The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s created a political vacuum, prompting many republics to reconsider their status. Ukraine was no exception. On August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian parliament, moved by the wave of national consciousness and the popular desire for sovereignty, declared Ukraine an independent state. This decision was later confirmed by a national referendum on December 1, 1991, where an overwhelming majority of Ukrainians voted in favor of independence.
A Nation Celebrates
When Ukraine proclaimed its independence, the entire nation erupted in a spontaneous outpouring of happiness and pride. The streets of Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa, and countless other cities and towns echoed with jubilant cries, traditional songs, and the serene hum of conversations filled with hope. Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kyiv’s central square, transformed into a sea of blue and yellow as families, children, and the elderly came together, waving the national flag, sharing stories, and dreaming of a promising future. Iconic Ukrainian tunes resonated, while dances like the Hopak captured the essence of the celebration. It wasn’t just a political victory; it was a cultural and emotional renaissance, a reclaiming of identity that had been suppressed for generations.
For many Ukrainians, this wasn’t just a day; it was the culmination of a long-held dream, a moment their ancestors had yearned for. Grandparents with tears in their eyes narrated tales of past struggles to the younger generation, ensuring that the significance of this newfound freedom was deeply understood. Churches rang their bells in joyous symphony, artists painted scenes of the celebrations, and poets penned verses capturing the essence of the moment. In every corner, there was a sense of unity, a collective feeling of achievement, and an overwhelming belief in the nation’s potential.
Life After the Declaration: The Path of Nation Building
Post-independence euphoria gradually transitioned into the realization of the enormous task of nation-building that lay ahead. With the joy of freedom came the weight of responsibility. Ukraine, emerging from the shadows of the Soviet regime, was confronted with multifaceted challenges. The economy, previously interwoven with the Soviet system, faced inflation, industrial setbacks, and the pressing need for reforms. Politically, establishing a robust democratic framework was crucial, and this involved creating a constitution, ensuring fair governance, and addressing regional complexities, particularly regarding Crimea.
#1 Crowds wearing Ukraine’s national colors demonstrate in front of the Communist Party headquarters in Kyiv in August 1991.
#2 Dissidents paid an especially heavy price, such as Vasyl Stus, Yuriy Lytvyn, and Oleksa Tykhyi, who were reburied (pictured) in Kyiv on November 19, 1989, with the then-banned Ukrainian flag proudly displayed.
#3 On January 21, 1990, 3 million Ukrainians joined hands to form a human chain, the “Ukrainian Wave,” from Lviv to the capital, Kyiv (pictured), to commemorate the 71st anniversary of a short-lived Ukrainian republic established in 1919.
#4 Elections in March 1990 fractured the Communist Party’s monopoly on power in Ukraine. Months later, as Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev sought to prevent the disintegration of the U.S.S.R., hundreds of thousands of people participated in protests and strikes across Ukraine calling for independence.
#5 On August 1, 1991, U.S. President George Bush delivered his “Chicken Kiev” speech, in which he warned Ukrainians about the dangers of “suicidal nationalism,” a phrase used by Gorbachev.
#6 An attempted putsch was launched between August 19 and August 22 by hard-line communists seeking to overthrow Gorbachev and reverse his reforms.
Their efforts faced popular resistance and quickly collapsed. In the chaotic days that followed, on August 24, the Ukrainian parliament declared the country's independence. The declaration was made subject to popular ratification by a referendum on December 1, 1991.
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#7 Ukrainians celebrated the August 24 proclamation by tossing former political prisoner Levko Lukyanenko into the air.
#8 The first direct presidential elections in Ukraine’s history were to take place on December 1, 1991, the same day as its independence referendum.
#9 A campaign worker holds up a newspaper that says “For a Free Ukraine” in Kyiv.
#10 A supporter carries a campaign poster for former dissident Lukyanenko, now a presidential candidate, in Kyiv.
#11 Both Ukrainian and European flags are seen during a pro-independence rally in Kyiv.
#12 The historic ballot contains the question: “Do you confirm the Act of Proclamation of the Independence of Ukraine?” with two possible answers: “Yes, confirm” or “No, do not confirm.”
#13 Ukrainians cast their ballots in Kyiv on December 1, 1991.
#14 Vyacheslav Chornovil was surrounded by members of the press in Lviv as the nation voted.
Chornovil was a prominent Ukrainian politician and Soviet dissident who had founded the Popular Movement of Ukraine, which had pushed for reforms and more sovereignty. After years of political persecution and multiple arrests, he was able to run as a candidate for president.
![On December 8, 1991, Ukrainian President Kravchuk (second from left), Belarusian Supreme Soviet Chairman Stanislav Shushkevich (third from left), and Russian President Boris Yeltsin (second from right) signed a declaration that "the Soviet Union as a geopolitical reality [and] a subject of international law has ceased to exist."](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ukrainians_Celebrating_Independence_23.jpg)
