List of Countries Bordering Ukraine: Ukraine is surrounded by seven countries namely Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Moldova, and Belarus. The Historical culture, politics, and economy of Ukraine have an impact on the countries bordering Ukraine’s border like any other country. Every country’s surrounding neighbour influences the growth, development, and administration of that country. Therefore, it is very important to understand the historical relationship, cultural commonalities, and the ecosystem between the neighboring nations.
In this article, we will learn about the history of Ukraine with its neighboring countries, their present relation, and other related matters.
Table of Content
Ukraine – Overview
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe known for its rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes. It is the largest country entirely in Europe. The capital city is Kyiv. Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since been striving to develop its democracy and economy. The country has a population of over 40 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Europe. Ukraine is famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like borscht and varenyky (dumplings). It also boasts historical landmarks such as the ancient city of Lviv and the stunning Black Sea coastline. Ukraine has faced challenges, including conflicts in the eastern regions, but it continues to work towards stability and prosperity for its citizens.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Ukraine |
| Geographical Location | Eastern Europe |
| Capital City | Kyiv |
| Largest City | Kyiv |
| Official Language | Ukrainian |
| Government Type | Unitary semi-presidential republic |
| Area | 603,500 square kilometers |
| Population (approx.) | Approximately 41.5 million |
| Currency | Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) |
List of Countries Bordering Ukraine
Here is the list of countries bordered By Ukraine –
| Country | Length of Border (in kilometres) |
|---|---|
| Russia | 1,576 kilometres |
| Belarus | 891 kilometres |
| Poland | 535 kilometres |
| Slovakia | 97 kilometres |
| Hungary | 103 kilometres |
| Romania | 605 kilometres |
| Moldova | 1,202 kilometres |
Map of Ukraine Showing Surrounding Countries
Map of Ukraine
List of Countries Bordering Ukraine in Details
Ukraine situated in Eastern Europe which boasts a diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage, and a strategic geopolitical position. Bordered by several countries, Ukraine serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. Understanding its neighbours is crucial to comprehending the region’s dynamics, political relationships, and historical context. Here, we delve into the list of countries bordering Ukraine, accompanied by insights into their shared histories and current relations.
Russia
- Population: 144,134,114
- Area: 16,376,870 Km2
- Formed in: 2003
- Length of the border: 2,295.04 Km
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History:
- Both the nation sharing the history goes back to the period when Kyiv was the part of Slavic state. As both the nation had common origin, they had been addressed as brothers by many political leaders.
- Being annexed by Polish rule and forming left bank Ukraine, after more than century right bank ukraine was annexed by the Russian empire in 1793 for a very long period.
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Cross-border relation:
- Relation between Russia and Ukraine is quite Volatile. Continuous invasion by Russia has created a huge concern for Ukraine. Also it is impacting the globalal trade and diplomacy.
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Response to Russia-Ukraine War:
- Russia has been invading the land of Ukraine since 2014. Later, the situation got worsen when Russian troop occupied the borders through belarus and launched missile on Black Sea through Moldovan Air space. Many countries directly as well indirectly condemning the aggression of Russia.
Belarus
- Population: 9,470,716
- Area: 202,910 Km2
- Formed in: 1991
- Length of the border: 1084 Km
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History:
- Both the nation, historically were the part of Kievan Rus’, later Russian empire.
- The second Polish Republic had controlled both the nation during 1918 to 1939. Before 1991, both the Belarus and Ukraine were the part of Soviet Union.
- Although informally recognised, the two nation had gone in diplomatic ties in 1918, where there were federal defensive alliance between Belarus and Ukraine.
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Cross-border relation:
- The relation between belarus and Ukraine was evidently better before the Russian Ukraine war.
- Both are the full member of Baku initiative and Central European initiative.
- Despite of having good terms in past, Belarus supporting Russia has become the main reason of detoriation of Belarus-Ukraine bond.
- Response to Russia-Ukraine War:
Being an ally of Russia and keen to grow relation with west, Belarus has been supporting Russia to invade the Ukrainian territory. Being condemn by west, Belarus defends itself by denying its direct involvement in the war. It is quite evident the Belarus if get chance will support Russia in this War.
Poland
- Population of Poland (2024): 40,511,976
- Area of Poland: 312,700 Km2
- Formed on : 18 May 1992
- Length: 542 Km
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History:
- The border of Poland-Ukraine came into existence for the first time in 1919 after the Polish-Ukrainian War.
- In 1945, by the end of the Second World War, a new border between Ukraine SSR and Poland was established on the Yalta agreement, resulting in Poland losing a vast territory to Ukraine
- On the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the post-Soviet States emerged changing the Poland-Soviet border into Poland-Ukraine, Poland-Russia, Poland-Lithuania, and Poland-Belarus.
- In 1992, Poland and Ukraine made the official border on 18 May.
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Cross-Border Relation:
- Historically, the massacre of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia still has some effect, leading to distrust and conflicts.
- Both the countries are taking initiative in trade, economy, scientific ties every year.
- The second largest country from which Ukraine import is Poland.
- Response in Russia- Ukraine War:
Poland has provided shelter to the Ukrainian refugees. Also supported Ukraine with healthcare services and employment to the refuges relocated in their country. Moreover, Polish government has stated that they will provide modern Tanks to Ukraine as a support for victory in the war.
Slovakia
- Population: 5,736,017
- Area: 48,088 Km2
- Formed in: 1991
- Length of the border: 97 Km
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History:
- History provides evidences of Ukraine and Slovakia being the part of Kingdom of Hungry and later become the part of Atro-Hungarian Empire under the Rule of Habsburg Monarchy in early modern period
- During the twentieth-century, with the dissolution of Austro-Hungarian Empire, independence state was established.
- During WW-I, Slovakia became the part of Czechoslovakia while Ukraine was struggling through the instability resulting to independence and civil war.
- Both the nations were occupied by the Nazi Germany during WW-II. After the end of the WW-II, Slovakia become the part of communist Czechoslovakia and Ukraine was the part of Soviet Union.
- Dissolution of Soviet Union resulted the independence of Slovakia and Ukraine as a nation.
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Cross-Border Relation:
- Ukraine-Slovakia diplomatic relation is quite good, which is evident by periodical occurrence high of level visits and exchanges.
- Also, Ukraine is an important partner for Slovakia in mater of bilateral trade and cooperations
- Slovakia is a transit country for Russia to export natural gas to Ukraine, which create responsibility of security on Slovakia toward Ukraine.
- The cross-border relation between Slovakia and Ukraine leads to provide better scope of education health care and assistance to the nations and their people.
- Response in Russia-Ukraine War
Slovakia is responding in favor of Ukraine in Russia Ukraine war. This neighbor of Ukraine is the biggest aid contributor and shelter provider to the country. Also, military help is being provided through attack ships, artillery, arms, and ammunition.
Hungary
- Population: 10,052,928
- Area: 90,530 Km2
- Formed in: 1991
- Length of the border: 136.7 km
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History:
- History of Ukraine and Hungary is very much interlinked with coexistance of two different culture, conflicts and coexistence. Ukraine was a part of Kingdom of Hungary.
- Following the WW-I, Treaty of Trianon redrew the border of central Europe. As a result huge hungarian population fleed to Ukraine for shelter.
- The modern bilateral relation between the nations took place in 1990, after the end of communism in Hungary and independence of Ukraine from Soviet in later years.
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Cross-Border Relations:
- the historical tension related to Transcarpathian Hungarians rights in Ukraine is still a concern for HUngary
- Although both the country has certain level of dispute over minority rights, they have a healthy and growth oriented bilateral relations in trade, culture and economy
- Both the country are into continuous process to resolve the issues going on due to distrust by exchanging dialogue with each other and collaborating on more sensitive matters.
- Response to Russia-Ukraine War:
Hungary is not much in support of Ukraine in this event of war. Ukraine being restricting the rights of Hungarian minority has created envy with Hungary. Beside this Hungary has shown negative response about shipping weapon to Ukraine as a support.
Romania
- Population: 19,717,564
- Area: 230,170 Km2
- Formed in: 1940
- Length of the border: 649 Km
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History:
- Ukraine and Romania share a long connection of history dating back to the time when both the nations were the home land of common tribe civilization.
- In medical period, Romania and Ukraine had develop cultural ties due to the rise of the powerful empire of Principality of Moldavia and the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia.
- Aftermath of World war I and World war II, both the nation has lost various part of their territory as a result of various treaties such as Treaty of Bucharest (1918) and Treaty of Paris(1947) .
- After the end of Soviet Union, Ukraine and Romania had developed diplomatic relation with each other and built themselves a an independent nations.
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Cross-border relation:
- Romania and Ukraine has set the friendly relation long back but the dispute on Snake island is still an issue.
- although the territorial dispute is still alive but both the country are trade, culture and economy partner of each other.
- in 2020 defence ministry of both the nation signed an agreement stating about technical and military cooperation between the two nations.
- Response to Russia-Ukraine War:
Romania had been a support to Ukraine in the event of Russia Ukraine War. Despite of having conflict on land boundaries and authority over snake island and its part, Romania has provided, weapon to Ukraine and said to stand by the nation. Reason being the aggression of russia and humanity over conflicts.
Moldova
- Population: 13,329,865
- Area: 32,850 Km2
- Formed in: 1991
- Length of the border: 1,222 km
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History:
- Ukraine and Moldova share the history being the part of Sovidet union in past.
- First time, diplomatic relations between the two nations had develop in 1992, after Ukraine officially recognised the independence of Moldova in 1991.
- There had been a continuous conflict related to Transdniestria, which is still unresolved.
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Cross-border relation:
- Ukraine and Moldova share an economic relation including trade, energy and transport.
- Ukraine provide important transit route for Moldove connecting it with other countries in Europe.
- The heated issue of Ukraine control over Transdniestria has a major impact on moldava’s territorial integrity
- Although there are certain territorial dispute between the nations, but both share a healthy bilateral relations in other matters.
- Response to Russia-Ukraine War:
Moldava has sternly condemn the Russian invasion in Ukrain. Also Russian TV Channels were banned. Along with that, considering the sensitive issue of Russia launching missiles in Black Sea targeting Ukkraine through Moldova Air space, Ministry of Defence of Moldava has closed the airspave and in order to protect information integrity.
Ukraine’s Relationships with Bordering Countries
Ukraine shares borders with seven countries: Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland. Relations with its neighbors vary, shaped by historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. Belarus and Russia have complex ties due to their shared Soviet past, but recent tensions have strained relations, especially after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Moldova and Ukraine maintain friendly relations, collaborating on resolving the Transnistrian conflict. Ukraine enjoys cooperative ties with Romania, focusing on regional stability and cultural exchanges. Hungary and Ukraine share amicable relations, although occasional disputes arise over minority rights. Slovakia and Poland are important partners for Ukraine, cooperating on various issues including energy transit and trade. Overall, while historical legacies and contemporary geopolitical dynamics influence Ukraine’s relationships with its neighbors, efforts toward cooperation and mutual understanding remain essential for fostering regional stability and prosperity.
Conclusion – List of Countries Bordering Ukraine
As a conclusion, Ukraine has built mixed relations with its neighboring country. Having a common origin from the early period of history ukraine shares cultural and geographical similarities with its neighbor. Despite of some historical conflicts, diplomatic cooperation is always maintained among the country. From trade, health, to exchange of resources. Ukraine’s foreign relation seems to be quite good.
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FAQ on List of Countries bordering Ukraine with Map
How many countries border Ukraine?
Seven countries share border with Ukraine namely Poland, slovakia, Belarus, Hungary, Russia, Moldova, Romania.
Where is the longest border of Ukraine?
The longest border of Ukraine is Russia Ukraine Border, crossing through Sea of Azov.
What is Ukraine rich in?
Ukraine is rich in production of wheat, which made Ukraine the “breadbasket of Europe”.
Which is the smallest neighboring country of Ukraine?
Moldova is the smallest neighboring country of Ukraine with an area of 32,850 sq.Km