""ukraine" as a sovereign state did not exist until...

""ukraine" as a sovereign state did not exist until 1991."

History says here is a 1919 map of Ukraine in 1919.

Notice anything else but a number of "Russian" regions on the map of Ukraine?




As for what Ukrainians think, here is a free and fair referendum from 1991. Conclusive results they wanted to be a free and independent Ukraine. It's unfortunate for you your view of the world does not line up with it.



1991 Ukrainian independence referendum - Wikipedia