[tyfon]

The united states of America has the definite article in it's name so in that case it is correct.

For Ukraines case it would be more like, in my case, "the Norway" which to us would sound really weird. But not more than weird really.

I think Ukrainians also feel it makes the country name sound like a territory, and I suspect there is some history here that we're not aware of.

[willis936]

I think the most relevant history is the autocrat leading an invasion saying their nation is not sovereign. Agreeing with that statement would be rightfully upsetting.

[tyfon]

Yes, I was thinking it might run deeper too.

The current insanity going on there is of course a reason in itself.