Ukraine, located in Eastern Europe, boasts a rich and intricate history. Once the heart of civilizations like Kievan Rus', it experienced various foreign influences before gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, the country has encountered political, economic, and geopolitical challenges, notably tensions with Russia. Its strategic position makes it a key player in relations between the European Union and Russia. The official currency, the hryvnia, has been in circulation since 1996, managed by the National Bank of Ukraine, with its symbol being "₴".