Hollywood can have Star Wars but Ukraine gets Darth Mykolaiovych Vader
Darth Vader was bent on galactic domination, but his Ukrainian namesake enjoys more mundane pursuits: local politics, walking the family dog and a spot of embroidery. The Ukrainian citizen, who has changed his name to Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, ran for the post of local mayor in October, his political backers dressed as Stormtroopers. In his trademark black outfit, he is a regular sight around Odessa, a major port city on southern Ukraine's Black Sea coast.
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader (L), who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he speaks with a supporter in a cafe in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he caresses his horse at a stabling outside of Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he rides on a tram in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he walks his dog in a park in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader (L), who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he speaks to people dressed as Star Wars characters Chewbacca (R) and a Stormtrooper in a cafe in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader (R), who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, and people dressed as Star Wars characters Chewbacca (L) and a Stormtrooper pose for a picture as they select products in a grocery store in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the 'Star Wars' character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he reads a book in bed at his apartments in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he tries to help a woman exit a tram in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader's Darth Vader helmet sits on a shelf among icons at his apartments in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the Star Wars character Darth Vader, poses for a picture as he waits for sunrise on the roof of his apartment block in Odessa, Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko