Fact Check: Ukraine is the largest country entirely in Europe by area.

Fact Check: "Ukraine is the largest country entirely in Europe by area."

What We Know

Ukraine is recognized as the largest country entirely in Europe, with a total area of approximately 603,549 square kilometers (233,032 square miles) (source-2, source-8). This measurement includes all land and inland water within its borders. The only country larger than Ukraine in Europe is Russia; however, a significant portion of Russia's landmass lies in Asia, making Ukraine the largest country that is entirely situated in Europe (source-1, source-5).

Analysis

The claim that Ukraine is the largest country entirely in Europe is supported by multiple credible sources. The List of European countries by area clearly ranks Ukraine as the largest country within the European continent, excluding transcontinental countries like Russia. The distinction is important because while Russia is the largest country overall, its European portion is significantly smaller than Ukraine's total area.

The Kyiv Post and other reputable sources confirm Ukraine's geographical status and its area, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim. Furthermore, the area figures provided by these sources are consistent with data from the United Nations and other international organizations, which enhances their reliability.

In contrast, some might argue that the classification of countries can be subjective, particularly in cases involving transcontinental nations. However, the criteria used here are based on widely accepted geographical definitions, which prioritize the entirety of a country's landmass within Europe.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Ukraine is the largest country entirely in Europe by area" is accurate. Ukraine's total area surpasses that of any other country located entirely within Europe, making it the largest by this specific criterion. The evidence from multiple reliable sources supports this conclusion, affirming the claim's validity.

Sources

1. List of European countries by area
2. Ukraine
3. Ukraine | Kyiv Post
4. Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
5. European countries by area | Description, Ranking, & Facts
6. War in Ukraine – check Kyiv Post’s daily updates and news today
7. Ukraine Strikes ‘Like a Bolt From the Blue’ in New Kursk Offensive
8. How big is Ukraine?