Slightly smaller than the state of texas, ukraine is known as the

The breadbasket of the Soviet Union.

Explanation:

During the Soviet Union, Ukraine called the breadbasket of Europe because of high exporting of grains, outside its country. Rich in dark soil and the vast fields of wheat earn Ukraine its nickname. Ukraine produced 25% of its production during the Soviet Union. Today Ukraine export grain, vegetables, milk and meat.

i think the answer to your question is: settlement of the interior and economic growth. ( ^_^)／