Is Ukraine part of Russia?

The histories of Russia and the Ukraine have been intertwined for so long and for many years, both found themselves under the same rule so perhaps it should be expected for anybody to ask is Ukraine part of Russia.

Ukraine’s Soviet Era

The October revolution of 1917 succeeded in overthrowing the Russian Royal Family and in so doing, it brought together many republics in the formation of the new Soviet Union.

Russia and Ukraine were just two countries to join the new Soviet Union and the period of Soviet rule continued until 1991.

Ukraine Declares Independence from the Soviet Union

Ukraine regained control of its own destiny in 1991 as independence was declared once again. The treaty was signed on the 24^th of August and was something of a knee jerk reaction to the failed August coup in Russia where an attempt to restore Soviet rule was made.

The coup failed but the Ukraine parliament moved quickly to distance itself from Soviet politics altogether and a new era of independent, democratic rule began.

Annexation of Crimea and the Donbass War

Following the Maidan Revolution in February 2014, in which the pro-Russian government of Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown, a conflict began with Russia and Russian backed separatists. The territory of Crimea was annexed by Russia in February 2014 and a war began in the Donbass region, leading to the succession of the ‘People’s Republics’ in Donetsk and Luhansk.

These regions remain unstable at the time of writing (early 2022) and are a potential major flashpoint for an anticipated Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine today

Like many of its near neighbours, the Ukraine has opened its doors to tourists from all over the world and has become a popular destination for many travellers. With such a rich and fascinating history, there is much to see and do here and plenty of opportunities to learn about Ukraine’s past.

One of the most important developments for the new Ukraine came with the news that it would share hosting duties with Poland for the 2012 European Football Championships. This was seen as an acknowledgement of the progress the country has made since 1991 and providing the cost doesn’t outweigh the potential income, it should be a huge boost for the country’s economy.