Ukraine: A history in pictures

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Updated 1226 GMT (2026 HKT) June 24, 2012

Ukraine achieved independence shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.Europe's second largest country, it boasts sweeping and fertile agricultural plains as well areas of heavy industry.
Photos: Ukraine: A country in pictures
Ukraine: The land – Ukraine achieved independence shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.Europe's second largest country, it boasts sweeping and fertile agricultural plains as well areas of heavy industry.
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During Soviet rule a famine hit Ukraine that killed up to 7 million people between 1932 and 1933, according to the CIA World Factbook. Known as 'Holodomor', meaning 'death by hunger', it is widely held that the famine was a direct consequence of the Soviet policy of forced collectivization of farms.
Photos: Ukraine: A country in pictures
Brutal moments in history – During Soviet rule a famine hit Ukraine that killed up to 7 million people between 1932 and 1933, according to the CIA World Factbook. Known as 'Holodomor', meaning 'death by hunger', it is widely held that the famine was a direct consequence of the Soviet policy of forced collectivization of farms.
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Ukraine suffered the world's worst nuclear power plant accident in 1986 when a reactor at the Chernobyl power station exploded. A United Nations report from 2005 estimates that 200,000 people have been severely affected by the disaster, including up to 4,000 deaths. Recently the site has become a tourist attraction.
Photos: Ukraine: A country in pictures
Nuclear catastrophe – Ukraine suffered the world's worst nuclear power plant accident in 1986 when a reactor at the Chernobyl power station exploded. A United Nations report from 2005 estimates that 200,000 people have been severely affected by the disaster, including up to 4,000 deaths. Recently the site has become a tourist attraction.
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In December 1991 a nationwide referendum was held. 90% of Ukrainian citizens voted for independence from the Soviet Union.
Photos: Ukraine: A country in pictures
Independence from the Soviet Union – In December 1991 a nationwide referendum was held. 90% of Ukrainian citizens voted for independence from the Soviet Union.
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