Ukrainian in Russia

Introduction / History

Ukrainians first emerged as a people in the 800s during the medieval state of Kyivan Rus. That was a time when local Slavic tribes were merging with Viking settlers. It became one of the most powerful states during that time in European history. Through the centuries, they became vassals of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Ruthenia and Samogitia.

A rebellion by the powerful Cossacks in the 1600s marked a turning point for Ukrainians. They established the Cossack Hetmanate, located in central and eastern Ukraine, which was allied with the Tsar of Russia. In 1654, Ukraine became a Russian protectorate, and many ethnic Ukrainians migrated to Russia during this period. There were cultural and religious exchanges between the two, with Ukrainian clerics traveling to Moscow and Ukrainian singers visiting Russia.

Later, the Russian Empire annexed vast regions of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has been subjected to Russian rule for centuries. Ironically, the two cultures often intertwine. Throughout the 19th century, thousands of ethnic Ukrainians migrated to Russia.

Ukrainians aspired to full independence in the early 20th century, but that hope was crushed by the rising Soviet Union, led by Bolshevik forces. The Russian-dominated Soviet Union included Ukraine and many other neighboring states, some Slavic and others Turkic Muslims. Ethnic Ukrainians can be found in all of these now-independent countries.

All Soviet states were forced to endure Russification. Russian Soviet leaders engineered a famine that cost 4-5 million Ukrainian lives. Many Ukrainians fled to other countries during this time. Many of these were within the Soviet Union. During WWII, Ukrainians suffered under the oppression of both German Nazis and Soviet Communists.

In the 1980s, there was a rising Ukrainian cultural renaissance, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where there were Ukrainian cultural associations.

When the USSR dissolved in 1991, Ukraine and other Soviet states were given independence. Russia again tried to establish dominance of Ukraine in 2022 when they invaded that nation. Ironically, some fled east to Russia, increasing the high number of Ukrainians in the Russian state. Today, the largest Ukrainian diaspora is in Russia. Ethnic Ukrainians have been involved with all kinds of aspects of life in Russia. They have been in politics, sports, acting and the arts.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Not all Ukrainians are unified. Often they are Russified, meaning they identify with Russia and speak the Russian language. Those in Russia are likely to be Russified. Those who are not must remain quiet if they sympathize with Ukraine.

Commonly, Ukrainians are construction workers. Recent refugees from eastern Ukraine often move to rural parts of Russia to work in agriculture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Wherever Ukrainians live, they are Christian, usually Orthodox or Evangelical. Ukraine is known as the Bible Belt of Eastern Europe. They are well-suited to be salt and light to the people around them.

What Are Their Needs?

Diaspora Ukrainians often have family members and friends in Ukraine who have endured war with Russia. There is always uncertainty about the well-being of their loved ones. Others, recent members of the Ukrainian Diaspora, are themselves enduring the traumas of war. Many have lost their homes and their livelihood in that once-peaceful land. Russians have tried to destroy Ukrainian culture for decades. Ukrainians are trying to preserve their culture wherever they live.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to be the source of comfort for Ukrainians.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to drive Ukrainians to be salt and light to the people around them.
Pray for Ukrainian Christians to disciple others in the ways of Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project