History of Ukraine in Timeline

Ukraine is an Eastern European country, the second largest on the continent after Russia. It shares borders with Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, and has coastlines on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Kyiv is its capital and largest city, and Ukrainian is the official language.

1906: Emigration to the East increased with Trans-Siberian Railway opening

Following the opening of the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1906, an additional 1.6 million people emigrated to the east of Ukraine in the next ten years.

1917: Ukrainian People's Republic formed

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

1918: Ukrinform founded

The National News Agency of Ukraine, Ukrinform, was founded in Kyiv in 1918.

1921: Famine in 1921 hit the eastern provinces

Famine in 1921 further hit the eastern provinces of the former Russian Empire, including Ukraine.

1921: Fighting on Ukrainian soil persisted until late 1921.

Fighting on Ukrainian soil persisted until late 1921.

July 1922: Arrests and deportations of Ukrainian intellectuals began in Soviet Ukraine

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

1922: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic established

In 1922, the Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the former Russian Empire and established the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union.

1932: Stalin's Decree

In 1932, Stalin made socialist realism state policy in the Soviet Union when he promulgated the decree "On the Reconstruction of Literary and Art Organisations".

1935: Piłsudski's death

After Marshal Józef Piłsudski's death in 1935, the approach of seeking Ukrainian support through local autonomy in Poland was abandoned, leading to restricted rights for Ukrainian nationals.

September 1939: Territory of Poland divided

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

1939: Some western Ukrainians joined the Soviet Union

In 1939, some western Ukrainians had only joined the Soviet Union

1940: Ukrainian SSR incorporated districts of Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, and Hertsa region

In 1940, the Ukrainian SSR incorporated the northern and southern districts of Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, and the Hertsa region from Romania.

June 1941: German armies invaded the Soviet Union

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

1942: Ukrainian Insurgent Army movement arose

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

1943: UPA carried out 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.

1944: Pro-Soviet partisan resistance units, which counted up to 500,000 troops

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 United Nations

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

1945: Ukrainian SSR became a founding member of the UN

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

1946: Famine in 1946-1947

The situation in Ukraine was worsened by a famine in 1946-1947.

1947: Territorial gains recognised

In 1947, the territorial gains of the USSR, including those of the Ukrainian SSR, were internationally recognised by the Paris peace treaties.

1947: Famine in 1946-1947

The situation in Ukraine was worsened by a famine in 1946-1947.

1950: Republic surpassed pre-war levels

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

January 1953: Ukrainians second to Russians among adult 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 the new leader of the USSR

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

1964: Leonid Brezhnev became General Secretary

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

1982: Leonid Brezhnev

Leonid Brezhnev served as 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 Nuclear Accident

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

1988: Growth of Higher Education Institutions

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

July 1990: Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine

On July 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, marking a step towards independence.

August 1991: Proclamation of Independence

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

1991: Start of Economic Recession

In 1991, Ukraine entered a deep economic recession during its transition to a market economy, losing 60% of its GDP by 1999.

1991: Ukraine gains independence

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

1991: Reestablishment of Ukrainian independence

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

1991: Usage of "the Ukraine" politicized

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

1991: Improved Legal System

Since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the country's legal system is considered to have improved, but there are still some problems.

1992: BBC Ukrainian broadcasts start

BBC Ukrainian started its broadcasts in 1992.

1992: Membership in OSCE and NACC

In 1992, Ukraine joined the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (now the OSCE) and the North Atlantic Cooperation Council.

1992: Ukraine signs the Lisbon Protocol

In 1992, Ukraine signed the Lisbon Protocol, agreeing to relinquish all nuclear weapons to Russia for disposal and 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

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

1993: Hyperinflation Peak

In 1993, Ukraine's hyperinflation peaked at 10,000%, contributing to the economic challenges of the transition period.

1993: Sergey Bubka holds pole vault record

Sergey Bubka held the record in the Pole vault starting in 1993.

1994: Ukraine Partnership with NATO

In 1994, Ukraine established a partnership with NATO, marking a shift towards cooperation with the alliance.

1994: Signing of the Budapest Memorandum

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

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 successfully become free of all nuclear weapons, fulfilling its commitment under the Lisbon Protocol.

1996: New constitution adopted

In 1996, a new constitution was adopted in Ukraine as the country 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 hryvnia, Ukraine's new currency, fell sharply due to the Russian debt default.

December 1999: EU Summit in Helsinki

At the EU Summit in December 1999 in Helsinki, the European Union recognized Ukraine's long-term aspirations but did not discuss association.

1999: End of Recession

By 1999, Ukraine's economy started to stabilize after a sharp decline that started in 1991.

1999: UN Security Council Membership

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

2000: Pysanka museum built

In 2000, the museum of Pysanka was built in the city of Kolomyia.

2001: Census Data

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: End of UN Security Council Membership

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

2002: NATO-Ukraine Action Plan Signed

In 2002, Ukraine signed the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan, solidifying deeper cooperation with the alliance and setting the stage for potential future membership.

2002: Legal Reform

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

2003: Ukrainian unit deployed to Iraq

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

2004: Police Handling of Orange Revolution

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

2004: Orange Revolution

In 2004, the Orange Revolution occurred in Ukraine as a protest against election rigging in favor of Yanukovych. Yushchenko was eventually elected president.

2005: Ukrainian unit deployed to Iraq

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

2005: Education Reform

Since 2005, an eleven-year school programme has been replaced with a twelve-year one: primary education takes four years to complete, middle education (secondary) takes five years to complete; upper secondary then takes three years.

2005: Orange Revolution continues

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

2006: Ukraine's debut in the FIFA World Cup

The national team of Ukraine made its debut in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions, Italy.

2007: Pysanka museum nominated

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 Declaration on Ukraine Membership

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

2008: Vasyl Lomachenko Olympic Medal

Vasyl Lomachenko won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

2010: Yanukovych's Court Reform

In 2010, President Yanukovych formed an expert group to make recommendations on court reforms, stating "We can no longer disgrace our country with such a court system."

2010: Court Proceedings in Russian

Since 2010 court proceedings can be held in Russian by mutual consent of the parties. Previously all court proceedings had to be held in Ukrainian.

2011: Ukraine granted EuroBasket 2015

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

August 2012: Law on Regional Languages

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: National Inventory of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine Formed

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 Olympic Medal

Vasyl Lomachenko won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.

2013: Ukraine qualifies to FIBA World Cup

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, the Euromaidan protests began in response to 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 Ukraine and was removed by parliament in what is termed the Revolution of Dignity.

March 2014: Annexation of Crimea

In late February and early March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, utilizing its Navy in Sevastopol.

June 2014: EU Association Agreement

In June 2014, Ukraine signed the EU association agreement shortly after Yanukovych fled the country.

August 2014: Open Invasion in Donbas

On 24 August 2014, Russian forces initiated an open invasion in the Donbas region of Ukraine.

2014: Population Decrease

From 1993 to 2014, Ukraine's total population decreased by 6.6 million, or 12.8%, due to a higher death rate than birth rate, mass emigration, poor living conditions, and low-quality health care.

2014: Modernization after Russo-Ukrainian War

In 2014, as part of modernization after the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, junior officers were allowed to take more initiative and a territorial defense force of volunteers was established.

2014: Repeal of 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.

2014: Euromaidan Revolution, annexation of Crimea, war in Donbas

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

2014: Association Agreement

In 2014, the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union was signed.

2014: Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation

In 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Sevastopol and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea from Ukraine, leading to a change in Ukraine's administrative divisions.

2014: Ukrainian frigate joins Operation Atalanta

In 2014, the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sagaidachniy joined the European Union's counter piracy Operation Atalanta, participating in 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 further economic downturns in Ukraine.

2014: Sergey Bubka's record ends

Sergey Bubka held the record in the Pole vault until 2014.

2014: Fall in Crimea Tourism

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

February 2015: Withdrawal from Debaltseve

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

2015: EuroBasket 2015

In 2015, Ukraine was supposed to organize EuroBasket 2015.

2015: Energy Policy Diversification

Since 2015, Ukraine's energy policy has prioritized diversifying its energy supply, due to reliance on imported gas and oil and disruption to the coal industry by conflict.

January 2016: Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area

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

2016: Protestants in Ukraine

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

2017: Ukraine's education law restricts languages in schools

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 by ESPN

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

2018: Protestants in Ukraine

In 2018, Protestants rose to 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: Amendment to Constitution

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: Christian population in Ukraine

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.

2019: Poverty and Unemployment Statistics

In 2019, approximately 1% of Ukrainians lived below the national poverty line, and the unemployment rate in Ukraine was 4.5%.

2019: Fossil Fuel Subsidies

In 2019, fossil fuel subsidies in Ukraine amounted to US$2.2 billion.

2019: Law on Regional Languages Found Unconstitutional

In 2019, the law allowing for official use of regional languages was found unconstitutional. According to the Council of Europe, this act fails to achieve fair protection of the linguistic rights of minorities.

2020: Lublin Triangle initiative

In 2020, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine created the Lublin Triangle initiative, which aims to create further cooperation between the three historical countries.

2020: Government Debt

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

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic presented economic challenges for Ukraine, exacerbated by low vaccination rates.

2020: Major Global Exporter

In 2020/21, Ukraine accounted for 12 percent of global trade in maize and barley and for 14 percent of world rapeseed exports.

2021: FAO Report on Ukraine's Grain and Oilseed Sectors

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the disruptions caused by the Russo-Ukrainian War to Ukraine's grain and oilseed sectors, could jeopardise the food security of many countries. For example Eritrea sourced 47 percent of its wheat imports in 2021 from Ukraine.

2021: Wheat Export Ranking

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.

2021: Contribution of IT industry to GDP

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

2021: KIIS survey on religion in Ukraine

In 2021, a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that 82% of Ukrainians declared themselves to be religious, while 7% were atheists.

2021: Ukraine's Economy in 2021

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

2021: Important Economic Sectors in Ukraine

In 2021, mineral commodities and light industry were important sectors in Ukraine. The country produces nearly all types of transportation vehicles and spacecraft.

2021: Association Trio Formation and EU Membership Preparation

In 2021, the Association Trio was formed by Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to enhance cooperation with the EU. Also, in 2021, Ukraine was preparing to formally apply for EU membership in 2024, aiming to join in the 2030s.

2021: Average Salary Reaches Highest Level

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

February 2022: UNESCO Verified Damage

Between February 2022 and March 2023, UNESCO verified the damage to 247 sites in Ukraine.

February 2022: Declaration of Martial Law

Martial law was declared when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and continues.

February 2022: Full-Scale Russian Invasion

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, causing significant economic disruption.

June 2022: Ukraine Granted EU Candidate Status

In June 2022, amidst the Russian invasion, Ukraine was granted candidate status for membership in the European Union, following President Zelenskyy's request for immediate admission.

June 2022: Candidate Status to the European Union

On 23 June 2022, Ukraine was granted candidate status for membership in the European Union amidst the ongoing war with Russia.

2022: Internet Usage

As of 2022, 75% of the population of Ukraine use the internet.

2022: Population Statistics

Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country had an estimated population of over 41 million people. At that time the overall life expectancy in the country at birth was 73 years (68 years for males and 77.8 years for females).

2022: Bombing of Libraries

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: Difficulties in Defending Against Russian Invasion

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

2022: Russia launches full-scale invasion

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

2022: Application to join NATO

In 2022, Ukraine applied to join NATO.

2022: Starlink usage and IT industry continuation

In 2022, key officials in Ukraine used Starlink as a backup, and the IT industry continued to operate both inside and outside the country.

2022: Impact on Travel due to Russian Invasion

In 2022, many roads and bridges were destroyed, and international maritime travel was blocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Destruction of Energy Infrastructure

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

2022: Economic Shrinkage Due to Russian Invasion

In 2022, the IMF expected Ukraine's economy to shrink considerably by 35% due to Russia's invasion, with post-war reconstruction costs potentially reaching half a trillion dollars.

2022: Decoupling of Electricity Grids

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

2022: Refugee Crisis

In early 2022, over 4.1 million people fled Ukraine in the aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, causing the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Most male Ukrainian nationals aged 18 to 60 were denied exit from Ukraine.

2022: Russian invasion causes Ukrainian refugee crisis

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, causing millions of Ukrainian civilians to move to neighboring countries.

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

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

March 2023: UNESCO Verified Damage

Between February 2022 and March 2023, UNESCO verified the damage to 247 sites in Ukraine.

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: Corruption Perception Index Ranking

In 2023, Ukraine was rated 104th out of 180 in the Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating that corruption remains an obstacle despite improvements.

2023: Anti-corruption drive

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

March 2024: Oscar for "20 Days in Mariupol"

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.

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