This was taken in 2008 and before the current financial crisis. You could see cranes everywhere in Kyiv, building, building, building. They are a bit rarer now. It's fun to take photos of them.
I think this building is one of the most impressive in Kyiv. It's style is very Soviet and intended to overwhelm, awe and intimidate. I think it just looks really cool. This photo does not do it justice.