Yeah... Its actually due to an ugly hIstory. The Soviet Union said THE Ukraine and Kiev.. To the majority of Ukranians, they are the names of oppression. It is just Ukraine ( not the) . Saying "The Ukraine" reduces it to being a part of the USSR and IT fails to recognize Ukraine as an independent country.. In the same way correct pronunciation is Keev. Its just that most of us grew up hearing and using the Soviet terminology. Plus , Modern Russia is trying to invade, so, they are still not fans