Is Ukraine a real country?

In previous years I heard from different people many times very strange question: — Is Ukraine a real country? Ah, it's near Russia or it like Russia...
And then my quick and simple answer was: — Of course it is. Here it is pointed out on the map. 
Unfortunately, some people still doesn't accept such answer.
For obvious reasons, I am now forced to live in Belgium. I see a certain irony that I have to regularly travel in Brussels by bus #63, the route of which runs from the Central Station to the city cemetery.

Now when I have to live in Belgium opening for myself this country from different points of view may I put similar question: — Is Belgium a real country? 

And the quick answer should be: — Of course it is. Here it is pointed out on the map.

As I am Ukrainian I need to clarify what I mean: is it a real nation?

I heard local old joke about a war cemetery in Belgium.

There are three graves next to each other. One British, one French, one Belgian.

On the British one is written: “I died for king and country.”

The French one contains the text: “Mort pour la Patrie.”

The Belgian one reads: “Ik lig hier tegen mijn goesting.” / In Flemish: “I lie here against my will.” 
I would correct belgian answer:
I li(V)e here against my will