UKRAINEUKRAINEFrom old Slavic roots to a modern From old Slavic roots to a modern

European countryEuropean country

GEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHY

Capital: Kyiv (Capital: Kyiv (КиївКиїв))

Official language: Ukrainian Official language: Ukrainian

Area: 603 700 sq. kmArea: 603 700 sq. km

Population 47 732 079Population 47 732 079

Independence: August 24, 1991 Independence: August 24, 1991

Time zone:GMT+2Time zone:GMT+2

Currency: Hryvnia (UAH) Currency: Hryvnia (UAH)

Administrative division: 1 Administrative division: 1 autonomous republic, 24 autonomous republic, 24 oblasts, 2 cities with the special oblasts, 2 cities with the special status (Kyiv, Sevastopol)status (Kyiv, Sevastopol)

Av. winter temp.: -8°..-12° CAv. winter temp.: -8°..-12° C

Av. summer temp: +18°..+25° CAv. summer temp: +18°..+25° C

http://www.myukraine.info

Scythians and SarmatiansScythians and SarmatiansVII cent. BCVII cent. BC

Ukrainian Eastern steppes, where the nomad tribes of Ukrainian Eastern steppes, where the nomad tribes of Scythians and Sarmatias built their kingdomsScythians and Sarmatias built their kingdoms

The tribes of SlavsThe tribes of SlavsV cent. ADV cent. AD

Old Slavs settled the terri-Old Slavs settled the terri-tories of Central and tories of Central and Eastern EuropeEastern Europe,, which which starts from the Elbe and starts from the Elbe and Oder on the west through Oder on the west through the basin of Vistula up to the the basin of Vistula up to the Dniestr and middle Dnieper Dniestr and middle Dnieper on the easton the east..

HolodomorHolodomor (famine) (famine)1932-19331932-1933

The Russian archives have shown that excess The Russian archives have shown that excess deaths in Ukraine numbered 1.54 mln. Others, deaths in Ukraine numbered 1.54 mln. Others, contrary to the declassified demographic contrary to the declassified demographic reports, have put forth from 2.5 to 4.8 mln. of reports, have put forth from 2.5 to 4.8 mln. of people lives. Most scholars today see the people lives. Most scholars today see the famine as a policy blunder that affected famine as a policy blunder that affected millions belonging to other nationalitiesmillions belonging to other nationalities..

The tribes of SlavsThe tribes of Slavs

The Slavs are customarily divided into three major subgroups: East Slavs, The Slavs are customarily divided into three major subgroups: East Slavs, West Slavs, and South Slavs, each with a different and a diverse background West Slavs, and South Slavs, each with a different and a diverse background based on unique history, religion and culture of particular Slavic group based on unique history, religion and culture of particular Slavic group within them.within them.

KYIVAN RUS’KYIVAN RUS’IX-XII cent. ADIX-XII cent. AD

Kyivan Rus′ was the early, mostly East Slavic state dominated by the city of Kyiv. From the Kyivan Rus′ was the early, mostly East Slavic state dominated by the city of Kyiv. From the historigraphical point of view, Kyivan Rus' is considered a predecessor state of three modern historigraphical point of view, Kyivan Rus' is considered a predecessor state of three modern East Slavic nations: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. The reigns of Vladimir the Great (980-1015) East Slavic nations: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. The reigns of Vladimir the Great (980-1015) and his son Yaroslav I the Wise (1019-1054) constitute the Golden Age of Kyiv, which saw the and his son Yaroslav I the Wise (1019-1054) constitute the Golden Age of Kyiv, which saw the acceptance of Orthodox Christianity and the creation of the first East Slavic written legal code, acceptance of Orthodox Christianity and the creation of the first East Slavic written legal code, the Ruska Pravda.the Ruska Pravda.

Christianization of Kyivan Rus’Christianization of Kyivan Rus’

St. Vladimir Svyatoslavich the Great (c. 958 – 1015) was the grand prince of Kyiv who converted to St. Vladimir Svyatoslavich the Great (c. 958 – 1015) was the grand prince of Kyiv who converted to Christianity in 988, and proceeded to baptise the whole Kyivan Rus. The annals of Rus state that Christianity in 988, and proceeded to baptise the whole Kyivan Rus. The annals of Rus state that when Vladimir had decided to accept a new faith instead of the traditional idol-worship of the Slavs, when Vladimir had decided to accept a new faith instead of the traditional idol-worship of the Slavs, he sent out his most valued advisors and warriors as emissaries to different parts of Europe. After he sent out his most valued advisors and warriors as emissaries to different parts of Europe. After visiting the Roman Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims, they finally arrived in Constantinople. visiting the Roman Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims, they finally arrived in Constantinople. There, they were so astounded by the beauty of the cathedral of Hagia Sophia and the liturgical There, they were so astounded by the beauty of the cathedral of Hagia Sophia and the liturgical service held there, that they made up their minds there and then about the faith they would like to service held there, that they made up their minds there and then about the faith they would like to follow. Upon their arrival home, they convinced Vladimir that the faith of the Greeks was the best follow. Upon their arrival home, they convinced Vladimir that the faith of the Greeks was the best choice of all, upon which Vladimir made a journey to Constantinople and arranged a marriage choice of all, upon which Vladimir made a journey to Constantinople and arranged a marriage between himself and Princess Anna, the sister of the Byzantine emperor Basil II.between himself and Princess Anna, the sister of the Byzantine emperor Basil II.

Life of Kyivan Rus’Life of Kyivan Rus’

KKyivyivan Rusan Rus’ ’ was not only the largest contemporary European state in terms of area but was not only the largest contemporary European state in terms of area but also one of the most culturally advanced. At the time when only a few European monarchs also one of the most culturally advanced. At the time when only a few European monarchs could spell their name, most children in Kcould spell their name, most children in Kyivyiv, , Novgorod Novgorod and other large cities were literate. and other large cities were literate. When most legal codes of Europe regarded torture as a preferred way of eliciting truth and When most legal codes of Europe regarded torture as a preferred way of eliciting truth and often abused death penalty, the Ruska Pravda confined punishments to fines and did not often abused death penalty, the Ruska Pravda confined punishments to fines and did not provide for capital punishment at all. Certain inalienable rights were accorded to women, provide for capital punishment at all. Certain inalienable rights were accorded to women, such as the property and inheritance rights. such as the property and inheritance rights. Kyiv became the capital of Kyivan Rus’.Kyiv became the capital of Kyivan Rus’.

Golden Age and decline of Golden Age and decline of Kyivan Rus’Kyivan Rus’

In the XI century, Kyivan Rus’ was, geographically, the largest In the XI century, Kyivan Rus’ was, geographically, the largest state in Europe, becoming known in the rest of Europe as state in Europe, becoming known in the rest of Europe as Ruthenia (the Latin name for Rus', especially for western Ruthenia (the Latin name for Rus', especially for western principalities of Rus' after the Mongol invasion ). The name principalities of Rus' after the Mongol invasion ). The name "Ukraine", meaning "border-land", first appears in recorded "Ukraine", meaning "border-land", first appears in recorded history on maps of the period. The meaning of this term seems history on maps of the period. The meaning of this term seems to have been synonymous with the land of Rus' propria - the to have been synonymous with the land of Rus' propria - the principalities of Kyiv, Chernihiv and Pereyaslav. The term, principalities of Kyiv, Chernihiv and Pereyaslav. The term, "Greater Rus' was used to apply to all the lands ruled by Kyiv. "Greater Rus' was used to apply to all the lands ruled by Kyiv. Local regional subdivisions of Rus' appeared in the Slavic Local regional subdivisions of Rus' appeared in the Slavic heartland, including, "Belarus" (White Ruthenia), "Chorna heartland, including, "Belarus" (White Ruthenia), "Chorna Rus'" (Black Ruthenia) and "Cherven Rus" (Red Ruthenia) in Rus'" (Black Ruthenia) and "Cherven Rus" (Red Ruthenia) in north-western and western Ukraine. north-western and western Ukraine. Conflict among the various principalities of Rus', in spite of the Conflict among the various principalities of Rus', in spite of the efforts of Grand Prince Vladimir Monomakh, led to decline, efforts of Grand Prince Vladimir Monomakh, led to decline, beginning in the XII century. In Rus' propria, the Kyiv region, beginning in the XII century. In Rus' propria, the Kyiv region, the nascent Ruthenian/Ukrainian principalities of Halych and the nascent Ruthenian/Ukrainian principalities of Halych and Volynia extended their rule. In the north, the name of Moscow Volynia extended their rule. In the north, the name of Moscow appeared in the historical record in the principality of Suzdal, appeared in the historical record in the principality of Suzdal, which gave rise to the nation of Russia. In the north-west, the which gave rise to the nation of Russia. In the north-west, the principality of Polotsk increasingly asserted the autonomy of principality of Polotsk increasingly asserted the autonomy of Belarus'. Kyiv was sacked by Vladimir principality (1169), Belarus'. Kyiv was sacked by Vladimir principality (1169), Polovtzians and Mongol raiders in the XII and XIII centuries. Polovtzians and Mongol raiders in the XII and XIII centuries. Subsequently, all principalities of Ukraine acknowledged Subsequently, all principalities of Ukraine acknowledged dependence upon the Mongols. The Mongol overlordship was dependence upon the Mongols. The Mongol overlordship was very cruel, and people often fled to other countries. Ukrainian very cruel, and people often fled to other countries. Ukrainian settlements appeared in Poland and Hungary.settlements appeared in Poland and Hungary.

Halych-VolyniaHalych-Volynia1200-1400 AD1200-1400 AD

A successor state to Kyivan Rus' on part of the territory of today's Ukraine was the A successor state to Kyivan Rus' on part of the territory of today's Ukraine was the principality of Halych-Volynia. In the XIII century, the city of L'viv eventually principality of Halych-Volynia. In the XIII century, the city of L'viv eventually became the national capital. This new, more exclusively Ukrainian state was based became the national capital. This new, more exclusively Ukrainian state was based upon the Dulibian, Tivertsian and Bilyy Khorvaty (White Croatian) tribes. Battles upon the Dulibian, Tivertsian and Bilyy Khorvaty (White Croatian) tribes. Battles with the neighboring states of Poland and Lithuania also occurred, as well as with the neighboring states of Poland and Lithuania also occurred, as well as internecine warfare with the independent Ukrainian principality of Chernihiv to the internecine warfare with the independent Ukrainian principality of Chernihiv to the east. The nation reached its peak with the extension of rule to neighboring east. The nation reached its peak with the extension of rule to neighboring Wallachia/Bessarabia, all the way to the shores of the Black Sea.Wallachia/Bessarabia, all the way to the shores of the Black Sea.

Polish-Lithuanian CommonwealthPolish-Lithuanian CommonwealthXVI cent.XVI cent.

After the Union of Lublin in 1569 and the formation of the Polish-Lithuanian After the Union of Lublin in 1569 and the formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Ukraine fell under Polish administration, becoming part of Commonwealth Ukraine fell under Polish administration, becoming part of the Crown of the Polish Kingdom. The period immediately following the the Crown of the Polish Kingdom. The period immediately following the creation of the Commonwealth saw a huge revitalization in colonization creation of the Commonwealth saw a huge revitalization in colonization efforts. Many new cities and villages were founded. efforts. Many new cities and villages were founded.

Cossack Cossack EEraraXVII-XVIII cent.XVII-XVIII cent.

The 1648 Ukrainian Cossack rebellion and war of independence (Khmelnytsky The 1648 Ukrainian Cossack rebellion and war of independence (Khmelnytsky Uprising). The nascent Cossack state, the Zaporozhian Host, usually viewed as Uprising). The nascent Cossack state, the Zaporozhian Host, usually viewed as precursor of Ukraine, found itself in a three-sided military and diplomatic rivalry with precursor of Ukraine, found itself in a three-sided military and diplomatic rivalry with the Ottoman Turks, who controlled the Tatars to the south, the Commonwealth of the Ottoman Turks, who controlled the Tatars to the south, the Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania, and the rising Muscovite Russia to the East.Poland and Lithuania, and the rising Muscovite Russia to the East.

Cossacks are a people living in the southern steppe regions of Eastern Europe and Asian Cossacks are a people living in the southern steppe regions of Eastern Europe and Asian Russia, famous for their self-reliance and military skills.Russia, famous for their self-reliance and military skills.

LifeLife of of CossackCossackss

The reconstituted Ukrainian state, having recently fought a bitter war with The reconstituted Ukrainian state, having recently fought a bitter war with Poland, sought a treaty of protection with Russia in 1654. This agreement was Poland, sought a treaty of protection with Russia in 1654. This agreement was known as the Treaty of Pereyaslav. Under Russia, the Cossacks initially retained known as the Treaty of Pereyaslav. Under Russia, the Cossacks initially retained official autonomy in the Hetmanate. For a time, they also maintained a semi-official autonomy in the Hetmanate. For a time, they also maintained a semi-independent republic in Zaporizhzhya, and a colony on the Russian frontier in independent republic in Zaporizhzhya, and a colony on the Russian frontier in Sloboda Ukraine.Sloboda Ukraine.

Renaissance periodRenaissance periodXVIII-XIX cent.XVIII-XIX cent.

The beginnings of modern Ukrainian literature stem from mid-18th The beginnings of modern Ukrainian literature stem from mid-18th century wandering philosopher Hryhorii Skovoroda, the Ukrainian century wandering philosopher Hryhorii Skovoroda, the Ukrainian Socrates. Skovoroda wrote poems and philosophical tracts in Ukrainian, Socrates. Skovoroda wrote poems and philosophical tracts in Ukrainian, aimed at the common person rather than the elite.aimed at the common person rather than the elite.

““How is he not to lose happiness if instead of service he brings harm How is he not to lose happiness if instead of service he brings harm to his friends, close and remote kinsmen of his own and other to his friends, close and remote kinsmen of his own and other nations? How is he to avoid hurting them when he brings injury to nations? How is he to avoid hurting them when he brings injury to society? How is he to avoid this injury, if he fulfils his role badly?society? How is he to avoid this injury, if he fulfils his role badly?””

““Gratitude is the stability and health of the heart accepting Gratitude is the stability and health of the heart accepting everything as a blessing.…  The fruits of the happy life are joy, everything as a blessing.…  The fruits of the happy life are joy, gladness and satisfaction; their root and fruit-laden tree is the gladness and satisfaction; their root and fruit-laden tree is the heart's peace, and the seed of this root is gratitude. It is the pure heart's peace, and the seed of this root is gratitude. It is the pure spirit, peaceful, good humored, fragrant.spirit, peaceful, good humored, fragrant.””

““Philosophy, or love of wisdom directs all its efforts to the end of Philosophy, or love of wisdom directs all its efforts to the end of giving life to our spirit, nobility to our heart, light to our thoughts, giving life to our spirit, nobility to our heart, light to our thoughts, which are the head of everything. When the spirit in man is gay, which are the head of everything. When the spirit in man is gay, the thoughts quiet, the heart peaceful, then everything is bright, the thoughts quiet, the heart peaceful, then everything is bright, happy, and blessed. This is philosophyhappy, and blessed. This is philosophy.”.”

Renaissance periodRenaissance periodXVIII-XIX cent.XVIII-XIX cent.

Taras Shevchenko, an ardent nationalist who was born a serf in 1814 and Taras Shevchenko, an ardent nationalist who was born a serf in 1814 and became a national hero, was the first major writer in Ukrainian. His literary became a national hero, was the first major writer in Ukrainian. His literary heritage is regarded to be the foundation of modern Ukrainian literature and, heritage is regarded to be the foundation of modern Ukrainian literature and, to a large extent, of modern Ukrainian language. Shevchenko also left several to a large extent, of modern Ukrainian language. Shevchenko also left several masterpiece paintings.masterpiece paintings.

...And what will sprout? You soon will see...And what will sprout? You soon will seeWhat kind of harvest there will be!What kind of harvest there will be!Come to your senses, ruthless ones,Come to your senses, ruthless ones,

O stupid children, Folly's sons!O stupid children, Folly's sons!And bring that peaceful paradise,And bring that peaceful paradise,

Your own Ukraine, before your eyes;Your own Ukraine, before your eyes;Then let your heart, in love sincere,Then let your heart, in love sincere,

Embrace her mighty ruin here!Embrace her mighty ruin here!Break then your chains, in love unite,Break then your chains, in love unite,

Nor seek in foreign lands the sightNor seek in foreign lands the sightOf things not even found above,Of things not even found above,

Still less in lands that strangers love...Still less in lands that strangers love...My Friendly EpistleMy Friendly Epistle

Ukrainian People’s RepublicUkrainian People’s Republicbeginning of XX cent.beginning of XX cent.

The Ukrainian People's Republic was formed after the Russian Revolution of 1917, and lasted The Ukrainian People's Republic was formed after the Russian Revolution of 1917, and lasted until the Peace of Riga between Poland and Soviet Russia in March, 1921.until the Peace of Riga between Poland and Soviet Russia in March, 1921. The socialist Central The socialist Central Rada was established in March 1917. Its first president was the respected historian Mykhailo Rada was established in March 1917. Its first president was the respected historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky, later Volodymyr Vinnychenko and Symon Petliura. As a result of the Polish-Soviet Hrushevsky, later Volodymyr Vinnychenko and Symon Petliura. As a result of the Polish-Soviet War the western part of the traditional territory of Ukraine, as well as a large part of the Volyn War the western part of the traditional territory of Ukraine, as well as a large part of the Volyn territory had been incorporated into Poland, and the larger central parts, eastern and southern territory had been incorporated into Poland, and the larger central parts, eastern and southern areas became part of the Soviet Union.areas became part of the Soviet Union.

Hrushevsky Hrushevsky monument in Kyivmonument in Kyiv

Classic literatureClassic literature in Ukraine in Ukraine

The most talented and prolific writer of the early 20th century was Ivan Franko, The most talented and prolific writer of the early 20th century was Ivan Franko, whose work spanned fiction, poetry, drama, philosophy and children's stories. He whose work spanned fiction, poetry, drama, philosophy and children's stories. He was a political radical, and a founder of the socialist movement in western Ukraine. was a political radical, and a founder of the socialist movement in western Ukraine. In addition to his own literary work, he also translated the works of Shakespeare, In addition to his own literary work, he also translated the works of Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Dante, Victor Hugo, Goethe and Schiller Lord Byron, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Dante, Victor Hugo, Goethe and Schiller into the Ukrainian language. Franko has had a tremendous impact on modern into the Ukrainian language. Franko has had a tremendous impact on modern literary and political thought in Ukraine.literary and political thought in Ukraine.

……I have not lived long in this world,I have not lived long in this world,Yet I have learned to take accountYet I have learned to take accountOf what I got from life—not much,Of what I got from life—not much,But none the less, a fair amount.But none the less, a fair amount.It taught me to perceive the good,It taught me to perceive the good,Gave me a glimpse of learning's wealth,Gave me a glimpse of learning's wealth,Put love for justice in my soul,Put love for justice in my soul,Gave me two Eands to work and health.Gave me two Eands to work and health.It gave me friendship, mutual love,It gave me friendship, mutual love,Although not always strong and deep.Although not always strong and deep.It said: "Go sow thy seed, althoughIt said: "Go sow thy seed, althoughThy hand may not the harvest reap.“Thy hand may not the harvest reap.“……

Ukrainian Soviet Socialist RepublicUkrainian Soviet Socialist Republic1922-19911922-1991

Until the early 1930s, Ukrainian culture enjoyed a Until the early 1930s, Ukrainian culture enjoyed a widespread revival due to Bolshevik concessions known widespread revival due to Bolshevik concessions known as the policy of “indigenization”. In these years an as the policy of “indigenization”. In these years an impressive Ukrainization program was implemented impressive Ukrainization program was implemented throughout the republic. In such conditions, the throughout the republic. In such conditions, the Ukrainian national idea initially continued to develop and Ukrainian national idea initially continued to develop and even spread to a large territory with traditionally mixed even spread to a large territory with traditionally mixed population in the east and south that became part of the population in the east and south that became part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

World War IIWorld War II1939-19451939-1945

8 million8 millionof civilian lossesof civilian losses

Dissident MovementDissident Movement1960s1960s

Many writers made the Soviet occupation their subject, and Many writers made the Soviet occupation their subject, and many suffered for it. Vasyl Stus’ Winter Trees (1968) and many suffered for it. Vasyl Stus’ Winter Trees (1968) and Candle in the Mirror (1977) set the agony of dissidence to Candle in the Mirror (1977) set the agony of dissidence to poetry. For his political convictions, his works were banned poetry. For his political convictions, his works were banned by the Soviet regime and he spent 23 years (about a half of by the Soviet regime and he spent 23 years (about a half of his life) in detention. Stus eventually was killed in a Soviet his life) in detention. Stus eventually was killed in a Soviet labour camp.labour camp.

Weep, sky, weep and weep! Wash the unabated sea Weep, sky, weep and weep! Wash the unabated sea Of thin-voiced waters and dampen the heart. Of thin-voiced waters and dampen the heart. It seems it was just now, just yesterday It seems it was just now, just yesterday That a deathly shiver buried you alive. That a deathly shiver buried you alive. Weep, sky, weep and weep! The past cannot be returned. Weep, sky, weep and weep! The past cannot be returned. Today has been reduced to naught, the future will not come. Today has been reduced to naught, the future will not come. Something weighs on the mind that can never Something weighs on the mind that can never Be torn from the heart. This prison is a prison for prisons! Be torn from the heart. This prison is a prison for prisons! Weep, sky, weep and weep! Still over your horizons Weep, sky, weep and weep! Still over your horizons And let the stars fall from darkened skies! And let the stars fall from darkened skies! ……

The Chernobyl Disaster `86The Chernobyl Disaster `86

Catastrophic steam explosion on a Nuclear Catastrophic steam explosion on a Nuclear plant in Chernobyl caused fire, explosions and a nuclear meltdownplant in Chernobyl caused fire, explosions and a nuclear meltdown

Obtaining independenceObtaining independence19911991

On August 24, 1991 the Parliament On August 24, 1991 the Parliament of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) adopted the Act on the adopted the Act on the Independence of Ukraine. Independence of Ukraine.

Orange RevolutionOrange RevolutionAutumn 2004Autumn 2004

Modern life styleModern life style

OUR COUNTRYOUR COUNTRY

Northern UKRAINENorthern UKRAINE

Eastern UKRAINEEastern UKRAINE

Central UKRAINECentral UKRAINE

Southern UKRAINESouthern UKRAINE

Western UKRAINEWestern UKRAINE

CRIMEACRIMEA

KYIV, the CapitalKYIV, the Capital

FALL IN LOVE WITH FALL IN LOVE WITH U K R A I N EU K R A I N E

Ukrainian F4F teamPrepared for the European Saeima, 2006