Ukraine history
Europe’s second largest country, though one of its poorest, is the former Soviet Union republic of the Ukraine. This land of the Cossacks has a long and varied history that stretches as far back as the 9th century. Brief interludes of independence have occurred throughout the timeline but it wasn’t until 1991 that the country shook off the yoke of Russia to become a fully self-governing state.
Independence was always going to be a struggle with this larger neighbouring power immediately to the north. Ukraine has in the past been known as ‘little Russia’ and of all the Eastern Bloc countries, has perhaps endured the most hardships under Soviet rule.
Early history
Before the Soviets came on board, Catherine the Great in the 18th century annexed parts of the Ukraine to expand Russia’s boundaries, found new cities and encourage Russian immigration to Ukraine. However, many Ukrainians in fact went the other way and emigrated to Russia, especially during the late 19th century when the Siberian Railway was constructed.
Quick fact!
One of the world’s most famous songs “Summertime” is inspired by an old Ukrainian lullaby.
1901 – 1920
This period also saw a move towards modernisation and urbanisation and, along with it, a growing nationalism which created many nationalist and socialist parties. Despite this, the outbreak of World War I found the Ukraine splitting its loyalties with conscripts to both the Imperial Russian Army and Austro-Hungarian Army. They chose the wrong side, and both empires were defeated. This was a good chance for the Ukraine to break away and declare its independence but with so many factions at the time the movement never had solid ground.
1921 – 1945
Subsequently Russia reemerged dominant as the Soviet Union and in 1921 Ukraine was forced into being part of it. Ruled by Stalin, the Ukraine was used as a testing ground for the ensuing communist regime. Stalin introduced the practice of farm collectivisation whereby peasants effectively starved to death as they couldn’t meet the increased work quotas.
But things got a lot worse in World War II with Nazi Germany and Russia at odds and the Ukraine caught in between. When the war ended an estimated six million to eight million Ukrainians, a quarter of them Jews, had been killed, and whole cities decimated.
1950 – present
Still by the 1950s the Soviet wheel was in motion and industry and production reached all time highs especially in the eastern regions. Soviet Ukraine as it was known started developing missiles, hydroelectric dams and undertaking high-tech research.
That’s why the Chernobyl nuclear explosion in 1986 was slow to reach national headlines, Soviet officials were doing their best to cover it up. An accident of this scale was never going to be swept under the carpet however. The devastating effects of this explosion are still being felt by those who lived in the contaminated areas.
Severely disgruntled to say the least from decades of Soviet abuse, not long after in 1990 the Ukraine held a referendum and the people overwhelmingly voted in favour of independence. In 1991 the new State Sovereignty of Ukraine was formed and ‘Little Russia’ finally emerged as a politically and economically independent republic.
Ukrainian language and culture
Culture of Ukraine
Ukrainian culture is the culmination of traditions that come from the ethnic Ukrainian population. A collision of Eastern and Western influences, Ukrainian culture is heavily based upon practices found within the Eastern Orthodox Church and traditional Slavic mythology.
Music
Ukrainian music is a culmination of Western and Eastern melodies, with elements of Slavic and Christian throughout. Kiev was once the musical heart of the former Russian Empire, home to the empire’s first professional music academy, founded the mid-18th century.
Located on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Ukrainian music is a fine blend of western harmonies couple with the choral harmony styles found in the east. Ethnic Ukrainian vocals usual emphasize a solo or a cappella model and are backed by instruments such as the lute, 3-stringed cello, and the duct flute.
Cuisine
Ukrainian cuisine is heavily influenced by dishes found in Poland, Austria, Turkey, and Russia. These empires left their mark on menus throughout this country, but are now prepared in true Ukrainian style. Polish Kovbasa sausage and sauerkraut are quite common as are dumplings and stuffed cabbages that evolved from Turkish root.
The Austro-Hungarians left an array of recipes including breaded meats, strudels, and a variety of rich desserts. Traditional dishes are made with plenty of grains and staple vegetables grown in the region such as potatoes, beets and mushrooms.
Festivals and traditions
A number of festivals can be found in the Ukraine throughout the year celebrating the countries rich history and tradition. The Lviv Cheese and Wine Festival celebrate the rich tastes of cheese and wine makers found throughout the country. These fine tastes are celebrated in the town of Lviv with a variety of fairs and concerts.
The Gogolfest is a much more contemporary celebration of modern art and cinematic accomplishment, named after the well-known author Nikolai Gogol. Perhaps the most original festival is Humorina, a celebration of humour not only found in the Ukraine but throughout the world.
Architecture
Initial architectural roots took form in the Eastern Slavic state of Kiev. Great domed cathedrals were brought into Kiev that were based on Byzantine styles, great defensive structures and fortified monasteries were built between the 12th to 15th centuries. The massive walls of these fortifications are distinguishable by red bricked patterns throughout these complex constructions.
Throughout the years, the nation’s architecture has been heavily influenced by Austro-Hungarian and Russian empires. Decorative finished buildings often use ancient traditional patterns such as the lozenges hape, a diamond or rhombus arranged in a variety of complex sequences.
languages of Ukraine
Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine with 65% of the population having Ukrainian as a first language. Russian is spoken as a first language by 33% of the population. Generally you will find the further east you go in Ukraine the more Russian speakers you will find.
Basic Ukrainian words and phrases
Hello – Ahov
Goodbye – Do pobačennja
Please – Budʹ laska
Thank you – Diakuju
Yes – Ta
No – Nemaye
My name is… – Mene zvuť…
I don’t speak Ukrainian - Ya ne hovoryu ukrains’koyu
Do you speak English / Spanish / French / German – Vy hovoryte po – anhliys’ky / Ispans’ka / frantsuz’kyy / nimets’kyy
Ukraine weather
Ukraine climate is continental, enjoying warm dry summers and harsh cold winters. The Odessa region along the southern portion of the country along the Black Sea features an ideal coastal climate, while the inland steppe is quite arid. Despite it’s notoriety, Ukraine weather can be quite enjoyable, averaging nearly 290 sunny days per year. Waterproof clothing is advisable for the winter and throughout the year in the coastal Odessa region.
Spring in Ukraine
The snow begins to melt and the rains begin to move in during the warming relief of a Ukrainian spring. Expect warm sunny days and cool nights with an increase in overall precipitation. Enjoy a short-sleeved shirt during the day and a warmer jacket at night. Waterproof clothing is probably a good idea as you are likely to run into a bit of rain.
Summer in Ukraine
During the summertime average daytime temperatures usually reach 25C to 30C. Highs often exceed the mid 30′s, especially in the inland regions. Summers are generally dry and full of sunshine, with the occasional heavy thunderstorm. Dress light, short sleeves and short pants are sufficient, pack a rain jacket for a possible storm that may catch you off guard.
Autumn in Ukraine
Autumn brings in chilly temperatures and a bit more precipitation along the coast. Temperatures dwindle in the teens before hitting the low single digits towards the end of the season. Light rain turns to snow in northern regions of the country. Dress warmly, a thick coat and long pants will keep you toasty through the coldest of autumn days.
Winter in Ukraine
Winters are pretty harsh in the Ukraine, the coldest month being January with daytime temperatures just around freezing. In many cases temperatures plunge deeply below zero, sometimes nearing -20C. Heavy snowfall and large blizzards are quite common through these months. Brrrr, dress warm for extremely harsh winters or head south to Odessa for a bit of relief from the cold.
Average temperatures in Kiev, Odessa and Lviv
Average rainfall in Kiev, Odessa and Lviv
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