History of Ukraine in Timeline

Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe, the second largest on the continent after Russia. It shares borders with Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the north, Poland and Slovakia to the west, Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Kyiv is Ukraine's capital and largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro. Ukrainian is the official language.

1906: Increased emigration to the east

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

1917: Ukrainian People's Republic formed

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

1918: Ukrinform founded

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

1921: Famine in eastern provinces

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

1921: Fighting on Ukrainian soil ends

In late 1921, fighting on Ukrainian soil persisted until this time during World War I and the Ukrainian War of Independence.

July 1922: Arrests and deportations of Ukrainian intellectuals

In July 1922, arrests and deportations of Ukrainian intellectuals began in Soviet Ukraine.

1922: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic established

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

1932: Stalin decree on socialist realism

In 1932, Stalin's decree "On the Reconstruction of Literary and Art Organisations" made socialist realism state policy in the Soviet Union, stifling creativity.

1935: Abandonment of local autonomy

After Piłsudski's death in 1935, the approach of offering local autonomy was abandoned due to unrest among the Ukrainian population.

September 1939: Division of Poland

In September 1939, following the invasion of Poland, German and Soviet troops divided the territory of Poland.

1939: Western Ukrainians join the Soviet Union

Some western Ukrainians, who had only joined the Soviet Union in 1939, hailed the Germans as liberators.

1940: Territorial gains secured

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

June 1941: German armies invade the Soviet Union

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

1942: Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) established

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

1943: UPA massacres of ethnic Poles begin

From mid-1943, the UPA carried out massacres of ethnic Poles in the Volhynia and Eastern Galicia regions.

1944: Ukrainian troops in Soviet partisan 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 United Nations

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

The situation in Ukraine was worsened by a famine in 1946–1947, which was caused by a drought and the wartime destruction of infrastructure.

1947: Recognition of territorial gains

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

1947: Famine

The situation in Ukraine was worsened by a famine in 1946–1947, which was caused by a drought and the wartime destruction of infrastructure.

1950: Industry and production surpass 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 becomes leader of the USSR

Following the death of Stalin in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev became the new leader of the USSR.

1964: Leonid Brezhnev becomes General Secretary

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

1982: End of Brezhnev's term

Leonid Brezhnev's term as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union ended in 1982.

April 1986: Chernobyl disaster

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

1986: Accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

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

1988: Growth in higher education institutions

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

July 1990: Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine adopted

On 16 July 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine as part of the "parade of sovereignties".

August 1991: Ukraine proclaimed outright independence

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

1991: Ukraine gains independence

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

1991: Start of economic recession

In 1991, Ukraine started its transition to a market economy, entering into an economic recession that led to a significant loss of GDP.

1991: Reestablishment of Ukrainian independence

In 1991, Ukrainian independence was reestablished alongside the decline and collapse of the USSR.

1991: Independence of Ukraine and usage of "the Ukraine"

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

1991: Improvement since Ukraine's independence

The court system is considered to have been much improved since Ukraine's independence in 1991.

1992: BBC Ukrainian started broadcasts

BBC Ukrainian started its broadcasts in 1992.

1992: Ukraine joined the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe

In 1992, Ukraine joined the 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 signs Lisbon Protocol

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

1992: Ukraine began 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 peaked at 10,000%

In 1993, during the economic recession, Ukraine experienced hyperinflation that peaked at 10,000%.

1993: Sergey Bubka's Pole Vault Record

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

1994: Budapest memorandum signed

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

1994: Partnership with NATO

Since 1994, Ukraine has had a partnership with NATO.

June 1996: Constitution of Ukraine adopted and ratified

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

1996: Ukraine becomes free of nuclear weapons

By 1996, Ukraine had become free of nuclear weapons, fulfilling the agreement made in 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.

1997: Polling began on language status

In 1997, polling began regarding granting Russian official status in Ukraine, revealing the lowest support for the idea since the polling's inception.

1998: EU's Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Ukraine went into force

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

1998: Hryvnia fell sharply

In late 1998, Ukraine's new currency, the hryvnia, fell sharply. This was partially due to the fallout from the Russian debt default that occurred earlier in the year.

December 1999: EU Summit in Helsinki recognizes Ukraine's long-term aspirations

The EU Summit in December 1999 in Helsinki recognised Ukraine's long-term aspirations but did not discuss association.

1999: Economic recession continues

Between 1991 and 1999, during the recession, Ukraine lost 60% of its GDP.

1999: Ukraine served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council

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

2000: Museum of Pysanka built

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

2001: Census Data on Ethnic Groups

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: Ukraine served as a 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 between Ukraine and NATO was set by the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan.

2002: Courts enjoy legal, financial and constitutional freedom

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

2003: Ukrainian unit deployed to Iraq

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

2004: The Orange Revolution

In 2004, the Orange Revolution occurred in Ukraine, with tens of thousands of people protesting election rigging in favor of Yanukovych, which eventually led to Yushchenko being elected president.

2004: Criticism for handling of the 2004 Orange Revolution

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

2005: Ukrainian unit continues deployment to Iraq

In 2005, a Ukrainian unit continued its deployment as part of the multinational force in Iraq under Polish command; the deployment had started in 2003.

2005: School program change

Since 2005, Ukraine's eleven-year school program has been replaced with a twelve-year program.

2005: Orange Revolution continues

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

2006: Ukraine national team debut in FIFA World Cup

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

2007: Museum of Pysanka nomination

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 when it meets the criteria for accession.

2008: Vasyl Lomachenko wins Olympic gold

Vasyl Lomachenko, hailing from Ukraine, won an Olympic gold medal in 2008.

2010: Yanukovych formed an expert group on court reform

In 2010, President Yanukovych formed an expert group to make recommendations on court reform. The criminal judicial system and the prison system of Ukraine remain quite punitive.

2010: Court proceedings can be held in Russian

Since 2010, court proceedings can be held in Russian by mutual consent of the parties. Citizens unable to speak Ukrainian or Russian may use their native language or the services of a translator.

2011: Ukraine granted right to organise EuroBasket 2015

In 2011, Ukraine was granted the right to organise 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: Ministry of Culture forms National Register

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

2012: Vasyl Lomachenko wins Olympic gold

Vasyl Lomachenko, hailing from Ukraine, won another Olympic gold medal in 2012.

2013: Ukraine national basketball team finished sixth in EuroBasket

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

2013: Euromaidan protests

In the winter of 2013, protests began on the Euromaidan in response to Yanukovych's refusal to sign the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement.

February 2014: Yanukovych fled Ukraine

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

March 2014: Russia annexed Crimea

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

June 2014: Ukraine signed the EU association agreement

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

August 2014: Russia launched an open invasion in Donbas

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

2014: Population Decrease

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

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

In 2014, a series of mass demonstrations known as the Euromaidan led to a revolution, at the end of which Russia unilaterally occupied and annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and pro-Russian unrest culminated in a war in Donbas.

2014: Modernization after the beginning of Russo-Ukrainian War

In 2014, after the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukraine began modernizing its military, including allowing junior officers more initiative and establishing a territorial defense force of volunteers.

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: Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union was signed

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

2014: Russian Federation annexed Crimea

In 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Sevastopol and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

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 the Russo-Ukrainian War

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

2014: End of Sergey Bubka's Pole Vault Record

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

2014: Forced Russification in Occupied Territories

Since 2014, during the Russian-Ukrainian war, Russia has been pursuing a policy of forced Russification of the territories of Ukraine it has occupied, including banning Ukrainian school textbooks and destroying Ukrainian-language literature.

2014: Fall in Crimea's Tourism

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

February 2015: Frontline established after Ukrainian troops withdrew from Debaltseve

In February 2015, after Ukrainian troops withdrew from Debaltseve, the frontline was established, turning the conflict into a frozen one.

2015: Diversifying Energy Supply

Since 2015 energy policy in Ukraine has prioritized diversifying energy supply.

2015: EuroBasket 2015

Ukraine was granted a right to organise EuroBasket 2015 in 2011.

January 2016: DCFTA entered into force

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: Protestant population in Ukraine

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

2017: Education Law Restricting Languages

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

2018: Rise in Protestant population

In 2018, the Protestant population in Ukraine rose to 2.2%.

2018: Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed cruiserweight champion

Since becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2018, Oleksandr Usyk has also gone on to win the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles.

January 2019: The Orthodox Church of Ukraine was recognised as independent

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

February 2019: Ukraine's strategic objectives amended to joining the 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: Religion statistics in Ukraine

In 2019, 82% of Ukrainians identified as Christians, with 72.7% as Eastern Orthodox, 8.8% as Ukrainian Greek Catholics, 2.3% as Protestants, and 0.9% as Latin Church Catholics. Other Christians comprised 2.3%, while Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism each accounted for 0.2% of the population.

2019: Poverty and Unemployment Rates

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 categorised as middle class.

2019: Fossil Fuel Subsidies

In 2019, fossil fuel subsidies in Ukraine were 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.

2020: Government Debt

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

2020: Lublin Triangle initiative created

In 2020, in Lublin, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine created the Lublin Triangle initiative to foster cooperation and Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO.

2020: COVID-19 pandemic arrived

In 2020, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic complicated Ukraine's economic recovery, which was already impeded by the war with Russia.

2020: Agricultural Exporter

Ukraine is a top agricultural producer. During the 2020/21 international wheat marketing season (July–June), it ranked as the sixth largest wheat exporter.

2021: Leading exporter of wheat, maize, barley, rapeseed, sunflower oil

During the 2020/21 marketing season, Ukraine was the sixth largest wheat exporter, accounting for nine percent of world wheat trade. The country also accounted for 12 percent of global trade in maize and barley and 14 percent of world rapeseed exports. Also in 2020/2021, Ukraine accounted for about 50 percent of world exports of sunflower oil.

2021: Important Economic Sectors

In 2021 mineral commodities and light industry were important sectors for the Ukranian economy. Ukraine produces nearly all types of transportation vehicles and spacecraft. The European Union is the country's main trade partner, and remittances from Ukrainians working abroad are important.

2021: Association Trio Formed and EU Membership Preparation

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

2021: KIIS survey on religion

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

2021: Agriculture as the biggest sector of the economy

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

2021: Ukraine's Role in Global Food Security

In 2021, the FAO noted that disruptions to Ukraine's grain and oilseed sectors due to the Russo-Ukrainian War could jeopardize the food security of countries dependent on Ukraine and Russia for food and fertilizer imports. For example, Eritrea sourced 47 percent of its wheat imports from Ukraine.

2021: IT Industry Contribution to GDP

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

2021: Highest Average Salary

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: Martial law was declared

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

February 2022: Russia launched the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, causing further economic disruption.

June 2022: Ukraine granted EU candidate status

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

June 2022: Ukraine was granted candidate status to the European Union

On 23 June 2022, amid a full-scale war with Russia, Ukraine was granted candidate status to the European Union.

2022: Internet use in Ukraine

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

2022: Population Before 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. It was a heavily urbanised country.

2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine

During the first few weeks of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine 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: IT Industry During War

In 2022 the IT industry continued both inside and outside the country.

2022: Expected Economic Shrinkage

In 2022, the IMF expected Ukraine's economy to shrink considerably by 35% due to the Russo-Ukrainian war. One estimate projected post-war reconstruction costs to reach half a trillion dollars.

2022: Decoupling of Electricity Grids

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

2022: Refugee Crisis

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

2022: Grain production decline, NATO application

Since 2022, grain production in Ukraine has declined due to the Russo-Ukrainian war. Ukraine also applied to join NATO in 2022.

2022: Environmental damage caused by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

The environmental damage caused by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has been described as an ecocide, which includes the destruction of Kakhovka Dam, severe pollution, and millions of tonnes of contaminated debris.

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, including 107 religious sites, 89 buildings of artistic or historical interest, 19 monuments and 12 libraries.

August 2023: U.S. estimates of Ukrainian military losses

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 Russo-Ukrainian war.

2023: Anti-corruption drive began

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

March 2024: Oscar for 20 Days in Mariupol

On 10 March 2024, creators of a 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...

October 2024: WHO health needs assessment

According to the World Health Organization's October 2024 data on Ukraine's health needs assessment, 68% of Ukrainians reported that their health had declined compared to the pre-war period.