Ukraine

[Truth2Know]

Having Ukrainian blood in me, I am sensitive to the use of "the Ukraine" when only the country name, Ukraine, should be used. Ukraine is an independent country and should be referred to as such.

Now, I understand that many in the MSM lack basic general knowledge and are sloppy in their craft. I can understand this misuse from them. However, I have also seen this error on the USMB. I know, it's hard to believe from the quality of folks on here, but I have seen it. Let's try to drive the usage error rate to zero.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by a proud German-Ukrainian American.

Thanks and God bless America.

Name of Ukraine - Wikipedia

"Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine"
Since the Ukrainian language does not use definite articles, "Ukraine" is the proper name in the Ukrainian language[2]. However, in languages which possess definite articles, the question of whether the "official" name for Ukraine includes the definite article is subject to discussion. "Ukraine" and "The Ukraine" are both possible translations of the Ukrainian "Україна"- however, "Ukraine" is the more proper of the two.[citation needed]

Since the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, the English-speaking world has changed its usage from "the Ukraine" to "Ukraine".[2][3][4][37] From November 1991, several American journalists began to use "Ukraine" instead of "the Ukraine".[4] The Associated Press dropped the article "the" on 3 December 1991.[4] This approach has become established in journalism and diplomacy since (other examples are the style guides of The Guardian[38] and The Times[39]). In 1993 the Ukrainian government requested that the article be dropped.[40]

Referring to the country as "the Ukraine" instead of "Ukraine" is considered insulting and derogatory by many Ukrainians.[41][42] It now implies disregard for the country's sovereignty, according to U.S. ambassador William Taylor. He noted that it continues in Russian usage (where the common form na Ukraine, "in the Ukraine", dates to the Soviet period), and has parallels in (particularly British) English, where forms such as "the Lebanon" were once usual for non-sovereign territories, as one would for instance refer to "the Rocky Mountains".[43]During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine, "The Ukraine" was used to identify the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as a region of the Soviet Union- the same way that Americans label Central USA as "The Great Plains". Another theory about the origin of "The Ukraine" comes from Sir Bernard Pares, a Russian historian[29][23][20]. His theory suggested that "the Ukraine" came from French usage. The French language uses definite articles in naming countries- Ia France, le Canada and l'Ukraine are a few examples. However, the definite article is lost in translation. English speakers do not use 'the Canada', 'the France', nor 'the Ukraine' in the English language. [1]

In short, the use of the definite article "the" before a country name is only to be used in two cases. If the country (or other subnational feature) is plural, use an article. Likewise, if the main portion of the country's name is a noun with an independent meaning, use an article.

 

[Stratford57]

But a quarter of a century after modern Ukraine was established, how independent is it really? If we define it as the ability to conduct policy in the best interests of its own citizens, then we can’t describe Ukraine as truly autonomous.

Twenty five years ago, Ukraine was on a par with Poland. Today, it would need to grow by about 10 percent per annum until 2032, just to catch up with where its more successful neighbor is now.

Armed with this knowledge, Western leaders are content to exploit Ukraine as a buffer against Russia. As Barack Obama has admitted, Ukraine “is a core interest for Moscow, in a way that it is not for the United States.” Thus, by keeping Ukraine on a tight leash they can antagonize Russia, without needing to spend huge amounts of money.

For the current regime in Kiev, the definition of Ukrainian independence is to avoid any sort of relationship with Moscow.

“In little over a year, living standards in Ukraine have fallen by half, the value of the currency has slumped by more than two-thirds, and inflation has skyrocketed to 43 percent. Yet, even as the economy has collapsed, the government has insisted on economic policies that can only be termed suicidal,”

Modern Ukraine is 25 yrs old, but is it actually independent?
------
Soldiers of the collaborationist Ukrainian Insurgent Army and activists of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists were along with Germans responsible for the Holocaust in Ukraine as well as for the genocide of Polish civilians in Nazi-occupied West Ukraine. In today’s Ukraine, however, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army is officially glorified as the only legitimate Ukrainian military force in WWII.
The truth about Ukraine: Byshok's lecture at Brown University - Fort Russ

 

[Moonglow]

Having Ukrainian blood in me, I am sensitive to the use of "the Ukraine" when only the country name, Ukraine, should be used. Ukraine is an independent country and should be referred to as such.

Now, I understand that many in the MSM lack basic general knowledge and are sloppy in their craft. I can understand this misuse from them. However, I have also seen this error on the USMB. I know, it's hard to believe from the quality of folks on here, but I have seen it. Let's try to drive the usage error rate to zero.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by a proud German-Ukrainian American.

Thanks and God bless America.

Name of Ukraine - Wikipedia

"Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine"
Since the Ukrainian language does not use definite articles, "Ukraine" is the proper name in the Ukrainian language[2]. However, in languages which possess definite articles, the question of whether the "official" name for Ukraine includes the definite article is subject to discussion. "Ukraine" and "The Ukraine" are both possible translations of the Ukrainian "Україна"- however, "Ukraine" is the more proper of the two.[citation needed]

Since the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, the English-speaking world has changed its usage from "the Ukraine" to "Ukraine".[2][3][4][37] From November 1991, several American journalists began to use "Ukraine" instead of "the Ukraine".[4] The Associated Press dropped the article "the" on 3 December 1991.[4] This approach has become established in journalism and diplomacy since (other examples are the style guides of The Guardian[38] and The Times[39]). In 1993 the Ukrainian government requested that the article be dropped.[40]

Referring to the country as "the Ukraine" instead of "Ukraine" is considered insulting and derogatory by many Ukrainians.[41][42] It now implies disregard for the country's sovereignty, according to U.S. ambassador William Taylor. He noted that it continues in Russian usage (where the common form na Ukraine, "in the Ukraine", dates to the Soviet period), and has parallels in (particularly British) English, where forms such as "the Lebanon" were once usual for non-sovereign territories, as one would for instance refer to "the Rocky Mountains".[43]During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine, "The Ukraine" was used to identify the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as a region of the Soviet Union- the same way that Americans label Central USA as "The Great Plains". Another theory about the origin of "The Ukraine" comes from Sir Bernard Pares, a Russian historian[29][23][20]. His theory suggested that "the Ukraine" came from French usage. The French language uses definite articles in naming countries- Ia France, le Canada and l'Ukraine are a few examples. However, the definite article is lost in translation. English speakers do not use 'the Canada', 'the France', nor 'the Ukraine' in the English language. [1]

In short, the use of the definite article "the" before a country name is only to be used in two cases. If the country (or other subnational feature) is plural, use an article. Likewise, if the main portion of the country's name is a noun with an independent meaning, use an article.

The use of the word"the" in American language is used as a pronoun...Which is just the way we does it here...

 

[depotoo]

It is also used with US or USA. The US. Also independent.

 

[Moonglow]

But a quarter of a century after modern Ukraine was established, how independent is it really? If we define it as the ability to conduct policy in the best interests of its own citizens, then we can’t describe Ukraine as truly autonomous.

Twenty five years ago, Ukraine was on a par with Poland. Today, it would need to grow by about 10 percent per annum until 2032, just to catch up with where its more successful neighbor is now.

Armed with this knowledge, Western leaders are content to exploit Ukraine as a buffer against Russia. As Barack Obama has admitted, Ukraine “is a core interest for Moscow, in a way that it is not for the United States.” Thus, by keeping Ukraine on a tight leash they can antagonize Russia, without needing to spend huge amounts of money.

For the current regime in Kiev, the definition of Ukrainian independence is to avoid any sort of relationship with Moscow.

“In little over a year, living standards in Ukraine have fallen by half, the value of the currency has slumped by more than two-thirds, and inflation has skyrocketed to 43 percent. Yet, even as the economy has collapsed, the government has insisted on economic policies that can only be termed suicidal,”

Modern Ukraine is 25 yrs old, but is it actually independent?

Soldiers of the collaborationist Ukrainian Insurgent Army and activists of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists were along with Germans responsible for the Holocaust in Ukraine as well as for the genocide of Polish civilians in Nazi-occupied West Ukraine. In today’s Ukraine, however, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army is officially glorified as the only legitimate Ukrainian military force in WWII.
The truth about Ukraine: Byshok's lecture at Brown University - Fort Russ

That was a long, time ago, and Stalin was no pick nick, and they lster found out Hitler was no cream pie...Stalin killed many people after the USSR retook the former Nazi territories, just because he thought they were collaborating with the Nazis and managed to live through the hell..Stalin made many enemies of his own people..And if you are from there you know how through the past centuries, there are had several powers that controlled it before Tsarist Russia finally gained control of the area.....
the reason for the buffer area is it is geopolitics and military strategy that has existed since humans decided it was the way to exist..
The USSR ma have fallen, but not the principals of proxy warfare..

 

[yiostheoy]

Having Ukrainian blood in me, I am sensitive to the use of "the Ukraine" when only the country name, Ukraine, should be used. Ukraine is an independent country and should be referred to as such.

Now, I understand that many in the MSM lack basic general knowledge and are sloppy in their craft. I can understand this misuse from them. However, I have also seen this error on the USMB. I know, it's hard to believe from the quality of folks on here, but I have seen it. Let's try to drive the usage error rate to zero.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by a proud German-Ukrainian American.

Thanks and God bless America.

Name of Ukraine - Wikipedia

"Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine"
Since the Ukrainian language does not use definite articles, "Ukraine" is the proper name in the Ukrainian language[2]. However, in languages which possess definite articles, the question of whether the "official" name for Ukraine includes the definite article is subject to discussion. "Ukraine" and "The Ukraine" are both possible translations of the Ukrainian "Україна"- however, "Ukraine" is the more proper of the two.[citation needed]

Since the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, the English-speaking world has changed its usage from "the Ukraine" to "Ukraine".[2][3][4][37] From November 1991, several American journalists began to use "Ukraine" instead of "the Ukraine".[4] The Associated Press dropped the article "the" on 3 December 1991.[4] This approach has become established in journalism and diplomacy since (other examples are the style guides of The Guardian[38] and The Times[39]). In 1993 the Ukrainian government requested that the article be dropped.[40]

Referring to the country as "the Ukraine" instead of "Ukraine" is considered insulting and derogatory by many Ukrainians.[41][42] It now implies disregard for the country's sovereignty, according to U.S. ambassador William Taylor. He noted that it continues in Russian usage (where the common form na Ukraine, "in the Ukraine", dates to the Soviet period), and has parallels in (particularly British) English, where forms such as "the Lebanon" were once usual for non-sovereign territories, as one would for instance refer to "the Rocky Mountains".[43]During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine, "The Ukraine" was used to identify the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as a region of the Soviet Union- the same way that Americans label Central USA as "The Great Plains". Another theory about the origin of "The Ukraine" comes from Sir Bernard Pares, a Russian historian[29][23][20]. His theory suggested that "the Ukraine" came from French usage. The French language uses definite articles in naming countries- Ia France, le Canada and l'Ukraine are a few examples. However, the definite article is lost in translation. English speakers do not use 'the Canada', 'the France', nor 'the Ukraine' in the English language. [1]

In short, the use of the definite article "the" before a country name is only to be used in two cases. If the country (or other subnational feature) is plural, use an article. Likewise, if the main portion of the country's name is a noun with an independent meaning, use an article.

English comes from French mostly, which comes from Latin mostly, which comes partly from Greek due to Greek dominance in the northern Mediterranean during the Bronze Age before the Romans became an Empire.

In Greek there are definitely definite and indefinite articles.

So in English almost everything gets a "the".

Not Russia though. Russia is just Russia, not "the Russia".

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

The Ukraine.

The Netherlands.

The Philippines.

The Azores.

The Peloponnese.

The Arctic.

The Antarctic.

 

[Moonglow]

French is a romantic Latin language...

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

Like that damn i after e except and c, BS rules..

 

[yiostheoy]

French is a romantic Latin language...

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

Like that damn i after e except and c, BS rules..

"I" after "E" except after "C" or when used as an "A" as in "NEIGHBOR" or "WEIGH" !!!

This is the fault of the Greeks and the Irish.

The Greeks always pronounce "EI" as "EE" and it is rare in Greek to have an IE -- however one notable exception is JESUS: "IESOUS".

The Irish have been mispronouncing and misspelling everything since they first learned English a thousand years ago. English is their second language. Keltic was their first.

 

[Hossfly]

Jeebus! All this education flying around here hurts the head.

 

[Truth2Know]

The use of the word"the" in American language is used as a pronoun...Which is just the way we does it here...

Maybe you need to change the way you does it in the Missouri.

It is also used with US or USA. The US. Also independent.

Correct. We say "the United States" because more than one state is being referred to. We say "America" not "the America" because America is a single, independent country.

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

The Ukraine.

The Netherlands.

The Philippines.

The Azores.

The Peloponnese.

The Arctic.

The Antarctic.

Of your examples, how many refer to single, independent countries? Hint: Only Ukraine.

Drop the "the" from your memorized rules regarding Ukraine. It's incorrect. As people in France, Germany, Ireland, England, Greenland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and every other independent country in the world would certainly agree with.

 

[The Sage of Main Street]

Having Ukrainian blood in me, I am sensitive to the use of "the Ukraine" when only the country name, Ukraine, should be used. Ukraine is an independent country and should be referred to as such.

Now, I understand that many in the MSM lack basic general knowledge and are sloppy in their craft. I can understand this misuse from them. However, I have also seen this error on the USMB. I know, it's hard to believe from the quality of folks on here, but I have seen it. Let's try to drive the usage error rate to zero.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by a proud German-Ukrainian American.

Thanks and God bless America.

Name of Ukraine - Wikipedia

"Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine"
Since the Ukrainian language does not use definite articles, "Ukraine" is the proper name in the Ukrainian language[2]. However, in languages which possess definite articles, the question of whether the "official" name for Ukraine includes the definite article is subject to discussion. "Ukraine" and "The Ukraine" are both possible translations of the Ukrainian "Україна"- however, "Ukraine" is the more proper of the two.[citation needed]

Since the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, the English-speaking world has changed its usage from "the Ukraine" to "Ukraine".[2][3][4][37] From November 1991, several American journalists began to use "Ukraine" instead of "the Ukraine".[4] The Associated Press dropped the article "the" on 3 December 1991.[4] This approach has become established in journalism and diplomacy since (other examples are the style guides of The Guardian[38] and The Times[39]). In 1993 the Ukrainian government requested that the article be dropped.[40]

Referring to the country as "the Ukraine" instead of "Ukraine" is considered insulting and derogatory by many Ukrainians.[41][42] It now implies disregard for the country's sovereignty, according to U.S. ambassador William Taylor. He noted that it continues in Russian usage (where the common form na Ukraine, "in the Ukraine", dates to the Soviet period), and has parallels in (particularly British) English, where forms such as "the Lebanon" were once usual for non-sovereign territories, as one would for instance refer to "the Rocky Mountains".[43]During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine, "The Ukraine" was used to identify the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as a region of the Soviet Union- the same way that Americans label Central USA as "The Great Plains". Another theory about the origin of "The Ukraine" comes from Sir Bernard Pares, a Russian historian[29][23][20]. His theory suggested that "the Ukraine" came from French usage. The French language uses definite articles in naming countries- Ia France, le Canada and l'Ukraine are a few examples. However, the definite article is lost in translation. English speakers do not use 'the Canada', 'the France', nor 'the Ukraine' in the English language. [1]

In short, the use of the definite article "the" before a country name is only to be used in two cases. If the country (or other subnational feature) is plural, use an article. Likewise, if the main portion of the country's name is a noun with an independent meaning, use an article.

Don't Go Bossing Us Around About What to Call Your Fake Country

The Ukraine never fought for its independence, so it has no right to it. It is an attractive nuisance that invites in NYETO to antagonize Russia and then defend it from the Bear, because the Ukrainians don't have the guts to defend themselves. To deserve independence, you must draft every young man at age 18, build tunnels and bunkers, and most of all, form a federation with Poland and others instead of playing the little defenseless victim that self-righteous warmongers have to save.

 

[Moonglow]

The use of the word"the" in American language is used as a pronoun...Which is just the way we does it here...

Maybe you need to change the way you does it in the Missouri.

It is also used with US or USA. The US. Also independent.

Correct. We say "the United States" because more than one state is being referred to. We say "America" not "the America" because America is a single, independent country.

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

The Ukraine.

The Netherlands.

The Philippines.

The Azores.

The Peloponnese.

The Arctic.

The Antarctic.

Of your examples, how many refer to single, independent countries? Hint: Only Ukraine.

Drop the "the" from your memorized rules regarding Ukraine. It's incorrect. As people in France, Germany, Ireland, England, Greenland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and every other independent country in the world would certainly agree with.

America is a term which refers to North and/or South America..The correct term is the USA..

 

[depotoo]

It is not done to deny the sovereignty of Ukraine. Sorry you are sensitive to it. I guess I can understand it brings back memories of when it was a soviet state. But the US means no disrespect to you.

The use of the word"the" in American language is used as a pronoun...Which is just the way we does it here...

Maybe you need to change the way you does it in the Missouri.

It is also used with US or USA. The US. Also independent.

Correct. We say "the United States" because more than one state is being referred to. We say "America" not "the America" because America is a single, independent country.

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

The Ukraine.

The Netherlands.

The Philippines.

The Azores.

The Peloponnese.

The Arctic.

The Antarctic.

Of your examples, how many refer to single, independent countries? Hint: Only Ukraine.

Drop the "the" from your memorized rules regarding Ukraine. It's incorrect. As people in France, Germany, Ireland, England, Greenland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and every other independent country in the world would certainly agree with.

 

[Lewdog]

The use of the word"the" in American language is used as a pronoun...Which is just the way we does it here...

Maybe you need to change the way you does it in the Missouri.

It is also used with US or USA. The US. Also independent.

Correct. We say "the United States" because more than one state is being referred to. We say "America" not "the America" because America is a single, independent country.

It is one of those irregular memorized rules.

The Ukraine.

The Netherlands.

The Philippines.

The Azores.

The Peloponnese.

The Arctic.

The Antarctic.

Of your examples, how many refer to single, independent countries? Hint: Only Ukraine.

Drop the "the" from your memorized rules regarding Ukraine. It's incorrect. As people in France, Germany, Ireland, England, Greenland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and every other independent country in the world would certainly agree with.

There is no such country as America.

 

[Truth2Know]

Don't Go Bossing Us Around About What to Call Your Fake Country

Not trying to boss you, Sage. Just thought you'd like to be correct. If not, your choice.

America is a term which refers to North and/or South America..The correct term is the USA.

There is no such country as America.

Anyone who does not believe that "the United States", "America", and "USA" are synonymous has to be a lawyer. Regardless, "the" is only used with two of the three names, not America.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Having Ukrainian blood in me, I am sensitive to the use of "the Ukraine" when only the country name, Ukraine, should be used. Ukraine is an independent country and should be referred to as such.

Now, I understand that many in the MSM lack basic general knowledge and are sloppy in their craft. I can understand this misuse from them. However, I have also seen this error on the USMB. I know, it's hard to believe from the quality of folks on here, but I have seen it. Let's try to drive the usage error rate to zero.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by a proud German-Ukrainian American.

Thanks and God bless America.

Name of Ukraine - Wikipedia

"Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine"
Since the Ukrainian language does not use definite articles, "Ukraine" is the proper name in the Ukrainian language[2]. However, in languages which possess definite articles, the question of whether the "official" name for Ukraine includes the definite article is subject to discussion. "Ukraine" and "The Ukraine" are both possible translations of the Ukrainian "Україна"- however, "Ukraine" is the more proper of the two.[citation needed]

Since the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, the English-speaking world has changed its usage from "the Ukraine" to "Ukraine".[2][3][4][37] From November 1991, several American journalists began to use "Ukraine" instead of "the Ukraine".[4] The Associated Press dropped the article "the" on 3 December 1991.[4] This approach has become established in journalism and diplomacy since (other examples are the style guides of The Guardian[38] and The Times[39]). In 1993 the Ukrainian government requested that the article be dropped.[40]

Referring to the country as "the Ukraine" instead of "Ukraine" is considered insulting and derogatory by many Ukrainians.[41][42] It now implies disregard for the country's sovereignty, according to U.S. ambassador William Taylor. He noted that it continues in Russian usage (where the common form na Ukraine, "in the Ukraine", dates to the Soviet period), and has parallels in (particularly British) English, where forms such as "the Lebanon" were once usual for non-sovereign territories, as one would for instance refer to "the Rocky Mountains".[43]During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine, "The Ukraine" was used to identify the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as a region of the Soviet Union- the same way that Americans label Central USA as "The Great Plains". Another theory about the origin of "The Ukraine" comes from Sir Bernard Pares, a Russian historian[29][23][20]. His theory suggested that "the Ukraine" came from French usage. The French language uses definite articles in naming countries- Ia France, le Canada and l'Ukraine are a few examples. However, the definite article is lost in translation. English speakers do not use 'the Canada', 'the France', nor 'the Ukraine' in the English language. [1]

In short, the use of the definite article "the" before a country name is only to be used in two cases. If the country (or other subnational feature) is plural, use an article. Likewise, if the main portion of the country's name is a noun with an independent meaning, use an article.

Stop being so sensitive.
We use the term "The U.S." all the time to identify our own country.

 

[Truth2Know]

Stop being so sensitive.
We use the term "The U.S." all the time to identify our own country.

My sensitivity is not because of my nationality, which is long ago and far away. It is to the misuse of the phrase, "the Ukraine", instead of the proper "Ukraine." I just happen to know this fact very well due to my heritage. I wanted to share this truth with those on USMB who are interested in correcting themselves in the future in case they were of the erroneous "the Ukraine" mindset.

Maybe I'll tackle when to use "its" versus "it's" or "your" versus "you're" next. I'm sensitive to the blatant misuse of these words, too.

By the way, as I addressed previously, "the United States" is correct due to the reference to multiple states. However, one would say, "I live in America.", not, "I live in the America." It depends on whether the plural or singular form of the country is used.

Class dismissed.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Stop being so sensitive.
We use the term "The U.S." all the time to identify our own country.

My sensitivity is not because of my nationality, which is long ago and far away. It is to the misuse of the phrase, "the Ukraine", instead of the proper "Ukraine." I just happen to know this fact very well due to my heritage. I wanted to share this truth with those on USMB who are interested in correcting themselves in the future in case they were of the erroneous "the Ukraine" mindset.

Maybe I'll tackle when to use "its" versus "it's" or "your" versus "you're" next. I'm sensitive to the blatant misuse of these words, too.

By the way, as I addressed previously, "the United States" is correct due to the reference to multiple states. However, one would say, "I live in America.", not, "I live in the America." It depends on whether the plural or singular form of the country is used.

Class dismissed.

So you're saying you're anal....

 

[Baron]

So-called 'Ukraine' is a bunch of poor failed corrupted sh... Let my tax money stay here and not be transferred to bandera - murders and Nazis.

Hopefully Russians will never help this traitorous dirty murder 'state'.

 

[peabody]

Having Ukrainian blood in me, I am sensitive to the use of "the Ukraine" when only the country name, Ukraine, should be used. Ukraine is an independent country and should be referred to as such.

Now, I understand that many in the MSM lack basic general knowledge and are sloppy in their craft. I can understand this misuse from them. However, I have also seen this error on the USMB. I know, it's hard to believe from the quality of folks on here, but I have seen it. Let's try to drive the usage error rate to zero.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by a proud German-Ukrainian American.

Thanks and God bless America.

Name of Ukraine - Wikipedia

"Ukraine" versus "the Ukraine"
Since the Ukrainian language does not use definite articles, "Ukraine" is the proper name in the Ukrainian language[2]. However, in languages which possess definite articles, the question of whether the "official" name for Ukraine includes the definite article is subject to discussion. "Ukraine" and "The Ukraine" are both possible translations of the Ukrainian "Україна"- however, "Ukraine" is the more proper of the two.[citation needed]

Since the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, the English-speaking world has changed its usage from "the Ukraine" to "Ukraine".[2][3][4][37] From November 1991, several American journalists began to use "Ukraine" instead of "the Ukraine".[4] The Associated Press dropped the article "the" on 3 December 1991.[4] This approach has become established in journalism and diplomacy since (other examples are the style guides of The Guardian[38] and The Times[39]). In 1993 the Ukrainian government requested that the article be dropped.[40]

Referring to the country as "the Ukraine" instead of "Ukraine" is considered insulting and derogatory by many Ukrainians.[41][42] It now implies disregard for the country's sovereignty, according to U.S. ambassador William Taylor. He noted that it continues in Russian usage (where the common form na Ukraine, "in the Ukraine", dates to the Soviet period), and has parallels in (particularly British) English, where forms such as "the Lebanon" were once usual for non-sovereign territories, as one would for instance refer to "the Rocky Mountains".[43]During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine, "The Ukraine" was used to identify the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic as a region of the Soviet Union- the same way that Americans label Central USA as "The Great Plains". Another theory about the origin of "The Ukraine" comes from Sir Bernard Pares, a Russian historian[29][23][20]. His theory suggested that "the Ukraine" came from French usage. The French language uses definite articles in naming countries- Ia France, le Canada and l'Ukraine are a few examples. However, the definite article is lost in translation. English speakers do not use 'the Canada', 'the France', nor 'the Ukraine' in the English language. [1]

In short, the use of the definite article "the" before a country name is only to be used in two cases. If the country (or other subnational feature) is plural, use an article. Likewise, if the main portion of the country's name is a noun with an independent meaning, use an article.

What's the deal with Ukraine? Why did Russia take it over? Or did they? How do the majority of Ukrainians feel about Russia's presence? Why do establishment Democrats and neocons want a new Cold War with Russia? Do you think the Americans are using Ukraine as a pawn against Russia? How do you feel about the way the American MSM news has covered the situation in Ukraine?