Well, and if we look at a map, eastern Ukraine is very close to the homeland of the Khazars.  Just head north a bit from Khazaria (not sure this is the historical term) and then hang a left, and bingo you are in Ukraine.    A few day's on horseback.  No problem.    Of course there are evildoers in every direction.  It is a total crossroads and has been throughout history.  East to West, with vastly different cultures and religions passing over that land. Not to mention the quite recent breakup of 70 years of Bolshvik murder in the USSR and also the purges of the 1930's and famine in Ukraine. EDIT: I was still curious so I wanted to check the map.  Here ya go https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khazars#/media/File:Chasaren.jpg