History of Ukraine in Timeline

Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe, second only to Russia in size. It shares borders with Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, and has coastlines along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Kyiv is its capital and largest city. The official language is Ukrainian.

1906: Trans-Siberian Railway Opens

In the ten years after the opening of the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1906, an additional 1.6 million Ukrainians emigrated to the east.

1917: Ukrainian People's Republic formed

In 1917, following the Russian Revolution, the short-lived Ukrainian People's Republic was formed.

1918: Founding of Ukrinform in 1918

In 1918, the National News Agency of Ukraine, Ukrinform, was founded.

1921: Fighting Persisted Until Late 1921

Fighting on Ukrainian soil persisted until late 1921, following the turmoil of World War I.

1921: Famine Hit Eastern Provinces

In 1921, famine further hit the eastern provinces of Ukraine.

July 1922: Arrests and Deportations of Ukrainian Intellectuals

In July 1922, arrests and deportations of Ukrainian intellectuals began in Soviet Ukraine and continued throughout the 1920s.

1922: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic Established

In 1922, the Bolsheviks consolidated control and established the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as part of the Soviet Union.

1932: Stalin's decree in 1932

In 1932, Stalin implemented socialist realism as state policy in the Soviet Union through the decree "On the Reconstruction of Literary and Art Organisations", which stifled creativity in Ukraine.

1935: Abandonment of Autonomy Approach after Piłsudski's Death

In 1935, after Piłsudski's death, the approach of offering local autonomy to Ukrainians was abandoned due to continued unrest, leading to restricted rights for those declaring Ukrainian nationality.

September 1939: Territory of Poland Divided

Following the Invasion of Poland in September 1939, German and Soviet troops divided the territory of Poland, making Eastern Galicia and Volhynia part of Ukraine.

1939: Joining the Soviet Union

In 1939, some Western Ukrainians joined the Soviet Union and initially hailed the Germans as liberators.

1940: Territorial Gains Secured

In 1940, further territorial gains were secured when the Ukrainian SSR incorporated districts from Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, and the Hertsa region.

June 1941: German Armies Invaded

On 22 June 1941, German armies invaded the Soviet Union, initiating nearly four years of total war.

1942: Creation of Ukrainian Insurgent Army

In 1942, the independent Ukrainian Insurgent Army movement (UPA) arose in Western Ukraine.

1943: UPA Massacres of Ethnic Poles

From mid-1943 until the end of the war, the UPA carried out massacres of ethnic Poles in the Volhynia and Eastern Galicia regions, killing around 100,000 Polish civilians.

1944: Ukrainian Resistance Units

In 1944, half of the Pro-Soviet partisan guerrilla resistance units, which counted up to 500,000 troops, were Ukrainian.

1945: Soviet Ukraine Joined the UN

In 1945, Soviet Ukraine joined the United Nations as one of the original members.

1945: Ukrainian SSR Founding Member of the UN

In 1945, the Ukrainian SSR became one of the founding members of the United Nations (UN).

1946: Famine in Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine was worsened by a famine in 1946-1947, caused by drought and wartime destruction, killing tens of thousands.

1947: Territorial Gains Recognized

In 1947, the territorial gains of the USSR were internationally recognized by the Paris peace treaties.

1947: Famine in Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine was worsened by a famine in 1946-1947, caused by drought and wartime destruction, killing tens of thousands.

1950: Industry Surpassed Pre-War Levels

By 1950, the republic had fully surpassed pre-war levels of industry and production.

January 1953: Ukrainians Among Special Deportees

As of 1 January 1953, Ukrainians were second only to Russians among adult "special deportees", comprising 20% of the total.

1953: Khrushchev Became Leader of USSR

Following the death of Stalin in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev became the new leader of the USSR and began de-stalinisation policies.

1964: Leonid Brezhnev General Secretary

In 1964, Leonid Brezhnev became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

1982: Leonid Brezhnev Remained General Secretary

Leonid Brezhnev remained the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union until 1982.

April 1986: Chernobyl Disaster

On 26 April 1986, a reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, resulting in the Chernobyl disaster.

1986: Chernobyl Accident

In 1986, the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant caused radiation contamination in the northeast of Ukraine.

1988: Increase in higher education institutions by 1988

By 1988, the number of higher education institutions in Ukraine increased to 146, serving over 850,000 students.

July 1990: Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine

On 16 July 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine.

August 1991: Proclamation of Independence

In August 1991, following a failed coup in Moscow, Ukraine proclaimed outright independence on 24 August 1991. This was later approved by a referendum in December.

1991: Start of Economic Recession

In 1991, Ukraine entered a period of economic recession as it transitioned to a market economy.

1991: Ukraine Gained Independence

In 1991, Ukraine gained independence as the Soviet Union dissolved and declared neutrality.

1991: Reestablishment of Ukrainian independence in 1991

Literary freedom grew alongside the reestablishment of Ukrainian independence in 1991.

1991: Declaration of Independence

Since Ukraine's declaration of independence in 1991, the usage of "the Ukraine" has become politicised and is now rarer.

1991: Improved court system since independence

Since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the court system is considered to be improved.

1992: BBC Ukrainian started its broadcasts in 1992

BBC Ukrainian started its broadcasts in 1992.

1992: Joined Security and Cooperation in Europe

In 1992, Ukraine joined the then-Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (now the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)), and also became a member of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council.

1992: Ukraine Agrees to Nuclear Disarmament

In 1992, Ukraine signed the Lisbon Protocol, agreeing to relinquish its nuclear weapons to Russia for disposal and to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state.

1992: Contributions to UN peacekeeping operations

Since 1992, Ukraine has made contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.

1993: Peak Population in 1993

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine's population hit a peak of roughly 52 million in 1993.

1993: Hyperinflation Peak

In 1993, hyperinflation in Ukraine peaked at 10,000%.

1993: Sergey Bubka's pole vault record in 1993

Sergey Bubka held the record in the Pole vault from 1993 to 2014.

1994: Signing of the Budapest Memorandum

In 1994, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum, agreeing to hand over nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees.

1994: Ukraine Partners with NATO

Since 1994, Ukraine has had a partnership with NATO.

June 1996: Adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine

On 28 June 1996, the Constitution of Ukraine was adopted and ratified at the 5th session of the Verkhovna Rada.

1996: Ukraine Becomes Free of Nuclear Weapons

By 1996, Ukraine had completely removed all nuclear weapons from its territory.

1996: New Constitution Adopted

In 1996, Ukraine adopted a new constitution as it transitioned to a free market liberal democracy.

1998: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

In 1998, the European Union's Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Ukraine went into force.

1998: Currency Crisis

In late 1998, the Ukrainian currency, the hryvnia, experienced a sharp decline, partially due to the Russian debt default.

December 1999: EU Summit in Helsinki

The European Union (EU) summit in December 1999 in Helsinki, recognizes Ukraine's long-term aspirations but does not discuss association.

1999: Non-permanent member of the UN Security Council

From 1999 to 2001, Ukraine served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

1999: End of Recession

In 1999, Ukraine's recession that started in 1991 ended and the economy stabilized after the new currency fell in 1998.

2000: Museum of Pysanka built in 2000

In 2000, the museum of Pysanka was built in the city of Kolomyia near the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.

2001: Ethnic Composition According to the 2001 Census

According to the 2001 census, ethnic Ukrainians made up roughly 78% of the population, while Russians were the largest minority, at some 17.3% of the population.

2001: Non-permanent member of the UN Security Council

From 1999 to 2001, Ukraine served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

2002: NATO-Ukraine Action Plan Signed

In 2002, deeper cooperation with NATO was set by the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan.

2002: Guarantee of legal, financial and constitutional freedom for courts

Since 2002, the courts enjoy legal, financial and constitutional freedom guaranteed by Ukrainian law.

2003: Ukrainian Unit Deployed in Iraq

From 2003 to 2005, a Ukrainian unit was deployed as part of the multinational force in Iraq under Polish command.

2004: Orange Revolution

In 2004, the Orange Revolution took place in Ukraine as tens of thousands of people protested against election rigging in favor of Yanukovych. Yushchenko was eventually elected president.

2004: Heavy handling of Orange Revolution

Law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, faced criticism for their heavy handling of the 2004 Orange Revolution.

2005: Ukrainian Unit Deployed in Iraq

From 2003 to 2005, a Ukrainian unit was deployed as part of the multinational force in Iraq under Polish command.

2005: Educational Reform in 2005

In 2005, Ukraine replaced the eleven-year school programme with a twelve-year one, including four years of primary education, five years of middle education, and three years of upper secondary education.

2005: Orange Revolution Continues

The Orange Revolution continued into 2005 ushering in electoral and constitutional reforms in Ukraine.

2006: Ukraine's debut in the 2006 FIFA World Cup

The national team of Ukraine made its debut in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and reached the quarterfinals.

2007: Museum of Pysanka nominated in 2007

In 2007, the museum of Pysanka won a nomination as the monument of modern Ukraine, part of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine action.

2008: NATO Declares Future Membership for Ukraine

During the 2008 Bucharest summit, NATO declared that Ukraine would eventually become a member of NATO when it meets the criteria for accession.

2008: Vasyl Lomachenko wins Gold Medal at 2008 Olympics

Vasyl Lomachenko, hailing from Ukraine, secured a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic games.

2010: Expert group recommendations on court organisation

In 2010, President Yanukovych formed an expert group to make recommendations on how to "clean up the current mess and adopt a law on court organisation".

2010: Court proceedings can be held in Russian

Since 2010, court proceedings can be held in Russian by mutual consent of the parties.

2011: Ukraine granted right to organise EuroBasket 2015 in 2011

In 2011, Ukraine was granted the right to organise EuroBasket 2015.

August 2012: Law on Regional Languages Takes Effect

Effective in August 2012, a new law on regional languages entitled any local language spoken by at least a 10 percent minority be declared official within that area.

2012: Formation of the National Inventory of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine in 2012

Since 2012, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has formed the National Inventory of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.

2012: Vasyl Lomachenko wins Gold Medal at 2012 Olympics

Vasyl Lomachenko, hailing from Ukraine, secured a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic games.

2013: The Ukraine national basketball team finished sixth in EuroBasket 2013

In 2013 the Ukraine national basketball team finished sixth in EuroBasket 2013 and qualified to FIBA World Cup for the first time in its history.

2013: Euromaidan Protests

In the winter of 2013, more people gathered on the Euromaidan to oppose Yanukovych's refusal to sign the European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement.

February 2014: Revolution of Dignity

By the end of the protests on 21 February 2014, Yanukovych fled from Ukraine and was removed by the parliament in what is termed the Revolution of Dignity.

March 2014: Annexation of Crimea

In late February and early March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea using its Navy and so-called little green men.

June 2014: Signing of EU Association Agreement

In June 2014, Ukraine signed the EU association agreement.

August 2014: Open Invasion in Donbas

On 24 August 2014, Russian forces started an open invasion in Donbas.

2014: Modernisation after the beginning of Russo-Ukrainian War

As part of modernisation after the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, junior officers were allowed to take more initiative and a territorial defence force of volunteers was established.

2014: Population Decline by 2014

From 1993 to 2014, Ukraine's population decreased by 6.6 million, or 12.8%.

2014: EU Association Agreement Signed

In 2014, The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union was signed and the Russia–Ukraine relations rapidly deteriorated due to the annexation of Crimea, energy dependence and payment disputes.

2014: Attempt to Repeal Law on Regional Languages

In 2014, following the Revolution of Dignity, the Ukrainian Parliament voted to repeal the law on regional languages, making Ukrainian the sole state language at all levels; however, the repeal was not signed by acting President Turchynov or by President Poroshenko.

2014: Euromaidan Revolution

In 2014, mass demonstrations known as the Euromaidan led to a revolution, followed by Russia's annexation of Crimea and war in Donbas.

2014: Annexation of Crimea by Russia

In 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Sevastopol and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which are internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

2014: Ukrainian Frigate Joins Operation Atalanta

In 2014, the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sagaidachniy joined the European Union's counter piracy Operation Atalanta and was part of the EU Naval Force off the coast of Somalia for two months.

2014: Start of Russo-Ukrainian War

In 2014, the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War led to a series of sharp recessions in Ukraine.

2014: Sergey Bubka's pole vault record in 2014

Sergey Bubka held the record in the Pole vault from 1993 to 2014.

2014: Tourism Decline in Crimea After Russian Annexation

Tourism was the mainstay of Crimea's economy before a major fall in visitor numbers following the Russian annexation in 2014.

February 2015: Establishment of Frontline

In February 2015, Ukrainian troops withdrew from Debaltseve, establishing the frontline in the conflict.

2015: Energy Policy Shift in 2015

Since 2015, Ukraine's energy policy has prioritised diversifying energy supply.

2015: Ukraine Organised EuroBasket in 2015

Ukraine organised EuroBasket in 2015.

January 2016: Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area

In January 2016, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) entered into force, integrating Ukraine into the European Single Market and the European Economic Area.

2016: Increase in Protestants in Ukraine in 2016

In 2016, Protestants made up 1.9% of the population in Ukraine.

2017: Ukraine's 2017 education law

In 2017, Ukraine's education law barred primary education in public schools in grade five and up in any language but Ukrainian.

September 2018: Vasyl Lomachenko Ranked as World's Best Boxer in September 2018

As of September 2018, Vasyl Lomachenko is ranked as the world's best active boxer, pound for pound, by ESPN.

2018: Increase in Protestants in Ukraine in 2018

In 2018, Protestants made up 2.2% of the population in Ukraine.

January 2019: Independence of Orthodox Church of Ukraine

In January 2019, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine was recognized as independent of Moscow.

February 2019: Constitutional Amendment for EU and NATO

On 7 February 2019, the Verkhovna Rada voted to amend the constitution to state Ukraine's strategic objectives as joining the European Union and NATO.

2019: Fossil Fuel Subsidies in 2019

Fossil fuel subsidies in Ukraine were US$2.2 billion in 2019.

2019: Religion statistics in Ukraine in 2019

In 2019, 82% of Ukrainians were Christians; out of which 72.7% declared themselves to be Eastern Orthodox, 8.8% Ukrainian Greek Catholics, 2.3% Protestants and 0.9% Latin Church Catholics. Other Christians comprised 2.3%. Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism were the religions of 0.2% of the population each.

2019: Poverty and Unemployment Rates in 2019

In 2019, about 1% of Ukrainians lived below the national poverty line and unemployment in Ukraine was 4.5%. Also in 2019, 5–15% of the Ukrainian population were categorized as middle class.

2019: Law Allowing Official Use of Regional Languages Found Unconstitutional

In 2019, the law allowing for official use of regional languages was found unconstitutional.

2020: Ukraine as a Top Agricultural Producer in 2020

During the 2020/21 international wheat marketing season (July–June), Ukraine ranked as the sixth largest wheat exporter, accounting for nine percent of world wheat trade.

2020: Creation of Lublin Triangle initiative

In 2020, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine created the Lublin Triangle initiative.

2020: Ukraine's Government Debt in 2020

In 2020, Ukraine's government debt was roughly 50% of its nominal GDP.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Ukraine, which was made harder by the ongoing invasion.

2021: 2021 survey on religion in Ukraine

A 2021 survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that 82% of Ukrainians declared themselves to be religious, 7% were atheists, and 11% found it difficult to answer. Religiosity was highest in Western Ukraine (91%) and lowest in the Donbas (57%) and Eastern Ukraine (56%).

2021: FAO Report on Ukraine's Role in Food Security in 2021

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Eritrea sourced 47 percent of its wheat imports in 2021 from Ukraine. Overall, more than 30 nations depend on Ukraine and the Russian Federation for over 30 percent of their wheat import needs, many of them in North Africa and Western and Central Asia.

2021: Ukraine's Role in Global Agricultural Trade in 2021

During the 2020/21 international wheat marketing season (July–June), Ukraine ranked as the sixth largest wheat exporter, accounting for nine percent of world wheat trade. In 2020/21, it accounted for 12 percent of global trade in maize and barley and for 14 percent of world rapeseed exports. Its trade share is even greater in the sunflower oil sector, with the country accounting for about 50 percent of world exports in 2020/2021.

2021: Agriculture as Ukraine's Biggest Economic Sector in 2021

In 2021, agriculture was the biggest sector of Ukraine's economy, making it one of the world's largest wheat exporters. Ukraine's GDP per capita by purchasing power parity was just over $14,000 in 2021.

2021: Important Sectors in 2021

In 2021, mineral commodities and light industry were important sectors in Ukraine. Ukraine produces nearly all types of transportation vehicles and spacecraft, and the European Union is the country's main trade partner.

2021: Association Trio Formation and EU Membership Preparation

In 2021, the Association Trio was formed through a joint memorandum signed by the Foreign Ministers of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, establishing a framework for enhanced cooperation with the EU. Also in 2021, Ukraine was preparing to formally apply for EU membership in 2024, with the goal of joining in the 2030s.

2021: Average Salary in Ukraine Reaches Highest Level

In 2021, the average salary in Ukraine reached its highest level at almost ₴14,300 (US$525) per month.

2021: IT Industry Contribution in 2021

The IT industry contributed almost 5 per cent to Ukraine's GDP in 2021.

February 2022: Damage to cultural sites in Ukraine in February 2022

Between February 2022 and March 2023, UNESCO verified the damage to 247 sites, including 107 religious sites, 89 buildings of artistic or historical interest, 19 monuments and 12 libraries.

February 2022: Martial Law Declared

In February 2022, martial law was declared when Russia invaded Ukraine, and continues.

February 2022: Full-Scale Russian Invasion

In the early hours of 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

June 2022: Ukraine Granted EU Candidate Status

In June 2022, following a request by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy due to the Russian invasion, Ukraine was granted candidate status for membership in the European Union.

June 2022: EU Candidate Status

On 23 June 2022, Ukraine was granted candidate status to the European Union.

2022: Internet Usage in 2022

As of 2022, 75% of the population use the internet, and social media is widely used by government and people.

2022: Ukrainian Population Before Russian Invasion

Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the country had an estimated population of over 41 million people, and was the eighth-most populous country in Europe.

2022: Bombing of libraries during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the Russians bombed the Maksymovych Scientific Library of the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, the National Scientific Medical Library of Ukraine and the Kyiv city youth library.

2022: Russian Invasion Impact on Ukrainian Military

During the first few weeks of the 2022 Russian invasion the military found it difficult to defend against shelling, missiles and high level bombing; but light infantry used shoulder-mounted weapons effectively to destroy tanks, armoured vehicles and low-flying aircraft.

2022: Destruction of Energy Infrastructure in 2022

In 2022 some energy infrastructure was destroyed in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Impact of Russian Invasion on Travel in 2022

In 2022 the Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in the destruction of many roads and bridges and international maritime travel was blocked.

2022: Full-Scale Invasion by Russia

In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Application to Join NATO

In 2022, Ukraine applied to join NATO.

2022: IT Industry Performance in 2022

In 2022, the IT industry in Ukraine continued to operate both inside and outside the country.

2022: 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a refugee crisis, with millions of Ukrainian civilians moving to neighboring countries, including Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Germany, Austria, and Romania.

2022: Ukraine Decouples Electricity Grids

In early 2022 Ukraine and Moldova decoupled their electricity grids from the Integrated Power System of Russia and Belarus; and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity synchronized them with continental Europe.

2022: Ukrainian Refugee Crisis in 2022

In early 2022, over 4.1 million people fled the country in the aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, causing the Ukrainian refugee crisis.

2022: Economic Shrinkage Expected in 2022

The IMF expected the economy to shrink considerably by 35% in 2022 due to Russia's invasion. One 2022 estimate was that post-war reconstruction costs might reach half a trillion dollars.

January 2023: Odesa inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in January 2023

Since January 2023, the historic centre of Odesa has been inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

March 2023: Damage to cultural sites in Ukraine in March 2023

Between February 2022 and March 2023, UNESCO verified the damage to 247 sites, including 107 religious sites, 89 buildings of artistic or historical interest, 19 monuments and 12 libraries.

August 2023: U.S. Officials Estimate Ukrainian Military Casualties

In August 2023, U.S. officials estimated that up to 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 100,000 to 120,000 wounded during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2023: Anti-Corruption Drive

In early 2023, a broad anti-corruption drive began with resignations of deputy ministers and regional heads during a government reshuffle.

2023: Corruption Perceptions Index for Ukraine in 2023

Ukraine was rated 104th out of 180 in the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2023.

March 2024: Oscar Award for 20 Days in Mariupol in March 2024

On 10 March 2024, creators of the documentary film 20 Days in Mariupol were awarded with the Oscar in the category "Best Documentary Feature Film", the first Oscar in Ukraine's history.

Loading Video...