Ukraine's history stretches back over a thousand years, with Kyiv (Kiev) serving as the center of the first East Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which existed from the 9th to the 13th century. This medieval state is considered a cultural ancestor to modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.

Throughout its history, Ukrainian territories have been part of various empires and states, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Cossack Hetmanate, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. This complex history has contributed to Ukraine's rich cultural heritage and its distinct national identity.

Despite periods of foreign rule, Ukrainian language, literature, and cultural traditions persisted, forming the basis for the modern Ukrainian national identity that emerged in the 19th century. The Ukrainian national movement gained momentum during this period, with intellectuals and activists advocating for recognition of Ukrainian cultural distinctiveness and political autonomy.

The relationship between Ukraine and Russia has deep historical roots but has been marked by complexity and periods of tension. While both nations share cultural and historical connections through Kyivan Rus, their paths diverged significantly over centuries.

During the Russian Empire, Ukrainian language and culture faced suppression through policies of Russification. The brief period of Ukrainian independence following the 1917 Russian Revolution was ended by the Bolsheviks, and Ukraine became a republic within the Soviet Union.

The Soviet era brought further challenges, including the Holodomor—a man-made famine in 1932-33 that killed millions of Ukrainians—which many historians consider an act of genocide by Stalin's regime against the Ukrainian people. This tragedy remains a painful memory in Ukraine's national consciousness and a point of historical contention with Russia.

After gaining independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine sought to establish itself as a sovereign nation while navigating its relationship with Russia. This relationship has oscillated between periods of cooperation and conflict, with tensions escalating dramatically in 2014.