How Far Is Ukraine From Russia

Ukraine and Russia have had a complicated relationship since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Ukraine’s eastern border is its main point of contention with Russia, as much of Ukraine’s eastern border is within the traditional sphere of influence of the Russian Federation. In recent years, the two neighbors have been in open conflict due to Russian actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

So, how far is Ukraine from Russia? In terms of physical distance, Ukraine is about 970 miles (1,560km) from Russia. However, the two nations’ integration into each other’s economies and geopolitics has reduced that distance significantly.

Ukraine and Russia are connected by a series of trains, buses, and other transportation options. In fact, Ukrainians and Russians regularly traverse the border for economic, personal, and even cultural reasons. The two nations’ language, culture, and history are inextricably linked.

When Russian forces annexed Crimea in 2014, Ukraine was thrust into the international spotlight. For years, Russia and Ukraine had been in conflict over the Crimean peninsula, which Kiev claims geographically, historically, and politically. The separatist war in eastern Ukraine has caused further tension between the two countries, even though the actual physical distance between them hasn’t changed.

It is clear that the Ukrainian-Russian relationship is far from peaceful, even if the physical distance between the two countries is only around 970 miles. The recent history between Ukraine and Russia has laid the groundwork for a politically charged atmosphere between two nations with a complicated past.