Discuss Ukrainian culture, history, and language

I have to admit that I don't know much, but last year, I read an article somewhere about some invaluable paintings that had been miraculously rescued from a city that was being destroyed by Russian missiles. But unfortunately, I'm afraid that much has been lost also.

Because of its strategic location, Ukrainian culture has been influenced by both European and Russian elements, which makes it unique. Also, ethnic minorities contribute to the interesting diverse mix. Ukraine has a rich literary history and impressive architectual monuments, plus a plethora of musums and art galleries, along with high-quality performing artists and ensembles appearing in theatres and concert halls. Hopefully, most of it will survive the war and befully operational again in not too long.

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees are still arriving in Norway, where they add to the ever growing cultural landscape.

Some interesting theories here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rus%27_people#:~:text=The%20scholarly%20consensus%20holds%20that.

Rewind 1000-1100 years back in time: My ancestors met yours. If they interbred, we may even be related, like 32nd cousins or thereabout.

In a way, but our common ancestor is an English king that lived around 700 years ago, if I remember correctly. My Ukrainian forefathers/mothers descended from Scandinavian immigrants. For some time, it was custom among Scandinavian rulers to marry princesses from Kyiv and Novgorod, an important trading centre at the time, which is located some 100 km (60 miles) south of Saint Petersburg in Russia. Being of Scandinavian descent, they were distant cousins and such marriages helped increase the legitimacy behind their claims to various thrones.

That's the excitement about ancestry research, both in ancient Ukraine and elsewhere.