Kiev - from kiwidedia

Kiev, also known as Kyiv (Ukrainian:  Київ (help·info), Kyiv, IPA: [ˈkɪjiʊ̯]; Russian:  Ки́ев (help·info), Kiyev; see also Cities' alternative names), is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. As of April 2007, official municipal estimates placed the population of Kiev at about 2.7 million inhabitants, although some much higher unofficial estimates are often published.^[1] Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro.

The name Kiev is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of four legendary founders of the city (brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and sister Lybid'). During its history, Kiev, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, passed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity. The city may have been founded in the 5th century as a trading post, perhaps part of the land of the early Slavs. It gradually acquired eminence as the centre of Rus civilization, becoming in the tenth to twelfth centuries the political and cultural capital of Rus', a semi-feudal confederation of Slavic principalities to the east of Poland. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240, the city lost most of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories controlled by its powerful neighbors: first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by Poland and Russia.

The city prospered again during the Russian industrial revolution in the late 19th century. After the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution of 1917, from 1921 onwards Kiev was an important city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and, from 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city again suffered significant damage, but quickly recovered in the post-war years remaining the third largest city of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Ukrainian independence of 1991, Kiev remained the capital ofUkraine.

Apartment Rentals Kiev

Economics – Ukrainian style

Many have asked me what the situation is with the gas crisis. From my perspective it’s simply this – Russia deeply desires to once again control Ukraine (and all the rest of the former Soviet countries for that matter) so they have chosen to turn off the gas supply to Ukraine. They (Russia) say Ukraine hasn’t paid a 2 billion debt and Ukraine says it has except for about 600 million in “service” charges. Who is telling the truth? Your guess is as good as mine. How does a czarist leader try to destroy the people of Ukraine? Hit them where it hurts the most right now – turn off the gas and scare them into thinking that they will all freeze to death before Spring. Ukraine says it has “months” of gas in reserve. Do they really? I seriously doubt it. Rule of thumb here is that when the situation is bad then make it sound better and when the situation is good then make it sound even better. Let’s remember what the government did when the Chernobyl disaster happened. They did nothing for 3 days and the way the people found out was to hear it from Finland and others outside of the country. So for the gas situation what is truth – who knows. What we do know is some people living outside of Kiev have limited heat. Even people living on the other side of Kiev have limited heat. I talked with some friends who told me their flat was a mere 55 degrees. That is not warm! Actually my room is only 59 degrees.

There are however two sides to this story and unfortunately the Western press is only playing the gas shut off story. The other side is on 1 December the city of Kiev raised gas heating prices by 105%. Yes, I said 105% – that is not a typo. And to make matters worse, effective 1 January prices have again been increased by 25%. Translated that means we will be charged $9500 per month to heat the Ark. Now you might be wondering what will they do if one doesn’t pay. Official answer – turn off the heat! Also, you may be asking yourself just where is all that money going? Good question! I have no idea.

The economy is in shambles and makes things in the US economy look good. The currency here is propped up by toothpicks and a small breeze will knock them down in 1 second. Food prices have increased almost daily. Why? Well, when companies get served with huge utility increases, employees also get served with increases for their flats then someone needs to foot the bill – i.e. the consumer. So we get hit on both sides of the ledger. We pay more for food and utilities and we need to give increases to our employees so they can live. It’s all just a bit overwhelming sometimes. All I can say is – God is our refuge and strength and I can rest in that promise. That gives me comfort.

Kievforrent.com: Apartment Rental In Kiev

Opera Hotel Kyiv

The Opera Hotel was Kyiv’s first five star boutique hotel which opened on December, 20th, 2006 It is situated in the heart of the city.

It is ideally located for all that Kyiv has to offer. In March, 2007 the hotel became a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” an organization synonymous with luxury, elegance, class, and impeccable standards of service world wide.

Originally built in 1908 Opera Hotel is an elegant building that typifies the architectural heritage of Kyiv. Opera hotel is ideally located close the business district and historical attractions such as the Opera House and Vladimir Cathedral. It is therefore the ideal choice for the leisure and business traveller.

Apartment Rental Kiev

Opera hotel offers 137 rooms and suites of delightful style, comfort and grace. Our suites vary in size and each has a separate theme based on concepts from around the world.

Hotel Website: Opera-Hotel.com

Sir.Paul McCartney wows Kyiv !

Sir Paul McCartney played a free concert on Sunday 15th June in Kyiv, intended to promote unity in Ukraine.

Crowds of this size have not been seen in Kyiv since the Orange Revolution. Some estimates say 300,000 people turned up to watch Sir.Paul in the heavy rain.

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The setting was the magnificent Independence Square in Central Kyiv.
It poured all night with thunder and lightning, but Kyiv and Sir.Paul kept rocking all night.

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This was the first time Sir.Paul or any Beatle has performed in Ukraine.It was organised by the billionaire businessman Victor Pinchuk. The same number again watched live broadcasts of Saturday’s performance on big screens in five cities around the country.

Yes, ‘Back In the USSR’ was performed to a great reception, meant as very tongue in cheek no doubt.

Paul and his band played 33 songs including some of the world’s most popular hits that have become the soundtrack to so many people’s lives. Paul played hits by The Beatles including ‘All My Loving’, ‘The Long And Winding Road’, ‘Good Day Sunshine’ and ‘Hey Jude’. He played Wings hits such as ‘Jet’, ‘My Love’ and ‘Band On The Run’ and solo songs including ‘Flaming Pie’ and his most recent hit single ‘Dance Tonight’. Show highlights included a version of the Wings track ‘Mrs. Vanderbilt’, which fans had petitioned for Paul to play and of course a storming version of ‘Back In The USSR’. The audience spanned generations and sang along with every word, the massive crowd made an overwhelming sound when they joined in with Paul on ‘Hey Jude’ and the elaborate stage featured some of the biggest screens ever used for an outdoor show as well as lasers and fireworks.

After the audience had thought the show was over, Paul returned to the stage waving a Ukrainian flag before ending the night with an emotional performance of ‘Yesterday’ and rocked up ‘Sgt. Peppers’.

Throughout the day Paul spent time meeting locals and fans that had waited over 40 years for their hero to come to this part of the world.

He was given a special performance by a choir of children that perform Beatles songs and presented with a traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument, the kobza, by the Ukrainian Beatles fanclub.

Here ‘Macca’ meets ‘Viktor’ in Kyiv. I think the two big guys got on really well. Paul is pictured with his present from the President, a traditional Ukrainian shirt.

Apartment Rental In Kiev
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Cabinet appoints new boss for EU/NATO integration

Cabinet appoints new boss for EU/NATO integration

KYIV, Sept. 26: The Ukrainian cabinet has appointed Vadym Tryukhan as director of the Bureau for European and Euro-Atlantic integration and plans to fully staff it by the end of the year, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Hryhoriy Nemyrya told a briefing today. He said that Tryukhan was appointed at the cabinet meeting on Sept. 24. This body already has 22 employees. There are plans it will employ 70 public service workers from Jan. 1 2009.

“In fact, the cabinet has taken a very important step to pass to the most efficient coordination, that is, horizontal coordination,” he said. He added that the bureau would conduct strategic monitoring and analyse the methodology which is used by the EU.

“We are not encroaching upon the powers and functions of the Foreign Ministry, the Justice Ministry and the Economics Ministry,” he said. However, he added that the bureau would conduct efficient horizontal coordination, since one post of deputy prime minister for European integration was not enough for this. It was reported earlier that the cabinet had established in its secretariat a coordination bureau for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Its major functions will be to monitor the implementation of the Ukraine-EU action plan and analyse the efficiency of EU integration policy. Tryukhan worked as deputy director of the EU department in the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and deputy head of the service of the Ukrainian deputy prime minister.

Apartment Kiev Ukraine

Kiev Spy Welcomes NATO’s Moscow Overture

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukraine’s top spy has welcomed NATO’s decision last week to resume high-level ties with Russia, suspended after Moscow’s military standoff with Georgia last year.

SBU head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko
In a Financial Times interview, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, head of Ukraine’s SBU [formerly known as the KGB] state security service, said Kiev also sought better relations with Russia, but would continue to crack down on “Russian politicians” who interfered in the country’s domestic politics.

“Good relations are when a neighbour does not stretch across the fence into your yard,” he said, referring to Russian support for pro-Russia political groups in Ukraine, including separatists on the Crimean peninsula, home to Russia’s Black Sea fleet.

Mr Nalyvaichenko insisted his own service was apolitical as he defended its recent raid on a state-owned energy company involved in the power struggle between President Viktor Yushchenko and the prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko.

The former diplomat, who was put in charge of the SBU three years ago by Mr Yushchenko, also argued that Ukraine had made big gains in democracy since the 2004 Orange Revolution, despite its continuing economic and political upheavals. “The risks are now more economic in nature,” he said referring to the financial crisis, which has driven Kiev to take an emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Kiev, an aspiring NATO member and rare Western ally on post-Soviet turf, strongly backed Georgia in the war, sparking fears of potential conflict between Moscow and Kiev in Crimea. Some nationalist Russian politicians openly want Moscow to annex the peninsula but late last year Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister, said publicly it was Ukrainian territory.

Moscow is also much involved in Ukraine’s politicised and lucrative energy sector. Fears resurfaced last week that Russian natural gas supplies via Ukraine to Europe could be cut off again after SBU guards raided state gas company Naftogaz, controlled by Ms Tymoshenko. The raid marked an escalation of tensions between the two leaders after they buried their differences to secure financial support from the IMF.

Mr Nalyvaichenko claimed that Naftogaz, on the orders of the government, had illegally stripped away ownership of more than $2bn worth of gas from Rosukrenergo, a gas trading intermediary, owned jointly by Russia’s Gazprom and Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash.

Deputy SBU chief and billionaire Valery Khoroshkovsky headed the investigation despite admitting to joint interests in television channels with Mr Firtash, Gazprom’s partner in Rosukrenergo. Mr Nalyvaichenko ruled out a conflict of interest, but said another official would take charge of the investigation.

Mr Nalyvaichenko disputed allegations by Ms Tymoshenko that Ukraine’s president had lobbied on behalf of Rosukrenergo for it to regain the disputed gas supplies at the centre of last week’s raids.

He said he had offered to provide proof of Mr Yushchenko’s innocence to Russia’s Accounting Chamber, a public audit office, which was investigating Rosukrenergo’s Ukrainian shareholders.

Since then, Mr Khoroshkovsky appeared on his own TV channel to warn that the security services could next target government offices in a continued quest for documents to prove that gas was illegally transferred from Rosukrenergo to Naftogaz.

The west has repeatedly raised concerns about Rosukrenergo’s lack of transparency, not least because the intermediary has featured in the disputes between Kiev and Moscow that have periodically cut off energy supplies to the rest of Europe.

Mr Nalyvaichenko stressed however that the body was established by leaders in Ukraine and Russia before Mr Yushchenko became president. Gazprom has not publicly backed Rosukrenergo and Mr Putin described last week’s gas dispute as a “domestic” Ukrainian affair.

Source: Financial Times

Apartment Kiev

Living in Kiev-the Capital of Ukraine.

There is no doubt Kiev, the capital of Ukraine , is really an amazing city, which is certainly worth a visit. Even if you have lived years in Kiev, it will always find something new to surprise you. The capital of Ukraine has special spiritual and historic atmosphere. You will feel it from the very first day once you come there.

Kiev has so many interesting places to see that can "feed" you with this spiritual food for a long time. This is great. But life is life. Sooner or later you will have to find a place to stay, eat, drink, go shopping, call your relatives and friends, and send them e-mail or surprise them with some special Ukraine gifts.

The longer you live in Kiev, the more "material interactions" you will have with surrounding world to arrange your life comfortable. In a short period of time you will find your favorite restaurants and Internet cafes, know the fastest routes of Kiev transportation to destinations, locations of the most interesting museums, concert halls and theaters.

It will come to you soon. For the beginning, here is a short review of every-day things which you may need when live in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.

You'll find information about such essentials as getting around Kiev, using a taxi, local weather, communications, medical centers and other necessary every-day things added as I build this site.

Apartment in rent Ukraine

Kiev museums in the World of History

National History Museum of Ukraine

• 2 Volodymyrska St. (Closed on Wednesdays)

The Museum sits on the Starokyivska Hill where you can still find remains of Old Rus constructions dating back to the 10th-13th centuries. The Museum boasts some of the ancient discoveries of primeval cultures such as the Trypillya peoples, the Scythians, and the early Slavs.

Kyiv History Museum

• 8 Pylyp Orlyk St.

The Museum is located at Klovskyi Palace (18th c.). There you can find archeological, numismatic, and ethnographic exhibits telling the story of Kyiv from the first settlements till October Revolution of 1917.

National Literature Museum of Ukraine

• 11 Bohdan Khmelnytskyi St.

The Collection keeps over 30,000 authentic items and records. This unique exhibit includes such treasures as the hand-written Listvytsya by Ioann Sinayskyi (16th c.) and the first printed book Apostle by Ivan Fedorov.

National Historic Jewelry Museum of Ukraine

• 21 Ivan Mazepa St. (Kyiv Pechersk Lavra)

Here you can learn many interesting things about the three thousand year plus history of jewelry art. The gem of the collection is the Golden Scythian Pectoral (4th c. BC), which is a masterpiece of international significance.

National World War II Museum (1941-1945)

• 44 Ivan Mazepa St.

A huge memorial complex comprises the Museum, graced by the gargantuan statue of the Motherland (62m high), and includes sculptural compositions showing heroes of the war, the Fire of Glory Cup, the Alley of Hero Cities, and the exhibition of World War II military weapons and equipment.

Pyrohovo National Folk Architecture Museum

• Pyrohovo Village at South of Kyiv

This open-air museum displays more than 150 wooden constructions representing different eras and brought from all regions of Ukraine. The museum is a popular site for various folk festivals.

National Chernobyl Museum

• 1 Khoryv Provulok (Lane)

The museum exhibition tries to explain one of the most tragic nuclear disasters in the world that occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 1986. Over 7,000 exhibits include declassified records, maps, and photos. Documentary videos show in detail the horrible accident and its consequences on the population.

Apartment in Kiev - Rent and Care it with hot ....

Kiev mayor to raffle off hugs, kisses, other freebies from city

The mayor of Ukraine's capital, Kiev, has ordered the creation of a lottery that will have hugs and kisses from the mayor among the prizes, the Ukrainskaya Pravda newspaper reported on Tuesday.
As part of a range of unconventional ways to raise money for the city budget, Leonid Chernovetsky instructed his deputy, Oleksandr Lutsk, to set up the lottery and report daily on how it and other efforts are going.

The battle to squeeze money out of the capital's residents is an ongoing struggle as the mayor wrestles with a $1.2 billion gap between projected 2009 city income and expenditures, according to a Fokus Ukraine news agency report.

The lottery prizes will include rides around the city in the mayor's Rolls Royce and his armored Mercedes, as well as trips in his helicopter and airplane, where the winners can hug, kiss and take pictures with the mayor.

It is Chernovetsky's wish that not only Ukrainian media reports on the event, but media throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The mayor wants the winners "to receive presents from [me] in front of the Ukrainian and CIS press, like books, tickets on mass transit, including the underground, everything possible, even on parking, absolutely everything," according to the order.

Another municipal directive signed by the mayor is the creation of a monitoring group that will have control over telephone calls from around the country for consultations on taking care of household pets. Under this program, codenamed Kitty, the mayor plans to raise some 1 billion hryvnia [$111 million].

Chernovetsky also introduced in January a $6 entry fee to the city's cemeteries.

ForUm

Apartment for Rent Kiev

Explore The Crimea

Every time you come to the Black Sea and Crimea (Crim in Ukrainian) they never stop to amaze you. You get on the train in Kiev in the evening and arrive next morning in a different world.

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Especially strongly you feel this contrast in April: hot sun, sparkling sea, blooming trees and flowers, lazy cats lying in the sun... After a pretty cold winter somewhere in the central part of Ukraine I am always tempted to be one of those cats. Just lie in the sun and do nothing. What a life! 

Black Sea coast.Batiliman.Source:Chayka.crimea.ua.com

Without any exaggeration one can say that the Crimean Peninsula is one of the most dramatically beautiful coastal areas in the world. Nowhere else on earth will you find such incredible combination of varied scenery andclimate , uncommon vegetation and animals, the greatest opportunities fortourism and spa resorts in such a small territory. Somebody called Crimea "the Earth in miniature". 

Cenral Crimea.Source:Uwebcas.usf.edu/

The history of this land is even richer than its nature. Each tourist area of Crimea you visit reminds you of Crimean history which goes back hundreds and thousands of years. It is an amazing feeling to realize that the stones you touch, somebody put there many centuries before you came on the Earth. The oldest Crimean city Kerch was founded more than 2,600 years ago. Feodosiya is not much younger. It was founded more than 2,500 years ago. 

Sevastopol.Balaklava.Source:biodiversity.ac.pciweb.com

There is some mystery in the Crimean land. It is not surprising that so many legends are attached to Crimean land and the Sea. Those legends came to us as a reflection of the historical memory of people who populated this amazing land during many centuries. One can believe them or no, but they certainly bring a piece of that romantic flavor which always surrounds Crimea. 

Take your time exploring this site. You will understand why Crimea has attracted so many visitors as well as invaders during the centuries. If you are planning a trip to Crimea and need help take advantage of knowledge, humor, and an insider's view of Eugene Snezhkin and his personal escorted tour service. Check my recommendation.

Here is a small search engine to help you find information about Crimean land you are looking for.How does this search engine work? You can type your key word in a search box below or chose one of the most popular search terms from the "buzz cloud" below the search box. If I cover the topic on this site, you will see those pages listed at the top. If the topic hasn't been covered yet, you can check out the pages on other sites that carry information about the subject of your interest.

Apartment for Rent in Kiev

Timetable of services in Orthodox churches in Kiev

Monday - Friday: 07:10 and 17:00
Weekends and religious holidays: 08:00 and 19:10

Vydubychi Monastery Vydubychi Monastery is an architectural ensemble situated on a picturesque bank of the Dnieper. Its history spans for more than 900 years. It was built in mid XI century by Prince Vsevolod, son of Yaroslav the Wise (2 Hryvna banknote). The Monastery consistsof St. Archangel Mykhail Church, St. Georg Church and the Spaska Church built in Ukrainian baroque style. Address: near Pecherska Lavra Service: Monday -Friday                    07:10 and 17:00 Weekends and religious holidays: 08:00 and 19:10  Divine liturgy:  Sundays 10:00
St. Vladimir Cathedral While strolling through the beautiful Schevchenko boulevard one can stop and admire the yellow church in front of metro University. This church is known to be the first Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral (not Russian Orthodox). It was built in 1882 by Rudolf Berngardt. Before that, in 1852 people started in the donation of money for the construction of Cathedral, but the collected sum was not enough and the Russian emperror intefered. Its cconstruction was challenged by lack of funds and engineer incompetence. Ukrainian and Russian artists made a lot of decoration inside the Cathedral, among them were V. Vasnetsov, M. Vrubel, M. Pymonenko and others. Despite all the difficulties the Cathedral was successfully built and has survived some wars and gained Kiev citizens' respect and love. Address: Schevchenko Boulevard 20 service:    Monday -  Friday:              07:10 and 17:00              Weekends and religious holidays: 08:00 and 19:10 Divine liturgy: Sunday 10:00
Cyril Church The namme of this church comes from Cyril, a Kievian Rus monk, who helped Methodius translate scripture into the  Slavic tongue which was the first introduction of script (written language) in Kiev Rus. The church was buil in the middle of the IX century in place called Dorogozhychi not far from Babyn Yar. The construction was initiated by Vsevolod and finished by his widow Maria. During its existence the church was in desolation for many years. In XVIII century it finally assumed its modern aspect in typical baroque style. Olena Teliga Street 42
Central Kiev Synagogue. Kiev Synagogue has turned into a symbol of struggle of Jude people for their rights and freedoms. It was built in 1898 by George Sleifer. Famous Ukrainian jude Lazar Brodsky asked the Russian government permission to build teh Synagogue and it was agreed. Unfortunately with the arrival of Soviets Synagogue was closed and turned into the dining hall of electricians. During its existence different people occupied Synagogue. Only in 1992 according to the President's Act it was returned to the Jude Community. Tel: 235 9082 Shota Rustaveli Street 13

Accomodation Kiev

IMF Eases Ukraine Loan Conditions

IMF Eases Ukraine Loan Conditions

KIEV, Ukraine -- The International Monetary Fund signaled Friday that Ukraine was making progress toward receiving a second crucial installment of a $16.4 billion emergency loan after the aid program was frozen earlier this month.


The IMF said it was ready to reconsider its loan requirements and allow Ukraine to run a bigger budget deficit after the financial crisis grew worse.

The IMF had previously insisted that Ukraine trim the 2009 deficit from 3 percent to 1 percent of the GDP. But Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, the head of the IMF mission to Ukraine, said Friday that a balanced budget was impossible given the economy would contract by 6 percent or more this year and said the country could run a deficit as long it secures external funding.

"A balanced budget given a sharp decline in revenues does not seem feasible at this point in time," Pazarbasioglu told reporters in a conference call. "We are fully supportive of the authorities' efforts to raise additional funding from multilateral and bilateral creditors."

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is reluctant to cut social spending and upset voters ahead of elections this year, has turned to G-7 countries and Russia to help close the budget gap.

The IMF aid is critical to Ukraine, exposed as one of the most vulnerable to the global financial crisis.

Industrial output has slumped by over one-third and Ukraine's currency has lost nearly half of its value against the dollar. The hryvna continued falling Friday, closing at 8.7 to the dollar Friday, down 46 percent from 4.9 in September.

The crisis has been exacerbated by constant feuds among Ukraine's political leaders.

On Friday, however, Tymoshenko, President Viktor Yushchenko, and parliament speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn pledged they would work together to come up with anti-crisis measures and policy changes in the coming days and present them to the IMF.

Pazarbasioglu praised the effort. "The authorities are putting together their own anti-crisis package and measures and that is very encouraging," she told reporters.

Source: AP

Important Information about Kiev - Accommodation Keiv

Michelle Kwan To Visit Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC -- American Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan will travel to Ukraine on February 28th where she will visit Kiev, Yalta, Sevastopol, Bakhchisarai and Odessa.

Figure skater Michelle Kwan
This eight-day trip marks the figure skating champion’s fourth tour as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

As a Public Diplomacy Envoy, Ms. Kwan promotes cross-cultural dialogue with international youth and increases understanding of America by sharing her story and life experiences.

Kwan’s activities during her trip will include participating in a roundtable discussion with university students, visiting high schools, conducting skating clinics and meeting with alumni of other Department of State exchange programs.

Source: US State Department

Accommodation in Kiev for you!

Kievska Rus

Archeological excavations show evidence of the first settlement on the territory of Kiev 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. Legend has it that at the end of the 5th and the beginning of the 6th centuries, three brothers, Kiy, Shchek and Khoriv, and their sister, Lybid, founded a town and names it after their elder brother Kiy, as "Kyiv".

The early settles of Kiev built their citadel on the steep right bank of the Dnipro river to protect themselves from marauding nomadic tribes. Later, Kiev`s Grand Princes built their palaces and churches on Starokievska hill, while artisans and merchants built their houses next to the wharf on the Dnipro. By the end of the 9th century, when the Kievska Rus princes united scattered Slavic tribes, Kiev was the political centre of the Eastern Slavs. Kiev maintained wide foreign and commercial trade links due to its position in the middle of trade routes between the Vikings and the Greeks.

Desyatynna church in Kiev (reconstruction)

Kiev`s development accelerated durign the reign of Prince Volodymir the Great (980-1015). In 988, intent on strengthening his power on the broader international arena, Volodymir introduced Christiany as the official religion of the realm. At Vladimir Great in Kiev the first stone temple - "Desyatynna church" has been constructed. By the 11th century Kiev was one of the largest centers of civilization in the Christian World. Besides in those times the city totaled about 400 churches, 8 markets and more than 50 000 inhabitants. (For comparison: in same time in Novgorod, the second-largest city of Russia, was 30 000 inhabitants; in London, Hamburg and Gdansk - on 20 000). Kiev was among the most prospering craft and shopping centers of Europe.

After the death of the great Kiev`s Prince Vladimir Monomakh (1125). Kievska Rus became involved in a long period of feudal wars. Foreign powers were quick to take advantage of this situation. In the autumn of 1240, the Tatar-Mongols headed by Batiy Khan, captured Kiev after series of long and bloody battles. Kiev fell into a prolonged period of decline. The Tartar-Mongols ruled for almost a century. Despite foreign rule, Kiev retained its artisan, trade and cultural traditions and remained an important political, trade and cultural center. In the 14th century, the Kiev region became the cradle for the modern Ukrainian nation.

In the 15 th century Kiev was granted the "Magdenburg Rights", which permitted greater independence of the city in matters of international commerce.

Middle Ages

Monument Bohdan Khmelnytsky

The next time the world heard about Ukraine was during the period of the Cossack Republic - centered in the famed "Zaporizka Sich" Fortress - at the end of the 15th century. The long road to independence by the Ukrainian people began with Cossack military campaigns. In 1648-1654 Cossack armies, headed by Hetman (Ukrainian for Cossack leader) Bohdan Khmelnytsky waged several wars to liberate Ukraine.

Confronted by the armies of Polish and Lithuanian feudal lords, Bohdan Khmelnytsky sought the protection of the Russian Tsar in the Treaty of Pereyaslav.

Kiev. Kreschatik

Unfortunately, as a result, Ukraine was plunged into a long period of domination by the Russian Empire. Despite such repression and severe Tsarist autocratic rule, Ukraine in the 17th and 18th centuries nonetheless managed to preserve and enjoy some of the richness of its political, economic, cultural, and religious development.

The Kyiv Mohyla Academy, founded by Metropolitan Petro Mohyla in the 17th century, became the first university in Eastern Europe. In that period, the Ukrainian people were among the most educated in the world and almost all were literate. Books were printed, philosophy was studied; music, literature and painting flourished. The first Constitution appeared in Ukraine during the Cossack period (1711).

Soviet Union

The destroyed Kreschatik street (1943)

In January 1918 when the Russian Empire fell, the independence of Ukraine was proclaimed and the Ukrainian National Republic was established. Mykhaylo Hrushevsky became the first President of Ukraine. But at that time Ukrainian statehood was not adequately defended. It is only recently that this became possible.

After the revolution of 1917 Vladimir Illyich Lenin and his Bolshevik Party seized power and expanded their sphere of control into Ukraine.

Sophia Cathedral and monument Bohdan Khmelnytsky

Ukraine experienced a brief period of independence when on January 22, 1918, the Ukrainian Central Rada (Council) formally issued a proclamation for Ukraine's independence. But shortly thereafter in 1919, the Ukrainian National Republic was defeated in a war against Polish expansionists and overrun once again.

Eventually, Bolshevik and Communist forces retook Ukrainian lands, and as a means to control the population, leader Josef Stalin caused the Great Famine of 1932-33 by forcibly collecting grain and deliberately starving to death nearly ten million people. Nazi Germany then began World War II and entered Kyiv in September 1941 razing the city. In November 1943, Soviet forces retook the city in fierce fighting and began their final domination of Ukraine for almost the next fifty years.

Independent Ukraine

On August, 24, 1991 the Supreme Soviet of Ukraine proclaims the Declaration of Independence. In a referendum held on December 1, 1991 the people of Ukraine endorsed independence and voted Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk as Ukraine's first ever democratically elected President. The United States recognized Ukraine's independence on December 25, 1991; and the first American Ambassador, Roman Popadiuk, arrived in Kyiv on June 8, 1992. On July, 10, 1994 in the second round of presidential elections Leonid Kravchuk loses to Leonid Kuchma who has been re-elected for the second term in 1999.

Today the capial of Ukraine is open for people from all over the word. There are many good apartements for rent in Kiev. Just find the right compay providing such services. 

The City of Kiev

Soon I will let you know more about it. :)