Way to Russia Talk Lounge

CraneChem · Just Starting Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Posts: 9

i have been reading a lot about Russia and its people, and I wanted to ask those who have experience of travelling both in Russia and Ukraine, in what ways are ukrainians different from russians?

i myself plan to go over to Kharkov, in the nearest future to meet several ladies who i've been talking to through one the marriage agencies (mordinson.com), so if somebody has got experience with agencies in kharkov, please share it!

Varrah · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject:

As you're not Russian, I don't think you'll notice too big difference - former Soviet republics such Russia and the Ukraine are, are very much alike. There're plenty of Russians and Russian-speaking people in the Ukraine.
But nowadays Ukrainians tend to Europe more than to Russia (at least that's what the officals are trying to llok like), so may be the experience will be a bit different.
Remember also that they have another language, close to Russian, but not Russian. There're people, that, especially when drunk, would not like even the topic about Russia itself. But as you are a foreigner, this will not bother you.
From the point of view of Russians Ukranians have a bit funny and a bit "kind" or "childish" language. So to Russians people there seem to be kinder from the first look.

PoetFallen · Just Starting Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

There is no big diffirence... in really Russia, Belarus and Ukraine - mentionally - one country. In fact when they had one border - when the Great Russian Empire was, Ukraine was called (and officially too) "Malorossiya" (Small Russia) and Belarus was called "Belorussiya" - "White Russia" (this name is still official name of country). If you will look at word Ukraine - you will see that this means "u kraya" - "near edge" that means "near edge of territory of Russia". The Russian territory was called "Velikorossia" that means "Great Russia". This three countries (better - part of country) was one big country - Russia.

Avis · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:16 pm Post subject:

hmmm
I would say Russia and Ukraine are two separate countries and this gap is obviously being encreased by politics and the society itself.
JMO, though.
I am russian and still have relatives in Ukraine but don't visit them often.
Last time i was in Kharkov it seemed to have changed a lot and I felt a little bit confused speaking russian there.
Anyway, I do think you'd better take Russia and Ukraine as two different countries not trying to find a thing in common. That would be easier for all the sides Smile

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