Where is Ukraine Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 18, 2024

Where is Ukraine located on the map? Ukraine is an independent nation located in Eastern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Ukraine on maps.

Ukraine Location in World Map

Ukraine is located in the east of Europe. The country borders with Poland, Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. To the south lies the Black Sea, which is connected to the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait.

The Crimean peninsula lies in the Black Sea. It has been claimed and controlled by Russia since 2014. Ukraine continues to regard Crimea as part of its national territory.

Ukraine is the largest country in Europe, the borders of which are entirely on the continent (Russia is larger, but its greater part lies in Asia). Ukraine ranks 7th in terms of residents. The name Ukraine is probably derived from an Old Russian word that means border area.

Ukraine is in Eastern Europe. The Crimea is shown in dashed lines.

Location Information of Ukraine

Ukraine is a large country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the northwest, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania to the west, and Moldova to the southwest. To the south, it has a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukraine’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has historically made it a region of great geopolitical importance.

Latitude and Longitude

Ukraine is situated between 44° and 53° North latitude and 22° and 41° East longitude. The country spans a diverse range of landscapes, from vast flatlands and fertile plains to the Carpathian Mountains in the west and the Black Sea coastline in the south. Its geographical location places it at the junction of various cultural, linguistic, and political influences.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Kyiv

Kyiv (also known as Kiev) is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, located in the north-central part of the country. With a population of approximately 2.8 million in the city proper, Kyiv is the cultural, political, and economic center of Ukraine. Kyiv is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, with its origins dating back to the 5th century. The city played a crucial role in the development of Kievan Rus, a medieval state considered a cultural precursor to modern-day Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

Key landmarks in Kyiv include:

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra: A historic Orthodox Christian monastery complex and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its cave system and religious significance.
St. Sophia’s Cathedral: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this cathedral is known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and mosaics.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square): A symbolic location for many of Ukraine’s political movements, including the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Euromaidan protests.

Major Cities

Kharkiv: Located in the northeastern part of Ukraine, Kharkiv is the country’s second-largest city. It is an important industrial, educational, and cultural hub, home to many universities, museums, and theaters.
Odesa: Situated on the Black Sea coast, Odesa is a major port city and an economic hub. Known for its beautiful beaches, Odesa also boasts impressive architecture and is home to a vibrant cultural scene.
Lviv: Located in the western part of Ukraine, Lviv is considered the cultural capital of the country. The city has a rich history, with strong influences from Polish, Austrian, and Ukrainian cultures. Lviv is known for its medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant arts scene.
Dnipropetrovsk (now called Dnipro): Located along the Dnieper River in central Ukraine, Dnipro is an industrial powerhouse with a focus on aerospace and defense industries. It also has a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Donetsk: Once one of Ukraine’s largest cities, Donetsk has been affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. It was an important industrial city, especially for coal mining and steel production.
Zaporizhzhia: Situated in southern Ukraine along the Dnieper River, Zaporizhzhia is known for its large industrial base, particularly in energy production, and its proximity to the Kakhovka Reservoir.

Time Zone

Ukraine operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2 hours. During the summer months, the country observes Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), shifting to UTC +3 hours. The time difference between Ukraine and major U.S. cities is as follows:

New York City (Eastern Standard Time): Ukraine is 7 hours ahead of New York during standard time and 6 hours ahead during daylight saving time in Ukraine.
Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time): Ukraine is 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time and 9 hours ahead during daylight saving time in Ukraine.

Climate

Ukraine experiences a continental climate with a variety of temperature ranges across different regions of the country. Due to its size, the climate can vary significantly, with colder winters and warmer summers in the north, and milder temperatures along the southern coast.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Ukraine are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) in most areas. Snowfall is common, especially in the northern and central regions. The Carpathian Mountains in the west can experience heavier snowfall and colder temperatures.
Spring (March to May): Spring sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Rain is frequent, particularly in the early spring, and the country begins to green up, especially in the south and west.
Summer (June to August): Summers in Ukraine can be warm to hot, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The southern regions, especially along the Black Sea, can experience higher temperatures, occasionally reaching 35°C (95°F) or more. The summer months are the most popular for tourists, as the country experiences long, sunny days.
Autumn (September to November): Fall is a mild and picturesque season, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The autumn foliage, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains and western Ukraine, attracts many visitors. It is also a harvest season for fruits and vegetables.

Ukraine’s climate can be quite variable, with significant regional differences in terms of rainfall and temperature.

Economic Status

Ukraine has a mixed economy that is primarily based on agriculture, heavy industry, and energy resources. In recent years, the country has undergone a process of economic reforms, but the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and political instability have created significant challenges.

Agriculture: Ukraine is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, particularly in grains. It is known as the “breadbasket of Europe” due to its fertile soil and vast agricultural land. Key exports include wheat, corn, sunflower oil, and barley.
Heavy Industry: Ukraine’s economy has historically been driven by heavy industry, especially in sectors like steel, coal, and machinery. Major industrial centers include Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv.
Energy: Ukraine has substantial reserves of natural gas, coal, and oil, though it remains heavily dependent on Russia for energy supplies. The country has made strides in diversifying its energy sources and increasing renewable energy production.
Technology and Services: In recent years, Ukraine’s IT and technology sectors have grown rapidly. Cities like Kyiv and Lviv have become hubs for tech startups, outsourcing, and software development. The service sector, particularly finance and telecommunications, also plays a growing role in the economy.

The Ukrainian economy has faced significant challenges due to the conflict with Russia, corruption, and political instability. However, there have been ongoing efforts to modernize the economy, reduce reliance on Russian energy, and improve governance and transparency.

Tourist Attractions

Ukraine is a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes, offering visitors a range of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Ukraine include:

1. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv)

This historic monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine’s most important religious landmarks. The Lavra is home to several churches, bell towers, and catacombs, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.

2. St. Sophia’s Cathedral (Kyiv)

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, St. Sophia’s Cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics and frescoes. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest and most famous churches in Ukraine.

3. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (Pripyat)

The site of the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone offers visitors a glimpse into the eerie remnants of the abandoned city of Pripyat. Guided tours are available, taking visitors through the ghost town and surrounding areas.

4. Lviv Old Town (Lviv)

Lviv is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant café culture. The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many churches, museums, and historic buildings.

5. The Carpathian Mountains (Western Ukraine)

This mountain range offers stunning natural scenery, outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, and picturesque villages. The region is also known for its traditional wooden churches and folk culture.

6. Odesa Beaches (Odesa)

Odesa, located on the Black Sea, is a popular resort city with beautiful beaches, a lively cultural scene, and impressive 19th-century architecture. The Odesa Opera House and Potemkin Stairs are among its most famous landmarks.

7. Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle (Kamianets-Podilskyi)

This medieval castle, located in western Ukraine, is one of the most scenic and well-preserved fortresses in the country. It is perched on a rocky island and surrounded by a deep ravine, creating a dramatic setting.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Ukraine. However, a valid passport is required, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay. Visitors may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay and a return or onward ticket.

For longer stays, such as for work, study, or residency, U.S. citizens must apply for the appropriate visa through the Ukrainian embassy or consulate.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Kyiv to New York City: Approximately 7,500 km (4,660 miles), with a flight time of about 10 hours.
Distance from Kyiv to Los Angeles: Approximately 9,500 km (5,900 miles), with a flight time of about 12 hours.

Ukraine Facts

Size	603,700 km²
Residents	43.92 million
Language	Ukrainian
Capital	Kiev
Longest river	Dnepr
Highest mountain	Howerla (2061 m)
Currency	Hryvnia