History

How old is the Ukrainian language?

Most scholars believe that Ukrainian emerged around the middle of the 1st millennium CE, after th...

Is Gogol a Ukrainian or Russian writer?

The identity of Mykola (Nikolai) Gogol is complex. He was born in Ukraine’s Poltava region to a f...

Why are the colours of the Ukrainian flag blue and yellow?

The Ukrainian flag consists of two horizontal stripes: blue on top, yellow on the bottom. Both co...

What is worth reading from Ukrainian classical literature?

If you want to understand Ukraine — read Ukrainian literature.  Three key figures without whom it...

Ukrainians as the “Younger Brothers” of Russians: Who Created This Myth and Why Does It Still Survive?

The myth of Ukrainians as the “younger brothers” of Russians emerged during the times of the Musc...

Which 5 Books Will Help You Better Understand Ukraine and Ukrainians?

To understand Ukraine and its people, it’s worth turning to literature that reflects the country’...

Why Is Ukraine Called a Melting Pot?

Today, during wartime, accusations are sometimes directed at Ukraine of nationalism or discrimina...

What is Surzhyk?

Surzhyk is a form of speech that blends elements of Ukrainian and Russian (the original meaning o...

Where Does "Carol of the Bells" Come From?

Arguably, the world's most famous Christmas song holds secrets in both its music and lyrics. Comp...

Why Does the Ukrainian Language Use the Russian Alphabet?

This question is fairly common: Why does the Ukrainian language use the Russian alphabet? The sho...

Why Is Bread So Important in Ukrainian Culture?

I once had a casual conversation over some beers with a Greek coworker, and he puzzled me with a ...

How to Become Familiar with the History of Ukraine?

Understanding Ukraine's history is essential, as history often provides the key to making sense o...