You might think comedy is off the menu in Ukraine amid the horror of Russia's invasion.

       But in a country that has elected its most famous comedic actor as president, it is perhaps fitting Ukrainians are turning to laughter as a coping mechanism for the war.

       One place it is happening is at a basement comedy club in the Ukraine capital Kyiv.

       Here, jokes about Russian President Vladimir Putin and his army serve as a form of therapy for both the audience and the comedians themselves.

       "This is the only way to save your mental health in war, I suppose," said comedian Anton Tymoshenko.

       "Because I don't have money for a psychotherapist. A lot of Ukrainians don't have money for psychotherapists.”

       A night out at one of these clubs costs between €7 and €9.

       Some attendees say that they feel happier after watching a show, including Yuliia Shytk, an audience member.

       "Thanks to them we actually can gather together and, you know, experience and enjoy together as well. So it's really nice. And I bet it's really hard for them, of course, like to write down those jokes, you know. But it helps everyone. So it's really cool."