While the Ukraine shares many similarities with neighboring countries Russia and Belarus, it has its own unique history, language, and identity. Ukraine has historically been dominated by Russia. During the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, Russia ruled over the country. As such, the country has shared many ideas and cultures with Russia. Ukraine has been an agricultural heartland. This country has fertile soil and is surrounded by Russian-speaking countries. However, the Ukraine has faced many challenges since the end of the Cold War.

Western powers have increased aid to Ukraine to punish Russia for the 2022 offensive. The United States gave Ukraine $1 billion in emergency security assistance early in 2022, and passed a supplemental law providing billions of dollars more. In addition to financial support, the U.S. military has been training Ukrainian forces closely. It is also providing various pieces of equipment like unmanned aerial systems and patrol vessels. But despite these difficulties, the Ukrainian government is continuing to push for peace and stability.

In the early 20th century, Ukraine experienced independence. In 1917, the socialist Ukrainian People’s Republic, or Ukrains’ka Narodna Respublika, was established. The socialist republic was unable to resist the Bolshevik advance, and fell into disarray by 1918. After the revolution, the conservative monarchist government of Pavlo Skoropadskyi was replaced by the socialist UNR under Symon Petliura.

The Soviet Union attempted to control the peasantry and food production in the country by enforcing the five-year plan. This plan sought to transform Ukrainians into workers, peasants, and nomads. A crucial part of this plan was to seize land from private farmers. This allowed the state to control the source of capital and divert it toward industrialization. The Soviet Union was unable to achieve its goal and was forced to give up its nuclear weapons.

The Maidan Revolution in Ukraine started in fall 2013. Protesters built a self-contained city in the center of Kyiv. They were met with brutality from riot police, regime-sponsored thugs, and snipers. The Maidan Revolution in late 2013 turned violent with the police shooting protestors. During the rerun, pro-Western Yushchenko gained victory. The Ukrainian people have not looked back.

The Ukraine crisis has created a sense of fear, grief, and uncertainty in the university community. The university community is encouraged to reach out for support and assistance. In recent history, the region of Ukraine has been ruled by the Mongol Empire, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was also a client state of the Ottoman Empire. In addition, portions of western Ukraine were ruled by Romania and Czechoslovakia.

The Ukrainian people are traditionally observant Christians, although there are other religious groups. Their food traditions overlap with those of neighboring nations and Ashkenazi Jews. Breads, potatoes, and cured meats are common. Salo, or cured pork fatback, is a particularly famous food in Ukraine. The country also has a vibrant music scene, including pop and classical music. Among the traditional dishes, the Ukrainian people are known for their traditional Ukrainian cuisine.