Office of the President of Ukraine

The Office of the President of Ukraine stands in a building with a white facade, tall columns and stone ornaments that give the structure a solemn appearance. The main front faces a quiet street in central Kyiv and is surrounded by a high wall with an iron gate.

After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the new state leadership established its administration here and the building at 11 Bankova Street became the official residence. Before that it served other state functions under Soviet rule.

The name Bankova Street recalls the banking houses that lined this area in the 19th century, long before the building became the seat of executive power. Today visitors notice guards in uniform at the entrance and occasionally see vehicles with diplomatic plates.

Visitors can view the building from the opposite side of the street, where barriers and security personnel limit access to the immediate surroundings. The area is accessible daily, but the interior remains closed to the public.

In the inner courtyard stands an old tree that some staff members regard as a sign of continuity, even though the political leadership has changed hands many times since independence. The building also has underground rooms used for special meetings.