This document discusses and refutes common stereotypes that Europeans hold about Ukraine and Ukrainians. Some of the stereotypes addressed include that Ukraine is part of Russia, Ukrainians drink heavily, speak primarily Russian, and experience snow year-round. The document argues that most of these stereotypes are untrue, providing facts and explanations to support this. For example, it notes that Ukraine has been an independent country since 1991, their alcohol consumption levels are similar to other European countries, and they experience all four seasons. The goal is to dispel inaccurate preconceptions about Ukraine and its people.

1. Ukraine
through the eyes
of Europeans
Віктор Лесик • Бережани • 2014

2. Stereotypes about
1. Ukraine is a part of Russia.
2. Ukrainians drink too much alcohol.
3. Ukrainians speak Russian.
4. Lard, borsch, vodka (gorilka)
5. Radioactive country.
6. Ukrainians are gloomy and non-emotional.
7. Ukrainians don`t like foreigners.
8. There is a snow in Ukraine all year round.
9. Beautiful women.
10. Recent one – we eat children and everyone has two slaves.

3. Is Ukraine a part of Russia?
Definitely, no!
 Ukraine is the geographical
center of Europe!
 Ukraine is the largest country
wholly in Europe!
 Ukraine really was a part of Soviet
Union, which also included Russia,
but since the 24th of August 1991
Ukraine is an independent country.

4. Ukrainians drink a lot of alcohol?
Generally, no.
 According to the information
of the World Health
Organization, the level of
alcohol consumption in
Ukraine is the same as in
Italy, which takes up to the
22nd place.

5. Do all Ukrainians speak Russian?
Generally, no.
 As to the most common
stereotype, Ukrainians do not
speak Russian. Please note that
the Ukrainian language has as
much common with the Russian
language, as English with Dutch
(37-38% differences in vocabulary).

6. “Salo”, “Borsch” and “Gorilka”
Well, Yes.
 There is a stereotype
that Ukrainians eat
too much lard and that
lard is almost the main dish on
the table of the ordinary
Ukrainian! I just want to add:
“And not the lard only  “

7. A radioactive country?
no, it is not.
 Because of Chernobyl tragedy,
Ukrainian vegetables and fruits
are perceived as dangerous to
eat.
Yes, there was an accident at a nuclear power plant,
but it was a long time ago, up to 26th April, 1986. So
consequences hardly affect our food.

8. Always in a bad mood?
no, not always and not everyone
 Most of the time Ukrainians keep their
emotions inside. But if they feel necessity to
express their feelings, they do not hesitate to
say what they think. In general, Ukrainian
people are much more spontaneous and
straightforward than Westerners. Don't expect
them often to say: "How are you? Nice to meet
you". The way of doing things in Ukraine is to
go straight to the point.

9. Uninvited guests?
no, never
 It is also said that Ukrainians don’t like
foreigners, but it is quite the opposite.
 We consider ourselves to be very
hospitable, ready to help and eager to
advise even when we are not asked
for. And we are the people with an
acute sense of humor!

10. Year-round snowfall?
Of course, no
 Ukraine is in the moderate
climatic zone and we have
spring, summer and autumn
as well. Of course, there are
frosts, but only in winter and
it is only three months per
year.

11. Beautiful women?
Undoubtedly, yes!
 Good-looking women are
everywhere. Ukraine is not
an exception. Our ladies like
beautiful clothes and really
a lot of Ukrainian girls take
care of their appearance.

12. Slaves for everybody!
And who came up with that at all?
 Recently many Russians
think that people in Ukraine
eat children or keep slaves.
Of course, this is nonsense!
We love our children and
there is no need for slaves in
21st century.

13. I hope that in a few years a war in Ukraine will stop and the whole
world will know that we are a powerful and independent country.
And there would be no place for bad stereotypes
and everyone in the world will know,

19. Thanks for your attention!

20. Sources of information:
▪ http://ukraine-for-business.com/interesting-ukraine/65-stereotypes-about-
ukrainians
▪ http://otvet.mail.ru/question/54177550
▪ http://europeisnotdead.com/video/images-of-europe/european-stereotypes/
— European Stereotypes