukrainian resilience.