Ukraines

Ukraines is not a standard English term; this article uses Ukraine as the subject. Ukraine is a sovereign state in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Belarus and Russia to the north and east, by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova to the west, and by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south. The capital and largest city is Kyiv. The country has a diverse landscape, with the Carpathian Mountains in the west and expansive plains in the central and southern regions. The population is predominantly ethnic Ukrainians; Ukrainian is the official language, with Russian spoken in parts of the east and south. The economy combines agriculture, manufacturing, and services; Ukraine is a large grain exporter and has a growing information technology sector.

Historically, the territory was part of medieval East Slavic states, later controlled by various powers including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Empire. Ukraine proclaimed independence in 1918 and again in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Since independence, it has pursued market reforms and closer ties with Europe. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and fighting began in eastern regions; in 2022 Russia launched a full-scale invasion causing extensive damage and displacement and triggering international support for Ukraine.

Ukraine is a member of the United Nations and maintains partnership relations with the European Union; it has pursued closer integration with Western institutions. Culturally diverse, Ukraine has a rich literary and artistic heritage and a strong national identity tied to language, folklore, and religious traditions.