if it's 2 bucks for everything
I'm buying tickets tomorrow. Departure from Moscow is on January 2nd at 16:57, arrival in Kyiv at 04:13, or departure from Moscow at 22:15, arrival in Kyiv at 11:26. Which time is better? Honestly, I prefer the train that arrives at 04:13 because you can go straight to sleep after the journey, and you'll have to go through customs not at 3-4 am (as with the second option), but at 23:00.
Departure from Moscow at 22:15, arrival in Kyiv at 11:26 - this is optimal - you'll arrive just in time for the event. Besides, I don't see the difference: waking up at 3 am for customs or waking up later (and then, by the way, what? What will you do until morning?). But if someone arrives at 4 am, as I already wrote, I'll meet them - you won't be left out in the cold... but it's better to take the evening train.
Regarding food: I'll talk to a chef friend today. If he's available and agrees, I'll post the prices tomorrow. For now, we need to decide in principle: should we organize meals on-site (including barbecue, I think, and everything else) or do you prefer to eat at restaurants? Please share your opinions!