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Ukraine’s history and culture date back thousands of years to the days when Scythian nomads roamed the steppes on modern day central Ukraine. The country rich in natural resources soon developed into a mighty Kingdom centred on its capital Kiev.
Ukraine was the centre of the first Slavic state, the Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. The Kyivan Prince Volodymyr Christened the Kingdom in 988, and since then Ukraine has been the cradle for Eastern Orthodoxy. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus also laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries.
A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the ruling Polish invaders. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century however, most Ukrainian territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire.
Following the collapse of the Tsarist Russian Empire in 1917, Ukraine was able to bring about a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was invaded by Moscow and forced to endure oppressive Soviet rule until independence in 1991. During the Soviet occupation Ukraine was subject to its darkest years, with 10 million of her people murdered by Stalin’s man made famine from 1932-1933 aimed at silencing Ukrainians desire for independence, a further devastating blow 10 years later with the Nazi invasion and re-invasion of the Soviets, and in 1986 witnessing the Chernobyl nuclear accident. However, on August 24 1991 Ukraine gained its independence after Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly (over 90%) for independence from Moscow. With their secession, the death knoll for the Soviet Union was finally sounded and Ukrainians around the world rejoiced.
In the latter part of 2004 Ukraine witnessed perhaps its most important turning point in modern history with the peaceful ‘Orange Revolution’. At its height over a million peaceful protestors flooded the streets of Kiev in disgust at the pro-Moscow incumbent regimes poisoning of the Western leaning Presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko and clumsy attempts to falsify the election results. As a result of the revolution Yushchenko was swept to power and Ukraine re-affirmed its place among democratic, independent European nations.
Ukraine is a varied country whose landscapes range from the spectacular Carpathian Mountains in the west, the fertile central steppes famous for its black soil, to the stunning Black Sea shores in the south. The coastal resorts of the Crimea remain the darling of holiday makers in Ukraine with Yalta attracting the bulk of summer visitors, while the nearby vineyards provide plenty of wine tasting opportunities. The Carpathian Mountains draw skiers and hikers year-round, and the region is also popular for its restorative spas and historic sites.
Lvov in western Ukraine is one of the main cultural centres of the country with a medieval old town and distinctive architecture. The port city of Odessa, known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea', is a fascinating city with a wonderful mixture of cultures and historical architecture including the world famous Opera House whose ceiling is decorated with scenes from the plays of Shakespeare.
Ukraine is a dynamic country, which boasts sites of major historical importance, architectural wonders, inspiring countryside, breathtaking sea-side resorts and perhaps most importantly a national culture and hospitality which shines in its people!
