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Drinking After Curfew In Donetsk
Russian-backed separatists imposed a curfew in Donetsk in May 2014, shortly after seizing control of the city, ordering bars to close at 10 p.m. But the Gungubazz bar, famed for its Bohemian spirit, recently celebrated its 14th anniversary with an all-night party. (RFE/RL Current Time photographer Petr Shelomovskiy. (www.currenttime.tv))
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The bartender's favorite trick — setting light to an alcohol-soaked Soviet army helmet.
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Bartender Nikolai enjoying the party... Gungubazz was forced to close for many months in the autumn and winter of 2014.
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Good old vinyl provides the sounds for the dance floor.
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The curfew has began, but the party continues! The bar’s future was last under question in December, when the separatists wanted to convert it into a bomb shelter.
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The DJ is playing a mix of old Soviet tunes and Western hits.
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Mixing a Screwdriver. Most of the customers have been coming here since before the war started.
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A customer smoking as he discusses playlists with the DJ. Ukraine has enacted a smoking ban in enclosed public places - but the separatist authorities ignore it.
![Nikolai serving a drink. He is wearing a T-shirt with the caption "Orthodox [Christianity] or Death” -- a present from a Russian journalist.](https://gdb.rferl.org/cd511d38-0a24-4dd3-8e63-1605440142f8_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Nikolai serving a drink. He is wearing a T-shirt with the caption "Orthodox [Christianity] or Death” -- a present from a Russian journalist.
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The curfew was imposed after a series of drunken shootings in Donetsk. But there's a good mood here.
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Waiting for a taxi. It is difficult to get a cab after the curfew starts, as few drivers are prepared to risk night time Donetsk for a few small fares.
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It’s 3 a.m. and a few remaining customers are firmly entrenched at the bar. Bartenders Igor and Nikolai do their best to steer customers away from talking about politics.
