Ukraine and Russia might be a neighboring countries with a long history, but they have many differences (cultural and political). They are two different countries with two different cultures.
The main difference between the two countries is the people. The mentality of the people form their collective behaviour. And the collective behaviour results in what we see as a country. First, the population of Russia is more attached to its state, resulting in very high levels of nationalism and institutional trust. By contrast, Ukraine was defined by people as a highly trusting and inclusive society that allowed high levels of ethnic, civic, and communal identification among the residents of Ukraine.
The mentality and collective behaviour of the Ukrainians and the Russians are different. It is caused by the different conditions under which both enthnicities were formed.
Ukrainians appreciate the social and personal freedoms. The Russians prefer strong statehood. It is difficult to say which approach is better. From the first sight one can say that strong statehood is better if to compare the current state of Ukraine and Russia. But I would not say that Russia is more successful as a country than Ukraine. Because as a state Russia is hold together only by the strict centralize power. It lacks the self organizational force unlike Ukraine.
Russia includes native lands of more than 100 nations, while Ukraine is more ethnically homogeneous, but also has its share of ethnic diversity.
Ukraine is a valid democracy while Russia is a fascist autocracy. Ukrainians are a country with a lot of familiarity with the European realm outside Russia because of their experience of interacting with Poles a lot. Russia, on the other hand, is heavily influenced by Mongolians and Tatars in the eyes of Ukrainians.
Inclusive society, freedom, non-violence, pro-democratic attitudes, intolerance to authoritarianism, and high moral standards are vital features that characterize Ukrainian society.
