Ukraine was the breadbasket of the Soviet Union, as well as an important tourist destination and industrial center. Its sea, climate, nature and hospitality attract tourists from all over the world.
This is one of the famous Stalinist skyscrapers in Moscow, yet it is called the Ukrainian Tower, a hotel that was built after Stalin's death and whose name was chosen by the new Secretary General Nikita Khrushchev himself - Ukraine. The reason is simple: Khrushchev spent almost all his life in Ukraine, where he served as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and later as the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Moreover, his first decision as Secretary General was to give Crimea to Ukraine in 1954.
For centuries, Russia and Ukraine have been friendly, so the Russian and Ukrainian people are often described as brothers, and Kiev is known as the "mother of Russian cities," a term that is still used today.
In 1954, the Soviet Union celebrated the "300th anniversary of the reunification of Ukraine and Russia". In 1654, Bogdan Khmelnytsky, then leader of the Zaporozhye Cossack army, asked to serve Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov.
After the 1917 revolution, Ukraine gained autonomy and joined the Soviet Union as an independent republic, becoming an independent state in 1991.
Architecture and the City
In many Ukrainian cities, you can see typical Soviet architecture.
Western Ukraine is a remnant of old Europe. Whenever a Soviet film needed a European setting, Lviv was the first choice. Odessa was actually built by Europeans, kind of like south of St. Petersburg.
Bread basket
Ukraine is a "black land" region with excellent agricultural soil. Combined with the mild climate, it is suitable for growing not only cereals, but also various fruits, grapes, watermelons, etc.
Ukraine produces flour, bread, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables for the entire Soviet Union. It also has a strong brewing industry. Beetroot sugar production is also another major industry in Ukraine.
Health Tourism
Ukraine has everything you need for a healthy, peaceful vacation. The Black Sea coast of Crimea, Kherson and Odessa is filled with sanatoriums and resorts. Crimea also offers mountain hiking, and skiing in the Carpathians!
On the front line
During World War II, Ukraine was the center of many decisive battles, and in 1941-42, the Germans occupied almost the entire region. Jews were forced to live in partitions and were executed en masse. The infamous Babi Yar, a ravine in Kiev where over 100,000 people were shot, was liberated by Soviet troops in 1943-44.
Industry
Ukraine's mining, energy, engineering, metallurgy and other heavy industries are flourishing. The country's construction is proceeding at an alarming pace, and factories and mines are operating at full capacity.
Chernobyl
One of the most tragic accidents in Ukraine is undoubtedly the Chernobyl disaster of 1986. A nuclear reactor exploded, throwing huge amounts of radiation into the air. The failure of the authorities to notify nearby residents resulted in many people suffering from radiation sickness and even death.
Life, pure and simple
