Abstract
Our contribution shows the problems of Ukrainian regions and pinpoints the perception and the role of the borderlines in the state-building process. Firstly, we use a historical approach for understanding the differences of two parts of Ukraine - the West and the East.
Secondly, we deal with cultural and mental borders, which shape the contemporary state-building Ukrainian identities. We conclude that incorrectly drawn borders can restrain development of states, especially the newborn ones - this is the case of Ukraine.