1. Springtime. Ukrainian winters are long and cold but damn the Springtime makes up for it! Blink and you'll miss the transition from snow to sun, however if you're lucky enough to be in Kiev in May/June - the burst of green shoots, blossoming trees and smiling people will warm your soul.
2. You are never more than 100 meters from a bank. In fact, if stand anywhere in Kiev and spin 360 degrees you'll probably see at least three.