Ukrainians

Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine. They speak Ukrainian and mostly follow Eastern Orthodoxy. With around 46 million people worldwide, they are the second largest Slavic group after Russians.

Historically, Ukrainians have been called different names by foreign rulers. Under the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Habsburg monarchy, Austrian Empire, and Austria-Hungary, they had various labels. In the Russian Empire, they were often called Little Russians.

Today, the name Ukrainian comes from the time of the Cossack Hetmanate and grew popular during a national revival in the late 18th century. The Cossacks play a big role in Ukrainian identity and symbols, like the Ukrainian national anthem. All people living in Ukraine, no matter their background, are called Ukrainians and many see themselves as one nation.

Ethnonym

Further information: Name of Ukraine

The name "Ukrainians" comes from "Ukraine," a name first recorded in the year 1187. Over time, different names were used for people living in this area. Words like "Ukrainiany" and "Rusyns" were used before "Ukrainians" became common. This change happened mostly in the 19th century, thanks to writers and activists who promoted the Ukrainian language and culture.

The Ukrainian language is related to Russian and Belarusian. In the past, people in Western Europe called it "Ruthenian." Today, the name "Ukrainians" is used all over Ukraine. It became popular first in central parts of Ukraine and later spread to other regions. Even though there were times when other cultures tried to change their ways, Ukrainians kept their culture and identity strong.

Geographic distribution

Main article: Ukrainian diaspora

Most ethnic Ukrainians live in Ukraine, where they make up over three-quarters of the population. Many Ukrainians also live in Russia, with about 1.9 million Russian citizens identifying as Ukrainian. Large numbers of Ukrainians live in countries such as Canada, the United States, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Belarus, and many others. In fact, Ukrainian communities can be found in more than 120 countries around the world.

In the past, many Ukrainians moved to different places for work and better lives. Some moved to Asian parts of Russia, while others went to North America and other parts of the world. Today, Ukrainians make up one of the largest groups of people living outside their home country.

Origin

Further information: Early Slavs, East Slavs, Ruthenians, and Prehistoric Ukraine

The East Slavs came from early Slavs who moved during the 6th and 7th centuries. The state of Kievan Rus united these groups from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Important tribes included the Volhynians, Derevlianians, Polianians, and Siverianians. The Polianians helped start the city of Kiev and were key in forming Kievan Rus.

During the 9th century, Varangians used Eastern Europe’s rivers for travel and trade. They also served as soldiers for leaders in Kiev and for Byzantine emperors. Over time, they mixed with local people.

The idea of a Ukrainian nation and language grew in the early 1800s. In the Soviet era, history often stressed links between Ukrainians and Russians. A 2022 poll showed that most Ukrainians today do not believe Russians and Ukrainians are the same people.

Genetics and genomics

See also: Genetic history of Europe

Ukrainians, like many Europeans, come from three main groups: ancient hunters, early farmers from Anatolia, and Steppe pastoralists from the Pontic–Caspian steppe. Studies of Ukrainian DNA found many unique genetic changes that differ from other Europeans.

There is also genetic overlap with Central Europeans and people from the Balkans.

Ukrainian DNA includes several common patterns, with R1a being the most frequent. The genetic makeup of Ukrainians is most similar to that of Belarusians.

Related ethnic groups

See also: Category: Ethnic groups in Ukraine

In Ukraine and nearby areas, especially in western Ukraine, there are several unique ethnic groups. Well-known groups include the Hutsuls, Volhynians, Boykos, and Lemkos (also called Carpatho-Rusyns, which comes from the Carpathian Ruthenians). Each of these groups has their own special areas to live, ways of speaking, clothes, and traditions.

History

Further information: History of Ukraine

Ukraine has had a rich and often difficult history, shaped by its location in Europe.

Kievan Rus'

In the 9th century, people from Scandinavia came to the area that is now Ukraine, Belarus, and western Russia. They helped create a group of tribes called Kievan Rus', which became an important early state. The people who lived there, like the Polianians, helped build this culture. However, fights among leaders made the state weak, and later invasions destroyed it.

Cossack Hetmanate

Later, a group called the Cossacks formed a state known as the Cossack Hetmanate. They were skilled fighters and created their own government in a place called Zaporizhzhia. One of their leaders, Bohdan Khmelnytsky, helped build this state.

Short-lived independence

Near the end of World War I, people in Ukraine tried to create their own country. They declared independence in 1918 and set up a new government.

Soviet period

See also: Executed Renaissance and Ukrainization § Early 1930s (reversal of Ukrainization policies)

During the 1920s, leaders in Ukraine encouraged people to celebrate their culture and language. But in the early 1930s, a terrible event happened. Many Ukrainians suffered greatly because of a severe shortage of food. This event is known as the Holodomor.

After World War II began, parts of Ukraine were controlled by Germany, and many Ukrainians fought for the Soviet side. Some also formed groups that resisted German rule.

Historical maps of Ukraine

The land of Ukraine has changed hands many times over the years. Maps show how its borders have shifted across different regions.

Ethnic/national identity

The development of Ukrainian national identity grew during the struggle for independence from 1917 to 1921. Later, efforts were made to reduce this national identity, but many Ukrainians still played important roles.

Since Ukraine became independent in 1991, the strong sense of Ukrainian identity has remained. In parts of southeastern Ukraine, many people have ties to both Ukrainian and Russian cultures. Today, many people in Ukraine see themselves as Ukrainian, whether they speak the language or not.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Ukraine

Ukraine's culture has been shaped by its location and history. It mixes influences from Eastern and Central Europe. Over time, it has been affected by events like those during the Byzantine Empire and the Renaissance. Today, western Ukraine feels more connected to Central Europe, while eastern Ukraine shows more Russian influence. For many years, Christian culture has been important, though Ukraine has also been a place where different Christian groups met.

Language

Main article: Ukrainian language

See also: Ivan Kotliarevsky, Russification of Ukraine, and Surzhyk

Ukrainian is the main language spoken in Ukraine. It is part of the East Slavic group of languages. People write Ukrainian using a special alphabet called Cyrillic. Ukrainian comes from an old language spoken in a place called Kievan Rus'. Most people in Ukraine also understand Russian, and many speak it at home.

Religions

Main article: Religion in Ukraine

Ukraine has had many religions over time. Christianity came to Ukraine a long time ago. Today, most Ukrainians follow Eastern Orthodoxy. There are also some people who follow other Christian groups, like the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Smaller groups include Protestant churches and other religions.

Cuisine

Main article: Ukrainian cuisine

Ukrainian food comes from the country's history, land, and traditions. Common foods include chicken, pork, beef, potatoes, cabbages, and beetroots. Ukraine is known for its bread because it has rich soil that grows lots of grain. Popular dishes are varenyky, borscht, and holubtsi. Traditional drinks include horilka.

Music

Main article: Music of Ukraine

Ukrainian music has many influences but also has its own special style. Ukrainian songs and poems are famous for their sad but beautiful sounds. Many famous musicians came from Ukraine, including Dmitry Bortniansky and Sergei Prokofiev.

Dance

Main article: Ukrainian dance

Ukrainian dance is full of energy and quick moves. It is often performed on stage and is known around the world. Traditional Ukrainian dances are also celebrated with beautiful Easter eggs called pysanky.

Symbols

Main articles: Flag of Ukraine and Coat of arms of Ukraine

Ukraine's national symbols include its flag and its coat of arms. The flag has blue and yellow stripes, standing for a blue sky and yellow wheat fields. The coat of arms shows a blue shield with a yellow trident, a symbol from ancient times.

Historiography

See also: Bibliography of Ukrainian history and List of Slavic studies journals