But, to be clear, Ukraine has been its own nation-state for three decades, boasts its own distinct language and customs, and has long had an impulse for nationalism. Enthusiasm for independence in 1991 was almost total: some 92.3% of voters said they would prefer the country to be free.
Article source: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ukraine-russia-war-guide_uk_6217a25ae4b0d1388f10fea8