Ukraine is mainly known for the recent Ukrainian-Russian War on account of the Russian full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Most people don’t know that Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, initiating a war that still rages on today. Since then, Ukraine has lost about 1.4 million Ukrainians, according to the New York Times. Even fewer know that Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991, and has since been fighting fearlessly for its freedom, according to the University of Connecticut. Or that Russia has made copious attempts to annex the whole of Ukraine throughout numerous points in history. In fact, the majority of Ukraine’s history is marked by long periods of rule from different foreign empires, various conflicts and the struggle for self-determination.
Ergo, while countries in Europe are thriving and able to pursue national interests for the well-being of their citizens, Ukraine is forced to fight for its independence – for the umpteenth time – shielding the rest of Europe from Russia’s evil plans for dominance.
However, another event underscores Ukraine’s history: the emergence of a distinct Ukrainian identity.
So, in spite of that, it is also necessary to educate on Ukraine and its aspects that make it a truly unique country, not defined by foreign attempts to deprive it of its freedom and individuality. So here is some little-known information:
Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, Ukraine has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites – one of them, the Saint Sophia Cathedral, is shown on the right. The Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv demonstrates the local reworkings of Byzantine church building and decorating traditions, which have inspired its architectural features, decorations, rituals, and also its dedication to Holy Wisdom. Music is also part of Ukraine’s identity. The original Carol of the Bells song was written by a Ukrainian composer, Mykola Leontovych.
Ukraine’s infrastructure is impressive as well. According to Air Charter Service, the largest cargo plane ever built was the Antonov An-225 Mriya (‘Dream’ in Ukrainian) belonged to Ukraine before Russia destroyed it during its invasion in 2022. Additionally, Ukraine is home to the deepest metro station in Europe, Arsenalna (according to WorldAtlas) and the “Tunnel of Love”, shown on the right.
Ukraine is also one of the most fertile countries in the world. Its status as the “Breadbasket of Europe” is justified through Ukraine’s possession of about one-fourth of the world’s fertile black soil, according to the Canadian Science Policy Centre. This is due to the favorable climate that supports high crop yields and major exports of grains, sunflower oil and wheat. Speaking of food, borscht, a traditional Ukrainian dish, is part of the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to UNESCO.
So in all, when thinking about Ukraine, it is important not to let the war dominate one’s perception of this country – instead imagining the vast golden fields and armies of sunflowers, the talented writers and artists, its beautiful nature, diverse cuisine and music – but most of all, its bravery that inspires the entire world today. Ukraine is very much a real country, a country vigorously fighting for its independence even today. And to aid Ukraine in reaching victory once and for all, the first step is to know the truth and educate others about it.
*Editor’s note: Yaryna Zakharko is a student writer. All views expressed in the commentary are her own and are independent of the district, Rouse High School and the publication.