<Dd> Between 1917 and 1920, several entities that aspired to be independent Ukrainian states came into existence . This period, however, was extremely chaotic, characterized by revolution, international and civil war, and lack of strong central authority . Many factions competed for power in the area that is today's Ukraine, and not all groups desired a separate Ukrainian state . Ultimately, Ukrainian independence was short - lived, as most Ukrainian lands were incorporated into the Soviet Union and the remainder, in western Ukraine, was divided among Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Romania . </Dd> <P> A Canadian scholar Orest Subtelney provides a context from the long span of European history: </P> <Dl> <Dd> In 1919 total chaos engulfed Ukraine . Indeed, in the modern history of Europe no country experienced such complete anarchy, bitter civil strife, and total collapse of authority as did Ukraine at this time . Six different armies ---those of the Ukrainians, the Bolsheviks, the Whites, the Entente (French), the Poles and the anarchists--operated on its territory . Kiev changed hands five times in less than a year . Cities and regions were cut off from each other by the numerous fronts . Communications with the outside world broke down almost completely . The starving cities emptied as people moved into the countryside in their search for food . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> In 1919 total chaos engulfed Ukraine . Indeed, in the modern history of Europe no country experienced such complete anarchy, bitter civil strife, and total collapse of authority as did Ukraine at this time . Six different armies ---those of the Ukrainians, the Bolsheviks, the Whites, the Entente (French), the Poles and the anarchists--operated on its territory . Kiev changed hands five times in less than a year . Cities and regions were cut off from each other by the numerous fronts . Communications with the outside world broke down almost completely . The starving cities emptied as people moved into the countryside in their search for food . </Dd>

When did the ukraine become part of russia