Kyiv
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. It is also the largest city.
History
Kyiv was originally settled on the west bank of the Dnieper River, but over time expanded to both sides. Slavic settlements existed in the area at least since the 6th century. Ptolemy documented Azagarium as being approximately here in 150. The Dnieper was a critical route for the trade between Vikings (Varingians) and the Byzantines, so this represented a highly strategic location.
The Khazar Khaganate collected tribute from this region until the Vikings themselves conquered and settled here, becoming the Rus people. The state they created Slavified over time; originally centered on the Volkhov River, power migrated to Kyiv and the state became Kyivan Rus.
Following the February Revolution, the first incarnation of the Ukrainian People's Republic was declared here.