Mark makes a good point, though I don’t think it muddies the issue much about which side to root for. Ukraine means, “border.” Which is why it was always referred to in English (but I don’t think in Russian) as “The Ukraine” joining a long list of proud “the” places: The Netherlands, The Hague, The Levant, The Bronx, the East Indies, The Sudan, The Yukon, The Falklands, the Seat of My Pants, etc.

Personally, I think nations and places with “the” in their name should form an association or commonwealth. But that’s mostly because I’m feeling very silly.

Update: I should have remember that the Russians don’t use “the.” I think the Mongols stole all the “thes.”