Bohdan Chmielnicki, Hetman (Cossack leader) of Ukraine, convened a council of elective public spokesmen in 1654. The gathering determined to establish Ukraine's union with Russia.
There are more than 250 exhibits on show. Of particular notice are the Hetman's awards to Cossacks who displayed the greatest valour in the Russo-Polish War of 1654-55, and items pertaining to the Kiev Cave Monastery, one of the principal Eastern Christian shrines, and its honourable contribution to Russian-Ukrainian cultural contacts. Also of great interest are exhibits from the time of Russo-Turkish wars of the 18th century's latter half, in which Russia made spectacular territorial acquisitions-the Crimea and the Black Sea northern shore.
The exposition will work into February 23.
