The Rus' Khaganate was a political entity that emerged in the 9th century in Eastern Europe, primarily in the region that is now Ukraine and parts of Russia. It was established by the Varangians, a group of Norse traders and warriors, who united various Slavic tribes under a centralized rule. The Khaganate played a crucial role in the development of trade routes between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. The Rus' Khaganate is often considered a precursor to the later Kievan Rus', which became a significant cultural and political force in the region. The Khaganate's influence helped shape the early history of Eastern Europe, laying the groundwork for the emergence of Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian identities.