Poltava Oblast was established in 1937. The wider region has long been a Cossack stronghold and agricultural centre. The Battle of Poltava in 1709, fought between Swedish and Russian forces, became a turning point in European history.

Today Poltava Oblast is a stable, government-controlled region. It remains a major agricultural base and cultural heartland. The oblast has avoided occupation but has absorbed displaced people from the east and suffered occasional missile strikes.