Ukrainians

Map of the Ukrainian Diaspora in the World

Uk1920

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Ethnic-Ukrainians

Ukraine census 2001 Ukrainians

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Map of Early Neolithic migrations

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Principal Component Analysis of European populations from the Genome Ukraine Project

Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine, which is located in the eastern part of Europe. They are the seventh-largest nation in Europe and the second-largest among the East Slavs after the Russians. The Ukrainian language is the official state language of Ukraine and one of the three official languages in the unrecognized Transnistria. It belongs to the Indo-European language family and is part of the East Slavic subgroup.

History

The history of the Ukrainian people is long and complex, with its roots tracing back to the medieval state of Kievan Rus', which laid the foundation for national identity. Following the fragmentation of Kievan Rus' in the 12th century, the territory of modern Ukraine was divided among several powers, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Ottoman Empire. The Cossack Hetmanate in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly under leaders like Bohdan Khmelnytsky, played a crucial role in the struggle for autonomy.

The modern sense of Ukrainian national identity further developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries amid the national awakening movements within the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Russian Empire. The struggle for independence during the chaotic period of the Russian Revolution and the aftermath of World War I led to the brief establishment of an independent Ukrainian state in 1918, which was eventually absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1922. Throughout the 20th century, Ukrainians experienced both the horrors of Holodomor—a man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933 that killed millions—and the devastation of World War II.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Ukrainian people.

Culture

Ukrainian culture is rich and diverse, with strong influences from both Western and Eastern civilizations. It encompasses a wide range of elements, from traditional Ukrainian music, dance, and Ukrainian cuisine, to the country's literature, visual arts, and cinema. The Pysanka, a decorated Easter egg, is a widely recognized symbol of Ukrainian culture. Ukrainian traditions and festivals, such as Ivan Kupala Day, reflect the country's pagan and Christian heritage.

Language

The Ukrainian language is an integral part of the national identity. It is written in the Cyrillic alphabet and has a literary tradition that dates back to the 11th century. Despite periods of suppression, particularly during Soviet rule when Russian was emphasized, the Ukrainian language has experienced a resurgence since the country's independence in 1991.

Religion

Religion in Ukraine is diverse, with the majority of Ukrainians adhering to Christianity. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church are the two largest Christian denominations. There are also communities of Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.

Demographics

As of the early 21st century, the population of Ukraine is predominantly ethnic Ukrainian, though there are significant minorities of Russians, Belarusians, Romanians, and other ethnic groups. The Ukrainian diaspora is substantial, with large communities in Russia, Canada, United States, Brazil, and other countries, contributing to the global spread of Ukrainian culture and traditions.

Challenges

Ukrainians today face numerous challenges, including economic difficulties, political instability, and the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country. Despite these challenges, the sense of national identity remains strong, and there is a widespread effort among Ukrainians to build a prosperous and democratic society.