A powerful East Slavic federation centered in Kyiv.
### Ancient Foundations and Kyivan Rus'The territory of modern Ukraine has been inhabited since prehistoric times, notably by the (c. 4500 BCE) and later nomadic groups like the Scythians and Sarmatians . Greek and Roman colonies also flourished along the Black Sea coast. A History of Ukraine
Following the Mongol decline, Ukrainian lands were divided between the and the Kingdom of Poland (later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ). A History of Ukraine A powerful East Slavic federation centered in Kyiv
Ukraine 's history is defined by its role as a "gateway" between Europe and Asia. While it achieved modern independence in 1991, its historical foundations stretch back thousands of years through ancient civilizations, medieval powerhouses, and centuries of imperial rule. Greek and Roman colonies also flourished along the
Internal fragmentation and the Mongol invasion (1240) ended Kyivan Rus' as a centralized power. Partition and the Cossack Era