BBC Radio 2 - Eurovision Song Contest Feature

Ukraine has spawned some of the world's leading sportspeople, artists and politicians. Meet our pick of Ukraine's most famous sons and daughters…

Andriy Shevchenko
Prolific AC Milan centre forward is one of Europe's most sought-after footballers. Shevchenko is huge in Italy and Ukraine, bagging over 70 goals for Milan and 19 for his native country. Worryingly, his favourite singer is Freddie Mercury.

Jack Palance
The hoarse voice and chiseled face of Palance was made famous in Hollywood blockbusters Young Guns, Batman and City Slickers. Picking up an Oscar for his role as an ailing cowboy in City Slickers, Palance felt compelled to perform a series of one-armed press ups!

Andy Warhol
The legendary pop artist, was born to Ukrainian-Slovak parents under the name Andrew Warhola. Famous for his pieces depicting Marilyn Monroe, Chairman Mao, Elvis Presley and Campbell's Soup cans, Warhol's work has been re-printed on canvassses, T-shirts and postcards around the globe.

Joseph Conrad
Before settling down in the UK the much-travelled writer Joseph Conrad was born and brought up in the Ukraine. Famous for many novels, it is perhaps his powerful portrayal of the evils of imperialism in Heart of Darkness that Conrad is best known.

Vitali Klitschko
Currently WBC heavyweight boxing champion, Vitali 'Robot' Klitschko pounded the UK's Danny Williams into submission in December 2004. Despite being dubbed 'Dr Ironfist' and looking like the Incredible Hulk, the Ukrainian colossus speaks 4 languages and is a doctor of philosophy.

Ruslana
The beautiful Ruslana is the reason that The Eurovision Song Contest heads to the Ukraine this year, after she won in Istanbul with a stomping performance of her 'Wild Dance' (she broke the stage during rehearsal). Ruslana has become a national icon, and is the official Ukrainian artist of the year.

Victor Yuschenko
The infamous case of the poisoning of Victor Yuschenko came to light during his campaign for presidency in September 2004. Yushchenko, famed for his good looks, suffered a mysterious illness leaving his face disfigured, making him appear to age 20 years in a matter of weeks.