Ukraine

Why in news?

• The massive mobilisation of Russian troops on the Ukraine border and occasional outbreak of violence along the line of contact between the Russia-backed rebels in the contested Donbass region and Ukrainian troops have pushed both countries to the brink of an open conflict.

About Ukraine:

• Ukraine, a country located in eastern Europe. The capital is Kyiv (Kiev), located on the Dnieper River in north-central Ukraine.
• Ukraine is bordered by Belarus to the north, Russia to the east, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the south, Moldova and Romania to the southwest, and Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland to the west.
• In the far southeast, Ukraine is separated from Russia by the Kerch Strait, which connects the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea.

History:

• With the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. in December 1991, Ukraine gained full independence.
• The country changed its official name to Ukraine, and it helped to found the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an association of countries that were formerly republics of the Soviet Union.

Recent Issues:

• Recently, Ukraine got at loggerheads with Russia over the occupation of Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014.
• In June 2020, Ukraine became ‘Enhanced Opportunity Partners’ under the Partnership Interoperability Initiative of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Ukraine is also seeking European Union and NATO membership, a move that could obstruct attempts to resolve other tensions with Russia.

Add ons:

• Countries that shares border with Black Sea:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which of the following country shares borders with Black Sea?

1. Ukraine

2. Bulgaria

3. Russia

4. Serbia

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1,2 and 3 only

(c) 1,3 and 4 only

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer