Ukraine

================

### Geography

Ukraine is a state located in Eastern Europe, with a significant portion of its territory also situated in Central Europe. It covers an area of 603,700 square kilometres (233,062 sq mi), making it the second-largest country in Europe after Russia and the largest entirely within the continent.

The country borders several nations: to the east and northeast, it shares a border with Russia; to the north, Belarus; to the west, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary; and to the southwest, Romania and Moldova. Ukraine's southern boundary is formed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, through which it has maritime borders with several countries, including Romania.

### Capital and Major Cities

The capital and largest city of Ukraine is Kiev (also known as Kyiv), a major metropolis that serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Other significant cities in Ukraine include Kharkiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, and Odessa.

### History

Ukraine's state tradition dates back to the medieval Kiev Empire, which also influenced its neighboring countries, Russia and Belarus. Following the demise of the Kiev Empire due to the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, the territory of Ukraine alternated between being under the control of various powers, including the Golden Horde, Poland-Lithuania, the Russian Empire, and the Habsburg Monarchy.

### Government

Ukraine is a unitary state with a mixed republic system. As of May 20, 2019, Vladimir Zelensky has been serving as the President of Ukraine, while Denis Shmygal has held the position of Prime Minister since March 4, 2020.

The country is divided into 27 administrative-territorial units, consisting of 24 oblasts (provinces), one autonomous republic (Crimea), and two cities with special status: Kiev and Sevastopol.