The Ukrainian Nation - how long will it exist?

[Alkas]

There were many nations during man's history which dissapeared or were dissolved by invasions etc. What will be with the Ukrainian?

[johnstruthers]

Interesting subject for speculation. Ukraine has, in whole or in part, been absorbed or conquered many times, of course. But this is a unique time in history for Ukraine. It is intact as a nation/state with few disputed borders right now. Its location is wonderful strategically: It is still the crossroads from east to west, and north to south. It has ports in two regions, with numerous locations, fully developed. It has essentially friendly relations with its immediate neighbors, and with powerful nations that do not adjoin it. It has economic ties with Europe that are ripe for development; this will come with time. It still has astonishing natural resources, and the infrastructure for industry. Its agriculture is well developed, including agricultural industries; privatization may complete the process. Its population is well educated, and almost totally literate. I believe that if it properly utilizes the talents of its people, and gets a fair shake from World Bank and IMF with development funds, and does a better job of promoting itself, that it should develop into something that we would never have imagined: A powerhouse of products, brains and culture that could positively reshape the continent.
I am saying that if we examine the evidence, there is cause to put a "best scenario" spin on it. My belief is that Ukraine is a powerful place with a meaningful destiny that is currently disguised as a sleeping giant.
Regards,
John

[StasUA]

"The Ukrainian Nation - how long will it exist? " hehe, Ukrainian nation will exist forever! Maybe there will be some dark times when Ukraine wont be independent again, but it's people and culture will survive, and Ukraine will thrive!

[grandma]

Today in TV`s notices - OUN (OON) say, that Europe must admit a huge quantity of immigrants, because in 2050 the people in Europe mostly will be more than 54 years old (due to the level of births). So, will be Europe be Europe in the 2099?

[Phillip]

That's a good question

[Alkas]

Dear Members!

I don't really think that the Ukrainian nation has all reasons to feel itself so brave and unbreakable in the ethnic sence. Only a few number of the Ukrainian people can speak Ukrainian without Russian influence (in the town where I lived 13% spoke Ukrainian, and the others were in habit of speaking "surzhyk". This town was not polyethnical! There were some Greeks, Russians and Armenians, but they
were a small minority. Well, OK, these are figures from the Southern Ukraine (Black Sea Coast), but in the industrial centres the situation looks more extreme - walk through the streets of Kharkiw, Lugans'k,
Dnipropetrovs'k etc. and you'll hear it. One must not forget that 22% of the Ukrainian citizens are ethnic Russians which also represent electorate. Kutchma did a clever thing - he didn't permit Russian
becoming the second state language. When the Russian culture and the Russian language could outstretch their influence one more time,then weall can say "Good bye, Ukraine"...

P.S. The great Ukrainian Patriots - the Klitchkos - advertise some products on German television in R U S S I A N! What a shame for the Ukrainian Air Force ;-(
Quotation: "Mama, my obyazatelno dolzhny kupit' Premieru World"

[StasUA]

Of course Ukrainian culture and language is not very popular in Ukraine, and most speak Russian, but this problem will be solved with time, it's only a matter of time... Ukraine was under Russian control for many centurys, so it is understandable why many people speak Russian instead of Ukrainian.