Hi , from one fellow Brit to another !
I have lived in Kharkov (also spelt Kharkiv) for over 4 years now.
I am married to a local lady and have two grown up step daughters.
There is an English guy in Ukraine who owns and runs a Dating site, he is called Ray and his business is Ukraine Dating Agency. Ray set up his business because he was fed up with all the scammers.
With my wife we own an apartment business , Kharkov For Rent , which was established over 12 years ago. W get many guys coming over on Dating trips , especially Americans , normally 60+ year olds chasing under 25 year olds !
They believe the hype on Anastasia ( a site I recommend you stay away from) that the Ukraine young girls are happy with a guy 20 years older , yeh right , who is fooling who ! That has scammer written all over it .
I don't know how old you are , but there are so many beautiful women in Kharkov , from 20-50 , so be realistic on your age expectation and you are less Likely to get scammed.
Kiev , Odessa , Nikolaev are as I'm told known scam cities .
Kharkov being so far East has a better reputation. If you are a younger guy and you are looking to meet a sub 25 year old , well kharkov has over 11 Universities with thousands of beautiful students.
As for English , well I have lived in kharkov over 4 years and my Russian is dam near non existant , so don't worry. But most Dating sites will send a "translator" with the girl , I think it is only natural as it gives the girl some protection and a way of summing you up too. Many ladies just think the foreign guys want to come over , stay a week and get layed and never come back. So remember she will be looking at you too.
I know many Ukraine ladies of different ages and they are all wonderful , beautiful, , soft , kind , loving and most of all caring. Why more English guys don't come over I can't understand, it is a great place to find a beautiful partner.
Come over , stay a while and see for yourself.