This is the 1678th most frequent Russian word.
украинцы
Ukrainians.
The word 'украинцы' is used here as the subject of the sentence, referring collectively to the nationals of Ukraine.
Украинцы празднуют День Независимости 24 августа.
Ukrainians celebrate Independence Day on August 24.
The word 'украинцев' is utilized here in its genitive plural form, indicating the object of the sentence.
Я встретил украинцев на международной конференции.
I met Ukrainians at the international conference.
In this sentence, 'украинцы' is in its nominative plural form, acting as the subject of the clause providing the stories.