Crimea’s history is packed with Tatar slave traders, Ottoman empresses and martial Cossacks; the original cowboys whose lifestyle has been co-opted as a symbol by Russia.

The Cossacks embody ideals of freedom, strength, ... Settling in the steppe regions, they played a crucial role as a defensive force against invaders, including Tatars and Ottomans.

One of the most overlooked parts of Ukraine is its diversity. The Crimean Tatars – a national minority native to Crimea and recognized as an indigenous people of Ukraine – are a perfect example.

A dashing young Cossack will flaunt his knowledge of Tatar, and will even speak it with his brother Cossacks when he drinks and carouses with them. And yet this small group of Christians, ...

During the Middle Ages, Polish and Russian rulers enlisted Cossacks to defend their kingdoms against marauding Tatars. A vanguard of Cossacks conquered Siberia for Ivan the Terrible in the 16th ...

With Cossacks involved, he added: “There is a prophylactic effect, a kind of education. They come here. Take this group of young people. ... descendants of escaped serfs or Tatar warriors, ...

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. From Mr Philip Jolly. Sir, In “Russia witnesses revival of Cossack traditions in quest for lost ideology ...

FONTANY 5, Ukraine -- At first glance, the village of Fontany 5 exudes a sleepy suburban calm. But below the surface of this Crimean Tatar settlement of about 500 people, there is fear. Russian ...

Zaporizhzhian Cossacks are warriors who have been revered for centuries in Ukraine. A family is maintaining the Cossack traditions by training people with swords, maces and their bare hands.

The Zaporizhzhian Cossacks held out until Catherine the Great, one of the Russian empire's most formidable leaders, disbanded them in 1775. But today, Kopishinskyi says, the Russians are weak.