Ukraine's Cities: A Shared History with Russia?

Several Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odessa, have histories deeply intertwined with the Russian Empire. Kharkiv, founded in 1654, served as a crucial defensive outpost. Dnipro, established in 1774, and Odessa, founded in 1794, both expanded significantly under Catherine the Great's rule. Sevastopol, a major Black Sea port, was also developed during this period. However, historians debate the extent of Russian influence, with some arguing that existing settlements were merely incorporated into the Russian state. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex history of these cities.