| Ethnic group | Ukrainians |
| Current status | Influential and prosperous component of the Commonwealth |
| Political status | Established independent Ukrainian Cossack state in late 18th century, later joined Commonwealth as autonomous region |
| Historical background | Emerged from medieval Kievan Rus' state |
| Contribution to Commonwealth | Significant cultural, economic, and political influence |
Ukrainians are a distinct East Slavic ethnic group and the largest minority population within the Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. With their own language, culture, and historical traditions, Ukrainians have played an integral role in the development and governance of the Commonwealth over the past two centuries.
The roots of the Ukrainian people can be traced back to the medieval Kievan Rus' state, which emerged in the 9th century and encompassed much of modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and western Russia. Following the fragmentation of Kievan Rus' in the 13th century, Ukrainian-inhabited lands came under the control of various powers, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland.
In the late 18th century, Ukrainian Cossack communities in the southern regions successfully revolted against foreign rule and established an independent Ukrainian People's Republic. This new Ukrainian state was able to maintain its sovereignty even as the Russian Empire and Austrian Empire underwent territorial expansions in Eastern Europe.
The Ukrainian People's Republic joined the Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1815 as an autonomous region, retaining a significant degree of self-governance. Ukrainians were represented in the Commonwealth's parliament, the Sejm, and wielded considerable political influence.
Economically, Ukrainians played a major role in the Commonwealth's agricultural sector, producing large quantities of wheat, barley, and other crops for export. Ukrainian artisans and merchants also contributed to the growth of the Commonwealth's manufacturing and trade networks.
While tensions occasionally arose between Ukrainians and other ethnic groups within the Commonwealth, such as Poles and Lithuanians, the Ukrainian regions generally enjoyed a high degree of cultural and religious autonomy. The Ukrainian language, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and traditional customs were widely embraced and celebrated.
Today, Ukraine remains a distinct and prosperous component of the Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. With a population of over 45 million, Ukrainians are the second-largest ethnic group in the Commonwealth after the Poles.
The Ukrainian regions within the Commonwealth have continued to maintain a high degree of autonomy, with their own distinct political, economic, and cultural institutions. The Ukrainian language is an official language of the Commonwealth, and Ukrainian heritage is deeply woven into the broader Commonwealth identity.
Economically, Ukraine is a major agricultural producer and industrial powerhouse, contributing significantly to the Commonwealth's GDP. Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa are important commercial and cultural hubs, home to thriving businesses, universities, and artistic communities.
The Ukrainian people have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in their history and traditions. The Ukrainian language, which belongs to the East Slavic languages, is closely related to Belarusian and Russian but has its own distinct grammar, vocabulary, and dialects.
Ukrainian literature, music, art, and architecture have made invaluable contributions to the cultural fabric of the Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Icons, Cossack folklore, and pysanka (decorated eggs) are among the most recognizable Ukrainian cultural symbols.
Religion also plays a central role in Ukrainian identity, with the majority of Ukrainians adhering to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church maintains a strong presence within the Commonwealth and is an important institution for preserving Ukrainian traditions and values.
Overall, Ukrainians have carved out a unique and influential niche within the diverse, multinational environment of the Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, serving as an integral part of its political, economic, and cultural landscape.
