Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe after Russia, and with a population of 43 million, is Europe’s eighth-most populous country. Ukraine has maintained own unique ethnic and cultural identity despite the fact that, throughout history, parts of Ukraine have been ruled by Poland, the Mongols, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Nazi Germany and, of course, Russia and the Soviet Union. As a crossroads between the Balkans, Eastern and Western Europe, Ukraine occupies a crucial position. As a breadbasket, Ukraine has been crucial to local economies. And as a point of contention, Ukraine has been at the center of the continuing conflict between Russia and the West. This lecture will examine Ukraine’s history and its significance in European and world affairs. Presented by Merle Robinson of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.