The history of Ukraine resembles a
half-uncharted map. This is not a mere coincidence, but the result of the
deliberate public policy. Hundreds of various people serving their mother
countries have been working hard on those blank spots for centuries. Those myth
and fake news makers have done their best to make our history, as well as
Ukraine itself, look in descendants’ eyes the way preferred by those who tried
to assimilate the heritage of Kyivan Rus. However, time always puts everything
in its place. So this book is an attempt to collect the events that have shaped
the Ukraine we know today and will promote its further development.
We sought to focus on positive events in Ukrainian history,
in other words, on victories. The image of our country as a helpless
continuously suffering victim that always sings sad songs and is incapable of
confronting external pressure has been exploited for a long time. In fact, an
insight into the actual history of Ukraine proves this image to be false. The
voice of the past provides us with dozens of chronicles, documents and
historical studies. Courageous heroes, strong warriors, talented artists, prominent
statesmen, unrivalled philosophers and scholars — those have been the
people creating our history. And, naturally, they and their achievements must
be revealed and popularized. This work is an effort to unite in a single volume
the highlights of our historic heritage and show that, against all odds,
Ukraine remembers its past and intends to build its own bright future,
considering the extensive rich experience that has been gained.
