Ukraine (Ukrainian: Україна) is a country in Eastern Europe. It lies at the northwest end of the Black Sea, with Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland to the northwest, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, and Romania to the south west and south, with Moldova in between. Ukraine takes its roots from the establishment of the East Slavic state Kyivan Rus (IX-XIII centuries). Since then, Ukraine preserved its geographical location, capital and national customs (including Kyivan Rus state emblem). There are risks of traveling to parts of Ukraine under control of pro-Russian separatists (Luhansk and Donetsk). While tourists are unlikely to be the intended targets of violence, government services (police, hospitals, firefighters) are not available in these areas. (Ukraine Wikitravel)