Myth: Ukraine was always part of Russia.
Fact: Ukraine has a long history as a distinct entity, dating back to the medieval state of Kyivan Rus (9th–13th centuries), which was centered around modern-day Ukraine. Russia, as a political entity, emerged much later, in the 16th century. Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was founded in the 5th century and was the center of Kyivan Rus, a powerful state. Moscow, by contrast, was founded in the 12th century, long after Kyiv.
While parts of Ukraine were under Russian control during various periods, Ukraine has always maintained its unique language, culture, and identity. The myth that Ukraine was always part of Russia is a distortion used in Russian propaganda to deny Ukraine’s sovereignty.