Ukraine’s Heroic Journey: From Viking Roots to Modern Resilience
“Imagine a bully walking into your house, sitting on your bed, and declaring, ‘This bedroom is mine now.’ Sounds weird, right? Well, that’s kind of what’s happening…” That was the analogy I used last weekend when I had the privilege of being a guest lecturer at a children’s language school comprised of mostly 1st and 2nd generation of Eastern European immigrants. The students know about Ukraine in passing but were curious to learn what’s going on today and why its important.
Because war is a heavy subject, and the audience as mostly elementary and middle school children, I used analogies that they would be familiar with; comparing the aggressor to that of a school bully that continues to harass their victim until enough student’s standup against the bully or an adult intervenes and puts a stop to it.
The following day, I saw some of the students at the peaceful Stand with Ukraine march and rally in Seattle. And a few of the parents commented on how the lesson on Ukrainian history, along with my anecdotal commentary from my own lived experience helped the kids feel connected to the struggles experienced by their Ukrainian peers and better grasp the concepts that were a bit abstract. I guess they get it. And for that, I say ‘дякую’ (means ‘thank you’ in Ukrainian).
As part of the history lesson, we touched on a few key aspects that I felt were foundational to my understanding of the perspective of Ukrainians fighting for their sovereignty today. Hense sharing them below:
1. Vikings and the Birth of Kyivan Rus
The story of Ukraine begins in the late 9th century when the region was home to various Slavic tribes. It was during this time that the Vikings, known as the Varangians, played a pivotal role in the formation of the state known as Kyivan Rus’. The Varangians, who were called the Rus, established themselves as rulers of key trade routes and settlements.
In 882, the capital of Kyivan Rus’ was set in Kyiv, which would become the political and cultural heart of the state. Kyiv’s location along the Dnieper River made it a hub for trade and communication, allowing the city to flourish. The name “Rus” itself comes from an Old Norse term meaning “rowers” or “seafarers,” a nod to the Viking origins of the rulers.
Personally, learning about the historical context of the word ‘Rus’ in Kyivan Rus helped me debunk any misconceptions about Kyiv’s origin. Especially given the neighboring country to the east of Ukraine that continues to try and colonize Ukraine is called Russia, a word also derived from ‘Rus.’ Historically, the Russian state wasn’t a distinct entity until the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the late 13th century, a whole 4 centuries after Kyiv. So while the history of the Ukrainian people and Russian people is certainly intertwined, it is distinct. And just like we can respect that US and Canada have some shared history while respecting its differences, we can also respect that Ukraine has its own heritage and values. To deny this, is to placate the aggressor.
2. The Byzantine Influence
Ukraine’s history is closely tied to the Byzantine Empire. In 988, Kyivan Rus’ began to convert to Christianity, aligning itself with Byzantine Christianity. This move had profound effects, not only religiously but culturally and politically, as it strengthened ties between Kyiv and Byzantium.
One of the lasting legacies of this period is the construction of the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv in 1037 — three centuries before Notre Dame in Paris. This grand structure, built during the height of the Byzantine Empire, reflects the strong cultural and architectural influence of Byzantium on Kyiv. Moreover, the daughter of the ruler who commissioned the cathedral would go on to become the Queen of France, where she remarked on the backwardness of France compared to Kyiv’s advanced civilization.
Before the adoption of Christianity, most Slavic people, including Ukrainians, practiced paganism. The conversion to Christianity had the significant effect of freeing them from the bondage of enslavement by Christian nations, as monotheistic religions generally did not enslave their own followers.
The term “Slav” itself is derived from the Proto-Slavic word “slovo,” meaning “word” or “speech,” indicating the common language that unified these peoples. It’s worth noting that the English word “slave” traces its roots to the medieval Latin word “sclavus,” which referred to Slavic people who were frequently captured and enslaved during the early medieval period.
Personally, I can see how our history of being an enslaved people makes Ukrainians savor our independence and resilient against any new aggressors testing our resolve to maintain freedom.
3. A History of Conquests and Fragmentation
Following the decline of Kyivan Rus’ in the 13th century, Ukraine experienced centuries of foreign rule and fragmentation. The Mongol invasion in the 1200s led to the disintegration of the once-powerful state. Over the centuries, the region came under the control of various empires and kingdoms, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and later, the Russian Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Despite these invasions and the numerous changes in rulers, Ukraine’s spirit of independence and cultural identity remained strong. In the 17th century, the semi-autonomous Cossack Hetmanate emerged as a powerful force in Ukraine, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for autonomy.
4. The Soviet Era and Struggles for Independence
After a brief period of independence following World War I and the Russian Revolution, Ukraine became part of the Soviet Union in 1922. Under Soviet rule, Ukraine experienced harsh repression, including the man-made famine known as the Holodomor, which led to the deaths of millions of Ukrainians.
The Soviet government imposed strict political control, suppressed nationalist movements, and redirected the resources of republics like Ukraine to benefit Russia. Cultural suppression was rampant, with the Russian language and culture being forced upon non-Russian peoples. The KGB conducted widespread surveillance to eliminate dissent, further stifling any attempts at independence or resistance.
Ukraine finally regained its independence on August 24, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Over 90% of Ukrainian voters supported independence in a historic referendum. However, the journey to true sovereignty was far from easy.
5. A Broken Promise and Other Struggles for Democracy
In 1994, the Budapest Memorandum was signed between Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The agreement assured Ukraine’s security in exchange for its decision to give up its nuclear weapons and join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The signatories pledged to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and borders, as well as refrain from using force against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s push for democracy and independence continued into the 21st century, marked by the Orange Revolution in 2004. Sparked by widespread allegations of electoral fraud and corruption, the revolution led to a rerun of the presidential election, resulting in a victory for the pro-Western candidate. This event was seen as a defining moment in Ukraine’s fight for democracy and resistance against Russian influence.
However, in 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and illegally annexed Crimea. This was a clear violation of the Budapest Memorandum driven by Russia’s interests and geopolitical ambitions, has been widely condemned by the international community. Russia’s actions in Crimea were seen as a direct challenge to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The situation escalated further in 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, annexing additional regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. These actions to force influence over Ukraine, have been met with fierce resistance from the Ukrainian people, and have drawn international condemnation. Especially as Russia’s actions show genocidal intent as defined by international law. To this day, Russia continues to target and kill innocent Ukrainian civilians, force deportation of children, and attempts to erase Ukrainian culture.
Ukraine’s Independence and Thoughts on a Path Forward
Despite the immense challenges to Ukraine’s sovereignty, the ongoing devastation caused by war, and the attempted exploitation of its resources, Ukraine’s spirit of independence and self-determination remains strong. The country has become a global symbol of resistance against oppression.
Despite this difficult time, my hope in humanity is restored as I look at the countless individuals and organizations worldwide standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Across borders, religions, and backgrounds, people have rallied together to provide military, economic, and humanitarian aid, as well as diplomatic pressure to hold Russia accountable.
This matters because our shared humanity is worth protecting. And just as I don’t agree with everything the current U.S. administration does, I can’t hold the actions of the aggressor against the Russian people themselves. I look at them with empathy as they suffer under a corrupt and oppressive government. There is no doubt that Russia started the war in Ukraine and has continued to kill and inflict violence on people in Ukraine. And it has also oppressed its own citizens by withholding true information and instilling fear to prevent dissent.
And that is why every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference. Especially for those of us living in a free society, we have both the privilege and the responsibility to act. Whether through fundraising, demonstrations, advocacy, or simply standing up against injustice, our actions inspire others to do the same. After all, the world is bound together by a universal need for love, kindness, and respect.
By speaking out, standing up for what is right, and treating others with dignity regardless of their background, we help uphold these values and create a ripple effect of change.
Some Supporting Resources and Stories
Most of the historical facts I share above is a summary from taking Professor Timothy Snyder’s course on the Makings of Modern Ukraine, along with other documentaries and stories I’ve heard over the years.
Apart from historical facts and analysis, historical fiction has a magical way of vividly conveying what the human experience must have been like during the moments in time we would otherwise regurgitate as dry facts. With that in mind, I wanted to also share some books I came across that have deepened my understanding and appreciation of Ukraine’s history:
Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen. This is about a Lithuanian girl who risks her life to smuggle books and preserve her culture under Russian oppression in the late 1800s. This isn’t Ukraine, but the experience is similar across many eastern European countries fighting to maintain their language and culture.
Winterkill by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. Set during the Soviet-induced Holodomor famine in Ukraine in the 1930s, this book is about two teenagers struggling to survive the cruelty of Stalin’s policies.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. This book also takes place in another country that was once part of the Soviet block, but is an experience shared by many Eastern European countries. The story is about a girl and her family as they are deported to a Siberian labor camp by Soviet forces in post WW2.
Something Unbelievable by Maria Kuznetsova. This book is for a more mature audience. This book is a dual-timeline novel about a Ukrainian grandmother’s survival during WWII and her granddaughter’s contemporary struggles in modern day.
Escape from Chernobyl by Andy Marino. This is a historical thriller following three teenagers as they fight to survive the Chernobyl nuclear explosion that occurred in Ukraine in 1986.
Pretty Little Nobody: Reflections of a Ukrainian Growing Up in Americana by Mira Vasilivna. This is also intended for a more mature audience. It is a memoir about the experiences of a Ukrainian immigrant in the 1990s and 2000s navigating American life and cultural identity.
Kidnapped from Ukraine: Under Attack by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. I just got this book from my child’s school bookfair so haven’t had a chance to read it but suspect it will be a suspenseful novel based on true events about a Ukrainian child taken during the Russian invasion in 2022.
