History Series #5: The formation and evolution of the Cossack State

In this week’s episode we arrive at a very important point in the history of Ukraine: The formation and evolution of the Cossack State - a story that Yevheniia Fedotova takes us through. We talk about the role of different Cossack leaders such as Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky and Ivan Mazepa. The episode covers a period in which Ukraine underwent many territorial changes as the Cossacks found themselves in conflicts with many belligerents having different ideas about what to do with the territory of Ukraine. We see once again how culture, religion and alliances have shaped Ukraine’s history, and we see once again how perennial the struggle for independence has been for Ukraine throughout all its history. An especially important takeaway from the episode is The Pereialsav Treaty of 1654 between the Ukrainian Cossacks and the Tsardom of Muscovy.

If you have any questions or suggestions for things we could talk about please tell us on our Instagram platforms. We really want your feedback! 

Emil Juhler: https://www.instagram.com/ukraine_history_in_the_making/ 

Yevheniia Fedotova: https://www.instagram.com/yevgenia_shulga/ 

Olena Dudko: https://www.instagram.com/helen.d9/ 

Elizabeth Pulvas: https://www.instagram.com/esilep/