ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ruthenia

Ruthenia is a place that used to exist a long time ago in Europe. It was in the eastern part of Europe and included parts of what we now know as Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.

Imagine that Ruthenia was like a big piece of land, kind of like a puzzle that was made up of different parts. Each of these parts had their own people, language, and culture, but they all came together to make up Ruthenia.

But, over time, the people of Ruthenia started to argue and fight with each other. Some wanted to be independent and have their own rules and laws, while others wanted to follow the rules of the bigger countries around them.

Eventually, other countries saw that Ruthenia was in trouble and decided to get involved. Some countries wanted to help, but others saw this as an opportunity to take over and control Ruthenia for themselves.

So, Ruthenia was split up into different parts and became a part of other countries. Even though Ruthenia doesn't exist as a separate country anymore, people still remember it for its unique culture and history.