Abstract
The article under studies reviews the most important stages of Ukrainian history (from the Middle Ages to the end of World War I) that had the most decisive impact on the formation of Ukrainian nation, as well as the ways they were reflected in literature. The article outlines that these stages are at the same time the moments of historical, political and cultural integration into Europe, on the basis of which Ukrainian history differs significantly from Russian history. In a situation where the russian aggressor denies Ukrainian self-sufficiency, a retrospective view of these moments is of particular importance.