Ukraine was part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union at various times. But this history is nuanced. It includes alliances, dominations, and conflicts. Ukraine also has a distinct identity dating back centuries.

Common Origins: The Kyivan Rus’

The history of the two countries dates back to the Kyivan Rus’. This medieval state existed from the 9th to the 13th century. Ukrainians, Russians, and Belarusians consider it a shared ancestor.

• After the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, Ukrainian territories came under Lithuanian and Polish control.

• Muscovy, the future Russia, developed separately.

Integration into the Russian Empire

In the 17th century, things changed. In 1654, the Treaty of Pereiaslav united the Cossack Hetmanate with Russia. This was to protect against the Poles.

• This led to a gradual absorption by the Russian Empire.

• In the 18th century, Russia integrated most of Ukraine after partitions of Poland.

• Ukraine became an imperial province. Russification intensified.

The Soviet Period

After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Ukraine declared its independence. This was the Ukrainian People’s Republic. But it didn’t last.

• In 1922, Ukraine joined the Soviet Union as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

• Under Stalin, it suffered artificial famines, such as the Holodomor in 1932-1933. Several countries recognize it as genocide.

• Cultural repression and Russification increased.

Modern Independence

In 1991, the USSR collapsed. Ukraine became a sovereign state.

• Relations with Russia remained tense.

• In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea.

• In 2022, a full-scale invasion followed. Vladimir Putin uses contested historical arguments. He sees Ukraine as an extension of Russia.