If you are looking for ways to talk about Ukraine in the classroom, this post will give you some useful facts to share, along with a free book you can download at the end to give to your students.
History of Ukraine
Invasions
Ukraine has had a long and difficult history. From the very beginning, the country’s physical location, combined with its rich natural resources, made it highly desirable to control. From Vladimir the Great in 988 to the Mongol invasion in the 13th century to the Lithuanian invasion 100 years later, Ukraine has found itself under the control of many different regimes.
But it was when the Polish invaded in 1569 and declared the Ukrainian people would be serfs with no possessions or control that things changed. The Ukrainian people formed an army of men called the Cossacks. With the help of the Soviet Union, the Cossacks regained control of their country. But now they belonged to the Soviet Union.
In 1932, Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, sought greater control over the people of Ukraine. He deliberately prevented food from entering the country, thereby causing a famine. Over 5 million people died. Shortly after that, the Nazi army from Germany invaded, and another 600,000 Ukrainians were killed.
Chernobyl
Ukraine’s tumultuous history is not only filled with invading countries and dictators, but in 1986, one of the worst nuclear accidents happened on its soil. A reactor in the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl exploded, sending deadly radiation miles up into the air. Almost all of the animals, plants, and people died as a result.
Freedom
Ukraine finally achieved its dream of freedom when the USSR collapsed in 1991. This makes it one of the youngest countries in the world today.
Continued threats
Ever since Russia lost control of Ukraine, it has looked for ways to pull it back in as one of its own. In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea, a southern part of Ukraine, and took control of this peninsula, claiming it was now annexed as part of Russia. Most countries would not recognize this occupation, but Ukraine had its troops and people leave the area.
Geography of Ukraine
Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe, second only to Russia. It is just smaller than Texas. It shares borders with 7 other countries, the largest of which is Russia.
Most of Ukraine is flat and covered with rich, fertile plains called steppes. Agriculture is an important industry for Ukraine. They are the largest wheat exporter in Europe. They also export more sunflowers than any other European country.
The Dnieper River runs through the country, providing hydropower and irrigation to the crops.
Life in Ukraine
44 million people are living in Ukraine. The capital is Kyiv, located in the north. The city has many cathedrals, castles, and historical monuments that draw thousands of visitors each year.
The people of Kyiv and the rest of the country have modern-style jobs and live normal, peaceful lives.
Ukrainian cuisine is dominated by meat and vegetables. A common staple is borscht, a beet soup that has meat and sometimes sour cream. Dumplings, crepes, and pierogis are also popular and often filled with meat, mushrooms, cabbage, and potatoes.
Government of Ukraine
Ukraine’s government is a multi-party democracy very similar to that of the United States. There is a president and officials elected by the people in a free and open election process.
In 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky became president of Ukraine at only 41 years of age. He was a popular choice with the people. Previously, Zelensky had been an actor and comedian. His most popular role was in a sitcom where he played the president of Ukraine.
Current Events
As of March 1, 2022, Ukraine and Russia are at war. Russia had been threatening for months to invade the country and claim it as its own. There have been Russian troops and tanks on the border between Ukraine and Russia during this time.
Ever since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has sought membership in NATO. They felt this would provide them with the protection they needed against a future Russian invasion. And, while NATO agreed, it has not yet taken action to make Ukraine part of this group of protected countries. Therefore, it has stood vulnerable to attack as the Russian forces settled along its border.
In the last week of February 2022, Russia finally invaded Ukraine with its massive army. And although Ukraine is currently fighting to maintain its independence, its army is outnumbered 10-to-1 by Russia.
Other countries have now imposed sanctions on Russia, most of which are economic. The hope is to starve Russia of its financial stability, encouraging it to retreat.
Will these sanctions work? No one is sure yet.
Will Ukraine be able to fight off the much stronger Russia? No one is sure yet.
Time will tell the story. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian people are fighting to keep what is theirs for as long as they can.
To be continued…
If you would like a free book that covers the information above in a format suitable for students in a middle or high school special education setting, click the button below. Watch for an email to confirm your request, and the book will be emailed to you with a link to access a movie version as well.
