Ukrainians

Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine. They share linguistic, cultural, and historical ties with other East Slavs. The contemporary Ukrainian identity developed over many centuries, drawing on the legacy of medieval Kyivan Rus, the Cossack era, and successive states on the territory of present-day Ukraine.

The Ukrainian language is the official state language. It belongs to the East Slavic branch of the Indo-European family and uses the Cyrillic alphabet. In addition to Ukrainian, Russian and other minority languages are spoken in various regions, with language use shaped by geography and history.

Most Ukrainians live in Ukraine, with significant diaspora communities around the world. Large communities are found in Canada, the United States, and Poland, among other countries. The global Ukrainian diaspora maintains language, culture, and traditions through organizations, media, and education abroad.

Historically, the Ukrainian people emerged from the medieval Kyivan Rus and later state formations such as the Cossack Hetmanate. Ukraine became part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. It declared independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In recent decades, events such as the 2014 annexation of Crimea and ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine have significantly affected the country and its people.

Culturally, Ukraine has a rich tradition in literature, music, and visual arts. Notable figures include Taras Shevchenko and Lesya Ukrainka. Ukrainian cuisine features dishes such as borscht and varenyky. The religious landscape is diverse, with Orthodox and Ukrainian Greek Catholic communities playing prominent roles.