Russian Ukrainian women – Interesting Facts about Russian Culture in Ukraine

Many people in the West are, unfortunately, ignorant of Russian and Ukrainian culture, except for the distorted versions they see in movies or TV. But knowing a few facts can go a long way, especially if you’re planning to meet Russian Ukrainian women.

Russian influence in the Ukraine stretches back to the 18th century

The Ukraine has, of course, been an independent country since the demise of the Soviet Union, and Ukrainians have always cherished their unique culture. But Russian influence on life in the Ukraine stretches back to at least the 18th century, and the influence only became stronger when the Ukraine was absorbed into the Soviet Union. So, especially in east Ukraine, Russian ideas are inextricably tangled up with Ukrainian culture.

East Ukrainians are, in my experience, almost entirely native Russian speakers. The use of Russian as an official language is an ongoing sore point in Ukrainian politics, but unofficially, Russian is widely used in ordinary life, in books, TV, and magazines, and many people grow up speaking Russian. Despite this, many Ukrainians are also fiercely patriotic — especially as their country climbs its way out of the shadow of the Soviet Union — and resent being mistaken for Russians.

In general, Ukrainians are more friendly toward the West, and more eager to adopt Western styles and attitudes, than Russians. However, Ukrainians have also adopted Russian cynicism toward wealth and success: if you’re well-off, it’s because you know the right people, not because of hard work or talent. Despite this, Ukrainians are extremely generous to their friends.

Ukrainians, especially older Ukrainians who lived through the Soviet years, can seem cold and reserved at first. Once they get to know you, however, they make friends much more rapidly and deeply than Westerners or Russians do. So when dealing with Russian Ukrainian women, a little courtesy can go a long way!