When were you in Ukraine? I first went in 2003, then spent a lot of time there from 2009-14. What was most surprising to me was that they didn't 'feel' like a country with a clear border and identity, yet they all got along with each other extremely well (ethnic Russians and Ukrainians). In Canada, we had a clear identity of Ukraine and its borders, which perhaps didn't encompass the large 'Russian' population. After 2014, it was tragic seeing families break apart as everybody had to 'chose a side'.
As for 'empires', the UK has largely put that ambition and heritage to rest and it's time the US did the same.
I also spent many years in Ukraine, among other places.
When were you in Ukraine? I first went in 2003, then spent a lot of time there from 2009-14. What was most surprising to me was that they didn't 'feel' like a country with a clear border and identity, yet they all got along with each other extremely well (ethnic Russians and Ukrainians). In Canada, we had a clear identity of Ukraine and its borders, which perhaps didn't encompass the large 'Russian' population. After 2014, it was tragic seeing families break apart as everybody had to 'chose a side'.
As for 'empires', the UK has largely put that ambition and heritage to rest and it's time the US did the same.