Ukraine: A history in pictures | CNN

Ukraine: A history in pictures

Published 8:26 AM EDT, Sun June 24, 2012
Ukraine achieved independence shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Ukraine: The land —
Ukraine achieved independence shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
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During Soviet rule a famine hit Ukraine that killed up to 7 million people between 1932 and 1933, according to the CIA World Factbook. Known as 'Holodomor', meaning 'death by hunger', it is widely held that the famine was a direct consequence of the Soviet policy of forced collectivization of farms.
Brutal moments in history —
During Soviet rule a famine hit Ukraine that killed up to 7 million people between 1932 and 1933, according to the CIA World Factbook. Known as 'Holodomor', meaning 'death by hunger', it is widely held that the famine was a direct consequence of the Soviet policy of forced collectivization of farms.
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Ukraine suffered the world's worst nuclear power plant accident in 1986 when a reactor at the Chernobyl power station exploded.
Nuclear catastrophe —
Ukraine suffered the world's worst nuclear power plant accident in 1986 when a reactor at the Chernobyl power station exploded.
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In December 1991 a nationwide referendum was held. 90% of Ukrainian citizens voted for independence from the Soviet Union.
Independence from the Soviet Union —
In December 1991 a nationwide referendum was held. 90% of Ukrainian citizens voted for independence from the Soviet Union.
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Following independence the Ukrainian government liberalized consumer prices and created a legal framework for privatization.
Liberalization and hardship —
Following independence the Ukrainian government liberalized consumer prices and created a legal framework for privatization.
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A peaceful, mass protest known as the Orange Revolution broke out in 2004 after questions were raised about the recent presidential election.
Orange revolution —
A peaceful, mass protest known as the Orange Revolution broke out in 2004 after questions were raised about the recent presidential election.
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Ukraine enjoyed strong economic growth until 2008. GDP grew at over 7% between 2006-2007, stimulated by high global prices of steel -- Ukraine's main industrial export—and a rise in domestic consumption.
Industrial revival —
Ukraine enjoyed strong economic growth until 2008. GDP grew at over 7% between 2006-2007, stimulated by high global prices of steel -- Ukraine's main industrial export—and a rise in domestic consumption.
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However high foreign borrowing and a downturn in the price of steel significantly lowered growth in 2008 and the economy contracted more than 14% in 2009 when the global economic crisis took hold.
Global economic crisis —
However high foreign borrowing and a downturn in the price of steel significantly lowered growth in 2008 and the economy contracted more than 14% in 2009 when the global economic crisis took hold.
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Translated 'Ukraine' means 'the land'. It has four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, built in the 11th century to symbolize the 'new Constantinople'.
Heritage and history —
Translated 'Ukraine' means 'the land'. It has four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, built in the 11th century to symbolize the 'new Constantinople'.
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Ukrainian cuisine is known for its simplicity. Bread is a main part of the national diet and the country has been known as the 'breadbasket of Europe'. Pictured: Former Russian president Medvedev receieves a tradtional greeting arriving in Ukraine in 2010.
Bread and welcome —
Ukrainian cuisine is known for its simplicity. Bread is a main part of the national diet and the country has been known as the 'breadbasket of Europe'. Pictured: Former Russian president Medvedev receieves a tradtional greeting arriving in Ukraine in 2010.
AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine was the co-host of Euro 2012, the largest international sporting event to take place in the country.
Euro 2012 —
Ukraine was the co-host of Euro 2012, the largest international sporting event to take place in the country.
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Before the tournament began many of Europe's leaders said they would not attend the competition in protest at the imprisonment and treatment of Yulia Tymoshenko, former prime minister and political rival of president Yanukovych. Her daughter (left) and supporters continue to campaign for her release.
Opposition and controversy —
Before the tournament began many of Europe's leaders said they would not attend the competition in protest at the imprisonment and treatment of Yulia Tymoshenko, former prime minister and political rival of president Yanukovych. Her daughter (left) and supporters continue to campaign for her release.
AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine: A country in pictures
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