Mykhailo Drahomanov was a prominent Ukrainian political and cultural figure in the 19th century. Born in 1841, he was a philosopher, historian, and advocate for Ukrainian nationalism. Drahomanov played a significant role in promoting the Ukrainian language and culture during a time when these were often suppressed by the Russian Empire. He is best known for his contributions to the development of Ukrainian political thought and his efforts to unite various Ukrainian movements. Drahomanov's ideas influenced many later figures, including Ivan Franko and Lesya Ukrainka, and he remains an important symbol of Ukrainian intellectual history.