Photo: Wikipedia

The Crimean Peninsula, often called Krym, has long stood at the crossroads of cultures, empires, and trade routes. Its location on the Black Sea made it strategically important for centuries. Throughout history, the peninsula has changed hands many times: from being part of the Crimean Khanate under the Ottoman Empire, to its annexation by the Russian Empire in 1783, and later its incorporation into the Soviet Union.

Democracy, peace, and freedom are never guaranteed—they must be defended and renewed by every generation. At Arendalsuka, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Anastasiia Konovalova reminded us that young people in both Ukraine and Norway have a vital role to play in protecting these values.

Albina Mahomedova

The Arctic Philharmonic opens its season with a piece by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, performed by Ukrainian pianist Anna Fedorova. For a long time, I have tried to understand how to respond to such events.

Ukraine was never, and never will be, a voluntary part of the Soviet Union. Although Ukraine was formally part of the Soviet Union as a Union Republic from 1922 to 1991, this was not the result of voluntary association, but rather a consequence of the use of force and political manipulation.

Ukraine's history spans thousands of years, and can be traced back to the Pontic Steppe – one of the main centers of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages, Indo-European migrations, and early horse domestication. In ancient times, the region was home to the Scythians, followed by a gradual expansion of Slavic tribes. The northern Black Sea coast experienced the influence of Greek and Roman colonies, which left a lasting cultural legacy. Over time, these various influences helped develop early political and cultural structures.