Ukraine – a country ruined by the Russians
Now Destroyed by Evil Intention
Ukraine became an independent state following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. On 21st January 1990, Ukrainians organized a human chain for independence between Kyiv and Lviv to protest against Soviet law. A form of resistance epitomizes the strength and pride of Ukrainian independence.
In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022, we look back at Ukraine's rich history, its land, and its people.
Before this terrible calamity, Ukraine was known for its wonderful landscapes, unique attractions, traditional villages, and beautiful nature. In Ukraine, you could visit sunny beaches in the South and ski resorts in the West. It is also the second-largest country in Europe, the largest being its attacker, Russia.
A Beautiful Land
Ukraine is home to wonderful landscapes, unique attractions, traditional villages, and vibrant scenery. It has approximately 45 million inhabitants and an area of 603,628 square kilometers making it a prominent force in Central Europe. The capital of Ukraine is the ancient city of Kyiv, which prides itself on its architectural monuments, green parks, and city squares.
Ukraine, located in the centre of Europe, marked its 30th anniversary of independence last year. Even though it appears to be a new state, it has a thousand-year history. During this time, it has developed into a robust and resilient nation.
The natural wonders of Ukraine are preserved by the state and honored by the locals who share a mutual admiration for Ukrainian nature.
The Carpathian Mountains stretching from the Czech Republic to Romania are a sight to behold and provide extra protection against the cold during the winter. Podolski Tovtry is a national park that visually resembles the Carpathian Mountains in which the height of the ridges within the park reaches an average of 400 meters above sea level.
The Dniester Canyon has been deemed a masterpiece of nature and stretches a magnificent 155 miles. At the foot of the canyon, there are villages and towns, rich in architectural monuments: prehistoric caves, ancient churches, and numerous waterfalls.
Ukrainians regard the Southern Bug River and its valley as one of the most immaculate natural places in the country. It is a regional landscape park host to 98 archaeological sites that date from the Palaeolithic era through to the Middle Ages.
The People of Ukraine
Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine. They are the seventh-largest nation in Europe and the second largest after Russia amongst the East-Slavs. Ukrainians, as a whole are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christians, and its ideology is based on holy tradition which incorporates the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church Fathers. Ukraine nationalism emerged during World War I and was far more developed in western Ukraine compared to eastern Ukraine as It was repressed by the Russian empire, who even banned the Ukrainian language. Under Soviet rule, Ukraine nationalism was perceived as a form of resistance but this didn't stop Ukrainian nationalists who fought for independence up until the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Slava Ukraine
A term adopted by Ukrainians as a driving force against evil fuelling a fierce resistance against evil: 'Slava Ukrainе' (Glory to Ukraine). The phrase appeared in military formations during the Ukrainian War of Independence between 1917 to 1921 and became a symbol of resistance used by Ukrainian nationalists in the 1920s. It is now recognized as the official salute of the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2018. It is being used in abundance as a response to Russian invasions of Ukraine, which is particularly significant as it was a phrase that was previously banned by the Soviet Union and serves to reinforce the belief shared amongst the Ukrainian people that surrender to such evil is not an option.
