Ukrainian refers to anything related to Ukraine, a large country in Eastern Europe. When we say someone is Ukrainian, we mean they're from Ukraine or have Ukrainian heritage. The Ukrainian people have their own distinct language, culture, and history that stretches back over a thousand years.

The Ukrainian language uses an alphabet called Cyrillic, which looks similar to Russian letters but has its own unique characters and sounds. Ukrainian cuisine includes dishes like borscht (a hearty beet soup), varenyky (dumplings filled with potato, cheese, or fruit), and pampushky (sweet or savory rolls). Traditional Ukrainian folk art features intricate embroidered shirts called vyshyvankas and beautifully painted Easter eggs known as pysanky.

Ukraine has rich farmland and is sometimes called the “breadbasket of Europe” because it grows so much wheat and other crops. The country has produced remarkable writers, scientists, and musicians. Ukrainian history includes periods of independence and times under the control of other empires, which has shaped a strong sense of national identity and resilience.

Today, Ukraine is an independent nation with its capital in Kyiv, a city that dates back over 1,400 years. When you hear about Ukrainian traditions, Ukrainian food, or Ukrainian music, you're learning about a culture with deep roots and proud traditions.