Топик: Decline of ukrainian statehood and culture (1712-1783)

In 1772 Galicia and, two years later, Bukovina were annexed to Austro Hungarian Monarchy, which has somewhat improved conditions of Ukrainians (Ruthenians in the contemporary terminology of Galicia). In 1774 the Uniate church (renamed to Greek Catholic church) was, by imperial decree, equalized in status with Roman Catholic church. Educational reforms in 1775 allowed for instructions in Ukrainian language. However on balance government policies favored the Poles.

The Cossack stronghold, Zaporozhian Sitch, was subservient to Moscow and was utilized for raids on Crimea and Turkey. During Turkish war, which started in 1768, several thousand Cossacks supported Russians in battles on land and Sea. Their efforts were rewarded by eulogies from tsarina but little else and restrictions of Cossack freedoms continued. Their lands were being colonized by Russians, Serbians and other foreigners with aim of creation of so called Novorossiya or New Russia state in the south of Ukraine.

After end of Turkish war in 1775 the Cossacks were being gradually disarmed and in the Summer of that year, Russian general Tekeli surrounded Cossacks in Sitch itself with superior force and demanded abandonment of their fortress. Faced with such overwhelming odds, Cossack chief Kalnyshevskyj surrendered. Sitch was destroyed and abolished by tzarist edict of 3rd August 1775. Kalnyshevskyj and other Cossack leaders were exiled to Siberia.

The Cossack lands were granted to Russian nobles; Cossacks were told to disperse and settle in towns and villages or to join Russian forces. Many Cossacks escaped and settled in Turkey near Danube delta; in 1778 they were formally accepted under Turkish rule.

By end of 1780 all districts, which were formerly under Hetmanate, were incorporated into Russian regime. In 1783 all Cossack regiments were transferred to Russian forces; peasants were prohibited to leave their landlords, which made them serfs on their former land. Ukrainian church autonomy was abolished and church property was transferred to Russian treasury.