The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy

The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy is a definitive and accessible history of Ukraine, tracing the country’s complex past from its ancient beginnings to the present day. Written by one of the leading historians of Eastern Europe, the book highlights Ukraine’s role as a cultural crossroads and its enduring struggle for sovereignty and identity. Synopsis Plokhy explores Ukraine’s thousand-year history, beginning with its roots in Kyivan Rus’, through Mongol invasions, Polish-Lithuanian and Ottoman influences, the rise of Cossack traditions, and centuries of domination by Russia and the Soviet Union. He demonstrates how Ukraine’s strategic location—on the edge of Europe and at the center of Eurasian trade and conquest—shaped its history as both a frontier and a battleground. The book culminates with Ukraine’s modern independence, the 2014 Maidan Revolution, and the ongoing conflicts with Russia, situating contemporary events within a deep historical context. Key Features & Themes

• Deep Historical Roots: From Kyivan Rus’ to modern independence.
• Cultural Crossroads: Ukraine as a meeting point of European and Eurasian civilizations.
• Foreign Domination: Centuries under Polish, Russian, and Soviet rule.
• National Identity: The development of Ukrainian language, culture, and self-determination.
• Contemporary Relevance: Connects current geopolitical struggles to Ukraine’s long history.

Why Read It?

• Provides a sweeping yet concise history of Ukraine from antiquity to the 21st century.
• Explains the historical foundations of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
• Essential for readers seeking to understand Eastern European history and geopolitics.
• Written with clarity and authority by a leading historian.

The Gates of Europe is an illuminating and timely history that places Ukraine’s past and present in perspective, revealing why this nation stands at the heart of Europe’s future.