24 August 2025
34 years of Independent Ukraine
34 years ago, one of the most significant events in Ukraine’s history took place – on August 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. The path that Ukraine had taken was full of obstacles, and the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine became the culmination of the long struggle of Ukrainians for the right to live in their own state and to build it according to their convictions.
After the failed attempt by the communists to preserve the Soviet Union and the collapse of the August Coup in moscow, Ukrainian politicians decided that action had to be swift and resolute. The Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was written in a hurry, simply in an ordinary notebook – deputies tried to make it as brief as possible so that a long text would not provoke debates. Everyone feared that moscow might disrupt the vote, but despite everything, the overwhelming majority supported independence. A wave of powerful emotions swept through the parliament hall – people embraced each other with tears in their eyes and rejoiced: the beginning of a new era for Ukraine had been laid.
In order to legitimize this choice, a nationwide referendum was held on December 1, 1991. At that time, more than 90% of Ukrainians voted for Ukraine’s independence. In Crimea, this figure was 54% of those who came to the polls, and in Sevastopol, it was 57%. It was a huge step forward — the people themselves chose freedom, and the world recognized Ukraine.
In Crimea, Ukrainian citizens have been celebrating Independence Day under russian occupation for 11 years. Constant pressure, persecution, detention, searches, and torture are the realities of life in Crimea for most Ukrainian citizens. The occupiers are trying to suppress the will and intimidate those who take an active civic position through persecution, imprisonment, repression, and torture. Despite everything, Ukrainian citizens remain loyal to their country and courageously resist. Hundreds of people, including representatives of the Crimean Tatar people, continue to defend their rights, culture, and national identity. On August 18, 221 people were held captive by russia, 133 of whom are Crimean Tatars.
On this day, we remind the whole world that Ukraine’s independence is a daily struggle for the right to build our own future. The foundation of our statehood is territorial integrity, which is impossible without the occupied territories, in particular Crimea. It is important to study the history of Ukraine, understand its role in global geopolitical processes, and remember that the liberation of Ukrainian territories from russian oppression is an integral part of our independence.