Ukraine Introduction

… Over a thousand years ago, on the vast expanses stretching from the Carpathian Mountains in the west to the Volga River in the east, from the Black Sea in the south to the White sea in the north, appeared one of the largest and mightiest medieval powers, Kievan Rus.

Modern archaeological evidence indicates that Ukrainians are the autochthons - i.e. original inhabitants of this land that their forefathers lived on this territory from the third or fourth millennia BC.

Country

Ukraine occupies an area of 233,088 square miles (603,700 sq. km). It’s slightly larger than France. Ukraine is bounded on the north by Belarus, on the west by Poland and Slovakia, on the southwest by Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, on the north and east by Russia, and on the south by the Black and Azov Seas. The longest distance from west to east is 1,316 km, and from north to south - 893 km.

Ukraine is mainly a vast plain with no natural boundaries except the Carpathian Mountains in the southwest and the Black Sea and Azov Sea in the south. The Dnipro River with its many tributaries unifies central Ukraine economically, connecting the Baltic coast countries with the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The mouth of the Danube River provides an outlet for Ukrainian trade with the Balkans, Austria, and Germany. Ukraine has a complex geology with a rich variety of scenery and impressive contrasts in topography. Central and southern Ukraine are primarily steppes (prairie), with fertile black soil exceptionally well suited for grain farming. Eastern Ukraine is the industrial heartland, containing large reserves of mineral deposits; the area is known as the Greater Donbas or Donetsk Basin. Northern and western Ukraine are hilly, forested areas with many picturesque mountain resorts. Enhancing the topography of Ukraine are two mountain ranges, the Carpathian on the western border, where winter sports are very popular; and the Crimean range, which divides the Crimean peninsula, creating a semitropical area on the southernmost tip. Crimea is a favorite destination not only for Ukrainian tourists, but also for citizens of other states of the former Soviet Union, as well as from eastern and western Europe.

The population of Ukraine is approximately 52 million, of which 73% is Ukrainian and 22% Russian. The remaining population is made up of many minorities, the largest of which is Jewish (1.35%), followed by Belorussians, Moldovans, Poles, Armenians, Greeks, Bulgarians, and others. The Ukrainian population is 64% urban.

History

On August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian Parliament declared independence for the nation of Ukraine. On December 1, 1991, in a nationwide referendum, over 90% of eligible voters confirmed the Act of Independence. In the last years of the Soviet Union, Ukraine produced approximately 28% of the total Soviet GNP. Referred to in the past as the “breadbasket of Europe”, Ukraine has a well-developed agriculture industry centered on grain, and cotton production. Production of iron ore, steel and coal places Ukraine in the enviable position or producing among the highest per capita output in these industries.

The city of Kiev, 1,500 years old, was the core of the ancient Kievan Rus Empire and the center of trade routes between the Baltics and the Mediterranean. The city of Kiev and the power of Kievan Rus were divided by principalities located to the west and north: Galicia, Volyn, Muscovia, and later, Poland, Lithuania and Russia. Once “the crucible of mighty political conglomerates such as the Scythian, Samaritan and Kievan realms...henceforth... except for a few brief moments of self-assertion, the fate of Ukraine’s inhabitants would be decided in far-off capitals such as Warsaw, Moscow or Vienna.” As a result, resistance to foreign occupation, for the most part, has defined modern Ukrainian history.

From the mid-1500s through the latter half of the 18th century, an intricate political and social infrastructure was developed by the Cossacks of the Zaporizhian Sich (a military organization in south-central Ukraine). For over two hundred years, the Cossacks formed the backbone of resistance to the invasions of the Turks, the Tatars, and the domination of the Polish nobility. In 1654, seeking a bilateral agreement with Muscovite Tsar Alexei to provide mutual defence against Polish expansionism, Cossack Hetman (the chief military leader) Bohdan Khemlnytsky signed the Pereyaslav Agreement. Under the guise of protecting Sich, Muscovia began a progressive acquisition of Cossack lands. In 1709, Hetman Ivan Mazepa, in an attempt to stop Russian expansionism, signed an agreement (treaty) with Sweden against Peter I. However, Peter I was victorious and by 1775, under orders of Catherine II, the Sich was completely destroyed and the remaining infrastructure co-opted.

The history of Ukraine in the 20th century has been particularly brutal. In an attempt to break Ukrainian resistance to collectivization, Stalin instigated a deliberate genocide, the Great Famine of 1932-33. Official documents account for 5-7 million deaths in 15 months. (Other accounts speculate that as many as 20-27 million people lost their lives during this action by Stalin.)

During World War II, Ukraine was the front line between the Soviet and German armies as both fought for control of Ukrainian territory. The majority of that war’s so-called “Russian Front” in fact was in Ukraine. Of all the republics on the territory of the Soviet Union, Ukraine suffered the highest number of civilian deaths and the most extensive physical destruction.

Every decade from the 1920s through the 1950s saw a progressive annihilation of the Ukrainian intelligentsia - business, academic, religious and political leadership, through deportation and assassination. In the 1940s and 1950s millions of Ukrainians were permanently deported to labor camps in Siberia. This was an attempt to create a “Soviet man”. The hegemony of Russian language and culture prevailed, and indigenous Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox Churches were subsumed under the Russian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian language was relegated to the status of a “Russian” dialect.

Government

The Ukrainian political system has a popularly elected President, a 450-person single-chamber (unicameral) national parliament referred to as the Verkhovna Rada, and a Prime Minister, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Rada.

Ukraine is governed by the constitution acclaimed in 1997. In 2004 the Ukrainian people elected the current President, Victor Yushchenko, and deputies to the 450-member Verkhovna Rada. Though Ukraine has a wealth of political parties, ranging from unreconstructed communists to far-right nationalists, personal and regional loyalties tend to play larger roles in Ukrainian politics than programmatic parties. A key challenge facing Ukraine is the establishment of effective, democratic governing institutions that will strike a balance between executive and legislative authority.

Ukraine is divided into 25 oblasts (similar to states or provinces), each of which has an elected council whose chairman (elected at-large) also serves as the head of the regional executive branch.

Many problems exist as the nation transitions to a new form of government. Possibly the most significant is the formation of a governmental structure that abides by a body of law based on ethics that is routinely supported by the people. Commerce and foreign investment is limited as a result of the current methods of doing business.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Currency

The currency of Ukraine is Hrevna. The most widely accepted foreign currencies are the US dollar and the German mark. The exchange rate is approximately $1 = 5.5 Hrevna. You can exchange foreign currency for Hrevna at any exchange kiosk or bank throughout the city. Beware of changing money with private individuals. It’s illegal and can be dangerous!

Electricity

The standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine is 220 volts / 50 cycle. You will need an European plug adapter and a transformer for any US produced appliance. Ukrainian electrical outlets usually accept “thin prong plugs”.

Weight

100 grams = 3.3 ounces
1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
1 ounce = 28.35 grams
1 pound = 0.45 kilograms

Distance

1 centimeter = 0.39 inches
1 meter = 39.37 inches
1 inch = roughly 2.5 centimeters
1 kilometer = 0.62 miles
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
10 kilometers = roughly 6 miles

Liquid

1 liter = 2.11 pints
1 US pint = 0.47 liters
1 US gallon = 3.79 liters

Medical

General medical care in Ukraine is limited. However, there is no shortage of medical supplies in pharmacies you can purchase for cash. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems maybe at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. However, there are several western standard medical centers available in Kiev: American Medical Centers, 1 Berdychivska vul. Tel: 490-7600, www.ukrbiz.net/27671; Ukrainian-German Clinic, 67/7 Chervonoarmiyska vul., Tel:220-5572. Both offer 24-hour English-speaking services.

Radiation and Food

The level of background radiation (resulting from the accident at Chernobyl) in Kiev is considered safe, and radiation levels are monitored by the Embassy and US government specialists. Kiev’s food supply has been tested for radiation and no elevated levels of radiation are being detected. It is suggested to avoid wild mushrooms, berries, and game, for they can retain radiation.

Water

Tap water in Kiev is chemically safe but may contain elevated levels of lead from the pipes. This problem is remedied by letting the tap run for 10 seconds before collecting the water. There is no detectable radiation in the water; however, the presence of coliform bacteria renders the water non-potable unless boiled for 5 minutes, or is filtered by appropriate filters. We suggest to use only bottled drinking water. It is available in all grocery stores.

Public Phone

Local calls are possible from most of the public phones. Long distance calls require the use of a US calling card and a touch-tone phone, or the use of calling cards purchased from a private telephone system known as UTEL. To use a public phone booth you need to have a calling card available to buy at many post office departments.

Time

Ukraine is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 7 hours ahead of Washington, DC (eastern standard time).

Taxi

You can order a taxi in Vinnitsa by dialing 002 or 058. The taxi drivers and operators usually don’t speak English.

Rest Rooms

It is recommend that you always carry your own supply of toilet paper with you, as it is seldom supplied. Public rest rooms tend to be unsanitary. There are pay toilets in large department stores, some underground pedestrian passageways, and restaurants.

Security

Note: It is the firm policy of Ukraine Children’s Project that volunteers will travel in two’s and three’s at all times and as they depart the group - they will provide one of the leaders with an itinerary and an expected return time. Violent crime is not high by American standards; however, theft, burglaries, and even mugging are on the increase because of the unstable economy. Westerners and their residents are increasingly being viewed by the local criminal element as a target-rich environment. The loss or theft of a US passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the US Embassy.

Export of Valuables of Ukrainian Origin

To export any antique items and/or works of art, the permission of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine must be obtained. In addition to samovars, paintings, and rugs, this restriction applies to collections or separate work of fine, applied, and folk art, archaeological and numismatic items, valuable musical instruments, gold, silver, precious stones, hand-woven carpets, manuscripts, books published before 1966, and furniture made before 1945. Generally, it is not possible to export these items.

LANGUAGE

Flying Internationally

Personal Considerations

Airlines are becoming more and more restrictive regarding the number of bags you can check. Please check with Ukraine Children’s Project leaders to determine the status of this issue prior to arriving at the airport and encountering a large bill for extra bags. (Note: at times this can be as much as $150.00 for each bag.)

Security is a serious issue traveling internationally. All air carriers take a much more serious attitude about security outside the US and departing the US. Please cooperate with the airline employees as well as security people at the airports. It is very important that jokes are not made, or idle chatter offered about security related issues.

Individually, please be aware of your personal physiology. Clear your ears frequently as the airplane climbs to altitude and even more frequently on descent. If you are traveling with any nasal or sinus congestion, clearing your ears is more important than ever. If you have a history of difficulties related to nasal constrictions, carry a nasal spray.

A second physiological issue is dehydration. The aircraft must process the air coming into the aircraft and remove the water content to avoid icing the system and causing it to malfunction. You experience this in the form of dehydration. It is easily overcome by drinking more water than you do normally, and include fruit juices as a treat! Avoid caffeinated and carbonated products such as Coke-A-Cola and coffee.

“Jetlag” is a problem on long international trips - such as the trip across the Atlantic. Attempt to change your wake-sleep cycle to the Ukrainian time zone as soon as you can during the trip to insure you have the most possible energy! If you can sleep on the airplane, plan the sleep to mirror the night time in Ukraine!

Arrival at the Kiev Airport - Borispol International

Thirty minutes prior to arrival, the flight attendants onboard your airplane will distribute your Ukrainian customs form. Fill it out completely - indicate you are traveling as a tourist, or for purposes of humanitarian aid. Declare the valuable items you are bringing with you, and intending to take with you when you leave the country (such as a laptop computer). The airline company chosen will bring the aircraft to the passenger ramp - either to a jetway or to a parking spot requiring the passenger to board a bus for transportation to the terminal.

Inside the terminal each passenger must individually process through immigration. He or she will present their passport. (Visa is not required for US citizens to enter Ukraine). The immigration agent will place a small piece of paper in the passport. That “receipt” must be kept and is required to be presented to the immigration agent on departing the country.

Following the immigration processing, the passenger will claim their bags and proceed to customs. As you approach the customs inspector, your baggage will be x-rayed to determine if you are attempting to smuggle illegal goods into the country. You cannot conceal goods from the inspectors. If you are not declaring any valuable commodity - such as jewelry, expensive cameras and the like, it is recommended that you proceed through the “Green Line” and out of the customs processing area. (Note: It is strongly recommended to leave very expensive jewelry and watches at home for both men and women.) As you pass through the customs agent, you will be given a “receipt” for the goods you are declaring as you enter the country. You must have a copy of the document as you depart.

The “receipts” may appear as ‘advertising’ if you are not familiar with the process. This is not the case. These “receipts” must be kept with the passport in order to process out of the country.

Departing Kiev Airport - Borispol International

Departing the airport in Kiev requires some advanced planning.
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure to insure an orderly flow through the customs outbound processing, airline check-in, and immigration. The same recommendation is made in the US, but seldom followed by travelers. This is a minimum in Kiev!

Each flight is announced verbally, and posted on television screens when the customs and airline is ready to process the flight for departure. Individuals will not be processed before the flight is declared “open”. Proceed to the customs official with your ticket, passport, customs form and “receipts” for processing. The agent will review the documents and may want to count your cash or look at any valuable item you have declared. Without all the documents you will be detained and questioned.

Following the customs process, each individual will take their bags to the inprocessing x-ray machine and place the item on the belt. Collect all your goods following the x-ray process and proceed to the airline check-in counter and check your baggage and claim your seat. Airlines will charge you for excess baggage when you are traveling outside the US.

After the airline has processed you, proceed to the escalator and go up stairs. You will find the immigration control agents. They will require you to present your passport, airline ticket and boarding pass, and “receipts” to proceed.

Inside the departure area, duty-free shopping is available and beverages can be found. Prices at the airport are expensive for most things.

Your departing flight will be announced. It is good to be boarding the flight early in the boarding sequence in order to find places in the overhead bins for your carry on luggage.