Slovak volunteer Zuzana Kuľhová (l) in Ukraine. (source: Facebook - Zuza Kuľhová)
Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
How one woman restores hope in Ukraine
Zuzana Kuľhová swapped her office for a war zone. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, she started organising collections of food, medicine and hygiene products – but desk work wasn’t enough. By summer, Zuzana joined a documentary team, traveling from Kyiv to Kharkiv and remote villages, capturing both destruction and the resilience of locals. Her journey became the 90-minute film Čo ste urobili Rusom? (What did you do to the Russians?).
Now she fixes windows, plants potatoes, delivers food and medicine, and even organises karaoke nights for kids and elders, turning destroyed villages into spaces of laughter and music. One 70-year-old man, whose house was destroyed, now dreams of ducks and a repaired kitchen thanks to her efforts. Despite the trauma and loss, he retained incredible inner strength and humour, which he often shares with volunteers while working on his house.
Simple act of humanity left a family in tears
In the Mestečko restaurant in Bratislava's Nivy shopping centre, a small family with two kids were celebrating a birthday, quietly enjoying a rare night out. The waiter, with 10 years on the job, remembers the moment clearly: "In their eyes, you could see love, exhaustion and hope all at once. It was really moving."
Nearby, a man noticed them. As he paid for his own meal, he asked if the family was from Ukraine. When they confirmed, he said simply: "I can’t imagine fleeing a war with a wife and little children." Then he quietly covered their €73 bill, and walked away.
The family was stunned. The mother teared up, and the waiter said: "It left a warmth in my heart that words can’t describe." The story has since gone viral, a reminder that even in tense times, simple acts of kindness still shine through. "This isn’t about politics," the waiter said. "It’s about compassion. Humanity isn’t dead yet."
Slovak students excel at International Astronomy Olympiad
Five Slovak students – Tomáš Kubrický, Patrik Prítrský, Peter Švrlo, Mário Tlamka and Vladimír Slanina – represented Slovakia at the 18th International Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics, held in Mumbai, India from August 11 to 21.
The competition tested participants with theoretical problems, data analysis, telescope work and planetarium exercises, with a strong focus on cosmology and black holes. Time was limited, requiring students to prioritise tasks carefully.
Slovakia returned home with an impressive haul, led by Tomáš Kubrický, who won a coveted gold medal. Patrik Prítrský and Peter Švrlo both earned silver medals, while Mário Tlamka claimed bronze. Vladimír Slanina also received an honourable mention for his outstanding performance in the practical tasks, rounding out a stellar showing for the Slovak team.
Some feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
A Bratislava tram driver is praised for returning a lost wallet full of cash and cards to a tourist.
A new via ferrata makes a ridge safer and more accessible for families and casual hikers.
Slovak American Sara Holmes, now living in Bratislava, chose not to follow her grandparents’ path.
Košice Region aims to become Slovakia’s next filmmaking hub, showcasing Slovak Paradise, hidden meadows, and more.
On Wplace’s massive map, Slovaks use pixels to confront extremism, lampoon leaders, and celebrate culture.
Slovakia will launch a Bratislava–Košice air link with daily flights by Wizz Air.
Meme of the week
Caption above: The Slovak government, when Russia bombs apartment buildings, schools and hospitals.
Caption below: The Slovak government, when Ukraine damages a single oil pipeline.
Slovak social media is having a field day with Robert Fico’s outrage over Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia. The whole thing feels absurd: Ukraine is trying to choke off one of Russia’s biggest sources of money for its war, yet Fico and Orbán complain it’s unfair because it cuts supplies to them. While the rest of Europe has managed to move away from Russian supplies, Slovakia and Hungary have clung to Druzhba, and now politicians keep repeating that they have "90 days of reserves" – without ever saying what will happen after.
The funniest twist came from Hungary's ruling party Fidesz, which posted a note supposedly sent by Trump, in reply to a letter from Orbán, in which Trump scribbled with a marker: "I AM VERY ANGRY. TELL SLOVAKIA."
It’s pure comedy, and memes capture it perfectly: instead of blaming Russia, Fico scolds Ukraine for damaging the very pipeline that fuels Putin’s war. For many Slovaks online, the story is already a meme before anyone adds a caption.
You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: elizaveta.blahodarova@spectator.sk. Thank you.
