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Ukraine was the center of the first Slavic state, Kievan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kievan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kievan Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine was able to bring about a short-lived period of independence (1917-1920), but was reconquered and forced to endure a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two artificial famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million more deaths. Although independence was achieved in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, true freedom remains elusive, as the legacy of state control has been difficult to throw off. Where state control has dissipated, endemic corruption has filled much of the resulting vacuum, stalling efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties. -- The CIA World Factbook: Ukraine Area of the Ukraine: 603,700 sq km slightly smaller than Texas Population of the Ukraine: 47,732,079 July 2004 estimate Languages of the Ukraine: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian Ukraine Capital: Kiev
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The New York Times, April 30, 1920:POLES ATTACKING TO FREE UKRAINEPetlura Issues Declaration of Independenceand Urges People to Aid Troops PILSUDSKI LEADS FORCE Drive Opened on 187-Mile Front as Bolseviki Were Massing for Decisive Offensive Jitomir was taken after a brief but fierce fight. The Poles announce that the Bolshevist 58th Infantry and 17th Cavalry Divisions were destroyed in the combats in this region. The Bolsheviki then began a general retreat, offering resistance at only a few scattered points. Many prisoners and much material were taken, the material including sixteen locomotives and 2,000 railway cars. The Kosciusko Squadron, composed of American aviators, is taking part in the advance into the Ukraine, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather. Along the 300-kilometre front (187 miles) the advance is continuing. The Poles have been held up at a few points by the resistance of small forces of the Bolsheviki having machine guns. The Reds have adopted the machine gun method of the Germans for their rear-guard actions in order to permit withdrawals without endangering larger forces. The Poles are using armored trains and armored motor cars, which are particularly effective against the machine gunners, many of whom have been captured or killed. A War Office communication issued today says the Bolsheviki began concentrating six weeks ago for a drive in the south, and that the Reds evidently were determined to attain a decisive military victory. "In view of this fact," says the communication, "the Poles planned a counteraction under Pilsudski's leadership. The first day they reached Owrucz, Kremmo and Godnow. Then, taking advantage of the confused Bolshevist retreat, they proceeded further in the direction of their objectives. By the general advance the Poles now virtually control all the railroads extending southward from Mozir to the region of Winnica." In connection with the drive to free the Ukraine of the Reds and Poland's recognition of Ukrainia's independence, General Petlura, the Ukrainian leader, has issued a declaration of the independence of the Ukrainians. The declaration give assurance of the gratefulness of the loyal Ukrainians for Poland's assistance in the campaign against the "Red Imperialists," and appeals to the people to give the troops every consideration. The declaration says that for three years the Ukrainians endeavored to gain their independence, fighting alone and forgotten by the world's nations. By hard fighting against the invaders, it adds, the Ukraine is prepared to prove to the world that the Ukrainians are ready for independence and prepared to direct State affairs. It also announces that a call for a National Assembly will be issued shortly. |
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