ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the backdrop of a tempestuous history following the country’s independence in 1991. Ukraine is constitutionally one of the youngest existing countries in the world. Despite its short history, it has witnessed stark oppression and ethnicity challenges from numerous neighbouring states, most notably Russia. Contemporary Ukraine is a disinformation haven, owing largely to Russia’s efforts to keep the country under its control, influence. Viktor Yanukovych’s leanings toward Russia have had a facilitating role in both the Orange Revolution and the Euromaidan. Due to the limited number of objective sources depicting Ukraine’s post-independence history, one is entitled to contextualise an understanding of Ukraine with scepticism. The Ukrainian scholar, furthermore, calls for more Ukrainian academics to research the country’s recent history as it offers a unique narrative of activism, politics, social media, social movements. The subsequent attempt of the newly elected ‘orange’ government to reinforce the ethno-cultural basis of national identity manifested in a decisive advancement of the Ukrainian language.
